Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain, #2)

“Instead of keeping to the shadows to hide away from the scrutiny, the censure, she moved into the light. She unveiled herself—for him.”

Evie begins her journey of Transformation and Sacrifice in this pivotal moment. Throughout much of the earlier narrative, she was in the background. However, here, Evie sacrifices her anonymity to save Trystan, illustrating her growing courage and commitment to those she cares about. It also foreshadows future conflicts, as all of Rennedawn becomes aware of Evie’s influence on Trystan.

“She was afraid, but she knew now: fear usually meant you were standing on the edge of something new, something self-altering, something potentially good. Fear was not something she would shy away from ever again.”

Evie’s epiphany signifies substantial character growth and highlights the theme of Transformation and Sacrifice. While facing one’s fears involves distress, it is also an essential step toward personal growth and empowerment. Evie’s realization that fear can be a precursor to positive change marks her evolution from a passive character to one who is self-actualized with newfound strength and determination to redefine her identity.

“I would never make the mistake of underestimating a woman like you. It would be a fatal one.”

Malcolm’s words from Assistant to the Villain resonate with remarkable prescience in Apprentice to the Villain: Characters often underestimate Evie and her capabilities. This passage also foreshadows her transformation into a more villainous character.

“The person who saves the magical lands will take Fate’s youngling well in hand; when Fate and starlight magic fall together, the land will belong to you forever. But beware the unmasked Villain and their malevolent dark, for nothing is more dangerous than a blackened good heart.”

The prophecy in Rennedawn’s Story underscores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and The Thin Line Between Good and Evil. According to the manuscript, true power lies in saving the magical lands and recognizing the potential for darkness within one’s heart. As characters navigate their paths toward fulfilling their destinies, they must grapple with their motivations and the temptation to abuse power to achieve their ends.

“There is nothing written in any text, gods-created or not, that says we cannot be more than one thing. You’ve been told for a very long time that you are made for destruction, but there is nothing that says you cannot be more. You can be capable of bad and do good. You can do good things and still be bad. Nothing is set in stone, and if it helps, I’ll stand by you no matter who you choose to be.”

Evie’s declaration to Trystan emphasizes that identity is not fixed, but fluid and multifaceted. By affirming that one can embody both destructive and constructive qualities, Evie highlights the complexity of human nature and the choices individuals can make. Her promise to stand by Trystan, regardless of his path, also illustrates The Power of Family and chosen bonds, suggesting that unconditional support can guide individuals toward redemption and self-discovery.

“I’ve been hurt plenty by the world, by people, by men. Just because you bury your bad experiences behind revenge schemes and scorn doesn’t mean that I must join you in your misery. Being a cynic doesn’t make you wise. It makes you a coward.”

Evie goes through significant character growth in Apprentice to the Villain. She becomes comfortable challenging Trystan about his choices, no longer afraid to confront his cynicism and destructive tendencies. By rejecting his worldview and labeling cynicism as cowardice, Evie asserts her strength and her rejection of bitterness in favor of hope.

“You know as well as I, Trystan Maverine, that humans demonize what they cannot understand. It isn’t our job to educate them, just to live the way we’re meant to with the knowledge that being called a monster does not make you one.”

In the novel, societally bestowed labels, such as “monster,” The Villain, or even hero, often come from ignorance and fear—they seldom reflect the inner lives of those who bear them. The novel argues that one’s true nature is defined by actions and self-awareness, not by the perception of others, reinforcing the message that external judgments should not dictate self-image and stand in place of self-knowledge.

“‘Sometimes family isn’t a thing we are born into but a choice we make. Sometimes’—Evie smiled—‘the people who love you most in your life are the ones who choose you.’”

Evie’s reflection illustrates that the deepest human bonds are not limited to families of origin, but can be formed through meaningful connections with those who offer love and support, highlighting The Power of Family. Evie emphasizes that people who choose to become family often form the strongest ties.

