Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

DNFed after 5 chapters. Things were not adding up and it’s only the beginning. I have so many questions.

Kiara, our protagonist, is an assassin. She infiltrates a school with a magical barrier to kill a prince. Okay, how did she through without any magic? Then she “finds” the prince after stalking him for a few days (or rather he finds her). Again, how did she stalk him? Did she get through the barrier multiple times? How did someone notice her stalking him if she’s a very good assassin?? Then they both end up attending a ceremony (similar to the Harry Potter house sorting)??? She just walks into the ceremony and NO ONE QUESTIONS HER? THEY EVEN SORT HER INTO HER?? And now she finds out she’s a rare type of mage. So now she’s enrolled in the school? WHAT. HOW? And then she’s placed into a fighting class that requires you to have knowledge on how to use your magic but again, no one questions her place in the academy??

I hope other people like this more than me, but I have better books to read.

4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🫑 a good time - I enjoy an academy setting and trials with some cutie moments sprinkled in

Thank you Netgalley, Ivymoon Publishing, and Ever King for providing me with an e-ARC to review!

I really liked this one and can’t wait for book 2!
I felt the book’s pace overall was pretty steady from the get go. You learn a little bit of Kiara’s back story and how she got to be an assassin, and she infiltrates the academy pretty quickly into it. She has good character growth. The magic kept me interested - the way the characters have to use a grimoires to channel their magic isn’t something I’ve come across (at least so far). And I appreciated the dual POV chapters, it was so cute to see Lucian’s POV to Kiara 😂
Definitely YA - not much spice (just a couple steamy kiss scenes), with tid bits of romance throughout.

I couldn't get into the way it was written.The plot had so much potential (although, nothing original) considering it was giving major dark harry potter vibes but the execution was just not it. It felt like we were shifting from one point of the plot to another but nothing was tying up.

The characters were bland and the amount of times i rolled my eyes over the dialogues, ugh. im not even kidding, my eyes hurt from all that exercise.

Normally, this would have been a dnf but I pushed through it somehow.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Academy of Villains is everything you want in a dark, twisty fantasy. It’s set in an academy that trains the next generation of villains, so you know it’s going to get messy—and it absolutely does. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the characters are so morally gray, you’ll be questioning who the “good guys” really are. It’s the kind of book that makes you root for the antiheroes, even when they make questionable decisions. The story has plenty of twists, and it’s full of tension, mystery, and betrayal. If you love books where nothing is what it seems, Academy of Villains is definitely worth checking out.

thank you for arc read

I read this book via NetGalley.

Summary: This book is a fantasy book about a young female assassin who goes to an academy of mages, all with different types of magic in an attempt to murder a prince so she can break a curse. There are lots of interesting plot twists, and we see the relationship between the two main characters develop.

What I liked:
- interesting character development
- I love when the MMC pines for the FMC!!
- I love how much detail there was about the different type of magic
- the pace is great. I was excited to get back to reading this after a short break
- the world building and descriptions of the places were amazing and really helped me to picture this in my head

Review: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

*Academy of Villains* by Ever King is a dark and enchanting twist on Greek mythology, blending the drama of a perilous magic academy with an electrifying romance. The story follows Kiara, a former assassin who infiltrates the academy to kill the cursed prince Lucian, only to discover she possesses magic herself. With secret societies, dangerous trials, and a looming prophecy, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable.

The book’s setting is richly atmospheric, with a sentient academy and a unique grimoire-based magic system that adds a fresh twist. The dual POV of Kiara and Lucian provides insight into their complicated emotions and evolving relationship, though the "enemies-to-lovers" progression felt a bit rushed at times. Still, their chemistry sizzles, and their bond is compelling.

While the plot is fast-paced and packed with twists, it occasionally sacrifices deeper character development and world-building. I wanted more time to explore the academy’s inner workings and the intriguing mysteries hinted at. Despite these minor drawbacks, the book’s dark academia vibes, morally grey characters, and mythological influences make it an addictive read.

If you’re a fan of magical academies, forbidden romance, and dark fantasy with a mythological twist, *Academy of Villains* is a promising start to the series. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next installment!

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1/5 🌶️

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What to Expect:
💚Enemies to Lovers
🔮Morally Grey (Anti) Heroes
💚Shadow Daddy
🔮Magic Academies
💚Secret Societies
🔮Powerful FMC’s
💚Trials
🔮Mystery with Clues
💚Greek Mythology
🔮Dark Romance
💚Warriors

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"Academy of Villains" by Ever King drew me in with its promise of dark academia vibes, a magical academy steeped in secrets, and a romance inspired by Greek mythology. From the very first page, Kiara’s journey as an assassin infiltrating the academy gripped me. The world-building was absolutely enchanting, and with its magic system tied to grimoires and the academy’s eerie, it almost seemed like a sentient presence. I particularly loved the layers of mystery and suspense woven throughout the story, from hidden societies to forgotten prophecies, which kept the pages turning one after the other.

