You’ve been invited deeper into the dark intrigue and mystery to uncover the secrets within and outside the wards of the Academy of Magic. Welcome to the labyrinth of secret societies, kings and gods, and witchcraft.

The first book set into motion a tale of events that continues to unravel in book two. The story is richer, the plot is thicker, and the romance is hotter. Let me introduce you to a new favorite couple Lyla Stark and Bastian Lightcroft.

Desperate to uncover more information on star marked while searching for the remaining pendants, soft and sweet Lyla tends to her greenhouse and tries to avoid thinking about a certain member of the raven society that has a penchant for stealing from her plants.

Shackled by hidden masters and desperate to keep his secrets covered, intelligent and wild Bastian Lightcroft spends his days practicing alchemy to craft potions for prospective clients while trying to keep his mind off of his flower girl who he can’t seem to stay away from.

While the raven society hides secrets of their own from one another, they discover they have more in common than they think with Kiara and Lyla and they might need to work together with one another, and potentially a few unlikely allies, to change the fate of what is to come to the Kingdom of Ithaka.

Lessons in Loyalty fully encapsulates the dark academia vibe from Academy of Villians that feels reminiscent of the halls of Hogwarts. For fans of Greek mythology with grimoires filled with magic and spicy moments for romance lovers alike.

I have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it last night! Ever King is a master of world building and lore, and we got so much more of both in Book 2 of the Academy of Villains series. I ate up every second of this book!

The relationships in Lessons in Loyalty were probably my favorite, and not just the romantic ones! I love a strong girl gang, and Lyla definitely found hers in this book. Watching Lyla’s relationship with both Kiara and Octavia strengthen throughout the book was inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where they all go from here!

The Heartstrings struck again, and this time we got to watch Lyla and Bastian’s relationship bloom! The banter between these 2 was delightful, and I could not get enough of their snarky back and forth. Bastian was such a softie only where Lyla was concerned, and those are always my favorite MMCs. I loved how much he wanted to protect her, but more importantly I loved that he wanted to ensure she was capable of protecting herself. Lyla may have been slightly unsure of her ability to do just that at the start of the book, but she was the main badass of this book by the end of it!

We got to learn so much more about the troubles the Kingdom of Ithaka has been facing, and Bastian’s unwilling part he had to play in all of that was absolutely heartbreaking. I’m so glad he has Lyla to help him move forward from here!

I am dying for Book 3, and I cannot wait to see who our next couple will be! I definitely have a few ideas. 😏 thank you so much to Ever King and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC! 💛🏛️✨

I literally love this series and I love Ever King. The way Ever King has taken the Greek gods and turned this story into something beautiful and amazing just is absolutely brilliant. I loved the Bastian and Lyla story so much. Edmund is still my favorite, but I cant wait for the next book! thank you again Ever King!

Lessons in Loyalty is the second book in the Academy of Villains series. Each book follows a different couple inspired by a Greek mythology love story. As the plot is gradually developed throughout the series, it is important to read the books in their publishing order.

The first book of the series got me hooked and now I can't wait for the next one.

Lessons in Loyalty gave me everything I like to read about. Strong female characters with a great development arc. Beatiful friendships. A morally gray MC with a lot of "hidden" green flags. Slow burn romance. A very well writen plot paked with political intrigue.

If you like Greek mythology, magic and romance, please give a chance to this series.

The second book in this magical, myth-inspired series follows Lyla Stark, a strong and quietly powerful FMC, and Bastian Lightcroft, a morally gray member of the Raven Society who carries a deadly secret. Their story blends enemies to lovers tension, touch-her-and-die protectiveness, and a dangerous game of trust and betrayal.

Lyla, the Oracle’s chosen guardian of the Golden Tree and its Apples, lives in the Greenhouse, navigating the unwanted attention of classmates. Bastian, is being used by Kore, working for Moros, to spy—or die. His loyalties are torn between duty, desperation, and an irresistible connection to Lyla.

