My Next Book Review: Accomplice To The Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer!🩵👑🗡️
Started: 28/07/2026 Finished: 05/08/2026
Front cover of the book!⬆️
Spoiler warning: There will be a lot of spoilers possibly, as I will be documenting my thoughts as I read. Which means discussing plot, character arcs, world building and twists. So i suggest you read this book and the other two books before reading my review. You have been warned..
This is also a buddy read! I’m so excited for this, it’s going to be so much fun!🥳
Already so much chaos and heartbreak in the first 11 chapters!!(when including the prologue lol) I’ve missed being back in this world and all the characters. It feels so nice and I also just love all the chaotic action/banter. Gladly Hannah reminded us of why Trystan and Evie have to stay away from each other or at a distance(because I didn’t fully remember.🤣) by a quote “Evie Sage is meant to be your downfall, and you her undoing” (said by the dream spirit to Trystan in Apprentice to the villain), which is sad that Trystan keeps repeating in his head when interacting with Evie. But I also think that quote can be interpreted differently. (I have theories..) We also gain another perspective, our iconic frog Kingsley who really sees it all, (He knows Trystan so well lol, they are best friends after all. I will never get over that Trystan got a small bed for him) and it was nice to have something reconfirmed about the sarcastic frog with his signs. (I won’t spoil, read. the. books. They are so good!!😆) It is heartbreaking seeing Trystan and Evie being distant. Especially when reading from both of their perspectives, you can feel and see how much they do love eachother.(But one is being stubborn and the other afraid! Or both!Ugh!) I want them to kiss!😆 When seeing or comparing how much Evie has changed from the first book, is a crazy difference. She’s so chaotic now and I love her for it! (I feel that Trystan does too despite him not admitting it!🙄🤣) But heartbreaking how she’s trying to hide her sadness from her family and Trystan. Also king Benedict showed up…I just hate him and I will not say anymore than that. He doesn’t deserve kindness or much acknowledgement. And also we ended this reading(or me catching up lol) session that Im wanting to read one more chapter! But I shall wait as it’s a buddy read after all! Great start to a book and interesting plot so far!🤩
Read this part on the 28/07/2026.
More chaos, tension, adorableness and steaminess and heartbreak. Hannah is so good at characters and dynamics, they are all so fun, adorable and frustrating at the same time!(ie Trystan and Evie’s dynamic ahhh ugh🥰🤭😫) But we had a kiss and a full blown make out, which almost got very steamy but was ruined by Trystan’s magic freaking out. This is due to Evie, the rennedawns prophecy and also the dream spirit quote. I still have theories about what the dream spirit said, that Trystan is interpreting it differently. (Has he told Evie about it? I can’t remember lol) We also gain another new perspective, Clare Maverine. Both myself and my friend I’m buddy reading with are unsure about her. I have theories and they aren’t good ones.(I will heartbreakingly predict, she is the other person betraying everyone and is working with the king) But despite that, I find her relationship with Tatianna so sweet. Also, Keely and Gideon! I ship them completely!! Like the tension and the way Gideon treats her…My heart is melting and I’m glad I have them to obsess over because well- Trystan and Evie are hesitant, despite Evie literally confessing her love to him again. (Their dynamic is realistic, relatable but frustrating lol) But my god these two could become a power couple if they allowed it. All I will say, the torture scene of Evie’s (attempted) assassin. And also on that note, the difference of Villainy between them is interesting, contrasting but they complement eachother. Trystan is more dark, broody and brutal, whilst Evie is chaotic and terrifying but charismatically violent with words. (She even admits of using her words to torture others! Especially Trystan.🤣)Also my friend predicted right about the Evie’s favourite window.(I won’t spoil why, not giving too much lol! Read the books!) One more thing is the relationship of Evie, Lyssa, Gideon and their mother, Nura Sage. You can see they all trying to work out and define themselves as a family. And it’s realistic of Hannah to not allow them to interact and get along together perfectly straight away, especially because Lyssa has grown up so far without Nura. (And also being raised by their manipulating and horrible father, can’t remember his name. Dont want to either.) Loving these characters and the world building is interesting. Especially about the prophecy of rennedawns magic and I just want to know lore about it all. I’m also having so much fun reading with my friend!🤩
Read this part on the 29/07/2026.
