aesthetic: 🦋🌸🗝️🍃💀🥀💫📓🏛️🎀

Lessons in Loyalty is a powerful, immersive sequel that not only builds on the magical chaos of book one, but deepens it with emotional intensity, layered storytelling, and standout mythological integration.

What truly sets this installment apart is the intricate weaving of Greek mythology retellings. The lore is handled with both reverence and creative freedom, reimagining familiar gods, legends, and curses in ways that feel fresh and unpredictable. Every myth felt intentional, thematically relevant, and rich with symbolism—especially as it parallels the characters’ internal struggles and choices.

The characters from the first book return with even more weight and complexity. It was incredible to see how their past decisions ripple through this story, particularly as alliances are tested and loyalties questioned. Their growth is tangible—you feel the ache of their mistakes and the strength of their evolution. The emotional impact of their arcs in this book hits deeper than expected, leaving lasting impressions long after the final chapter.

Romance, betrayal, power struggles, and a healthy dose of magical academia—all of it blends perfectly in a world that feels darkly enchanting and morally grey. This sequel strikes a strong balance between high-stakes action and emotional vulnerability, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

If book one cracked open the door to this world, Lessons in Loyalty flings it wide open and dares you to walk through. Ever King continues to prove that this isn’t just a dark academia fantasy—it’s a myth-soaked journey of identity, redemption, and what it truly means to be loyal

Thank you so much to Ever King for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this book.

Full Review will also be posted to TikTok and Instagram (@readwithnaeyy) before the scheduled release date 24/06/25.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ever King, and Everkingdom for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I adored this book. I enjoyed reading more about Lyla and her magic abilities. I think she has become my favorite FMC of the series so far. I liked that she had a quiet fierceness about her. The series is getting good. There are a lot of different mysteries and/or secrets that need to be revealed. My only complaint was that there was a decent amount of repetition of phrases. I can’t wait to read book 3! I hope we get Octavia’s story soon! I highly recommend this series!

✨Academy of Villains: Lesson in Loyalty✨

Back at the academy with Ever King’s cast of morally grey and uniquely talented characters, we find ourselves following a new couple and an Aphrodite and Adonis retelling. We continue on our overarching plot, making this sequel most appreciated when read after book one.

After the events of book one, the secrets and twists are just getting started. We begin by following Lyla, our forestmage FMC, as she seeks to prove that she is not useless and poor at magic. When a tentative partnership arises with our bad boy alchemist and spiritmage MMC, Bastian, they find that their missions not only run deeper than they ever thought, but they run parallel. However, secrets and loyalty are the fiercest battle in these pages and if they can’t work together, everything may fail.

We get more world building, more characters and blooming romances, new heartstrings, more darkness, interesting magics, and higher stakes. The series has continued to get better as we go.

Tropes you may find in LIL are reluctant allies to lovers, forced proximity, fated mates, banter, magic, academy setting, wound tending and comfort, she saves him, Greek mythology, medium-low spice, lots of yearning, and an ending that leads to the next fray but not necessarily a cliffhanger.

Thank you, Ever and Netgalley, for once again allowing me to be an arc reader.

I was a little worried about the main character shift. I am so happy we still get to see a lot of Lucian and Kiara. But I absolutely loved getting to read Lyla and Bastian as the main characters! Lyla is such a sweet girl who learns how powerful she can be. Bastian is someone I didn't really know how to feel about at first. But wow does his character get a lot of development through this book. The story line was so good. The truths that come out are jaw dropping and the battles have just begun. Can't wait for book 3!

I absolutely devoured this book. I love Bastian and Lyla!

I will say with book 1 it took a hot minute to find myself immersed in the story but with this book it was instant, potentially because I was already familiar with the characters.

Kores character was a fun villain to add to the mix and the way she manipulated and tortured Bastian was really well explored throughout the book. I enjoyed the fact that Lyla, who was the soft character, ends up being the hero at the end of the day. I don’t think we see enough storyline’s where the female character becomes the badass without becoming dark herself.

