Thank you Ever King and NetGalley for this ARC.

Even though this story follows Lyla and Bastian the story still continues where it left off in book 1 it’s just different POVs. So you will want to read book 1 before you read this book.

Lyla and Bastian are an interesting pair. Forestmage and spiritmage both with their own secrets. What happens if the secrets are revealed? Why was Bastian so secretive in the first book and seemed a little suspicious? What happens when a heartstring is added to the mix?

It makes so much sense now when it comes to Bastian especially when you read his POV for the first time. The secrets, why he acts how he does, I knew there was something but wasn’t expecting what it actually was. I felt for him when reading his POV and the things going through his head.

I’m going to be honest and say for the first half I wasn’t so sure about Lyla. A few of the things she did had me thinking I don’t like where this is going. The second half made up for it and I did end up liking her it just took a little bit. Once I learned more about a few of the people involved in some of her decisions I understood a little bit more and didn’t think it was as bad. It all ended up making sense by the end.

While Lucian and Kiara aren’t the main characters you still do get to see them with a chapter in their POV each which I really liked. The things we learned in this book answered some of my questions from book 1 but at the same time left me with more questions and no answers yet.

Overall I really liked this book and can’t wait to see what the next one brings. That ending and especially the epilogue had me wanting more.

Ever King's second instalment in the Academy of Villains series, Lessons in Loyalty, continues to impress. 4.5/5
The evolving dynamic between Lyla and Bastian is laced with tension and vulnerability, as both characters grapple with loyalty, legacy, and trust. As their relationship grows, Lyla's sharp-edged resilience plays perfectly against Bastian's enigmatic intensity, sucking you in word for word. The dual POV adds depth to their arc giving us a glimpse of the emotional weight Lyla and Bastian’s journey brings from the heartache and hope behind every guarded glance.
There's something truly unique about this book's world. The academy isn’t just a backdrop—it pulses with its own history, secrets, and power plays that influence every decision the characters make.
I am looking forward to reading the next chapter in this unforgettable series. Academy of Villains has truly captured my attention.

Okay, wow! This one was so well done. I’m loving all the information we’re starting to get now. And the secrets unfolding!
Whereas I would say book 1 was more upper YA/new adult, this one is definitely in adult romantasy territory. I am really loving these ties to mythology and this magic system STILL. Let’s go witches and let’s go battle against evil! Love does always win.
Thank you so much to Ever King and NetGalley for this ARC! I’m thrilled for the next one, and definitely have recommended this to everyone I know.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for this ARC! This is my honest review after reading. I'm giving this a 3.75 stars rounded up to a 4 on Goodreads! The tale continues with Kiara and Lucian, but they're not longer the only main stars of the series as Lyla and Bastian enter the fray. These two had sooo much chemistry right from the beginning and I adored them so much together as main characters. The change was a bit abrupt to me but I ended up loving them so much it didn't matter at all to me. The plot was a bit disjointed compared to the last book at the start but I think the ending of this book was so interesting. There's so much happening and so many new things to consider it was quite exciting! The prose was the hardest part for me in this book. I felt like there was a lot of expose compared to actual plot and some things were a bit over explained or had more depth than was really needed. However, the chapters that had less of this were really really fun for me and made this story so worth it to read! There wasn't much happening school-wise in this book which was a bit sad as I always enjoy some classroom time but spending so much time in Lyla's greenhouse in exchange was worth it honestly. All in all, this was a fun and light story with some incredible magical feats and a dark ambiance to tie it together!

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Academy of Villains: Lessons of Loyalty
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Ever King
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 2 in the Academy of Villains Series

Tropes:
⚬ Fated Mates
⚬ Magic
⚬ Greek Mythology
⚬ Secret Society's
⚬ Academy Setting
⚬ Dual Pov

This book is like Harry Potter, meets Greek mythology, meets secret society's, meets Dark academia!! (even a hint of gossip girl!?!?!?! throwback!)