It’s now getting interesting and a continued roller coaster of chaos, adorableness and heartbreak. Somethings going on with Kingsley, likely due to the magic of Rennedawn fading. But I absolutely love the friendship between Kingsley(or Alexander really, that’s all I will say) and Trystan, despite one only being to communicate by writing on signs, they understand and are willing to do so much for each other. Which I find so sweet. And also Trystan is sweet for staying with the male guave to comfort it. Despite him always trying to be intimidating and grumpy.😆 The prophecy was revealed on the stained glass window and it’s so interesting. I’m theorising about it and my friend guessed right about who the fourth piece is. More meetings with Evie making Trystan stop breathing for a moment.(Not literally but the way he is so obsessed with her that he holds his breath whenever she commands the room. lol) Something to importantly note and was pointed out by Gideon, no one was allowed to speak about the subjects of these meetings to anyone else in the manor. Then Gideon noticed that Keely knew about Edwin being locked in the kitchen closet… He didn’t tell her and now I’m worried that she’s the traitor. I shipped them so much! After the meeting, Trystan, Evie, Tatiana, Clare and of course Kingsley headed to meet a curse consultant, Lionel. He is a sleazy and odd character, whilst also easily pisses Trystan off when he talks to Evie. Which makes Trystan refer to her as “My lady(…..hehehehe. I love this man.) Which made up for what before Lionel appeared when Trystan shouted at Evie to stay away from him.(he does it protect her but just went about it the wrong way..again. lol) As they ride back to manor with narrowing escaping King Benedict and his guards,(I hate him. Even though we didn’t properly encounter him in this part, I hate whenever he appears lol) Evie has had enough of Trystan pushing her away but then wanting to care and protect her. Rightfully, she is so confused bless her and is also upset after it being revealed before that Trystan is cursed. Which Trystan then reveals that his magic was cursed…by King Benedict.(Spoilers lol.) But poor Trystan and Benedict is such an horrible and manipulative man. Both my friend and I were crashing out with this revelation. These characters are going/have gone through so much, like can we stop hurting them. No? Ok. It’s heartbreaking but so well done.
Read this part on the 30/07/2026.
What’s just happened..! Well- a lot more chaos, adorable and heartbreaking moments. And also a a couple scenes I related to so much. We first get a chapter from Blade(the Ridoc of this series my friend says, and I agree lol), who is continuing to flirt with Becky and even does it infront her older brother, Roland.( Love how he calls his younger sister Bex🥹 I love all the wonderful moments throughout all the chaos and heartbreak lol) They discuss about how and possibly who is getting through the thorn maze border around the manor, which leads to my next point. The main suspects of who the traitor right now is Clare and Keely. Both of them are acting suspiciously, with Trystan noticing that there is inconsistencies and with Keely making a face that is familiar to him from somewhere.(And also Gideon noticing that Keely knew of something that she wasn’t supposed to before) It could be one of them or another person entirely and it was just a red herring. Because I like them both and don’t really want either of them to be the traitor. (I would feel so bad for either Gideon and Tatiana because they both like/love Keely and Clare.) I feel so bad for all the characters, this time with Edwin blaming himself for the traitor outsmarting him and locking him in the closet, it but I’m glad that everyone reassured him. But poor Trystan because well…he is/was quite an idiot in this next moment from Kingsleys perspective. He has been intercepting the orders of white roses and vanilla drip candies, with him writing a note to Evie saying “Love Marv”. As to why this is a mistake, there is guy that works in the manor, called Marv. (My friend and I were crashing out about this for moment. I know he means well, but Trystan you need to be smarter about this lol!😂 I love you though!) And then we continue with Kingsley overhearing Trystan and Evie half fighting/flirting (about Evie going with Trystan to retrieve a magical wand from an associate, she wants to and he doesn’t want her to basically. lol), with Kingsley at one point having enough and he swears.(on a sign. But yes the prince that was turned into a frog swore!😂) I am hoping(with knowing what scene we are reading tonight as I’m writing this) that there is a moment of understanding between Trystan and Evie. They are starting to see what’s going on and opening up more again to eachother, but I am worried it may get even more frustrating if it goes on any longer.(Like I am understandably frustrated, because their relationship does feel so real, with what they are both going through individually and together. But I hope it doesn’t drag on for too much longer and the same issues aren’t just repeated. Because I want good progress between them)
