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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Kiara is an assassin sent after the prince. But she doesn't kill him. She can't. She doesn't want to? Finding herself immersed in the academy with magic she didnt know she has, Kiara is now in a position where she's learning about her magic, and about the Prince.
While she discovers more about herself she also realizes that her magic has implications for all mages, not just her, and it could be both wonderful and catastrophic.
While she discovers more about herself she also realizes that her magic has implications for all mages, not just her, and it could be both wonderful and catastrophic.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had the privilege of reading an ARC copy of this story.
The tropes we have:
• fated mates
• based on Greek mythology
• romantasy
• one bed trope!
• he falls first
This book took a minute to get into because I kept seeing resemblance of this story to stories like Harry Potter with how there’s different houses and what their magic form is and just coming off of reading Throne of Glass, seeing the main character Kiara described as an assassin reminded me of the TOG series and so I’m hoping in the next book we see more of what Kiara was trained to do and more of her backstory.
We have the Prince Lucian who is just chef’s kiss. He is a loverboy with a family curse that is he’s trying to figure out what exactly happened to his family and how to break it.
The only thing I’d give critique on is helping describe the character’s emotions without flat out saying they’re nervous like give them more mannerisms. It’s like when you hear a writer say “show don’t tell”. I also don’t feel like it is enemies to lovers because Lucian at the beginning is just trying to figure out what is going on while Kiara is trying to accomplish her supposed mission so in my head it’s like: she hates him he doesn’t hate her but he’s intrigued. Otherwise, definitely going to keep my eyes out for any updates on these books. I recommend.
The tropes we have:
• fated mates
• based on Greek mythology
• romantasy
• one bed trope!
• he falls first
This book took a minute to get into because I kept seeing resemblance of this story to stories like Harry Potter with how there’s different houses and what their magic form is and just coming off of reading Throne of Glass, seeing the main character Kiara described as an assassin reminded me of the TOG series and so I’m hoping in the next book we see more of what Kiara was trained to do and more of her backstory.
We have the Prince Lucian who is just chef’s kiss. He is a loverboy with a family curse that is he’s trying to figure out what exactly happened to his family and how to break it.
The only thing I’d give critique on is helping describe the character’s emotions without flat out saying they’re nervous like give them more mannerisms. It’s like when you hear a writer say “show don’t tell”. I also don’t feel like it is enemies to lovers because Lucian at the beginning is just trying to figure out what is going on while Kiara is trying to accomplish her supposed mission so in my head it’s like: she hates him he doesn’t hate her but he’s intrigued. Otherwise, definitely going to keep my eyes out for any updates on these books. I recommend.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Academy of Villains is a dark academia romance inspired by Nyx and Erebus.
The story begins with one of the Nameless hired to assassinate Prince Lucian at the Academy of Magic. She makes a careless mistake and finds herself at the sorting ceremony where the mages elemental magic are revealed. When she is called upon the platform, a stone pillar reacts to the magic she is unaware of even possessing. She is what she hates most, a mage. Kiara's element is celestial and believed to be eradicated many years ago. As Kiara learns how to use her magic, she awakens a magical thread that may alter her original mission. Kiara might need the prince alive to save the kingdom.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The concept of this story was so interesting, and I enjoyed it way more than I was anticipating. This is a series I plan on devouring!
I loved the magic system. The mages receive their grimoire based on their elemental magic. The grimoires start out blank, and when needed, the spells appear to the user of the grimoire. To everyone other than the owner of the grimoire, it stays blank. The mages elemental magic also has a beast form. I loved Kiara and Lucian's beast forms! The mages also have an affinity, for example, healing or being able to know when someone is being dishonest.
Lucian is our shadow daddy, and I love him. He is respected as the prince and feared for his element. He is a Shadowmage. He possesses cursed, dark magic that he spent years learning to control. When he meets Kiara, his control falters. He was aware that Kiara was planning to assassinate him, and he was exhilarated. Like, this man had a fancy lamb chop dinner awaiting her, as if it were a date and not her sneaking into his room to assassinate him. As we get to know him, he is actually so sweet, caring, and genuine.
The imagery during battles was beautifully written. I could easily visualize Kiara's celestial magic: her starblades slicing through the air, stars shooting down from the sky, exploding in a glowing light as they hit their opponents.
I highly recommend this book if you love dark academia, trials, secret societies, and elemental magic.
dark academia • dark fantasy • dark romance • enemies to lovers • greek mythology • magic • retelling • romantasy • secret society • self discovery • shadow daddy
The story begins with one of the Nameless hired to assassinate Prince Lucian at the Academy of Magic. She makes a careless mistake and finds herself at the sorting ceremony where the mages elemental magic are revealed. When she is called upon the platform, a stone pillar reacts to the magic she is unaware of even possessing. She is what she hates most, a mage. Kiara's element is celestial and believed to be eradicated many years ago. As Kiara learns how to use her magic, she awakens a magical thread that may alter her original mission. Kiara might need the prince alive to save the kingdom.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The concept of this story was so interesting, and I enjoyed it way more than I was anticipating. This is a series I plan on devouring!