The romance between Kiara and Prince Lucian was equal parts tension and tenderness. Their fated bond, built around magical heartstrings, added emotional weight to their interactions, though I admit the "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic felt a bit rushed. Still, their chemistry shined BRIGHT, and the dual POV brought depth and emotions to/from both characters. Beyond the romance, I was of course, charmed by the found family vibe within the secret societies, particularly Kaspian’s charm and Tobias’ unique representation with hand signals, which brought in a broad arrange of life to the cast.

While the pacing was action-packed and kept me hooked, it did sacrifice some world-building and character development along the way. I wanted to see more of the academy’s day-to-day dynamics and delve deeper into the mysteries hinted at—like the missing keys and other heartstring bonds. Despite these quibbles, "Academy of Villains" is an engaging start to the series. If you’re a fan of magical academies, morally complex characters, and a dash of mythology, this book is worth picking up. I’ll be eagerly awaiting book two!

Harry Potter x Gossip Girl. She did not have to go so hard with this omg I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book???? We jump into it and from page one I was eating this up. Absolutely loved it!

I really enjoyed this book and I thought that the magic system was unique and the premise very interesting. It is indeed senior school Harry Potter (sorting ceremony, yay!), dark academia, enemies to loves with a twist of greek mythology, trials and a sprinkle of Gossip Girl, brilliant. Kiara is a wonderful MFC and her romance with Lucian well executed in development. The pace was perfect and we are definitely left invested in how the story continues. The Heartstrings are a fresh and original take on fated mates.
The only things that didn't work for me was how quickly Kiara mastered her magic (I felt it all happened too quickly, especially considering that she's the most powerful of them all). I would also have loved to find out more about her past with the Nameless and how she became a skilled assassin, I felt that aspect went a bit underutilised. And finally, there was a bit too much talk/ inner monologue about how K&L need to be in this together and trusting each other, I am not dismissing the need for these conversations/thoughts, I just felt like it dragged on a bit too much 9maybe a tighter editing could benefit this bit of the story).
Overall, super enjoyable, highly recommend and can't wait for the next installment. A huge thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

This book had me from the very first page. I devoured it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down.

It's a dark fantasy romance inspired by greek mythology filled with magic, curses and intrigue. I loved the magic system in this one. Similar to Zodiac Academy where they don't know their magic ability until it's revealed during some kind of ceremony.

Kiara our FMC is a magicless Nameless assassin hired to killed the cursed prince to end the royal bloodline and the curse plaguing their evil king and kingdom. While sneaking into the academy to fulfill her task, she discovers she's a mage. Not just any mage, a starmage, a power line long thought to be extinct which sends the academy into chaos. I love that it's dual POV, so you get the prince's perspective as well. Prince Lucian is a shadowmage who's dark magic is instantly drawn to Kiara, even though she's trying to kill him every chance she gets. I love their connection and growth throughout the book and cannot wait for the next one!

Read if you like:
🗡️ enemies to lovers
🗡️ villain gets the girl
🗡️ magic academia
🗡️ secret societies
🗡️ cursed kingdom
🗡️ I came to 💀 you but fell in love
🗡️ shadow daddy
🗡️ fade to black
🗡️ slow burn
🗡️ fate mates
🗡️ hidden powers

Thanks you Netgalley and Ever King for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.

I read this when it first came out and had to get a copy from NetGalley so that I could provide my feedback. This book was fantastic. I absolutely loved the fact that this felt a little like Harry Potter but had the mythology aspect of it. Great read!

Academy of Villains is a captivating blend of Greek mythology, a perilous magical academy, and a thrilling romance. As soon as I saw it on NetGalley, I was intrigued by its premise and knew I had to read it.
The story follows Kiara, a former assassin with a hidden magical gift, as she infiltrates a dangerous academy to assassinate Prince Lucian. Told through dual POVs, the book offers deep insight into both Kiara and Lucian, revealing their struggles, motivations, and the growing bond between them. With a looming prophecy and their intertwined destinies, the stakes are high as they confront their pasts and work together to save their world.
The immersive world-building brings the academy’s dark and mysterious setting to life, with details like a sentient school and a unique magic system cantered around grimoires. Which I loved. Also, the inclusion of Greek mythology, inspiration from Nyx and Erebus, adds depth, while secret societies and deadly trials create an atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.
Academy of Villains with its dark academia vibes and promising foundation, it’s an exciting start to a thrilling series.