This next scene between Evie and mother Nura, I related to so much. Evie has and still is trying to keep everyone happy, at the cost of herself putting on a brave face and not telling anyone when she’s upset. A people pleaser and I relate to her so much for myself used to and trying to heal from being one. It is so wonderful and touching how a story or a character makes you relate and see yourself. Sometimes they show something you didn’t know or reminds you of how much you’ve grown from the experiences in your life. I really feel that Nura is trying to be a better mother and I’m glad she is listening to Evie. But bless Evie for still being hesitant and just wanting to avoid it. Evie is saved though by Trystan for bringing her into a closet.(Yes he was hiding in a closet outside the room they were talking in. This man lol😂) And there is some progress because Trystan says that Evie can come to retrieve the wand. (But them flirting, again..JUST KISS AND BE IN LOVE. Healthily also, you both deserve so much happiness) But before heading off, there is another wonderful moment i related to and that is Becky, Tatiana and Evie having “girl talk”. This is in Becky’s PoV and she admits that she is infatuated by Blade.(Eee! I did think she admitted to liking him, but my friend pointed out the word ‘Infatuated’. So she admires him, for now. Hehe) I loved how all three of talked of their love life’s(slight roasting) but they all agreed to support and love each as sisters, which I loved so much!(Just keep giving me more adorable and wonderful moments after heartbreak or chaos and I’m happy lol) Trystan, Evie, Tatiana, Clare and Kingsley are able to make it to the associate after being ambushed(again!) and then drugged/knocked out.(again. This has happened a couple times now, throughout the books lol) We meet Lord Fowler properly from the perspectives of Clare and Evie encountering him at his estate and I’m not sure how to feel about him yet.(Trystan is easily pissed off and protective of Evie from him, sooo could be bad or Trystan being Jealous) But before he shows himself to Evie, she wakes up and is lying on top of Trystan.(My god lol)And with more details from Lord fowler that Trystan was apparently holding her close and stroking her head whilst unconscious. But as soon as he wakes up, he immediately tries to throw Lord fowler off from the hot air balloon (I think it is, he seems to be an inventor) with him saying so dryly to Evie, “Oh dear. He fell.”( I can’t with this man! I was laughing for good moment after reading that) Lord Fowler asks/ sort makes Trystan fulfil a favor of attending one of his dinner parties. With that ending this reading session, knowing we will be starting the next one at a dinner party! Which will lead to hopefully wonderful and romantic moments for Trystan-Evie & Tatiana-Clare. Maybe even for Kingsley because apparently they have to find his true love to fulfil a part of the prophecy.
Read this part on the 31/07/2026.
There is progress! (For two couples, hehe) Very chaotic and possibly will get steamy in the next reading session. So before we’re back with Trystan,Evie, Clare, Tatiana and Kingsley. We are with Gideon who has joined the malevolent guards to rescue the female guave, but he is also going because of his suspicions of Keely. And he is so torn if she is one and what he would do because he likes her..ugh my heart goes out to him, poor Gideon. Then we are back with the others getting reading for the dinner party and their outfits..Poor Trystan lol, his outfit(like the sketch Evie drew of him and he kept.) and Evie’s outfit making him STRUGGLE. I predicted that he’s not going to last the evening without kissing her.(still isn’t the end of the night yet after reading this part of the book hehe) But Evie continues to be chaotic and tease him, with some wonderful flirting/banter between them. (Small progress! I feel that’s what they both need) And there was a moment where I thought Trystan upset her again, but it turned out she was laughing.(How many heart attacks will she give this man lol) But then they arrive at the dinner party of Lord Fowler and after a conversation with a fan of “The wicked woman”, a discussion of Evie’s wanted poster, it really establishes again how much of a menace and pathetic they are towards each other. It’s chaotic, sweet and understandingly frustrating. Oh and Kingsley has hopped away somewhere..again.(This has happened a few times now too) And Evie’s way to find him; To call out for a game of finding the frog with the award..To spend a night with ‘The wicked Woman’. (Poor Trystan! He’s not happy about this game whatsoever lol. ) But then we have a chapter of blade asking Clare and her older brother Roland about the thorn rose border around the manor and what they are using to fortify it more.(The world building is interesting when the magic and the use of positions/mixtures is shown.) But we have some progress with Blade asking Becky out on a date!!(Yay!) But..it quickly changes when the malevolent guards come bringing in a memory plant after it was found in Roland’s room (which if I recall, it’s plant that’s able to detect/ absorb magic and memories) and after Becky orders it, he is taken to the dungeon.( Whilst shouting about their mother and it isn’t what it looks like. I was starting to like him! Why would their mother want this plant here at the manor. To either listen or see memories or absorb magic, if we’re going off of what the plant is).
