Adversary to the Villain

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Fantasy romance

Published on 6 August 2026 by Transworld Publishers Ltd (Penguin (Transworld)) in the United Kingdom as part of 'the Assistant to the Villain' series.

Paperback | 352 pages
127 x 196 x 24 | 246g

HR Update: The position of “adversary to the villain” has been filled. Evie Sage does not recall applying.

Evie has always tried to be helpful, loyal, and only mildly involved in treason. But with a dangerous prophecy threatening the very magic of Rennedawn – not to mention the race to claim its necessary artifacts before King Benedict does – things are starting to feel… less like a career path and more like a serious problem.

The prophecy won’t stop pointing in Evie’s direction. The Villain’s magic keeps choosing her. And honestly, if you’re going to be accused of evil anyway, you might as well commit.

Unfortunately, the more Evie leans into her alleged villain era, the more her boss starts acting like the hero of a completely different story. Trystan is getting closer – closer than is wise, advisable, or even remotely professional – and looking at her like she’s already chosen a side. His.

Which is deeply inconvenient, because if Evie can’t save the kingdom’s magic, she might just become its greatest threat.

Readers are OBSESSED with this hilarious grumpy x sunshine fantasy rom-com series from the New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation‘The slow burn was burning, great twists and turns and one of the rare books that actually made me laugh out loud’‘Hilarious, heart-felt, and wonderful…incredible fairytale fantasy’‘The banter was perfection’The Assistant and the Villain series is best enjoyed in order:* Book #1: Assistant to the Villain* Book #2: Apprentice to the Villain* Book #3: Accomplice to the Villain* Book #4: Adversary to the Villain