I loved the magic system. The mages receive their grimoire based on their elemental magic. The grimoires start out blank, and when needed, the spells appear to the user of the grimoire. To everyone other than the owner of the grimoire, it stays blank. The mages elemental magic also has a beast form. I loved Kiara and Lucian's beast forms! The mages also have an affinity, for example, healing or being able to know when someone is being dishonest.
Lucian is our shadow daddy, and I love him. He is respected as the prince and feared for his element. He is a Shadowmage. He possesses cursed, dark magic that he spent years learning to control. When he meets Kiara, his control falters. He was aware that Kiara was planning to assassinate him, and he was exhilarated. Like, this man had a fancy lamb chop dinner awaiting her, as if it were a date and not her sneaking into his room to assassinate him. As we get to know him, he is actually so sweet, caring, and genuine.
The imagery during battles was beautifully written. I could easily visualize Kiara's celestial magic: her starblades slicing through the air, stars shooting down from the sky, exploding in a glowing light as they hit their opponents.
I highly recommend this book if you love dark academia, trials, secret societies, and elemental magic.
dark academia • dark fantasy • dark romance • enemies to lovers • greek mythology • magic • retelling • romantasy • secret society • self discovery • shadow daddy
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First of all, thank you for the chance to be an ARC reader!
Secondly, I really loved this book, and here are my thoughts ~
4.5 ⭐️
Things I loved:
- slow burn, enemies to lovers romance
- The sexual tension was *chefs kiss* top tier. I was waiting the whole time for them to just admit they liked each other, and honestly, I found the wait worth it.
- I loved that there was explanation and exploration before they were just thrown into saving the world. I felt that the world building was really well balanced and gave great visuals.
- A sign of a good book for me is being able to picture it or see it like a movie in my head, and I definitely could with this book, which made it so fun to read!
- Not to make a comparison, but it had Harry Potter vibes? But with more exciting characters, circumstances, and locations.
- The dark acadamia vibe and the vibrant descriptions of magic were so fun to engage with, and it reminded me of how some Dungeons and Dragons' magic systems work? Which made me love it even more.
- ALSO? So many pieces are based on Greek myths?! You KNOW I love Greek mythology, and seeing the inspiration through the book made me so happy
Things that I wasn't a fan of:
- The trials seemed a bit short and simplistic for how important they are, in my opinion.
- I'm a little sad we didn't get to see more from the other classes besides battle magic. I know they aren't the main focus, but I think it would've been cool to have some of those a little more fleshed out.
- I'm definitely more curious about the Nameless assassins? It seemed like such a big plot point in the beginning, and it felt like it was dropped and never heard from again - even when they encountered them in the wild it felt like a random cameo more than anyrhing particularly scary.
Overall, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I immediately loved the vibe of the book and in between a busy schedule, whenever I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It was fun and adventurous and filled with a conglomerate of things that I enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it, and I can't wait to read the next books in the series!
4.5⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
Secondly, I really loved this book, and here are my thoughts ~
4.5 ⭐️
Things I loved:
- slow burn, enemies to lovers romance
- The sexual tension was *chefs kiss* top tier. I was waiting the whole time for them to just admit they liked each other, and honestly, I found the wait worth it.
- I loved that there was explanation and exploration before they were just thrown into saving the world. I felt that the world building was really well balanced and gave great visuals.
- A sign of a good book for me is being able to picture it or see it like a movie in my head, and I definitely could with this book, which made it so fun to read!
- Not to make a comparison, but it had Harry Potter vibes? But with more exciting characters, circumstances, and locations.
- The dark acadamia vibe and the vibrant descriptions of magic were so fun to engage with, and it reminded me of how some Dungeons and Dragons' magic systems work? Which made me love it even more.
- ALSO? So many pieces are based on Greek myths?! You KNOW I love Greek mythology, and seeing the inspiration through the book made me so happy
Things that I wasn't a fan of:
- The trials seemed a bit short and simplistic for how important they are, in my opinion.
- I'm a little sad we didn't get to see more from the other classes besides battle magic. I know they aren't the main focus, but I think it would've been cool to have some of those a little more fleshed out.
- I'm definitely more curious about the Nameless assassins? It seemed like such a big plot point in the beginning, and it felt like it was dropped and never heard from again - even when they encountered them in the wild it felt like a random cameo more than anyrhing particularly scary.
Overall, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I immediately loved the vibe of the book and in between a busy schedule, whenever I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It was fun and adventurous and filled with a conglomerate of things that I enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it, and I can't wait to read the next books in the series!
4.5⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
fast-paced
Academy of Villains is a blend of dark academia, Greek mythology, and fantasy that immediately grabs your attention. The action starts from the very first page, pulling you into an exciting and mysterious world.
The book is fast-paced, and while I love world-building, it was refreshing to dive straight into the story without too much setup. The writing is strong, and the story is full of twists and turns that make it hard to put down. However, I did find the timeline a bit confusing, everything feels like it happens in just a few days, but some dialogue suggests it might be longer. I also wished for more background information, especially on the main characters and their relationship, which felt a bit rushed at times, particularly with the fated mates connection.
The dual POV adds depth to the story. Kiara’s strength and mysterious nature are compelling, though I wish she were a bit more elusive given her assassin status. Still, I loved her character. Lucian, on the other hand, is swoon-worthy in his protective, shadowy way. His bond with his Raven boys—especially Kaspian and Atticus—is something I’m excited to see explored in future books.
While the romance between Kiara and Lucian could have used a bit more buildup, I was hooked on their enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The concept of heartstrings offers a fresh twist on the fated mates trope, and I can’t wait to see more of it. The ending leaves a lot open, and I’m left wanting more from Kiara and Lucian’s story. I’m also very curious about the other Raven boys.
This book may be short, but it’s packed with action, emotion, and plenty of secrets. It left me desperate for the next book, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Thank you to Ever King for providing me with a post-release ARC. This is my honest review.
The book is fast-paced, and while I love world-building, it was refreshing to dive straight into the story without too much setup. The writing is strong, and the story is full of twists and turns that make it hard to put down. However, I did find the timeline a bit confusing, everything feels like it happens in just a few days, but some dialogue suggests it might be longer. I also wished for more background information, especially on the main characters and their relationship, which felt a bit rushed at times, particularly with the fated mates connection.
The dual POV adds depth to the story. Kiara’s strength and mysterious nature are compelling, though I wish she were a bit more elusive given her assassin status. Still, I loved her character. Lucian, on the other hand, is swoon-worthy in his protective, shadowy way. His bond with his Raven boys—especially Kaspian and Atticus—is something I’m excited to see explored in future books.
While the romance between Kiara and Lucian could have used a bit more buildup, I was hooked on their enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The concept of heartstrings offers a fresh twist on the fated mates trope, and I can’t wait to see more of it. The ending leaves a lot open, and I’m left wanting more from Kiara and Lucian’s story. I’m also very curious about the other Raven boys.
This book may be short, but it’s packed with action, emotion, and plenty of secrets. It left me desperate for the next book, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Thank you to Ever King for providing me with a post-release ARC. This is my honest review.
adventurous
medium-paced
I was immediately drawn in by the Greek Mythology and academia aspects. It did not disappoint! I was instantly hooked and attached to Kiara. She is such a good character that went into this school knowing a skewed version of the truth and grew so much!
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑰 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆.
Prince Lucian is obsessed. Fall on his knees for her from the first moment🤭 Watching them grow on each other and get to know one another was everything. There was plenty of banter, but the sweet moments were my absolute favorite!
𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓, 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅, 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒂𝒍: 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑.
The plot was plotting and I cannot wait for the next book! The trials gave me chills, but also made me want to strangle Lucian😂 I was on the edge of my seat every chapter with the action and sleuthing. I have so many theories on things related to the last 25% of the book and NEED the sequel 😩
Thank you SO much to the author for the gifted copy!🖤
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑰 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆.
Prince Lucian is obsessed. Fall on his knees for her from the first moment🤭 Watching them grow on each other and get to know one another was everything. There was plenty of banter, but the sweet moments were my absolute favorite!
𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓, 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅, 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒂𝒍: 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑.
The plot was plotting and I cannot wait for the next book! The trials gave me chills, but also made me want to strangle Lucian😂 I was on the edge of my seat every chapter with the action and sleuthing. I have so many theories on things related to the last 25% of the book and NEED the sequel 😩
Thank you SO much to the author for the gifted copy!🖤
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the idea of the story more than how it was carried out. It had a similar feel to Harry Potter and Throne of Glass, but it didn't quite measure up to them. It has a solid start, but the future books in the series will need more development.
The characters didn’t feel very real or interesting. The male characters were all shades of grumpy without distinction. If there were fewer characters, the author could have focused more on developing each one.
The plot was okay, but it needed more detail to make it engaging. There wasn't enough background information to help us connect with the characters or the story. Some parts of the story took up too much time and didn't relate to the main plot, which distracted from the novel itself.
Finally, we all enjoy tropes, as they can be fun. However, using them right from the first chapter felt too obvious and set a predictable tone for the rest of the book. Also, there was no enemies to lovers or slow burn. He was obsessed immediately. Even though the idea was interesting, the writing felt too formulaic.
Thank you Ever King via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide my authentic opinions.
The characters didn’t feel very real or interesting. The male characters were all shades of grumpy without distinction. If there were fewer characters, the author could have focused more on developing each one.
The plot was okay, but it needed more detail to make it engaging. There wasn't enough background information to help us connect with the characters or the story. Some parts of the story took up too much time and didn't relate to the main plot, which distracted from the novel itself.
Finally, we all enjoy tropes, as they can be fun. However, using them right from the first chapter felt too obvious and set a predictable tone for the rest of the book. Also, there was no enemies to lovers or slow burn. He was obsessed immediately. Even though the idea was interesting, the writing felt too formulaic.
Thank you Ever King via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide my authentic opinions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, Murder