Picking up right where book 1 left off, but with the POV focusing on Lyla and Bastian, the adventure continues as they discover more secrets, uncover more of the kingdom’s history, embark on dangerous quests, and become even closer to breaking the curse and freeing their kingdom.

As an added bonus we get sassy sentient plants, more magical creatures, a funny nerdy ghost, and an extra creepy side villain.

I love that the group is growing, and we get to experience more of the personalities of these characters especially how they interact with one another. Bastian is probably my favorite MMC of all time. The man can do no wrong. Even though he has… a lot.
Unfortunately I was not as enamored with Lyla. Though, I did enjoy her overall development and watching her come into her power. Their chemistry was perfect.

Overall, this was a great read and I’m thoroughly invested in where this goes next.
Thanks for the opportunity!

Ever King has created a series that I absolutely love!! This one is just as good and exciting as the first book!!

Academy of Villains brings mythology and dark academia into a the perfect pairing - making this series one that is worth devouring in a binge read.

I just don't even know how to put into words how I feel about Ever King's series - one thing is for sure, this series and this author is under-hyped, under recognized!

✦ Romantasy + Retelling of Adonis & Aphrodite Rec! ✦

Lessons in Loyalty
by Ever King
Book 2 ✦ Academy of Villains
Pub Date: June 24, 2025

𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 (𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴)
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 & 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴
𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 ☠️
𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘴/𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴/𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴

~𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬~
Academy of Villains is a dark academia romantasy where morally complex characters navigate dark magic, fated mate bonds, and secret societies in a cursed kingdom. Each book follows a different couple inspired by a Greek mythology love story, packed with political intrigue, monsters, romance, and high-stakes trials. If you’re a fan of character-driven romantasy, unique world-building, and dual POV storytelling, Academy of Villains is your next obsession.

~𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬~
And the saga continues! A marvelous follow up story weaving myth and magic into a retelling of Aphrodite and Adonis’ love story. I am fascinated with this series and cannot wait to see where it goes next. Ever King has created a fantasy world that is entertaining, empowering, romantic, and just a little perilous and I’m here for all of it. The plot follows a new love story but weaves in the same characters from book one perfectly which solidified my love for this series.

The strength of the Academy of Villains series lies not just in its individual characters but in how their paths weave together, creating a multi-layered narrative filled with unforgettable characters, searing chemistry, clues that have you questioning what’s going to happen next, and action.

Another aspect that I love about this series is the theme of female empowerment. Their courage, their strength, their compassion, and their fierce support for other women in the book was so encouraging to read.

⏩ Swipe to meet the main characters!

Lyla Stark and Bastian Lightcroft’s connection was not forced. It grew and it was sweet. A slow burn with some heat. I love how he calls her flower girl.

✦ Academy of Villains is a series that fans of romantasy should add to their TBR. ✦

Thank you for the #gifted eARC @authoreverking and @netgalley !

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.5🌶️

Speechless. Shooketh.

Listen, the first book had me by the throat. The story was so fucking good, the characters, *chef’s kiss*, but this one? THIS BOOK???????? Holy fuck.

I’ve always been a fan of Greek mythology and that’s what drew me to this series in the first place. The way Ever mixes in little, lesser known tidbits of myth into the stories, Jesus.

Seeing the overall plot continue and grow from book one only solidified my love for this series even more. I love everything about the magic system, the politics, the characters, the little clues and peeks at things that have you questioning what’s going to happen next.

Lyla was definitely the underdog. To go from a pretty, demure, sweet woman to a fierce warrior who fights for the truth was so incredible to see. Her romance with Bastian, grappling with the truth of her own existence, and trying to stop the King and amorous from destroying the world? She’s more than just a flower girl. She’s a badass.

Sweet baby Bastian. I don’t care what anyone says, he was a victim, too. To lose his brother for defying the king and then living with that terror for himself and his family? It’s no wonder he did what he needed to survive. While I didn’t support everything he did, I understand why he did it and I still feel for him. He deserves all the love in the world.

I cannot WAIT to see where this series goes, who book 3 is about, and what’s going to happen with the entire world.

Thank you so much to Ever for the ARC of this book! 🫶🏻

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Back in the dark academia halls of a cursed kingdom! SO much pining between Bastian and Lyla. I was glad to see him open up more to her as the story progressed (even if I think she could have let him sweat it out a little but it's all good in the end :P). I loved seeing the girls band together to help work on solving their god problem. Quick pacing made things move right along and the ending has me 👀 for the next one.

Final thoughts? Loved the personalities of all the plants and Samson's snark. I'm sus of the cat and <spoiler>have a theory on the princess</spoiler>

And we are back again! This was a great follow up to Academy of Villains!
I'm loving this fantasy-world, the magic and the story - AND the characters! This was everything I wanted it to be!

The chemestry between Bastian and Lyla was good but the way the relasionship evolved was great!
There's action, tension, banter and so many moments you just want to relive. Oh and there's a bit of spice too ;)

I liked how the first book had Kiara and Lucian ad maincharacters and we got some other POV in Lessons in Loyalty (which is a very fitting title) - and I look forward to see the POV change again/back :)

I really enjoyed the female empowerment and Lyla will be close to my heart - and so will Bastian, but for some other reasons...