“She still had so much to protect, so much to care about. Losing someone didn’t mean the end; it merely meant the beginning of the life you’d lead without them, the beginning of letting in the people you’d gain in their stead. She’d protect those people by any means necessary. That wicked, malevolent thought—the thought that there was no cost too great for the people she loved—settled in. It made her feel safe, powerful. The scar on her shoulder hummed, a warmth seeping into her limbs.”

Evie’s sentiment highlights the complex moral landscape she navigates, where the desire to protect can push even the kindest of characters toward cruelty and brutality. Her willingness to do anything for those she cares about blurs The Thin Line Between Good and Evil, illustrating how noble intentions can lead to morally questionable choices. This significant character transformation suggests that Evie has the potential to embrace a villainous path, justifying it as serving those she loves.

“The Villain’s office was run entirely different from the Valiant Guard’s. The Villain himself seemed to know everyone by name, what their job function was—almost like he cared. And unlike Benedict, the man didn’t walk around with a politician’s grin; instead, his face seemed stuck in a permanent scowl.”

Trystan’s leadership style contrasts sharply with King Benedict’s. While Benedict maintains a facade of friendliness without actual investment in his people, Trystan genuinely knows and cares about his employees despite his gruff exterior. This distinction emphasizes the point that good and evil are defined not by appearances or titles but by actions and integrity.

“I’m a terror many try to hide. I am a secret that no one will find. I am only used by the brave. When issued properly, I will save. I am the source of everyone’s strife. If you wield me wrong, I will cut like a knife. What am I?”

Evie’s answer to this riddle—“the truth”—illustrates the novel’s exploration of truth as both a weapon and a salvation. The truth can heal or harm depending on how it is used. Fantasy adventures often contain riddles as tests for protagonists’ wits, bravery, or character. Maehrer uses this riddle to emphasize that facing the truth is an act of bravery, but mishandling it can lead to destruction.

“It was always that way, she pondered. When someone revealed themselves to be something worse than what you thought, you were then tasked with sorting through what good parts within them were real, if any.”

Reconciling with someone after betrayal is difficult. Here, Evie reassesses her father’s character, asking whether the positive aspects she once believed in are genuine. Her internal conflict emphasizes the challenge of navigating relationships when trust is broken.

“She didn’t want to be hardened by her experiences—she wanted to defy them by remaining just as she was. Kind, gentle, forgiving. How could there be a way forward? How could she do this without losing those parts?”

Evie is increasingly less capable of holding onto her core values of kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness as the novel goes on. Embarking on an arc of Transformation and Sacrifice, Evie gives up essential parts of herself to gain enough power to succeed in finding her mother and fulfilling the prophecy. The novel suggests that Evie has the potential to embrace personal growth in exchange for losing her innate goodness—as actions such as torturing prisoners and killing opponents in retreat show.

“Love shriveled and disappeared differently, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, but she realized now that it was the most brutal, the most painful, when it was abandoned. Her love was too big, and it had been given too freely to people who didn’t deserve it.”

Evie realizes the fragile nature of love; when abandoned, someone who loved unconditionally would be devastated. Pained by offering her love to those who ultimately do not value it, Evie learns the importance of setting boundaries in her relationships.

“He could acknowledge that fulfilling the prophecy, that saving Rennedawn…doing something to save instead of destroy…might make him deserving. Of peace, of friendship, of family, and maybe even of—”

Trystan reveals his internal struggle with self-worth and the possibility of redemption. Trystan sees himself as a figure of destruction, but hopes that fulfilling the prophecy and saving Rennedawn might make him deserving of peace, friendship, and family. This moment highlights the theme of Transformation and Sacrifice, as Trystan entertains the possibility that he can create good and, in turn, be admired and esteemed.

“‘Yes, I did! I’m sorry that he burned down the back wall, but since I’ve been here, it’s become very clear to me that everyone in the office needs my help. So I’m afraid it was just collateral.’ Evie stared at her with skepticism. ‘Do you even know what collateral means?’ ‘Something you sacrifice so you can do something even greater.’”

Lyssa’s definition of “collateral” reveals her skewed perspective on sacrifice and consequence, illustrating her willingness to justify harmful actions for the sake of the perceived greater good. Evie’s skeptically counters by pointing out the conflict between idealism and realism. This exchange illustrates The Thin Line Between Good and Evil, which often lies in asking whether the ends justify the means.

“I want to hurt the king. Not because he’s done bad things. Not because he’s bad for Rennedawn. I want him to hurt because I hurt, because he hurt all of us. Do you think that makes me a villain?”

Evie’s desire for revenge against the king reflects her emotional turmoil and the deep wounds inflicted upon her and those she loves. Her acknowledgment of her motivations—rooted in personal pain rather than a sense of justice—raises questions about her turn toward brutality and control. Evie’s desire for retribution shows how pain can lead individuals to embrace darker impulses.

“You were crafted to be evil, Benedict had told him, his magic made for pain, for hurt. There would be no other path for Trystan. Except there had been.”

Trystan evaluates the predetermined destiny imposed upon him by King Benedict. While Benedict has labeled Trystan as inherently evil, Trystan recognizes the possibility of an alternative path shaped by his decisions and actions. In this pivotal moment of character development, Trystan challenges the constraints of his identity and embraces the potential for goodness, despite the dark expectations placed upon him.

“I’ve suffered more at the hands of those who claim to be good than those who are deemed evil.”

Evie reflects on her experiences with people who profess to be virtuous. Since her suffering has come more from self-proclaimed “good” individuals than those labeled “evil,” societal perceptions of morality do little to cast light on actually harmful individuals. This insight emphasizes that wickedness and heroism are tied to intentions and consequences, not justification and perception.

“You’re the only one who can see it. And ever since it revealed itself to you, it hasn’t been the same. I can’t risk it failing me like that again. Without my death magic, I cannot fight Benedict or my enemies. Without it…am I even The Villain?”

Trystan grapples with his identity, the weight of his powers, and his relationship with Evie. His acknowledgment that he relies on his death magic underscores the theme of Transformation and Sacrifice; as he contemplates the potential loss of his abilities and what that would mean for his role as “The Villain,” he sees how the burden of his powers shapes not only his actions but also his sense of self-worth and purpose.

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I wanted to protect the fortress. I wanted to protect Nura. That doesn’t make me evil.”

Renna’s plea to Becky highlights The Thin Line Between Good and Evil, emphasizing that intentions do not always align with the consequences of one’s actions. Although Renna’s desire to protect the fortress and Nura stems from a place of love and loyalty, her willingness to resort to deceit and manipulation is a warning about how easily one can cross the line into villainy. Though Renna did not want to hurt anyone, she harmed everyone she was trying to protect.

“It was the one beautiful thing Evie could find in this mess: being held by siblings who had been hurt by the same set of hands that had hurt her.”

While most of Apprentice to the Villain privileges chosen family, this passage offers a rare moment when Evie’s family of origin provides solace. Although Evie’s relationships with her siblings, particularly Gideon, are fraught, their shared experiences of trauma create a bond that allows them to find comfort in one another. This moment illustrates The Power of Family and the complexity of familial ties, suggesting that even amid conflict, shared suffering can foster a sense of connection and healing.

“You were always supposed to meet Evie Sage, Trystan Maverine. Just as Evie Sage is meant to be your downfall, and you her undoing.”

Apprentice to the Villain explores the dichotomy of fate versus choice through Rennedawn’s Story and Evie’s relationship with Trystan. This comment, whispered to Trystan by the hands of destiny, highlights a crucial aspect of Trystan’s character: his protectiveness. While Trystan is unconcerned about Evie being his “downfall,” he is deeply troubled by the possibility of causing her harm. However, in his efforts to distance himself from her, he inadvertently drives her further toward villainy—possibly enacting the very prophecy he is hoping to avoid.