As the two are forced together by fate and the Oracle’s mission, they uncover dark secrets, unsolved mysteries, memories that had been lost, and the thin line between hero and villain—because sometimes, the villain gets the girl. With rich Greek mythology undertones, elemental magic, and a fierce sense of found family among the Raven Society, this book is layered, emotional, and impossible to put down.

We also get more glimpses of Kiara, Prince Lucian, and the other members of the Raven Society and I’m already desperate for the next book in this amazing series.

🌟 ARC Review: Academy of Villains: Lesson in Loyalty by Ever King 🌟

What a ride! Ever King has delivered an emotionally charged, action-packed story full of morally grey characters, complicated loyalties, and heartbreak that hits deep. Lesson in Loyalty pulled me into a world where villains aren’t just evil—they’re broken, bold, and begging to be understood.

The tension between trust and betrayal kept me on edge the entire time. I found myself rooting for characters I knew I shouldn’t, and questioning every alliance. The emotional stakes were high, and when the plot twists hit—they hurt. There’s something raw and real in the way Ever King writes pain, love, and loyalty, and it stayed with me long after the final chapter.

If you love dark academia vibes, found family twisted by secrets, and characters who are loyal to a fault—this book will wreck you in the best way. I already need the next one.

✨ Thank you Ever King for the ARC—my villain era has officially begun.

Lyla Stark and Bastian Lightcroft's enemies to lovers story is one of the main stories on this amazingly captivating sequel. While Bastian is helping Prince Lucian plot a way to get rid of the demon Moros, Lyla is also figuring out how to activate the runes that she, Kiara, and Octavia found.
Lyla is also slowly falling for Bastian, who mostly uses her to steal her herbs and holds a very dark secret that even kind-hearted Lyla may not be able to forgive.
The academy holds many secrets and passageways that need to be discovered and explored in order to get rid of the God that has taken Ithaka hostage and restore the academy to its former glory.

Thank you, Netgalley and Everkingdom/ Ever King, for this beautiful ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you Ever King and NetGalley for this ARC.

Even though this story follows Lyla and Bastian the story still continues where it left off in book 1 it’s just different POVs. So you will want to read book 1 before you read this book.

Lyla and Bastian are an interesting pair. Forestmage and spiritmage both with their own secrets. What happens if the secrets are revealed? Why was Bastian so secretive in the first book and seemed a little suspicious? What happens when a heartstring is added to the mix?

It makes so much sense now when it comes to Bastian especially when you read his POV for the first time. The secrets, why he acts how he does, I knew there was something but wasn’t expecting what it actually was. I felt for him when reading his POV and the things going through his head.

I’m going to be honest and say for the first half I wasn’t so sure about Lyla. A few of the things she did had me thinking I don’t like where this is going. The second half made up for it and I did end up liking her it just took a little bit. Once I learned more about a few of the people involved in some of her decisions I understood a little bit more and didn’t think it was as bad. It all ended up making sense by the end.

While Lucian and Kiara aren’t the main characters you still do get to see them with a chapter in their POV each which I really liked. The things we learned in this book answered some of my questions from book 1 but at the same time left me with more questions and no answers yet.

Overall I really liked this book and can’t wait to see what the next one brings. That ending and especially the epilogue had me wanting more.

Ever King's second instalment in the Academy of Villains series, Lessons in Loyalty, continues to impress. 4.5/5
The evolving dynamic between Lyla and Bastian is laced with tension and vulnerability, as both characters grapple with loyalty, legacy, and trust. As their relationship grows, Lyla's sharp-edged resilience plays perfectly against Bastian's enigmatic intensity, sucking you in word for word. The dual POV adds depth to their arc giving us a glimpse of the emotional weight Lyla and Bastian’s journey brings from the heartache and hope behind every guarded glance.
There's something truly unique about this book's world. The academy isn’t just a backdrop—it pulses with its own history, secrets, and power plays that influence every decision the characters make.
I am looking forward to reading the next chapter in this unforgettable series. Academy of Villains has truly captured my attention.