This book was so so good!! I am ready for book 2 now! This book gives you everything you want in the fast-paced magical world. From the first page I was hooked :). I really loved the dynamic of the friendships, the secrets, the magnetic pull between the characters & the academic setting. Academy of Villains gives you strong Harry Potter vibes mixed with dark academia setting, except the students really are trying to kill each other and not only are there houses but secret societies. Aaanndddd enemies to lovers, missing students, deadly trials, elemental magic, cursed kingdom, star & shadow magic, heartbonds, and so so much more. It was every trope I loved wrapped into a book!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC copy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

**Academy of Villains** by Ever King is a wild, dark, and thoroughly entertaining ride into a school where the bad guys take center stage. The story follows a group of morally gray (and sometimes downright evil) students training to become the next generation of villains. From scheming classmates to dangerous secrets, the Academy is a place where survival takes cunning, alliances are fragile, and ambition is everything. It’s a mix of dark humor, action, and complex characters that keeps you hooked from the start.

This book is such a fun twist on the typical "hero academy" trope. The world-building is solid, and the characters are flawed but fascinating—you might not root for them, but you’ll definitely want to know what happens next. The pacing is spot-on, with enough twists and tension to keep the pages turning. The interpersonal drama and power struggles between the students are messy in the best way, and the dark, edgy tone makes it stand out.

That said, it’s not perfect. Some of the plot twists are a bit predictable, and there are moments where the story leans a little too hard into its own edginess. But honestly, it’s part of the charm. If you’re into morally gray characters, high-stakes competition, and a story that doesn’t shy away from the dark side, this one’s for you.

**Rating:** ★★★★ (4/5)

*Academy of Villains* is the perfect pick for fans of dark academia, anti-heroes, and a little chaos. It’s sharp, fun, and just twisted enough to leave you wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for an eArc of the book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review.

Dark academia, Greek mythology, an intriguing magic system and a slow-burn romance-- Academy of Villains has it all!

The story was exciting, easy to get into and gave me feelings of both nostalgia and FOMO 😂 Book one of this series was enjoyable and I look forward to seeing where the adventure leads!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for the e-ARC!

Thabk you so much for the arc!
Absolutely loved this book! Was an easy and fast read. The dark fantasy was well written, gave me harry potter vibes turned dark. Definitely recommend it.

The story idea of a cursed royal family set in a magic academy was what intrigued me and the magic system was very interesting. The plot was very creative! I loved that this was very Harry Potter coded.

However, the execution fell a bit flat for me. It lacked a level of depth that kept me in the story and a lot happened quickly without much description, so I had trouble getting to know the main characters past the anger and trauma and frustration from their pasts, and even had trouble picturing them.

We came a long way from the beginning of the book, but it felt a bit like the plot points and twists would fly in out of left field and then get blatantly explained.

It was a good start but felt just ok overall. Probably just not my cup of tea but a decent YA fantasy romance.

Kiara was raised to hate and kill the mages who suppressed the common people. When a job to kill the crown prince leads her into the magical academy, she never suspected that she might have magic too. Can she figure out what is going on, who she can trust, and where this old magic has come from?

This was an interesting re-telling of the myth. I really liked the cast of characters too. Ever King's writing style has a nice ebb and flow. I look forward to reading the next title in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for the ARC!

This story immediately hooked me with its opening, introducing Kiara, our fearless FMC—a “nameless” assassin on a mission to break the kingdom’s curse by killing the Prince. The premise was gripping and pulled me right in.

From there, nothing is as it seems. Kiara’s plan unravels as she discovers hidden truths and is forced to confront the essence of who she truly is.

This book reads like classic YA with closed-door spice (.5 🌶️)—kissing, making out, and some yearning that gives you all the angsty, slow-burn feels. The tension and interactions between Kiara and Prince Lucian were chef’s kiss.

The pacing is quick—while there are many elements and side characters introduced, I feel this is laying the groundwork for future novels and the heartstrings that connect their powers. ✨ I do wish we had more time to explore the dynamic between the FMC and MMC, but the story manages to pack a lot into its pages.

Tropes:
• Academia
• You’re mine
• Enemies to lovers
• Trials
• Shadow daddy vibes
• I’ll burn the world down for her

I’d recommend this to anyone who loves YA with a strong plot and a side of romance. If you enjoy immersive magical worlds, unique magic systems, and Greek mythology influences, this book will be right up your alley. I devoured it in less than 24 hours!