We’re back with Evie at the dinner party and Trystan after a little tense conversation/banter between them, he goes to find Kingsley before anyone else because he doesn’t want anyone else with her.(Jealous Trystan again lol, but it is understandably so, for how much of a menace Evie is to him. I swear I recall her saying it was her plan before😆) They find Kingsley on a tree branch completely out of it/not his normal self.(I’m worried for Kingsley, this can’t be good that this keeps happening. It like he turns into his own animal nature of a frog, so interestingly and worryingly strange.) But as Evie goes out to get him, Trystan magic helps her by blocking out the wind and it’s now always nice to her. Which this supports my theory more of that Trystan is misinterpreting the quote from the dream spirit. (it has been a while since mentioning it, I’ll put it here “Evie Sage is meant to be your downfall, and you her undoing”) I believe ‘downfall’ and ‘undoing’ means them actually helping eachother, by Evie not being a people pleaser and Trystan opening up, trusting and relying on others to be there for him. (it’s just my theory and it could go by the literal meaning of the word..which I wouldn’t like, at all. They are so great for eachother!) Then it ends with Evie falling and Trystan passing out. And before finding out if they are ok, we are back with Gideon who decides to finally confront Keely. And she says she already suspected him being suspicious of her. But he the produces a note he found addressed to her and it makes her reveal about someone called the “Leader of all“ , Keelys Father.(There was line about a king or Keely being referred as princess. So another king or just a nickname lol) This keeps on twisting and turning lol! But we’re back with Evie and Trystan, they are both ok thank goodness.(With Trystan thinking of her thighs as he pulls her up..yep this man is not surviving the night without kissing.) But the fan called the “Destroyer” has found Kingsley.(after hopping away, again) But Trystan decides he’s had enough and proceeds to throw the man off a balcony, which makes Lord Fowler award him a night “The wicked woman/his apprentice” in the lovers suite.(A LOVERS SUITE. You have got to be kidding me lol! This book is just chaotic) This part ends with them in the suite and Trystan is not wanting to even lay in the same bed as her.(Because he’s struggling. And I think he doesn’t want to make her feel like he’s taking advantage of this moment with her, if I can predict. This man has consistently been considerate, respectful in his way and protective of her. ) I wouldn’t be surprised if the leads to some steamy romance, but we’ll have to see in the next reading session.
Read this part on the 01/08/2026.