The emotional turmoil I felt for Bastian was heartbreaking. I was basically screaming at the book to just tell them because they’d understand but alas TRAUMA.

I am thoroughly enjoying the magic system in these books. It’s familiar yet in a way that I haven’t necessarily read about before which is really fun. The way Bastian uses his magic during the spicy scene…. SIGN ME UP IMMEDIATELY.

I am absolutely begging for the next book. I can’t decide if I want it to be Tobias or Dorian next. Both of their characters have such intriguing things going on that I need to know immediately.

Thank you so much to Ever King for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

“Only a God can kill a God”

“Flowers don’t bloom for admiration, but they’re worshipped for their beauty. “

“He was the poison in my veins and I savoured every drop”

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!! I don’t actually know what kind of drug this author puts into these books but I always find myself wanting more. There is something so enthralling about the way she seamlessly puts together the romance between the characters and the development of a plot that is bigger than them and while it has a kind of beginning and end in every single book, it tells the story of something more that is still to com’è, making the reader obsessed with finding that out!!!
Lyla and Bastian story intrigued me in a way I was not expecting. They are the most complicated for of beauty and the beast, grumpy sunshine, good girl bad boy, enemies to lovers, banter and he falls first dynamic I have read about in a while.
All wrapped up in Greek mythology retelling fashion and with an academy setting !!! I couldn’t get enough of them. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I couldn’t keep going for other reasons. But when I finally did manage to finish the book … I knew I was a goner for it !!! And when Bastian threw in the magic “good girl” words … it was too late for me to come back !!!
I loved this book deeply and I can’t wait for the next one in this crazy Greek inspired amazing series !!!
“Why do you call me flower girl?”
“Because you bloom … despite all the rot in this world. And that … that makes you rare”

“Not every monster is hideous … Some look just like us”

Omg this! One of my most anticipated reads of 2025! And boy did everkingdom & NetGalley deliver this was the best dark academia , Greek mythology retelling of the year!!! A medium paced novel this time non the less stunning as we move through the story a great character set up Basitian and Lyla a spirit mage and a forestmage romantasy done so well! This series is going to blow up honestly 5 stars ⭐️ just like the 1st book! It was a pleasure to read I cannot wait to see what comes next and complete the series!

Lessons in Loyalty picks up right where Academy of Villains left off, but what I loved most is that it wasn’t just a continuation of the story, it was a new one in its own right. Lyla and Bastian’s journey was intense, layered, and full of those morally grey moments I’ve come to love in this series.

I am also very intrigued by Bellatrix and Lilith. Their stories are clearly just beginning to unfold, and I can’t wait to learn more about them in the next installments.

A solid, satisfying read with just the right amount of spice, danger, and magic.

King delivers once again! I just love academic settings and vibes, and this definitely has them. The book picked up right where the first left off and we were able to learn more about the characters to build on their development. I absolutely love the mystery puzzle nature of the way it is written. It kept me interested the entire time. I was never bored. So well done!

The second book in Academy of Villains continues to deliver! Ever King has crafted a rich world full of magic, tension, and heart. While this installment follows new leads, Lyla and Bastian, their chemistry more than makes up for the shift, Forestmage meets Spiritmage? Yes, please!

I loved Lyla’s kindhearted bravery and fascinating magic, while Bastian’s powers and layered past made him a standout. The tropes, Grumpy x Sunshine, Rivals to Lovers, Found Family, and a Greek myth retelling were executed perfectly, adding great emotional and romantic tension.

The golden apple mystery remains compelling, the side characters shine, and the butterflies? Pure magic. I’m hooked on this series and can’t wait to see what’s next!

Thank you to Ever King and their team for the ARC!!

