A sequel can often feel like a stepping stone, or the boring bit you have to get through before you get to the exciting parts of the end of the story. However, there is nothing I love more than to find myself reading a sequel that immerses me more into a world and has me pining for certain characters to get together, for others to get their comeuppance, and know that whatever the ending, there’s still more to come.
Apprentice to the Villain was all of that and more. I approached this sequel with caution, as I mentioned in my review of Assistant to the Villain, I had placed my expectations incredibly high due to some very well marketed Tiktok videos, and found myself longing for more out of that story. Well, my darlings, Hannah Nicole Maehrer has delivered. There was banter, there was romance, pining, and so much more to the story than I could have imagined. I had to pace myself while I read it because I didn’t want this story to end. Not only am I excited for what’s to come, but I love the direction the story is heading.
As with all reviews of sequels, if you haven’t read the first book, scroll away if you don’t want to be spoiled. In this case, I won’t give too much away, but the gist is that there is a villain, a sunshine assistant, and the antics going on to run a criminal enterprise.
When I picked up Assistant to the Villain, I had a hard time getting into the story and following the characters. The story picked up significantly towards the end, but I was left wanting more. That was not the case with Apprentice to the Villain. From the beginning, I was hooked. The characters felt more fleshed out than the first book. Evie in particular felt like she had more depth and dimension to her character, rather than filling out a trope. We also get insight into her sunshine personality that went beyond that of just being happy all of the time for no reason. More importantly, we also get to see Evie become more than just an assistant. And if you loved Kingsley, we get to see more of our favourite frog with his word signs.
There are a couple more perspectives that readers will enjoy in this book, and I loved getting more insight into their characters and the roles they might/are playing in the story. Secrets abound in our villainous crew, and I was so excited to find out a little bit more the further that I got into the story. The Villain in particular has a few secrets that become very important toward the end of this sequel that I am excited to find out about. I think readers will really enjoy the exploration of what truly makes a villain.
If there was something that I particularly loved in this book, it had to be the banter and the pining romance. If you’re looking for something particularly spicy, you’re going to be screaming at the book by the end. Slowburn is the name of the game and while it’s not usually my favourite type of romance, I feel that it really works for Evie. There’s so much that I feel this story is building to, and I can’t wait to see what it is.
Worldbuilding is a bit light in this story, and I personally wish there was more of it. Unfortunately I can’t get into it because of spoilers, but if the worldbuilding were a little stronger, this would make it an even stronger story. There are a lot of questions surrounding the magic system as well and how it is maintained. I have more questions than answers, so I’m curious if they will be resolved in the third book, or if they’ll still remain unsolved. Only time will tell.
I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next, particularly because of the way the story ended, so once you pick up your copy and read it, you can come and scream into the void with me.
Apprentice to the Villain is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 6th 2024.
Will you be picking up Apprentice to the Villain? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt
Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.
But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies…including their nemesis, the king.
Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.
It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.
But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?