Lyla is the Guardian of the Greenhouse at the Academy of Mage. Her efinity for nature thrives there. She tends to all the Rare Flowers and Plants {plus guards the Golden Apple tree of the Orcale. Bastian is a member of the Raven Society, pawn of the king and holding dark secrets that could rock the carefully planned life he lea

This is book 2 in this series and i loved it!!! Getting really invested now in the story! I love how everything flows, the author did a really good job at linking everything together. There is a lot of information but its all relevant to the story and if you look deep you can stop little easter eggs of past/future events. Again i loooove the magic system, the whole personalized grimoires are such a cool thing! i would LOVE to see some art of each MC's grimoires. Ever King has truly got me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more about all these side characters! I'm so invested in all of them i struggle to decide who i want to know about next!

Bring on Book 3!!!

I love books with a school setting and this book brings magic to life and explores Greek mythology. After the first book I didn't think it could get any better but boy was I proven wrong. The excitement starts in the first chapter and it doesn't stop. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and the fantasy is wild. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I need it now!

Lessons in Loyalty is a gripping sequel that deepens both the world and emotional stakes of the series. With a richly imagined setting that blends myth-inspired storytelling and inventive twists on Greek legends, the story seamlessly weaves magic, politics, romance, and betrayal into a narrative that feels both fresh and deeply resonant. This instalment shifts focus to new main characters, Bastian and Lyla, whose banter and chemistry bring a dynamic energy, while still offering satisfying glimpses of Kiara and Lucian from book one.

The darkly enchanting academic setting enhances the mystery and moral complexity, as characters unravel secrets about their magic and the school’s role in an ongoing battle against Moros. The consequences of past choices echo powerfully, testing loyalties and reshaping alliances in meaningful ways. With high-stakes action, emotional depth, and just enough unanswered threads to fuel excitement for book three, Lessons in Loyalty is a standout continuation that will captivate returning fans and hook new readers alike.

I’m becoming more invested in this series with each book, and Lessons in Loyalty truly delivers. The world-building grows richer, skilfully blending myth-inspired storytelling with fresh, imaginative twists on Greek legends. The mythology isn’t merely decorative; it’s intricately woven into the characters’ struggles, giving the story depth and resonance.

The magic system remains intriguing, linking past and present mysteries that kept me eager for answers. The academic setting adds a dark, enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complements the morally complex world. What stood out most was how past choices impact the present, testing alliances and loyalties with genuine emotional weight. The blend of high stakes action and heartfelt moments kept me thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.

With expertly crafted politics, magic, romance, and betrayal, this sequel confirms my growing obsession with the series. Each twist and revelation only heightens my anticipation for what’s to come. If you loved the first book, this will deepen your connection; if you’re new to the series, prepare to be immersed in a stunning, thrilling world that’s impossible to forget.

I read the first in the series as an arc and was excited to receive book 2, Lessons in Loyalty, as an arc. I really enjoyed this story being continued, but by different MMC & FMCs. I loved the banter between Bastian and Lyla. We still get peaks into the main characters from book 1 (Kiara & Lucian), but the storyline is told predominantly told by others. It gives a different perspective - keeping the story fresh with new personalities, problems, and relationships.

In addition to continuing the battle against Moros, the characters are trying to solve the mystery about their magic and the school’s role in everything as well as navigate new friendships and love interests. I can’t wait for book 3 and like the little strings left untied for the next installment. It will be interesting to see who has the main POVs for that story.

Thank you NetGalley and Ever King for the ARC.

This is book two in a series that has a really interesting take on Greek mythology couples. Like book one you don’t need to know anything about the mythology to enjoy but if you are into it then you will enjoy all the nods to the original myths as well as the unusual way the author weaves them into an epic new fantasy world. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and making guesses about the future couples.