“You have got to be kidding me?!” - one of my crashout reactions to a twist. So much romance developments in this part, sweet and steamy.😉So much chaos, heartbreak and I also worked out after finishing my his part, there is only 103 pages left.(Which I don’t see it will all be okay, I want it to be, but giving the history of many fantasy books and this series itself. It’s going to be crazy and I’m nervous.(I just hope there is more romance between Trystan and Evie.) More about them in a moment because we start this part reading from Clare who is in Lord Fowlers library looking at one of Lyssas letters from her father( Griffin Sage, another manipulative asshole. lol), to possibly discover who the traitor is and with her finding gold ink splotches by the use of her magical ink.( I love her magic, it’s interesting. All the magic is in this series) But we don’t find anything out because Tatiana arrives with Kingsley chained up, (He wanted this himself btw lol) but that didn’t help with him going into one of his episodes, causing black ink to be spilled on the paper.(I knew we weren’t going to get reveal of the traitor here or just a clue) But Tatiana and Clare continue to talk, with it ending with them finding a secret passageway through a bookshelf. Their relationship is still a little strained but sweet, you can see them start to be more comfortable being romantic again. We are then back with Trystan and Evie, with steamy romance happening within their two chapters, but Evie stops because of Trystan’s hesitation to her saying she’s all his. And she tells him, he will have her if he wants it. (To sum it up) I was confused but understanding in this moment. Yes it got steamy(my friend thinks it’s a 1🌶️but I’m not sure as of yet when thinking about the scene) and they both deserve wanting it/ being wanted. Trystan thinks so highly of her though, he just continues to hesitate due to what the dream spirit says and I think that’s because (as I said in my last chapter), he doesn’t want to have her or give herself to him. Instead, to choose him. Which she does!!(Im frustrated and confused of them in this moment) But at least we had some steamy romance, hehe! Oh and Tatiana did give Clare a kiss in her chapter.(I want happiness for all the couples in this series)
We then get chapters from Gideon, Becky and Clare.(Having to make us wait to see what’s going on with Trystan and Evie after that scene. I see you Hannah!) Starting with Gideon who talks about Keely’s father and “Mother”/ guardian, as they are entering the castle.(abusive woman to Keely. Why is the majority of parental figures horrible in this series?) It ends with them finding the female guave in pain.(In labour? That wouldn’t be good..) Then with Becky who is observing the memory plant, making some interesting discoveries with Nura and Blade. Then it was sweet because she kisses blade, then nervously runs away after saying “Ok bye!”. (🥹. I love them! And Becky’s character development has been amazing) but it ends with Blade being knocked out by the memory plant shooting magic. (And after reading this part, we still don’t know if he’s okay!!!) Clare and Tatiana end up in Lord Fowlers privet study and find the wand, but then it triggers some alarm by the walls starting to close in, gladly they narrowly escape. But one thing is interesting is about Clare and her relationship to her mother. Definitely, it’s unhealthy and she seems to have this guilt of being like her, but Tatiana reassures that she isn’t and they talk more of their relationship, starting to decide where they will stand and go with eachother. (They are communicating nicely! Evie and Trystan, take some tips from them!)
Now back with Trystan waking up to someone trying to break in, he hands Evie his shirt because there are no other clothes in the suite.(Lord fowlers plan I believe. I find him weird and sleazy honestly.) But turns out to just be Clare, Tatiana and Kingsley. Evie continuing to be a menace even staring at one point in reply “He could have.”(Yikes! It’s funny but heartbreaking at the same time!) . Some sibling teasing between Clare and Trystan and then they all leave the estate(after walking down hundreds of steps, lol) to be greeted by Lord Fowler. He then reveals something about the wand, Clare and Tatiana found..yea, it’s only one part of it. The other was melted down, made into slippers and given to Amara Maverine.(Trystan, Malcolm and Clare’s mother. FUCK!! My reaction at the beginning of this part was because of that) After an outfit change for Evie(thank goodness!), she decides to ride out towards a village that’s under attack of an angry purple phoenix, because Lord Fowler doesn’t want to help them.(Yea I knew he wasn’t good. Entiled asshole, but he is aware of that which makes it worse.) She goes to save a little girl and is almost too late, but Trystan arrives and save the little girl.(And the way he interacted with her. Girl dad coded!!) I always love ancient/magical creatures in stories and the purple phoenix was another interesting character to see and meet. Evie instead of trying to killing it, goes to hug and gently calm/reassure the creature.(Sweet but also stupid! But Evie is so chaotic now, I wasn’t surprised she would try to do this) The people in the towns reaction to see Trystan and Evie helping out. Given each of their reputations, “The Villain” and “The Wicked Woman”, there were wonderful reactions though. This part then ends with the groups planning to travel and make contact with Amara Maverine to get the slippers/other part of the wand. I have a feeling this wouldn’t go fully well, especially hearing and seeing what she has done to Trystan, Clare and Malcolm(I was also wondering where he is. but then my friend reminded me how he’s living in Evie’s old house and refused to come live in the manor. Even though I like him, I still think it’s strange. Another traitor suspect? Yes..because he knows the manor I believe and we never see him, but idk and I don’t want that to be the case.) I feel whoever the traitor will be, is going to break our hearts. But we’ll be in the last 100 pages next reading session, so who knows what may happen or be revealed.
Read this part on the 02/08/2026.
