Academy of Villains - Nyx & Erebus (Academy of Villains, #1) in Everkingdom Army 鈿旓笍

Sep 03, 2024 Ever King added it · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: academy-of-villains

*** Note: Academy of Villains was rereleased in June 2025. This updated version has 8 new chapters + an epilogue.

Academy of Villains - A Dark Academia Romantasy!
Inspired by the Greek mythology love story of Nyx and Erebus. Kiara and Lucian's book.
Available Now | 猱�

Meet the characters, explore the Kingdom of Ithaka, and uncover the lore and mythology inspiration behind the story at Everkingdom.com.

Meet Kiara, the assassin inspired by Nyx.

鈥淜iara

听

Meet Prince Lucian D ...more

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Dec 05, 2024 chenaey 啾ㄠ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

my rating: 鈽呪槄鈽呪槄

aesthetic: 馃挮馃棥锔忦煂拆煣氿煆尖€嶁檪锔忦煉€馃摽馃彌锔忦煇︹€嶁瑳馃彴馃憫馃摂

A captivating entry in the dark academia fantasy romance genre, blending elements of Greek mythology with a magical academy setting. The story follows Kiara, a former assassin with a hidden magical gift, as she infiltrates a dangerous magic academy with the mission of assassinating Prince Lucian, a cursed royal whose life is entwined with the kingdom鈥檚 dark secrets.

The atmosphere of the academy is immersive, steeped in mystery, danger, and enchantment ...more

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Oct 30, 2024 Kate rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs-net-galley

If you鈥檝e ever wondered what Harry Potter would be like if the students were capable, and willing to kill each other, the ruling classes were totally corrupt by dark magics and there was sizzling sexual tension, look no further.

Ever King鈥檚 Academy of Villains is a light bite of steamy (closed door) magical adventure, littered with captivating world building and bag loads of intrigue. We explore the Academy alongside Kiara, peeling back its deadly layers to find a prophecy that could change the ...more

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Nov 07, 2024 Joanna rated it really liked it

The book reminded me of elements from Harry Potter and Powerless, yet it has its own unique qualities and a complex world that truly sets it apart. The story kept me hooked, and I was always eager to find out what would happen next. The pacing is quick, with little room for slow or boring chapters, which makes it easy to stay engaged.

This is a great choice for readers who enjoy 鈥渆nemies to lovers,鈥� a light romantasy, and a fated romance dynamic.

While I did feel that a few more chapters dedicated ...more

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Nov 10, 2024 mel. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

the title alone piqued my interest. anyone who knows me knows how much i love villain-gets-the-girl and enemies-to-lovers tropes. add in a dash of fantasy mystery, greek mythology, and a fearless FMC, and this book was right up my alley. Ever King's take on fated mates with the concept of heartstrings was a refreshing take on a well-loved trope. i wish the book was a bit longer to allow for more world-building, more hate-filled banter between kiara and lucian, and more development of side charac ...more

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Nov 26, 2024 Ethereal Amorist rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

4.75 猸�

Thank you to Netgalley and Ever King for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the concept of mages and the academy followed in the story. It was similar to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer鈥檚 Stone with the set up except for the things like the magic systems and the characters being teenagers.

The book is said to be "Nyx and Erebus Greek Mythology Retelling" but I'm not really familiar with that myth so I don't know how in line it was to it. However, the plot had me ho ...more

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Nov 08, 2024 Nia Reading Journey rated it it was amazing

Rate : 5

In a kingdom where darkness almost consumes everything. The evil king expands his territory to gain more power brutally. More blood, more life needed to sacrifice his wicked desire. Kill parents, take their children and train them to become assassins, become weapons that he could conjure everywhere and anywhere according to his will. This curse needed to end, thought Kiara, one of the assassins, and she was sent to the magic academy for a mission and this is where her life began to chang ...more

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Nov 30, 2024 Alissya Hifo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

ARC REVIEW:
Give me anything in an ACADEMY setting and im going to devour it!

Academy of Villains is a school for mages with a new magic system. Our fmc (kiara) and mmc (lucian) have an instant connection馃敟. The story was fast paced leading our main characters on a journey together, where they face trials together and start to uncover clues about a curse that is PLAGUING the kingdom.

