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A review by luna_98
Academy of Villains by Ever King
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Academy of Villains by Ever King is an emotional and action packed book inspired by a Greek mythology love story.
Kiara is a badass FMC who immediately had me on her side. I supported her all throughout the story and admired her tenacity even though it literally put her life in danger on multiple occasions. She continually learns more about herself and how to accept the different facets of her existence which was very relatable. You have to embrace who you are, even the uncomfortable parts.
Prince Lucian is everything I want in a hero MMC. Strong-willed, brave, and has an inner darkness he is learning to control and understand. I love the way he fiercely protects Kiara, not in a damsel in distress way, but because he truly cares about her. He knows she can protect herself but he wants to help.
The overall vibe of the story is dark academia with strong magical/fantasy elements, and a touch of a slow-burn romance. The enemies to lovers, fated mates, and ‘one bed’ tropes are featured and don’t disappoint. The idea of the characters attending a school that helps students learn to harness and use their magic reminded me of the Harry Potter series. I don’t claim to be an avid fantasy reader (I’m typically found reading romance or thrillers), so the fact that I enjoyed this so much is a good sign! I highly recommend, especially if you’re already a big fantasy/romatasy lover, or even looking to dip your toes into that genre.
A few of my favorite quotes:
✨ “A part of me relishes that thought—the danger. It’s unhinged, I know, but I can’t shake the excitement that comes with it.”
🖤 “We’re connected. Bound. She belongs to me now. She’s mine—my responsibility. I have to protect her, even from my own father.”
✨ “We’re starlight and shadow. Together, we’re unstoppable.”
🖤 “In that moment, it hits me—he was the darkness I craved, and I was the light he couldn’t escape.”
I’m very thankful to Ever King and StoryOrigin for allowing me to read this ARC (my first!). I can’t wait to the read the rest of the series.
Kiara is a badass FMC who immediately had me on her side. I supported her all throughout the story and admired her tenacity even though it literally put her life in danger on multiple occasions. She continually learns more about herself and how to accept the different facets of her existence which was very relatable. You have to embrace who you are, even the uncomfortable parts.
Prince Lucian is everything I want in a hero MMC. Strong-willed, brave, and has an inner darkness he is learning to control and understand. I love the way he fiercely protects Kiara, not in a damsel in distress way, but because he truly cares about her. He knows she can protect herself but he wants to help.
The overall vibe of the story is dark academia with strong magical/fantasy elements, and a touch of a slow-burn romance. The enemies to lovers, fated mates, and ‘one bed’ tropes are featured and don’t disappoint. The idea of the characters attending a school that helps students learn to harness and use their magic reminded me of the Harry Potter series. I don’t claim to be an avid fantasy reader (I’m typically found reading romance or thrillers), so the fact that I enjoyed this so much is a good sign! I highly recommend, especially if you’re already a big fantasy/romatasy lover, or even looking to dip your toes into that genre.
A few of my favorite quotes:
✨ “A part of me relishes that thought—the danger. It’s unhinged, I know, but I can’t shake the excitement that comes with it.”
🖤 “We’re connected. Bound. She belongs to me now. She’s mine—my responsibility. I have to protect her, even from my own father.”
✨ “We’re starlight and shadow. Together, we’re unstoppable.”
🖤 “In that moment, it hits me—he was the darkness I craved, and I was the light he couldn’t escape.”
I’m very thankful to Ever King and StoryOrigin for allowing me to read this ARC (my first!). I can’t wait to the read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Self harm, Blood