I picked up Assistant to the Villain on a sudden impulse, drawn in by the catchy title and the unique concept. The fun cover with a tiny frog holding a sign was all I needed to commit to whatever strange and wonderful world awaited me. (Yes, I do judge books by their covers.)
What I discovered was a fun, camp fantasy romp of a novel. Assistant to the Villain is what I’ve decided to call a “Dopamine Read”. Similar to Dopamine Dressing or Dopamine Decorating, this book is a mood booster. All it asks is that you suspend your disbelief (and I mean all of it!) and, yes, ignore some of the anachronistic elements. Just come along for a wild ride, because sometimes we just need a book that will make us happy.
Based on a viral TikTok series (which I had somehow never seen, but definitely didn’t need to in order to enjoy the book), Evie Sage becomes the assistant of Rennedawn’s most infamous villain to support her family. While nursing a crush on her boss (The Villain!) Evie is on the case of what she suspects is a traitor in the Villain’s midst, someone who is foiling The Villain’s plans against the King.
The book moves quickly, especially after the first quarter or so. I was drawn in by the characters and the mystery plot as Evie tries to uncover the mole in the Villain’s operation. I was kept guessing along the way and the final reveal took me by surprise, which is all I ask for in a mystery. The romance in this ‘Romantasy’ is a little light, but seems to be setting up the series for a very satisfying pay off in the coming books!
It was intriguing to see Evie’s character develop as the plot darkened and I can’t wait to see how she continues her journey into villainy… Despite her sunny outward character, she seems to have a hidden ruthlessness. After reading the ending all I can say is – sign me up for Book 2!
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Assistant to the Villain
Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer's laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain... and their unexpected romance.
ASSISTANT WANTED- Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, level-headed assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things in General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.
With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer-naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie.
But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat...and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain-and his entire nefarious empire-out.
Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work... and ensure he makes them pay.
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