While competing in trials to become a full arcanist, Rolan uncovers a conspiracy involving forbidden magic in this sequel to the ?action-packed...marvelously inventive? (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade fantasy Monster and Apprentice perfect for fans of Scott Reintgen and The Witcher.

Four months into his apprenticeship, Rolan has survived cursed cities and rogue Cryptics. So, when he learns he has to complete a series of trials at the mountain fortress of Blackspar to become a true arcanist, Rolan figures he can handle that easily.

But Blackspar is nothing like he expected. The apprentices and Arcanists are fighting internally across class lines as reports of Cryptics getting dangerously more intelligent roll in. And when Rolan breaks into a hidden library and uncovers historical accounts of arcanists that slowly turned into the very creatures they hunted?he realizes that history might be repeating itself at Blackspar.

The closer Rolan gets to the truth, the more his efforts cost him. His friends. His sword. His identity. As the walls close in, Rolan knows he has a choice: claim the twisted power that could save everything?or stay true to himself and the Arcanist Luc taught him to be.