I was absolutely living for our Prince鈥檚 friend group. Love a loyal bromance. Hope to see more of them. The secret ...more

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Oct 31, 2024 Katie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I am a little late but I eventually made it! First, thank you, Ever King, for the ACR copy.

This book was an awesome start to a series! I had to use my 'read out loud' feature for this book because my phone's screen got broken. It was so well written that I was able to follow along with the story just fine even with it being read out loud.

This book is everything I love about enemies to lovers. Slow burn, good plot, full interesting character roster, and great world building. Our main female lead ...more

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Nov 12, 2024 Amanda Doehrer rated it it was amazing

This novel presents a captivating blend of magic, intrigue, and romance, set within a school that exudes a dark, Slytherin-like ambiance. The dynamic between the Nameless assassin, Kiara, and the crown prince, Lucian, unfolds as a compelling enemies-to-lovers trope, filled with tension and gradual emotional evolution. Their combined magic resurrects the ancient concept of soul mate bonds, or heartstrings, injecting delightful chaos and complexity into their world. The slow-burning romance is tas ...more

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Dec 08, 2024 Danielle Brown rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

If you love Zodiac Academy without the spice and Harry Potter then this book is for you.. I loved the way that the characters grow throughout the book and realise that together they're stronger.. doing what they must to save the kingdom from the Curse and finding themselves along the way.. the storyline and the trials were brilliant and I really enjoyed the flow throughout.. I can't wait to find out what comes next.. ...more

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Dec 04, 2024 Megan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

鉁ˋcademy of Villains鉁�

With Harry Potter meets dark academia vibes, this first in a series of magic academy books was so fun.

In AOV, we follow the POV of human assassin, Kiara, and our shadow daddy prince, Lucien. Kiara is on a mission to kill Lucien and hopefully break the curse that has been ravaging the suppressed humans. But after she gets caught and dragged into the sorting ceremony, Kiara finds her mundaneness isn鈥檛 so mundane. Instead, Kiara becomes the first starmage since their destructi ...more

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Nov 24, 2024 Fedythereader rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Thank you so so much to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me!!!

鈥淚鈥檝e been hired to kill the prince鈥�

鈥淭here you are. I鈥檝e been waiting for you鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 as if she鈥檚 concealing a dark secret, and I can鈥檛 resist the urge to uncover it鈥�

I wish I could say I am surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. The truth is 鈥� I am not. From the first page, from the first sentence and from the premise I knew it was exactly something I would have absolutely loved !!! And boy what a wild ride i Thank you so so much to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me!!!

鈥淚鈥檝e been hired to kill the prince鈥�

鈥淭here you are. I鈥檝e been waiting for you鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 as if she鈥檚 concealing a dark secret, and I can鈥檛 resist the urge to uncover it鈥�

I wish I could say I am surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. The truth is 鈥� I am not. From the first page, from the first sentence and from the premise I knew it was exactly something I would have absolutely loved !!! And boy what a wild ride it was !!!! A dark academia, Greek mythology inspired, enemies to lovers fantasy romance with mages and shadow powers !!!! I loved reading the story of Kiara and Lucian. They were such a fun power couple to read about !!!! The tension between them was thick and it is a slow burn that will lead you to the ending before getting something different than hands touching. But those hand touching moments were like FIRE !!! And I wasn鈥檛 even sure if I wanted more. Every glances, every single inner thoughts one of them had (especially Lucian cause that guy knows what obsession is) felt priceless and I wanted more!!! Plus, the gothic academia vibes and setting and the journey they had to go through was so action packed and fast paced that I simply didn鈥檛 want to nor could stop reading!!!! I read this book in one sitting for goodness sake!!!! I picked it up and then I put it down only at the end!!!! To be fair, I鈥檓 such as suckers for stories like this one and when some of my favourite tropes were brought to life here (one bed, enemies to lovers and shadow powers) I simply could not deny my heart the experience it was craving!!! And after that ending 鈥� I need the next one already !!!!

鈥淔or the first time in a long while, I feel truly free. I鈥檓 in control of my own fate. In control of my destiny鈥�

鈥淚 want her in ways that鈥檒l erase that defiance, that hatred from her eyes. I want her to look at me differently. To see me. To want me. To need me. And I will make her look at me that way鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 something seriously wrong with me because the thought of her fighting only makes me want her more鈥� ...more

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Dec 09, 2024 Yasmin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Academy of Villains is the first book in a new series inspired by the Greek mythology love story of Nyx and Erebus. The story introduces Kiara, one of the Nameless鈥攁n elite group of assassins. Kiara is hired to kill the Crown Prince, who is currently attending an Academy to learn magic as a Shadowmage. After infiltrating the Academy, Kiara is caught by the prince himself.