Okay, wow! This one was so well done. I’m loving all the information we’re starting to get now. And the secrets unfolding!
Whereas I would say book 1 was more upper YA/new adult, this one is definitely in adult romantasy territory. I am really loving these ties to mythology and this magic system STILL. Let’s go witches and let’s go battle against evil! Love does always win.
Thank you so much to Ever King and NetGalley for this ARC! I’m thrilled for the next one, and definitely have recommended this to everyone I know.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for this ARC! This is my honest review after reading. I'm giving this a 3.75 stars rounded up to a 4 on Goodreads! The tale continues with Kiara and Lucian, but they're not longer the only main stars of the series as Lyla and Bastian enter the fray. These two had sooo much chemistry right from the beginning and I adored them so much together as main characters. The change was a bit abrupt to me but I ended up loving them so much it didn't matter at all to me. The plot was a bit disjointed compared to the last book at the start but I think the ending of this book was so interesting. There's so much happening and so many new things to consider it was quite exciting! The prose was the hardest part for me in this book. I felt like there was a lot of expose compared to actual plot and some things were a bit over explained or had more depth than was really needed. However, the chapters that had less of this were really really fun for me and made this story so worth it to read! There wasn't much happening school-wise in this book which was a bit sad as I always enjoy some classroom time but spending so much time in Lyla's greenhouse in exchange was worth it honestly. All in all, this was a fun and light story with some incredible magical feats and a dark ambiance to tie it together!

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Academy of Villains: Lessons of Loyalty
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Ever King
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 2 in the Academy of Villains Series

Tropes:
⚬ Fated Mates
⚬ Magic
⚬ Greek Mythology
⚬ Secret Society's
⚬ Academy Setting
⚬ Dual Pov

This book is like Harry Potter, meets Greek mythology, meets secret society's, meets Dark academia!! (even a hint of gossip girl!?!?!?! throwback!)

Lyla is the Guardian of the Greenhouse at the Academy of Mage. Her efinity for nature thrives there. She tends to all the Rare Flowers and Plants {plus guards the Golden Apple tree of the Orcale. Bastian is a member of the Raven Society, pawn of the king and holding dark secrets that could rock the carefully planned life he lea

This is book 2 in this series and i loved it!!! Getting really invested now in the story! I love how everything flows, the author did a really good job at linking everything together. There is a lot of information but its all relevant to the story and if you look deep you can stop little easter eggs of past/future events. Again i loooove the magic system, the whole personalized grimoires are such a cool thing! i would LOVE to see some art of each MC's grimoires. Ever King has truly got me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more about all these side characters! I'm so invested in all of them i struggle to decide who i want to know about next!

Bring on Book 3!!!

I love books with a school setting and this book brings magic to life and explores Greek mythology. After the first book I didn't think it could get any better but boy was I proven wrong. The excitement starts in the first chapter and it doesn't stop. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and the fantasy is wild. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I need it now!

Lessons in Loyalty is a gripping sequel that deepens both the world and emotional stakes of the series. With a richly imagined setting that blends myth-inspired storytelling and inventive twists on Greek legends, the story seamlessly weaves magic, politics, romance, and betrayal into a narrative that feels both fresh and deeply resonant. This instalment shifts focus to new main characters, Bastian and Lyla, whose banter and chemistry bring a dynamic energy, while still offering satisfying glimpses of Kiara and Lucian from book one.

The darkly enchanting academic setting enhances the mystery and moral complexity, as characters unravel secrets about their magic and the school’s role in an ongoing battle against Moros. The consequences of past choices echo powerfully, testing loyalties and reshaping alliances in meaningful ways. With high-stakes action, emotional depth, and just enough unanswered threads to fuel excitement for book three, Lessons in Loyalty is a standout continuation that will captivate returning fans and hook new readers alike.

I’m becoming more invested in this series with each book, and Lessons in Loyalty truly delivers. The world-building grows richer, skilfully blending myth-inspired storytelling with fresh, imaginative twists on Greek legends. The mythology isn’t merely decorative; it’s intricately woven into the characters’ struggles, giving the story depth and resonance.

