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A review by tyriek
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my favorite books of the year! this book is so fun with trending tropes (grumpy sunshine, morally grey love interest, shadow-daddy) but flips a lot of them on their head. It's silly, funny, and doesn't take itself too seriously- yet it still treats trauma and relationships with respect and care. The characters have quirks and foibles which are defined by their backstory, making them feel very human, relatable, fleshed-out, and lovable.
It includes queer characters, without that being the defining part of who they are (which I love.)
The book isn't poetry or a masterclass in literary writing, but it doesn't try to be. It succeeds monumentally at being not only a funny and cute romance, but also a light fantasty which addresses trauma, relationships, and what it means to be 'good' and 'evil'.
On a personal level I relate to Evie, the main character, and love FMCs who are smart, ditsy, grade-A yappers who manage to endear everyone to them.
This might not be for you if you're looking for a book with technical and poetic prose, or if you dislike characters being a bit of a Mary-Sue. While Evie isn't perfect and her flaws are certainly addressed prominently, things do seem to just work out for her, and she seems to have pretty heavy plot armour.
It includes queer characters, without that being the defining part of who they are (which I love.)
The book isn't poetry or a masterclass in literary writing, but it doesn't try to be. It succeeds monumentally at being not only a funny and cute romance, but also a light fantasty which addresses trauma, relationships, and what it means to be 'good' and 'evil'.
On a personal level I relate to Evie, the main character, and love FMCs who are smart, ditsy, grade-A yappers who manage to endear everyone to them.
This might not be for you if you're looking for a book with technical and poetic prose, or if you dislike characters being a bit of a Mary-Sue. While Evie isn't perfect and her flaws are certainly addressed prominently, things do seem to just work out for her, and she seems to have pretty heavy plot armour.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse