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

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 10

Chapters 11-24

Chapters 25-40

Chapters 41-54

Chapters 55-69

Chapter 70-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

Rennedawn’s Story

Rennedawn’s Story, a written text containing a prophecy that drives much of the narrative, is a multifaceted symbol. Interpreting and fulfilling the prophecy becomes a crucial motivator and a way to reveal character.

The prophecy states:

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. However, beware the unmasked Villain and their malevolent dark, for nothing is more dangerous than a blackened good heart (86).

This prophecy highlights one of the novel’s central themes—The Thin Line Between Good and Evil. The phrase “nothing is more dangerous than a blackened good heart” reinforces the idea that even those with noble intentions can become corrupted. The prophecy’s ambiguity allows it to be manipulated by the greedy and the power-hungry, blurring the boundary between heroism and villainy.

Furthermore, the text reflects the danger of prophecy itself. Characters like King Benedict, who are convinced that they are destined to enact its narrative, attempt to manipulate fate by pushing toward the prophecy’s darker outcomes. Ultimately, Rennedawn’s Story symbolizes the complex nature of destiny, where even the best intentions can lead to ruin.

Evie’s Dagger

Evie’s dagger is a powerful symbol of Transformation and Sacrifice. Initially, the dagger is a weapon used against her by the blacksmith, leaving Evie with a scar on her shoulder that burns painfully whenever she nears the blade. This physical pain represents the emotional and psychological wounds that continue to haunt her. However, instead of avoiding the source of her suffering, Evie spends hours in close contact with the dagger, building immunity to its effects. This act of endurance and resilience highlights the theme of sacrifice—Evie chooses to face the pain head-on, transforming her relationship with it.

The dagger becomes Evie’s weapon of choice, eventually responding to her unspoken commands, and sometimes even anticipating her needs before she consciously realizes them. For example, when she jumps in front of Trystan to block an arrow, the dagger heats up and shatters the arrow of its own accord. This transformation illustrates the idea that what once caused harm can evolve into a source of strength and protection.

Moreover, the dagger’s responsiveness mirrors Evie’s internal growth. The once-painful object she now wields with ease reflects her journey of mastering her vulnerabilities, turning them into assets, and unlocking her inner cruelty. Ultimately, the dagger becomes a symbol of how Evie’s experiences—both painful and redemptive—shape her into a stronger, less naïve person, though also one whose newfound power could be abused.

Stars

For Evie, stars are deeply tied to The Power of Family, particularly on her mother’s side: She fondly recalls stargazing with her cousin during summer visits, and later, Evie’s mother Nura develops starlight magic. After Nura’s disappearance, the stars become a reminder of Nura’s presence; at the end of the novel, when Evie learns that Nura has watched over her as a star, she sees the truth of the adage “stars listen for wishes” (14) and understands why stars have always offered her a sense of comfort and continuity, even when physically distant.

Stars also embody Transformation and Sacrifice. Nura’s transformation into a wishing star is painful, representing immense personal cost. Later in the story, her return to human form requires an even greater sacrifice, as Nura gives up the peace she found in the sky to protect her loved ones. These moments emphasize the dual nature of transformation—both the beauty and the pain that come with significant change.

Lastly, stars represent hope for Evie. At first, she uses stars for personal wishes, like hoping for a kiss from Trystan. However, by the novel’s end, Evie shifts from passive wishing to active self-determination. Instead of relying on stars for hope, she resolves to make those who have wronged her—her father, the king, and Trystan—“Beware the wrath of a kind heart” (428). Through this shift, stars evolve from symbols of hope and longing to representations of empowerment and self-realization for Evie.