The magic system remains intriguing, linking past and present mysteries that kept me eager for answers. The academic setting adds a dark, enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complements the morally complex world. What stood out most was how past choices impact the present, testing alliances and loyalties with genuine emotional weight. The blend of high stakes action and heartfelt moments kept me thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.

With expertly crafted politics, magic, romance, and betrayal, this sequel confirms my growing obsession with the series. Each twist and revelation only heightens my anticipation for what’s to come. If you loved the first book, this will deepen your connection; if you’re new to the series, prepare to be immersed in a stunning, thrilling world that’s impossible to forget.

I read the first in the series as an arc and was excited to receive book 2, Lessons in Loyalty, as an arc. I really enjoyed this story being continued, but by different MMC & FMCs. I loved the banter between Bastian and Lyla. We still get peaks into the main characters from book 1 (Kiara & Lucian), but the storyline is told predominantly told by others. It gives a different perspective - keeping the story fresh with new personalities, problems, and relationships.

In addition to continuing the battle against Moros, the characters are trying to solve the mystery about their magic and the school’s role in everything as well as navigate new friendships and love interests. I can’t wait for book 3 and like the little strings left untied for the next installment. It will be interesting to see who has the main POVs for that story.

Thank you NetGalley and Ever King for the ARC.

This is book two in a series that has a really interesting take on Greek mythology couples. Like book one you don’t need to know anything about the mythology to enjoy but if you are into it then you will enjoy all the nods to the original myths as well as the unusual way the author weaves them into an epic new fantasy world. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and making guesses about the future couples.

I rated 4 stars but I do wish I could do 4.5 stars. It is honestly better then just 4 but I can’t give it 5 because there were parts that were disjointed enough I had to read a couple times to make sure I understood what was happening.

this book is definitely unique as it has a unique writing style in it. as an overall summary i enjoyed this book much more than book 1, i just felt there was more chemistry between the characters. however this book is very unique in the fact that it switches main POV's in the second book, similar to interconnected standalone romances however this is where the similarities end as the standalone romances start and end a plot within the book while this plot was carried over. i did struggle at times with this book because it was clear Kiara and Lucien were the main characters and the story revolves around them while this book touched less on that and more on Bastian and lyla. while this book was enjoyable i would have rather it been a spinoff rather than a continuation, with the main books in Kiara/lucian POV's with either a new book from this book happening after the events or simultaneously.

Lessons in Loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis (Academy of Villains #2) by Ever King

Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic and guardian of the golden apples, is about to learn that in the kingdom of Ithaka, nothing is as it seems. And when a Heartstring binds her to Bastian Lightcroft, his darkest secrets will shatter everything she thought she knew about magic, loyalty, and love itself.

Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Adoration, Intrigue, Warmth
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic Academia, Magic
First published : June 24, 2025 : Kindle

I’m getting more invested in this series as it progresses. We are graced with another wonderful myth inspired story with our tortured soul Bastion being the focus of this continuing epic. Lore and world building are being spun at a fascinating mesmerizing rate. We get to continue to see our favorite Ravens and found family from book one as everyone’s story is progressed some. I love how seamless the story progression is while sharing a focus on a new pairing and still spending time with others. I admit I’m starting to have some favorites and can’t wait for their books. The magic system and how it binds with the mystery of the past and present is leaving me wanting to know more about why everything is the way it is !!! I can’t wait for the next book.


Favorite Quote: "I've been adored, pursued, worshiped - yet I have never belonged to anyone."

This book has:
Strong FMC
Morally Gray MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Touch her and die
Found Family
Hidden Identify
Secret societies
Politics
Villain gets the girl
Magic
Potions
Hints of Greek mythology

Lessons in Loyalty by Ever King

This was such a fun and dramatic read. I loved being back in the Academy of Villains world and this one had even more tension and twists. Lyla and Bastian were such a cool pairing and the whole fated bond thing had me completely hooked.

I really liked the dark magic vibes and the Greek myth twist was super interesting. Some parts were a bit slow but overall I couldn’t stop reading and needed to know what was going to happen.

If you like magic schools, intense romance, and a bit of mythology mixed in, this is one to check out.