Unbeknownst to Kiara, every new student at the Academy undergoes a ritual to unlock and announce their magical abilities. ...more

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Nov 17, 2024 Ashley rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

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

4.5 stars

This gave me dark Harry Potter meets Gossip Girl vibes. I read this in one sitting. The world building and character development were great. I enjoyed the side characters as well. I liked the slow burn between Kiara and Lucian. (Closed door)

I'm hoping there's more because I'd like to see more from the characters and this world! ...more

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Dec 06, 2024 holly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

academy of villains by ever king is the first in the fantasy series which is inspired by greek mythology.

this story follows kiara, a nameless assassin with no magic, who has been tasked to infiltrate the magical academy to kill prince lucian whose family is linked to a curse that has plagued the lands that cost her her parents. she detests magic and mages for her loss and wants vengeance. however, in her efforts, she is forced i Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

academy of villains by ever king is the first in the fantasy series which is inspired by greek mythology.

this story follows kiara, a nameless assassin with no magic, who has been tasked to infiltrate the magical academy to kill prince lucian whose family is linked to a curse that has plagued the lands that cost her her parents. she detests magic and mages for her loss and wants vengeance. however, in her efforts, she is forced into the mages sorting ceremony at the academy and discovers she is actually a mage herself and one of the most rare mages.

while she keeps her true identity to herself, she is still onto her plan of killing lucian. she learns more about the academy, secret societies, how to wield her magic and finds herself conflicted with not only her mission and her hatred for all things magic but how she feels with her own magic and most importantly, the prince himself.

this story amazed me from the get go. i honestly enjoy fantasy books set in dark, academic settings and throw in some greek mythology for extra layer of intrigue and鈥� just wow. it鈥檚 fast paced with an amazing magic system and world building that feels so atmospheric. the trials at the end? on edge the entire time.

kiara is a badass and strong-willed FC despite her tragic backstory which only adds to the layers of her. her indecision mixed in with self discovery was written so well as she learns more about her own magic and how it influences her mission. lucian made me giggle many times with his sarcasm and broodiness. he is intrigued by kiara from the beginning and wants to know who she is and what her intentions are. (bonus points for being a shadowmage). their chemistry was insane as they both juggling their motives and feelings, conflicting at many times. his protectiveness and her learning to accept his help? their back and forth? the development? just chefs kiss. overall, i am obsessed and i need the next one tomorrow.

if you like harry potter, zodiac academy and throne of glass then this book should be on your TBR !!! ...more

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Dec 15, 2024 Shelby rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2024-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 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 猸愶笍

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 bal 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 猸愶笍

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猸愶笍/5
馃尪馃尪/5 ...more

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Dec 09, 2024 fierce.shieldmaiden_reads rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Academy of Villains

猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍+ .5
(Re-read updated copy from NetGalley)
馃珣(closed door)(upper YA)(a bit steamy)

Going into this I barreled through, and was so captivated by the world building, the characters, and the plot. I liked how easy it was to follow, but unique as anything!
And Assassin and Cursed Prince? Oh baby I鈥檓 there! I love this plot line and I def have questions鈥�.
An absolutely fierce FMC and an obsessed MMC. I love this dynamic and I love Lucien and Kiara.
Plus the romance was very al ...more

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Dec 02, 2024 Irma Miller rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

鈿旓笍 Book Review 鈿旓笍
Academy of Villians by Ever King
I don't even know where to start with this book. I LOVED it!!馃挒 Ever King's name is added to my auto buy author list!!
鈿旓笍
This book is a fast-paced dark romantasy 馃枻馃枻. It's a Greek mythology retelling of Nyx, the Greek goddess of night, and Erebus, the Greek god of darkness, which she captures perfectly. The FMC is a trained assassin hired to kill the prince. The first line of this book had me hooked - "I鈥檝e been hired to kill the prince." King's wr ...more

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Nov 26, 2024 Baeannereads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

A huge thank you to NetGalley , the publisher, and Ever King for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Academy of Villains by Ever King grabs your attention right from the first page. This fast-paced, captivating upper YA dark academia novel draws inspiration from the Greek mythology love story of Nyx and Erebus, with plenty of mythological Easter eggs sprinkled throughout.

