1. About the Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a rising American author best known for her unique blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. Before publishing her debut novel, she gained popularity on TikTok with a viral video series titled Assistant to the Villain, which imagined a comedic behind-the-scenes relationship between a villain and his assistant. Due to its success, the series evolved into a full-length novel, which quickly captured the attention of readers and critics alike.
Maehrer’s writing style is characterized by wit, fast-paced dialogue, and vibrant characters. Her stories often play with tropes from classic fantasy and romance but present them in a fresh, tongue-in-cheek way that resonates with modern readers. Her creativity and playful tone have earned her a loyal fanbase and positioned her as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary romantic fantasy.
2. About the Narrator: Em Eldridge
Em Eldridge is a well-regarded audiobook narrator known for her engaging and expressive voice work. With extensive experience narrating hundreds of audiobooks across genres such as young adult, fantasy, and romance, Eldridge has a talent for bringing characters to life with warmth, humor, and emotional nuance.
In Apprentice to the Villain, her performance shines. Her portrayal of the protagonist, Evie, captures the character’s wit, intelligence, and sarcasm perfectly. Eldridge’s voice infuses the story with charm, and her ability to pace her narration and deliver comedic timing makes the audiobook highly enjoyable. Her narration plays a crucial role in elevating the story from fun to truly memorable.
3. About the Book: Apprentice to the Villain
Apprentice to the Villain is the second book in the Assistant to the Villain series by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Blending fantasy, romance, and comedy, the book continues the story of Evie Sage, who has now officially become the apprentice to a mysterious and morally ambiguous Villain. As threats to the villain and the kingdom of Rennedawn escalate, Evie must navigate palace politics, complicated emotions, and looming dangers.
The book dives into themes of loyalty, trust, and the gray areas between good and evil, all wrapped in a humorous, fantasy-romantic package. On Goodreads, the book holds an average rating of 4.12 out of 5 from over 104,000 readers, with a strong majority giving it 4 or 5 stars.
Though it hasn’t yet won major literary awards, the book has gained considerable commercial and social media success, thanks in part to Maehrer’s loyal TikTok following and the highly accessible writing style.
4. Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain – Story, Strengths & Weaknesses
This review of Apprentice to the Villain highlights a sequel that continues the charm of the original with plenty of laughs and tender moments. Hannah Nicole Maehrer excels at building a quirky yet compelling fantasy world where workplace comedy meets forbidden romance.
Strengths:
- Light-hearted tone and clever humor throughout
- A strong female lead who is both relatable and emotionally nuanced
- Snappy dialogue and fun character dynamics
- An imaginative world with morally complex figures
Weaknesses:
- Some readers noted a slower pace in the middle of the book
- Limited development in the romantic arc compared to expectations
- Too many shifting perspectives (POVs) at times diluted the main plot
Despite some minor flaws, the book is widely regarded as a delightful, feel-good read. Its humor and creativity make it stand out from traditional fantasy romance titles, and the audiobook version enhances this even further.
5. Audiobook Review: A Closer Look at Em Eldridge’s Performance
This audiobook review of Apprentice to the Villain confirms that Em Eldridge’s narration adds significant value to the story. Her voice work captures the quirky, comedic tone of the book while ensuring emotional depth when needed.
Highlights:
- Natural pacing and intuitive rhythm
- Perfectly captures Evie’s sarcasm and charm
- Effective delivery of punchlines and witty banter
Minor drawbacks:
- Some listeners felt that male character voices were not distinctly differentiated
- Supporting character voices could use more variation
Still, the audiobook remains a favorite format for many fans, thanks to Eldridge’s performance. For those who prefer to listen rather than read, this audiobook is a top-tier experience.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
Apprentice to the Villain is perfect for:
- Fans of romantic fantasy with a humorous twist
- Readers looking for light, feel-good stories
- Newcomers to fantasy romance who want an easy, engaging entry point
- Audiobook enthusiasts looking for a fun, voice-driven experience
If you loved books like The Princess Bride or The Villain’s Duet, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The audiobook version is especially ideal for those who love multitasking while enjoying a good story.
7. Conclusion: Why Apprentice to the Villain Is Worth Your Time
With its balance of comedy, heart, and fantasy world-building, Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a standout sequel. The book continues to charm fans with its clever dialogue, emotionally resonant characters, and offbeat romance. Combined with Em Eldridge’s excellent narration in the audiobook version, this title offers a thoroughly entertaining experience.
Whether you’re reading or listening, this book deserves a place on your TBR. Dive into a world of villains, apprentices, and the most unlikely love story you’ve ever heard — you won’t regret it.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
You can listen to the Apprentice to the Villain audiobook on several major platforms:
- Audible – offers a 30-day free trial with access to thousands of audiobooks, including this one.
- Audiobooks.com – listen on mobile, tablet, or desktop with ease.
We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and other great audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
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