I rated 4 stars but I do wish I could do 4.5 stars. It is honestly better then just 4 but I can’t give it 5 because there were parts that were disjointed enough I had to read a couple times to make sure I understood what was happening.

this book is definitely unique as it has a unique writing style in it. as an overall summary i enjoyed this book much more than book 1, i just felt there was more chemistry between the characters. however this book is very unique in the fact that it switches main POV's in the second book, similar to interconnected standalone romances however this is where the similarities end as the standalone romances start and end a plot within the book while this plot was carried over. i did struggle at times with this book because it was clear Kiara and Lucien were the main characters and the story revolves around them while this book touched less on that and more on Bastian and lyla. while this book was enjoyable i would have rather it been a spinoff rather than a continuation, with the main books in Kiara/lucian POV's with either a new book from this book happening after the events or simultaneously.

Lessons in Loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis (Academy of Villains #2) by Ever King

Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic and guardian of the golden apples, is about to learn that in the kingdom of Ithaka, nothing is as it seems. And when a Heartstring binds her to Bastian Lightcroft, his darkest secrets will shatter everything she thought she knew about magic, loyalty, and love itself.

Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Adoration, Intrigue, Warmth
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic Academia, Magic
First published : June 24, 2025 : Kindle

I’m getting more invested in this series as it progresses. We are graced with another wonderful myth inspired story with our tortured soul Bastion being the focus of this continuing epic. Lore and world building are being spun at a fascinating mesmerizing rate. We get to continue to see our favorite Ravens and found family from book one as everyone’s story is progressed some. I love how seamless the story progression is while sharing a focus on a new pairing and still spending time with others. I admit I’m starting to have some favorites and can’t wait for their books. The magic system and how it binds with the mystery of the past and present is leaving me wanting to know more about why everything is the way it is !!! I can’t wait for the next book.


Favorite Quote: "I've been adored, pursued, worshiped - yet I have never belonged to anyone."

This book has:
Strong FMC
Morally Gray MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Touch her and die
Found Family
Hidden Identify
Secret societies
Politics
Villain gets the girl
Magic
Potions
Hints of Greek mythology

Lessons in Loyalty by Ever King

This was such a fun and dramatic read. I loved being back in the Academy of Villains world and this one had even more tension and twists. Lyla and Bastian were such a cool pairing and the whole fated bond thing had me completely hooked.

I really liked the dark magic vibes and the Greek myth twist was super interesting. Some parts were a bit slow but overall I couldn’t stop reading and needed to know what was going to happen.

If you like magic schools, intense romance, and a bit of mythology mixed in, this is one to check out.

Thank you to the publisher, Ever King, and NetGalley for the ARC! I had the privilege of reading the first book in the series, Academy of Villains, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Book two only got better. Bastian and Lyla were two characters that seemed like an unlikely match, but I loved watching Bastian fall in love with Lyla. Lyla is soft and gentle, and Bastian is sarcastic, and hard edged, but watching the way he cared for her and did everything to protect her softened his character. It allowed us as a reader to understand why he was the way he was, and how he was willing to do anything for the people he loves. He had a redemption arc. Ever King has laid the foundation foreshadowing the future of the series. I have a few predictions for the couples that we will see next!

I also loved that we got to see more of the magic system as well as revisit characters and their relationships from the previous book. This series really reminds me of Throne of Glass and Harry Potter with a twist. The magic system is complex, but Ever King makes it digestible, and does a good job of hinting back to the previous book. There isn't a ton of info dumping - the magic system doesn't take us out of the world, but serves to enhance.

Ever King's writing keeps getting better and better. The setting of Lyla's garden was so beautifully written. Reading about her and her magical butterflies and the creatures she cares for was perhaps my favorite part of the book - aside from the romance, of course. The imagery was absolutely stunning, and I could vividly picture these places in my mind. The writing flows so beautifully and Ever King truly has a way with words.

I am excited to continue this series. I love that it pulls on mythology with a brand new twist - it is unlike a lot of other fantasies that I have read. This is my favorite book in the series so far!

Review of Lessons in Loyalty by Ever King

After I read Academy of Villains, I knew I was hooked on this series! When Academy of Villains: Lessons in Loyalty was available, I was all in!

