Apprentice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

The only complaint about this book, is the wait until the third book in what is being called a trilogy comes out (anticipated release is in August 2025). Evie and Tristan continue to hide and figure out their budding relationship while fighting against King Benedict. Secrets from many people are revealed, including Becky (whose secret is about her family), and Evie’s younger sister. The comedy of having a younger sister, a long lost, and thought dead, brother, plus Evie’s crush all in the same place that she is working and plotting to stop the King’s plans for how to save the magic in the kingdom. There is heartbreak and laughter along the way. Fluffy finally knows how to breath fire, Gideon reveals a secret to Evie, Evie learns the truth about her mom, and Tristan faces the Hands of Destiny. Blade is protective of Becky and shows his hand to her mother and grandmother that he would like to date her. Evie’s father sneaks a message to his youngest daughter and tricks her into helping him escape, with a key piece of the prophecy. Tristan and Gideon save the male, but have empathy for such a heartbroken creature with his pregnant mate captured and being held. The one who is secretly helping Evie’s father (and King Benedict) has not yet been revealed, and what Gideon’s realization at the end of the book mean for the prophecy are to be determined…which is why read this book but be prepared to wait agonizing months before you can have closure on so many issues. 

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