I loved how this book turned out! I liked the last book too, however, I felt it lacked in certain areas. This book however, feels like it made up for it. Whereas the last book I felt you could definitely see where some of the muse was taken from, I don't feel like the same is for this book. It very much feels like it has truly grown into its own story and I can't wait to see where it goes from here! <3

I loved the characters and how it focuses on a different couple while still following the same story. I don't think I have ever read a series like that but I think it works really well here. Lyla and Bastian complimented each other so well and I really liked seeing how they navigated their situation. Although we are following the story from a new perspective(s) in this book, I never felt lost or like I was missing anything by not being in Kiara or Lucians POV anymore which I was a little nervous about. I think it flowed very naturally.

The only little thing is I felt we could have done a tad more plot wise in this book. The story itself was focused a lot on the main couple and I felt like I would have liked to see more of the plot moving along. We still did get to see things happen, just not *as* much as I personally like in my books.

Overall, this book was an extremely fun read and would definitely recommend to those who love fantasy and romance books! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!<3

thank you to the lovely author ever king and netgalley for allowing me an arc for this book for an honest review - especially with how much i loved the first one. i was extremely excited!

based on the story of aphrodite and adonis in greek mythology, the second instalment continues from the first book, however follows two new people: lyla and bastian.

lyla is a forest mage who takes care of the academy’s greenhouse. she’s sweet, often underestimated but she is shown to be fierce, smart and wanting to know much more of the academy’s secrets and the truth surrounding a mysterious set of necklaces and the true power they hold.

while bastian is a spiritmage, much more of a cold exterior and part of the raven society but holds many dark secrets especially when it comes to serving the king. as the book develops, we see his internal struggles with his orders, which would impact lyla, and need to protect his people, baring much more of his soul and intentions to protect the people he loves.

lyla and bastian were chefs kiss. their dislike for one another that develops over time is done at a perfect pace and their povs trying to ignore their feelings was well-written. the chemistry, the pining???? excellence. but it’s definitely the tender moments and the ones where they protect one another even in the midst of their “hate” that just scratches the itch.

one highlight of this book is the founding family we have between lyla, kiara and octavia. every time they are together i just love their dynamic and love/support for one another. it also contrasts the dark, atmospheric side of this book and the main plots to give it more layers.

i truly love this series so far - the mythology, the lore, the politics and magical systems are incredibly researched and written and the romance thrown in? i am obsessed. the world being created is absolutely stunning in my mind and i really cannot wait to see where this story will take us with the twists and turns, revelations and surprises in the next instalment.

Academy of Villains returns with even more magic, mystery, and intrigue in this thrilling second installment of the series. While book one introduced us to the wonders—and dangers—of the magical academy, book two pulls back the curtain even further to reveal the secrets the magical world has been hiding all along.

This time, the spotlight shifts to Lyla, a quiet but powerful forest mage who prefers the company of plants to people. She spends her days in the academy’s greenhouse, avoiding attention despite the many admirers who are drawn to her.

Enter Bastian, a conflicted spirit mage caught between his obligations and his own desires. With his playful nickname for Lyla—"flower girl"—he slowly becomes a part of her world, even as both are pulled deeper into the academy’s darker truths.

Fans of the first book will enjoy seeing familiar faces while getting to know Lyla and Bastian, whose dynamic adds fresh emotional depth and tension to the unfolding story.

If you love magical academies, layered characters, and slow-burning secrets, Academy of Villains book two delivers on all fronts.

Happy reading!

After the cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I couldn’t wait to start the second book to see where this story went next. This book jumps right back into the fantastical world built in the first book, but follows two new characters while still progressing the storyline from the first book! I loved getting to know better two new characters and seeing the story develop! I greatly related to the FMC as a bit of a loner book and plant lover myself who sometimes finds solace in just being alone. And the slow burn will they won’t they between the two main characters as they fight their draw to one another was the best if you love a slow burn with a bit of I hate them but I like them vibes. Now I just need the next one to come out asap so I can see what happens next!!

Thank you to both the author and NetGalley for the gifted arc! All opinions given are my own!