It has taken a wonderful but chaotic turn! Well that is the last 100 pages for you!😆 First we are with Gideon, who’s still with Keely in the castle. They fight off guards and realise the female guave has been given a sedative and it ends with them waiting for it to wear off. They do discuss more of Kelly’s mother and father, but not much. Then we are back with Evie that is thinking about a memory of her birthday, with it being revealed it’s her actual birthday, but hasn’t said anything.🥺 We are then met with Tatianas father at the harbour, Jones. With his very pink boat, he says he did it to remind him of Tatiana whilst she’s away.(Awww, I like him so far!) Evie recognises that she has never really had a healthy or good father figure in her life (understandable, her father is an asshole.) and she is upset by that realisation but tries to hide it. But Trystan immediately clocks it and brings her away to the bathroom, giving her privacy to vent and cry. Then she reveals it’s her birthday to him and he is upset she did not say but understanding. He then leaves to go sort something and locks her in there.(it’s so funny and confusing why he did that lol) Trystan then goes to speak with Tatiana and Clare about it, but not before a group of pirates attack the boat. Then we are back with Becky and blade is still unconscious, with her being so worried about him. She goes to see her brother Roland and he explains about the memory plant, then she recruits him to try help blade.(His reasoning was okay, but I’m not sure because of their mother.) Roland and Marv have a moment of flirting (literally out of no where lol, Yass), but then Becky shouts and accidentally upsets Marv. Which makes her feel even more upset and guilty as goes somewhere alone for a moment. I see that she takes on so much on her shoulders bless her and it’s starting to really affect her. But then lyssa appears and is being adorable but also an absolute menace.(Talking about locking her and Blade in a the closet instead!😂 Both her and Evie really are sisters, it’s amazing lol!) Lyssa says Becky can cry and for a while she does.(Poor Becky, I love her character growth) it’s also heartbreaking how emotionally mature Lyssa is for her age. It shows when you didn’t have the best parental figures.(Nura was understandably absent but Griffin, horribly manipulative)
Now we’re back with the pirates fighting because they recognised Trystan and Evie, the pirates are defeated but something to note is Trystans magic and also Evie’s dagger glowing in this rainbow fluorescent light.(Hmm prophecy?) But also something else happened, Trystan promoted Evie to ACCOMPLICE!(Ayy the book title) Which makes Evie excited and happy! Even more funny when Trystan makes the pirates that were left and imprisoned sing happy birthday to her. Kingsley wrote happy birthday on a sign too!(i love the iconic frog!) But then Becky calls on the crystal( basically a magical crystal that Trystan uses to communicate with his workers) and it’s revealed that Trystan..never sent the malevolent guards on a mission to the palace!!( Mmmm I don’t feel good about this…Is Keely actually the traitor or is it the actual traitor setting everyone up. Hmmm, I literally have no idea who else it could be. My suspects are still the same; Keely and Clare. Maybe Malcolm possibly but I don’t think so. It has to be revealed in this book surely, a lot of stuff that has happened, was centred around a traitor being in the manor. Soo who knows, but it would be a very last 100 pages reveal to do.) I also love the moment when Becky revealed she kissed and said I love you to blade, both Tatiana and Evie freaked and were so happy for her!(I love seeing wonderful female friendships in books)
This whole moment was just wonderful. Trystan organises a Vanilla birthday cake for Evie, because she likes the vanilla drop candies. (A MAN THAT LISTENS AND PAYS ATTENTION!! My friend and I would love a man like Trystan hehe. Well..not the murder part of course. The considerate definitely! Hehehe) She then asks him to dance with her and he obliges! They talk and flirt, I’m loving this turn in the relationship. It feels well earned, because we have seen them through a lot of confusion and struggle. There’s still a lot they need to define and work out I would say, but as I said it’s a good change. The group the arrive to (name of place) where Amara Maverine lives and are met with Arthur Maverine. He says he wants to help out speaking with Amara and Jones apparently wrote to him. After some pranks and more teasing, Kingsley has another one of his animalistic episodes and hops away. We then get his perspective and he enters Amara’s estate to be met with one of her mistresses, Winifred. Even though we have little of her, something tells me she’s important in a way.(It’s just a feeling but who knows this point!) We do meet Amara briefly and she’s lovely…NOT!😆 Already not nice by just talking to one of her mistresses, I’m nervous how she will treat Trystan, Clare and even Evie. She must know some things I swear. Well- she has the slippers and I feel she won’t give them up easily.(We’ll have to see, again lol) Trystan, Evie and everyone barge into the estate and after Arthur goes to speak to Amara, we then hear her shriek for Trystan. (Yea I was right..she’s going to be horrible I can just feel it..) But we’ll have to wait till the next reading session to see what happens. (And I hope we do get another chapter from Gideon, we need to find out more! And also to make sure he’s okay!)