With the king set on obtaining more power, including the golden apples that promise immortality, he must release the Beast of Thorns, a destroyer. Lyla and Bastian, despite differences, must work together to stop the advances. After the events begin, Lyla must decide if love is worth the price of betrayal. As a dark romance retelling of Adonis and Aphrodite, this book follows the retelling of Nyx and Erebus from the first book in the series.

I love a good mythology retelling, and Ever King continues to shine in this genre! Give this a read if you're into Greek mythology retelling, fated mates, secret societies, a cursed kingdom, and dual POV

An enjoyable continuation of the first book in series focusing on different main characters. Really enjoy the world building and characterization in these books. Eagerly anticipating the next book in series!

Fated Mates (heartstring)
Greek Mythology Retelling: Adonis & Aphrodite
Secret societies
Slow burn with some heat 🌶
Academic settings
Touch her and ☠️
Witches, Mages & Gods

Thank you for allowing me to read! Book 2 did not disappoint. Cannot wait for book no.3 .
Fabulous world building . Absolutely loved the writing style . Definitely added to my fav authors list!

It’s the second in the *Academy of Villains* series and follows Lyla (a Forestmage!) and Bastian (Spiritmage, broody, obviously) as they get caught up in a magical mess of cursed kingdoms, dark secrets, and seriously complicated feelings.

This one is slower paced than the first book, but I didn’t mind it—it gave the world-building and emotional stuff room to breathe. Lyla and Bastian’s relationship builds so naturally, and I loved their banter and tension. And the magical elements?? II was hooked.

Also, shoutout to the side characters —they gave this book even more heart and made it even better

Overall, Lessons in Loyalty is a richly woven tale that balances mythological inspiration with character-driven storytelling. It's a must-read for fans of romantasy and dark academia genres.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for the opportunity to read an ARC of Lessons in Loyalty in exchange for an honest review.

Lessons in Loyalty is the second installment in Ever King’s Academy of Villains series, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations after loving book one. I’ve always had a soft spot for myth retellings, and Ever King continues to shine in this genre.

In this book, we follow Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic, who crosses paths with the dark and brooding Bastian Lightcroft. Their story is a captivating retelling of the myth of Adonis and Aphrodite, reimagined with a unique twist that blends fantasy, romance, and danger.

This was a solid 4-star read for me. The balance between action and romance was spot-on, and the world-building really stepped up in this sequel. We’re introduced to intriguing new characters, and the stakes are clearly rising—making it easy to get swept up in the story. I’m genuinely excited to see where Ever King takes this series next!

A spiritmage with too many secrets.

A forestmage who swore she’d never fall for a villain.

And a thread of fate binding them to a destiny neither can escape.

This is their story.

WOW this was such a journey. Ever since finishing the first book which I really loved, I couldn't wait to start the second book. And I can only say that I absolutely loved and devoured this book. I really love the relationship between Lyla and Bastian. Their banter, how they were protective of each other, I absolutely ate it up.I love how he calls her flower girl. This is a slow burn with some heat, but the focus is definitely on character and relationship development. I really loved the butterflies that were a reflection of Lyla's emotions, it was so cute. I love the found family in this series, all the characters have different personalities and you love every single one of them. And you can’t wait to read their book. I really love the fight scenes in this book.
There are so many things that we find out in this book and there is also so much that we need to find out and learn as the story goes on.There are betrayals and secrets, so much going on that you just want to keep reading the book. And once you finish the book, you can't wait for the next book to come out.
Academy of Villains is a dark academia romantasy series inspired by Greek mythology love stories, where morally complex characters navigate a cursed kingdom, secret societies, and heartstring bonds.
What can you expect:
⚔️ Fated Mates (heartstring)
⚔️ Greek Mythology Retelling: Adonis & Aphrodite
⚔️ Secret societies
⚔️ Slow burn with some heat
⚔️ Academic settings
⚔️ Touch her and ☠️

Thank you to the author Ever King and publisher for providing me with an e-ARC via NetGalley! I can’t wait to continue the story and to read the 3rd book.