Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found my spirit author (is that a thing?) finally!
I heard a lot of good things about this book (and no, it wasn’t anything to do with TikTok) but the one thing that sold me was the humor. The cover is on point with the mood of the whole story and it only gets better inside.
I had just finished reading a heavier fantasy and needed something to make me laugh. This book certainly delivered, but it also surprised and delighted me with unexpected deeper themes (very well dealt with) within the plot.
The two main characters are awesome, both outcasts, both unsure of their worth, both fighting against those who would destroy them. I loved that there are such beautiful (and funny) moments of vulnerability from the Villain and his innate but suppressed kindness that finally surfaces because of love.
And the supporting cast is worthy of a five-star review. From the inept dragon tamer, the cranky office manager, the flamboyant healer, the enchanted frog prince, to the unlikely family members who take sibling bickering to a total different level, this book is packed with underdogs being awesome.
There! All things I love reading and writing about: The power of love, outcasts/underdogs, strength in vulnerability, and the power of humor.
I should get the second book in the series today and I can’t wait.
Thank you for this story, Ms Maehrer.
Author Natalina Reis 