Read this part on the 03/08/2026.
SO MUCH CHAOS, HEARTBREAK & REVEALS!! But also steamy and spicy romance..hehe.(more when I get to it soon.😉) We begin this reading session with Evie and the group meeting Amara Maverine.(And us properly for the first time) She is so horrible and the way she treats everyone as if they are beneath her is so disgusting. I hate her already.(Lol) And immediately Trystan and Clare change so much when around her, even Evie says they feel like completely different people in this moment, which is heartbreaking. But Evie eventually has enough and slaps Amara, but then she offers them information and a deal to help them get to the enchantress that is the original holder of the wand and the only one that could free Kingsley from his curse.(But she’s currently imprisoned in the southern kingdom and is to be only executed) Winifred is revealed to be the daughter of the enchantress, I had a feeling there was more to her. And my friend and I both share the same theory; potential love for Kingsley?Amara also knew a lot about a lot of what’s been happening, because Clare had been sending her letters to try better their chances with her. (like you can see how she has abused Clare and Trystan differently, it is so horrid. My friend also says she is like the Evil step mother in Cinderella and I agree. Also Arthur keeps on appealing to her and I’m like- she’s abused your young son and daughter. And even tried to have her oldest son killed! But I can see it as he had been abused too perhaps.) Then we are with Becky & Lyssa flying on the male guave, leading them somewhere far. And when Becky asks the guave to let them down, it drops them, making them fall and be saved by Fluffy..AND BLADE!!( Yayyy he’s okay!) They then land near where the guave is and it’s led them to a nest of Guave youngling eggs that on glowing in the same rainbow translucent light.(hmmm interesting, the theories!) Now with Gideon and Keely(is she the traitor idk..), they break out the female guave and get it to chase them out. Then they are greeted by a bunch of Valiant guards which they fight off and Gideon realise they’ve been set up. He asks Keely for her letter from her supposed father again and when taking a closer look. They realise and the traitor is revealed to be Marv.(Nuu I liked him! But I will say and may have missed it, I didn’t see any signs that he could have been before this moment. But who knows, he’s apparently the traitor. Well- one of them.. you’ll see why soon)
Back with Trystan and his mother is just so horrible to him.( Like yes he’s “The Villain”. But she uses it as an excuse to abuse him further so as I’ve said already, horrible and disgusting woman.) But when Amara makes a comment about Evie and him, he then shouts and angrily confesses his love for Evie!!! (“I LOVE HER!”- Trystans Confession! Heartbreaking situation to confess but I do love an angry confession. My friend does as well.) He then storms out, with Evie following behind him and holds a knife playfully to his neck.( She is such a menace lol and I did panic for a moment before it was revealed to be her.🤣) Both of them head into the barn on Amara’s estate and they proceed to get very romantic, steamy and SPICY!!! (We have a spice scene people! Finally and Yass!) I wont give details(read the book hehe), but I will say it was very nice!(🥰🤭hehehehehe) The next morning they wake up still in bed with eachother and when Trystan goes to open the door and Kingsley is stood there holding a sign that says “Finally!”. (I can’t with this frog!🤣 He is so iconically funny, I love him so much!) Speaking of the frog companion, we then get a chapter from him and he’s in a concealed wagon with the whole group and Winifred, with a few interesting things to note. Firstly, Trystan and Evie holding her hands!!(They are so cute and wonderful together! My heart!!!) And secondly with Winifred having intuition like powers. She demonstrates this by reading everyone there and isn’t afraid to say the truth about them. But when she gets to Kingsley, she says there’s more to him than just being a prince cursed as a frog.(Hmm very interesting. I’m theorising..again. lol) Then we are back with Evie and they have entered the southern kingdoms castle and are being silently led to the dungeons by Arthur and Kingsley.(He seems to remember a lot still, bless him) Evie and Trystan talk more of him and Kingsley in their childhood, which is so sweet. Arthur at one point asks what the mark is from on Trystan’s neck.(The one that Evie gave during the umm, Spicey scene. Hehe) Trystan brushes it off and then is an absolute gentleman by holding up her skirt when passing over a puddle.(Eeee I love them!!) Gideon and Keely with the rest of the malevolent guards race back on horses to the manor and immediately find it invade by King Benedict’s Valiant guards.(It was all a set up fuckkk!!) Gideon worrying about his mother and goes to find her.( I believe Becky, Lyssa, Blade and the male guave are still away. I hope they stay away for a little while longer) But as he enters his mother’s room, he is hit over the head with a lamp by her, causing him to pass out.(NURA?!! WHYY!! He’s your son!)