I loved this book so much. This was an amazing Greek mythology Romantasy book. So different from the other things I’ve read. Both have been five stars for me and I can’t wait for the third one to come out as well. I hope I can get it as an ARC as well.

The magic in this story? Pure poetry Butterflies that shift color with emotion, sentient plants, Barklings... I was completely enchanted.
The tension between Lyla and Bastian starts off sharp, crackling with animosity, but watching it bloom into something tender and beautiful had me hooked. Add in grimoires, heartstrings, charm cards, and secrets that threaten to unravel everything... completely obsessed -
If you love fantasy that feels vividly immersive, layered with emotion, magic, and action, this series is your next obsession. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you for the ARC copy! Everything you hoped for after the cliffhanger in the first book, you get in the second! And oh my, so much more! Twists, quests, spice, 5/5! Cannot wait for the third part!

I liked this more than the first book in the series. I enjoyed the push and pull between the softness of Lyla and the darkness of Bastian. Many novels in this genre have two headstrong, aggressive, feisty lovers clashing together, but this felt more balanced. Lyla and Bastian complemented each other well, and the build up to the big reveal of Bastian’s secret made for a great read. Kore was an excellent villain, and I loved having even more references to mythology with the names of the rivers and the golden apples. Having a few chapters with other perspectives was also excellent, we need to keep learning more from Kiara and Lucien’s perspectives. Learning more about the witches was very much appreciated, and this second book felt far less like an introduction to the world and magic system, and far more like an intense unravelling of secrets and mysteries. I think I have figured out a major series plot line, and I’m very excited to find out if I am correct (it seemed really obvious so I’m assuming everyone else has figured it out as well even if the characters themselves are keeping way too many secrets from each other). Can’t wait for the next one!

I loved Lyla and Bastian in this book—their story had such a pull! Inspired by the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, it was executed really well, blending mythology with fantasy academy drama in a way that felt natural and emotional.

One of my favorite parts was the friendship dynamic between Kiara, Octavia, and Lyla. It gave the story a warm, grounding layer amid all the intensity, and their bond made me care about the characters even more. I probably should’ve reread Academy of Villains before diving into this one, but even without doing that, I was able to catch up pretty easily. That said, there were a few moments where I felt like I was missing some context—but nothing that took away from the overall experience.

What I really enjoy about this series is how the stakes keep rising with every book. It adds to the excitement and keeps me guessing about what’s coming next. I’m especially curious about the next couple the story will focus on—I'm guessing it might be Dorian and Bellatrix (or was it Lilith? I can't quite remember), but I’m definitely looking forward to finding out!

If you love magic academies, mythology-inspired romances, and stories with strong friendships and layered characters, I’d definitely recommend picking up Lessons in Loyalty. This series just keeps getting more addictive!

Thank you to Net Galley and Ever King for the ARC.

Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending
Interest 4.25/5

Overall 4.25/5

-I was a little worried knowing that this book followed a different characters than the first book. But I was pleasantly surprised that the book still followed the same plot line as the first book and kept those characters involved enough to keep me satisfied. I do wish that the relationship didn’t take the full picture at times because I really want to know more about the world, the pendant and all of that. I still really enjoyed reading this.

-Again, I kind of wish the relationship was a little less the main focus of the book. They were very cute and had a great dynamic but it felt like it was burning a little too fast for my liking. Lyla had been calling that she disliked Bastien but then he kissed her and then everything changed for her. I guess I was hoping for them to dislike each other for a little longer. Other than that, I had a great time reading their story. I particularly liked Lyla. She was a very sweet and soft girl and had a heart of gold. Bastien was also great but he felt like a typical male love interest who tries to stay away from the girl to protect her but wants her too much to let her go.

-I am still very much invested in this story line and these characters. I was hoping for a little more action and a little less romantic conclusions at the end of the book. But there still was some action. I guess it just wasn’t what i expected. But in no way does that mean it was bad. It was great. And I can’t wait to read more from this series and this author.