Assistant to the Villain
Reading Order.
Start Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer with "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the Assistant to the Villain series by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The discussion analyzes a tightly knit trilogy structure where character motivations and long-term political consequences unfold across several volumes. Readers generally agree that the series follows a conventional structure where lingering questions from the initial volume are resolved in the subsequent books (specifically the second book mentioned), leading to a dramatic resolution in the finale. The narrative arc for major characters like the Villain's assistant and the ruling figures (Orso, Leo) is a central topic."
Follow the chronological publication order. Readers are strongly advised to complete the first book before moving to the second, as key plot points and character motivations (like why certain characters 'disappear') are clarified in the second volume. The final book (implied to be The Wisdom of Crowds based on internal clues) provides the resolution to all major political and magical conflicts.
At a Glance
- First Book:ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN
- Latest Book:ACCOMPLICE TO THE VILLAIN
- Timeline:2025 - 2025
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Assistant to the Villain conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Assistant to the Villain. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Assistant to the Villain" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
Prefer Listening?
Best if you commuteGet the professional narration of "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN" free with an Audible trial.
Try Audible →Own the Physical Copy
Best value optionAdd "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.
View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the Assistant to the Villain series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Assistant to the Villain?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Hannah Nicole Maehrer intended.
Can I read Assistant to the Villain books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Assistant to the Villain universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.