Back with Trystan and they are still sneaking through the castle. But this man wishes to take Evie in a corner and well- you know!(Have more steamy spice! Calm down trystan lol) The group then comes across portraits of the royal family, including Kingsleys or Alexander’s. But then Kingsley suddenly jumps up into the portrait and disappears through it, they all go through and are met with the king and queen in the throne room.(Uh oh! Kingsley! Lol) Final chapter of this reading session and we are back with Gideon… And is met with not only his mother cowering in a corner, but also his father, Griffin Sage.(Oh I hate him so much!) It seems that Griffin has made Nura knock Gideon out, so I can forgive her for that. And after Gideon and Griffin argue back and forth, Griffin then pulls out the memory plant and proceeds to pull on the stem, making it scream and the Nura screams.(NURA NOO!! Not again.. And Griffin even said before “I’ll leave you what’s left of her.” UGH!! I hate him!!!) Quite a tense ending to this reading session. My friend and I now only have 6 chapters(if including the epilogue) left to read. Cant believe we are almost finished! I’ve had so much fun reading this book honestly! All the characters are so well written(including the antagonists, even though I absolutely hate them! Well done Hannah) And I also love the world of Rennedawn, it’s so interesting, magical and chaotic! I’m nervous and excited to see how this book ends!🤍
Read this part on the 04/08/2026.
OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!! I’m not going to spoil these last few chapters, but all I will say is what a crazy ending to this book. I had my suspicions due to the ending of the other two, however the twists in this one..I will be thinking/theorising this for a while. Just Amara Maverine, King Benedict, Griffin sage…I hate them all so much, but they are great villains that I will give Hannah credit to. You just hate them and want to see them die!(They all had a competition on who could be the worst parental figure!🤣) Given what has happened to Evie and Trystan, (well everyone in fact, I’m still not spoiling ) I’m curious to how there relationship will be like now, are they back to distancing themselves again..I hope not because they are so wonderful together and an absolute power couple!(We also need the spice!! Hehe) Crazy ending, but an amazing story, world and characters!🤍
Read this part on the 05/08/2026.
This book overall was amazing, chaotic, wonderful, heartbreaking and thrilling! I love all the characters, seeing them develop and all the wonderful relationships growing even more was just beautiful. (Well apart from all the antagonists, but they were all very well written. well done Hannah.) The world is so interesting and magical, I love learning more about it every book! And I’m so thankful to have been recommended and started this series! This read(as you probably know already) was a buddy read and with my reading friend, @aloraslibrary !🤩❤️ Reading this book with her made it even more fun and chaotic.(The amount of crash outs we had together!😆 Thankyou my friend for buddy read with me! You’re incredible for having recommended this series to me!🤍) Even though Adversary To The Villain comes out on the 6th of August, my friend and I won’t be buddy reading the book till November! But I will be looking forward till then and being back with these iconic characters! Thankyou Hannah for this book, I loved it so much!🩵🐉🪄👑
Dividers credit to ; @strangergraphics , @designlikenonsense & @rmstitanics . Thankyou!🤍
Back cover of the book!⬆️
Just picked up this book, as well as my copy of ‘Adversary To The Villain’, in my local Waterstones today! I’ve seen the films before and after rewatching them not long ago, I have been tempted to read the books! So why not start now! There’s always more details in the books than films, so it would be interesting to see how the books are in comparison! But also, reading another interesting and impactful story!🥖🩵
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