Assistant to the Villain is a 2023 fantasy romance novel by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. It began as a viral TikTok concept before being expanded into a full-length book, and it quickly became popular among fans of fantasy romance with humor and dark twists.
The story follows Evie Sage, a young woman who, after struggling to find work, accepts an unusual position as assistant to “The Villain,” a feared yet strangely charismatic figure who rules with power and cruelty. As Evie becomes more entangled in his world, she faces not only danger but also her own conflicted emotions.
The book combines fantasy, comedy, dark humor, and romantic tension. Because it has become a favorite among both young adult and adult readers, parents often ask: Is this book suitable for my teen? This guide explains the themes, language, violence, and other elements to help families decide.
Assistant to the Villain Age Rating
Based on the content in the novel, Assistant to the Villain is best suited for readers 15 and up.
The book contains:
- Descriptions of violence and gore (including torture references and severed body parts).
- Dark humor mixed with grim subject matter.
- Profanity and crude language.
- Romantic tension, kissing, and implied adult themes (but no explicit sexual scenes).
- Mentions of past trauma and attempted assault.
Younger readers (12–14) might find the humor appealing but may also be disturbed by the violent and darker themes. For this reason, the most appropriate audience is older teens (15+) and adults.
Violence and Scary Elements
- Frequent mentions of torture chambers, executions, and severed heads.
- Descriptions of blood, gore, and magical violence (though often described with dark comedy).
- Perilous situations where Evie and others are in life-threatening danger.
- References to death and past traumatic losses.
Overall: Violence is present throughout, but it is often balanced by humor and satire. Still, it may be too graphic for younger readers.
Language
- The book uses occasional profanity: words like f—, s—, ass, bitch, bastard.
- Language is not constant but appears during heated conversations and moments of stress.
Overall: Language is moderate but stronger than what is typically found in middle-grade books.
Romance and Sexual Content
- There is strong romantic tension between Evie and the Villain.
- Includes kissing, close physical moments, and flirtatious exchanges.
- No explicit sex scenes or graphic sexual descriptions.
Overall: Romance is an important part of the story, but it stays within teen-friendly boundaries, leaning more into implied attraction than graphic intimacy.
Mature Themes
- Trauma and loss: Evie’s backstory involves grief, abandonment, and death in the family.
- Attempted assault reference: A brief but serious mention in backstory (not graphic, but can be triggering).
- Moral ambiguity: The Villain commits dark deeds, but the story presents him in a sympathetic, complex way.
- Dark humor: The tone can shift between funny and grim, which some younger readers may not understand fully.
Suitability by Age
- Ages 12–14: Not recommended without guidance. The violence and darker humor may be overwhelming.
- Ages 15–17: Yes, with maturity. Older teens who enjoy fantasy and romance can handle the darker elements. Parents may still want to discuss themes of morality and trauma.
- Ages 18+: Fully suitable. Adult readers will likely enjoy the humor, romance, and layered storytelling.
Final Recommendation: Best for ages 15 and up.
Tips for Parents
- Talk about dark humor: The book treats violent or grim moments with a comedic tone. Some teens may need help separating satire from seriousness.
- Discuss moral choices: The Villain is not purely evil or purely good. This makes a great chance to talk about gray areas in stories and life.
- Prepare for triggers: If your teen has sensitivities around death, gore, or assault references, you may want to preview the book first.
FAQs
Q: What age group is Assistant to the Villain best for?
A: Best for readers 15 and older due to violence, language, and mature themes.
Q: Is the book appropriate for younger teens (13–14)?
A: Not recommended, unless the teen is very mature and comfortable with dark humor, gore, and profanity.
Q: How violent is the story?
A: There are frequent mentions of gore and torture, sometimes described with humor. While not as graphic as adult horror, it is darker than most YA fantasy.
Q: Does the book include sexual content?
A: No explicit sexual scenes, but there is kissing, attraction, and romantic tension between characters.
Q: Why has the book become so popular?
A: It blends comedy, romance, and dark fantasy in a unique way, appealing to fans of TikTok fantasy trends and romantasy novels.