Assistant to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain, 1) Paperback – August 29, 2023

With quotes like the above is it any wonder how in love I am with this book?I know it may seem as if it took me far too long to read Assistant to the Villain, but the reality of it is, I've savored every single sentence of this book since the moment I opened the Amazon box it was in. I think I've been waiting for this book since before I knew it would be a book. I've followed Hannah's journey on TikTok, just like everyone since the beginning and so the anticipation I felt for this book was basically unmatched.Not only did I have to read the physical copy I pre-ordered [ yay red edges! ] but I also needed to listen to the Audiobook version before being able to sit down and finally write my review. First - out of eveyr book I've read this year, this may have been my absolute favorite. Not only was Evie absolutely precious, but the myriad of emotions Assistant to the Villain made me feel...I'm in awe.From the short skits on TikTok, it was beyond clear that Maehrer was talented. But the way this story was woven together using fantasy elements as well realistic and relatable personal issues pulled me in and refused to release me until the very last page. And even then I was looking for more [ thank the gods there is going to be more! ]There were so many fun characters throughout this novel and I love how we find out tidbits about each of them and how they all kind of entertwine with each other. Kingsley was priceless and I need my very own cursed prince frog with signs now. That's all. Evie and Becky and their little fued give me life. I love how they can be absolutely irritated with one another and yet when it comes down to it...they both do what needs to be done and kind of back each other up even if they don't want to.I was pleasantly surprised to see we got chapters from Evie's point of view and the Villain's. I thought I remebered that was going to be a thing, but I was worried I imagined it - glad I didn't. Seeing into his mind, thoughts and motivations after getting to know Evie so well through the skits was a real treat!One thing that felt utterly relatable to me and that I genuinly loved was seeing into all the things Evie had gone through, her backstory, things people she'd lost, how other's in her village see her...all of that and yet still seeing what a good person she is. How she tries to do right by everyone and takes on the burden of taking care of those around her - putting everyone else first....and I think, seeing the changes in her and how she grows and stands up for herself and does what she feels is right even though it may be a bit gray at the end...it's everything okay?And the twist toward the end??? The only thing I can possibly relate it to is that moment in Frozen, where Anna is nearly freezing to death and looking for True Loves Kiss and we all find out Hans is a douchenozzel of epic proportions. But you all know the moment I mean...where we gasped and reared back like DISNEY...ET TU BRUTE? HOW COULD YOU....Yes that's what I felt in this moment before the ending. Exact gasp....the audacity! I can't even okay.And ending on a CLIFFHANGER??? SOBSSSS why? But also I cannot wait to see Evie make everyone pay....get it girl!I think the only truly negative thing I have to say is I didn't love the narrator of the book. She kind of fell a bit flat to me. I guess because when I picture Evie's voice and her general personality she seems so bubbly and full of life to me. And the narrator just didn't bring that through. Her voice was sort of wooden and short and not very lively at all. So, while I would 100 PERCENT reccommend this book, I would NOT reccommend the audiobook version. At least not if you haven't already read the paperback yourself. Because if you're only listening to it, it's going to affect the quality of the story because it'll be hard to listen to.

String me up! Get it…like the dangling severed heads? Because I’m here for it? Okay, maybe not, and that’s not as gruesome as it sounds, but I am in fact, here for this series.Evie is a spitfire. She has a kind heart but a spirit that won’t be smothered and a bravery that is enviable. She’s not magic, but also, she is in a completely different way. That said, I still expect for her to emerge with actual magic nearly every chapter.Trystan is broody and very obviously hiding something…and I don’t just mean his feelings for Evie. BUT I like him. He’s a lot jaded and a little dark, but to be real, we love a dark male lead, am I right?The series contains a solid plot, witty banter, twists that will make your jaw drop, and characters that suck you in. All in all, Hannah Maehrer smashed it, excited for the last bit of it because…how could you?

Evil has never been so sweet and cozy! The banter between Evie and The Villian (Trystan) was just the cutest! 🥰 If you're looking for a fun little read, look no further. He calls her 'little tornado' and the name is actually pretty accurate. 😆 She's kind of clumsy & has a penchant for getting into trouble that he has to save her from. But to her credi, she does a little of the saving too.

The humor and overall tone of this book are on point. They kept me reading even through the moments that had me wanting to throw the book across the room. Let's start with the premise. it's unique and quirky in a way that I immediately thought, Yep, I'm in! The irreverent tone and sunshine heroine contrast nicely with The Villain and all of his evil shenanigans. Themes of good versus evil are turned on their head in the story, and that a great thing. It's not about morally gray. It's more that sometimes a little ass just needs to be kicked.Now, we come to the issues. While I loved the heroine, I didn't love the stereotypical "quirks" she had in the author's attempt to make her adorable. Clumsy is not adorable. Whether you are a Bella Swan or an Evie Sage, falling down all the time and consistently running into things is a sign you need a CAT scan, not that you are just too adorable for words. For both of those characters, the reader is supposed to believe that these hopelessly clumsy and constantly-in-need-of-saving women can, after a series a negative things happening to them--turn into boss bitches ready to kick ass and take names. But that doesn't fly with reality.You know what else isn't adorable? Stupidity. I am OK with ignorance. That's life. But managing to make it to adulthood living the life Evie has lived means she should have been smarter than she was. All too often, it felt like her intelligence was sacrificed to keep her polar opposite of the Villain or to make her final decisions at the end of the book feel like a major plot twist. Spoiler alert: It fails on both accounts. Evie was often completely in the dark as to why things were happening around her that even a moron would have been able to figure out. I rolled my eyes so many times I sprained a muscle. Yet, I am supposed to believe this is the same woman who is so clever as to figure things out no one else could (Thus, making her the perfect assistant to the Villain).My last issue is with the romance. How dare anyone make me read over 300 pages and (spoiler alert) not give me one real kiss between these two? Really? That's not a cliffhanger, that's a tease. I know the author is setting up the romance to go along with the series, but come on! And it's not like it's a will-they, won't-they kind of situation. These two like each other and it's clear right from the beginning. If you are going to make the romance part of the major arc of the series, you gotta plot it out right. This just feels ridiculous.Lastly, the world-building leaves a lot to be desired. Not sure when this takes place or even where. I read the whole book and I still can't name any of the villages or towns. That is a bad thing for a series--not so bad if its just one book. And, in the end, that is my biggest issue of all: The plotting and pacing for the book acts like it's for a stand alone novel. But the actual storyline is for a series. This is ultimately where my irritation comes in. Don't hint and haw making me think a book is one thing when it's really something else. It makes it feel like a bait and switch.But, with all this being said, I would recommend this book. I also will be purchasing the next one. But, if things continue this way throughout that novel, I will be saying goodbye to this series and this author.