4,5 stars and a thanks to Netgalley for the ARC - BUT an even bigger thanks to Ever King for bringing this series to life!

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an e-ARC via NetGalley! That in no way influenced my review of the book and all opinions are my own.

Ever King cannot write a bad book. Like it isn’t possible. Everything she touches is pure GOLD and I am so here for it. I would give her my soul if that’s what she wanted because I am so devoted to this series.

My favourite parts were the angst and the pining. The emotions within this book were so raw and open, and I love the different character POVs. It really helps us to get into the characters minds and understand their thoughts and feelings. Bastian is so pure and I just want to protect him with my life 🥹
Lyla is also incredible and I love a female character who has her own stuff sorted and doesn’t rely on anyone else for support. The fact that she’s a gardener and a forest mage makes my heart so happy. And the Barklings?! SQUEEEEE I love them
The world building is one of my favourite things of this series. The descriptions are so beautifully vivid and I find it really easy to picture the scenes in my head. Especially the library and the celestial sky!!
This book was a good mix of plot and character building. It flowed really well and I found it so easy to follow. There’s a really nice mix of characters that are different, and god my heart hurts for Tobias, I want to protect him and keep him safe forever!!

I’m so thankful to be part of this community that Ever has built!

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Yes!!! This book absolutely delivered—and at a much quicker pace than the first one, which made it such a fun and thrilling ride. Ever King is killing it with this series!

✨ Spoiler-Free Summary:
The crew is back, piecing together clues and mysterious necklaces… all while leveling up their gardening game. We get a deeper look into Mr. Sketchypants himself—Bastian—and trust me, it’s a side you won’t expect. A surprising new romance blooms (and nope, it’s not the one you’re thinking of!). Meanwhile, a certain predator finally gets what’s coming to him after harassing a very important flower—wink wink.

🌟 Vibes & Themes:
This installment moves at a much quicker, more engaging pace, which made the mystery-solving even more enjoyable. There’s a delicious game of cat and mouse filled with tension that builds until two characters finally confess their feelings. The romantic tension is chef’s kiss.

What really stood out was the strong sense of female empowerment. The women in this book support each other fiercely and don’t rely on the guys to put the puzzle pieces together. It’s refreshing to see women solving problems, backing each other up, and growing into their own.

Character development continues to shine—each character is on their own journey, and the way their partners support them (without overstepping) was beautifully written. Respect, boundaries, and growth all get a moment in the spotlight.

🏫 Other Highlights:

The school setting still adds charm, and the group shenanigans are as entertaining as ever.
The FIGHT SCENE? Iconic. Flower finally serves Grunge Regina George the audacity she’s been carrying around, and it’s so satisfying.
Loved the underlying message: You can be independent and happy on your own—but having a supportive partner doesn’t take away from that. It’s a powerful and positive takeaway for readers.
🔥 Spice Level: 2/5
A slow burn with some heat, but the focus is definitely on character and relationship development.

🌸 Final Thoughts:
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait to see where it goes next! Ever King has created a world that’s fun, empowering, romantic, and just a little dangerous—and I’m here for all of it.

Tropes:
Magic
Touch her and die
Closed Proximity
Gods/Witches
Falls fast

As a member of the Royal Court of Ever King, I'm able to ARC read the academy of Villains books when they are ready to be proof read. I'm so blessed with the opportunity to do so.

This book is the second Academy of Villains book called "Lessons in Loyalty" and will be released on the 24th of June and is categorized as a Greek mythology / dark fantasy novel.

I loved the first book, uncovering heartstrings and unlocking them for all of the other people out there. A heartstring is a bit like a soulmate but on another level, a tether of sorts. Dark magic roaming the kingdom, a king that's nothing more than a vessel. Kiara and prince Lucian are the main characters in book 1.

In this book, we still follow Kiara and Prince Lucian, but have a new pair of Main characters.. Lyla, the girl from the greenhouse and Bastian, alchemist and member of the raven society. This storyline is also enemies to lovers but the story from the first book progresses. With the king being possessed by a God named Moros, and the Darkwing Bloodline being nothing more than a vessel of sorts, Lucian is struggling, is his father truly gone? Lost to this god?

Lyla, Kiara and Octavia are studying about starwarriors and how to access their pendents but also train with Bastian to learn how to fight in combat and how to be more confident in casting magic. The way the greenhouse is described is so magical. The butterflies... Surreal. I really liked to get to know Lyla better and how misunderstood Bastian really is. How the love progresses, or lust?

Bastian is a guy with soooo many secrets, with the amount of secrets and the danger of some of them coming to light or the danger of people getting hurt he keeps everyone at arms length, no one truly knows him, not even his "brothers" from the raven society. His association with the beast of thorns and how deep his tasks for the king are.. He will open up, eventually.

The story is somewhat slow paced, it's really story building with a lot of.. How do I say it? Extended descriptions? Let me explain, if a read a few lines and close my eyes, I can actually imagine seeing it in my mind.

This quote was my favorite, Bastian is the one that says it "better to die chasing something extraordinary than live ordinary.

The line that actually made me roll my eyes because this line is used way to much in stories by all different authors is " I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding " or a variety of it. It's in this book 3 times (maybe more) I really dislike that line.

But the story, the backstory, the fantasy, the details and the enemies to lovers keeps me hooked. 4,5 stars from me.