Series Name:
Assistant to the Villain, # 1
Review By Veronica
Assistant to the Villain is a fun unique story that you will not be able to put down.
Favourite Quote:
“Um, yes– The blood’s not great… but I was referring to the fact that you look like you were carved out of marble, and I just think that as a rule of thumb, inherently evil people should be grotesque-looking.”
The fury winked out as if never there in the first place, his only response to blink.
“You just can’t kill people and be pretty. It’s confusing.” Evie began unwrapping the wool scarf her little sister, Lyssa, had given her on her last birthday, stepping closer to The Villain and holding it up like a signal of peace, “For the blood, Your Evilness.”
Goodreads Synopsis:
ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded 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.
After all, a good job is hard to find.
The moment I saw this book on social media, I knew I needed to read it. Its premise sounded so wack-a-doodle and different that it just called to my bookish soul. This book is everything I hoped it would be. The only thing I was disappointed about was that I had read it so quickly, and I have no idea when the next one is coming out. The waiting game just might kill me. If you like quirky fantasy books that are easy to read, then this book is for you. It was so much fun diving into Evie and the Villains world. The idea of going behind the scenes and exploring this Villainess world is brilliant. The Villain’s empire runs just like a clerical office business. You have interns, management, assistants, meetings, and reports. There is office gossip, rivalries, and, of course, a bit of workplace romance. Hannah takes that traditional dull office workplace environment and makes it into something magical. Near the beginning of the book, we join Evie as she walks into work (located in a hidden castle, of course). Walking to her office, she sees severed heads, eyeballs, and other gory things (don’t worry, Hannah doesn’t go into great detail). Seeing those things is just another typical day at work for Evie. Her boss is a Villain, and it’s her job to ensure he can do various villainy deeds. The work environment that Hannah created was just fascinating.
I loved all the thoughts and details that she put into her world-building. There is plenty of magic and magical creation. The direction Hannah took in this book is brilliant. She has created this fun fantasy world and injected this mystery component into the story. Someone out there is trying to take down the Villain and his empire. We get to go on this journey with Evie and her boss trying to figure out who is trying to destroy the Villain. The mystery part of this book was interesting and kept me guessing. The ending is unexpected and leaves readers on a cliffhanger.
Evie and the Villain are wonderful characters. The story is told from both characters ‘ POVs. I loved these characters together and apart. Evie is this ball of bright, chaotic energy. And it appears like she doesn’t fit into this Villainess world. Evie is kind-hearted, compassionate, and cheerful. But underneath that kindness is a woman willing to do anything to protect those she cares about. There is a cut-throat personality that pops up now and again, much to the surprise of the Villain. I see the makings of a future villain in her. The Villain is adorable.… not a word I would normally use to describe a villain. He is ruthless and is bound and determined to show everyone that he is this blood thirsty man, but when it comes to Evie, he is a big old cinnamon roll (much to his horror). He calls Evie “Little Tornado,” which melts my heart whenever he says it. His character is fun, and there is a bit of mystery regarding his past. He’s got some pretty fabulous layers.
If you like your fantasy to have a bit of romance, then you will love the relationship between Evie and the Villain. The romance in this book doesn’t overtake the plot. It’s woven perfectly in to add some romantic richness to the overall story. Evie and the Villain have a fun workplace, grumpy sunshine romance. When these two are together, it’s delightful and fun. Evie befuddles and bewitches the Villain in almost every exchange. He just can’t think straight when she is around. It’s truly adorable watching him deal with his developing crush for her.
Assistant to the Villain is an addictive, fun fantasy read and must-have for any bookworms collection.