The story follows Kiara, our fierce female protagonist and an assassin who discovers she is a starmage, A huge thank you to NetGalley , the publisher, and Ever King for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Academy of Villains by Ever King grabs your attention right from the first page. This fast-paced, captivating upper YA dark academia novel draws inspiration from the Greek mythology love story of Nyx and Erebus, with plenty of mythological Easter eggs sprinkled throughout.

The story follows Kiara, our fierce female protagonist and an assassin who discovers she is a starmage, gifted with celestial magic. The male lead, Lucian Darking, is the Crown Prince of Ithaka and a shadowmage wielding dark, cursed magic. Their dynamic leans heavily into the Enemies-to-Lovers trope, with Kiara determined to kill Lucian in order to break a dark curse that haunts the Kingdom of Ithaka. However, Lucian is instantly captivated by Kiara, and despite being opposites in almost every way, their connection is undeniable. Without giving too much away, the plot takes us on a thrilling journey as they meet at the Academy and set out to unravel the mystery of the curse.

Academy of Villains offers a darker, grittier take on Harry Potter, combined with the rich, complex world of Greek mythology鈥攁 heady and intriguing blend. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to dive into the next installment. Below are a few quotes that really resonated with me, giving a taste of the magic and tension you can expect from this book.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e coming for her 鈥� And I鈥檒l be damned if they touch her鈥�

鈥淗e was the darkness I craved, and I was the light he couldn鈥檛 escape鈥�

鈥淣othing stays the same, not forever. The sea teaches us that. You may think you know the course of your journey, but the current has a way of shifting beneath your feet鈥�

鈥淪acrifice is often the price of change鈥�

鈥淚 won鈥檛 let fear or doubt hold me back. I am the one they should fear鈥�

鈥淎s long as there鈥檚 breath in my body, nothing will touch her. Nothing will take her from me. If she hates me for it, so be it. Curse, or no curse, I鈥檒l burn the whole world down before I let her fall鈥�

鈥淚f his love is a curse, I鈥檒l wear it like a crown鈥�

鈥淟oyalty can be a fragile thing easily swayed by ambition and fear鈥� ...more

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Dec 12, 2024 jaylen gavie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 25, 2024 Anon Bookgirl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I REALLY enjoyed this, on the surface this is very much a hogwarts meets dark academia with a sprinkling of greek themes and a cool magic system. I enjoyed the elemental magic and the characters. I also thought this was more of a love story than anything although there are some great action scenes! Slow burn, not really any spice but this was really easy to read! And would definitley be reading the next one!

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Oct 20, 2024 Karissa Sperry rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved this book! It鈥檚 very well written, has a badass feisty sarcastic fmc and a shadow daddy mmc. Kiera is an assassin who gets hired to off the prince but she finds out she has magic and gets roped into attending a mage academy. Along the way she is on a quest to end a curse of the royal bloodline and free the kingdom of this dark plague! I can鈥檛 wait for book 2!

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Oct 27, 2024 Sami rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book caught me in its grasp from page 1! It was such a wild ride! Every time I thought I had it figured out, a curveball would be thrown at me! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants adventure, magic, a magic school, and fated mates. Seriously though, go read this book!

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Nov 21, 2024 Julianne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley, favorites

I absolutely loved this book! The tension, twists and turns are everything! I love the romance between Kiara and Lucien and how they get through everything thrown at them together. Every page I turned was full of adventure, romance and friendship and I couldn't stop reading! The adventure is addictive and I found myself wanting to know what happens next after every page. Ever King is a fantastic writer and I cannot wait to read book two!

I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys romant ...more

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Nov 03, 2024 Zyria 🩷 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.75 猸愶笍

The way I inhaled this book omg there was things I didn鈥檛 see coming and things that finally clicked as you read more of the story. The ending left me wanting more and also had me staring at my phone for a good 5 minutes 馃槀馃槀

鈥� Cursed prince x Assassin
鈥� Villain gets the girl
鈥� enemies to lovers
鈥� Secret society
鈥� Greek mythology and retelling
鈥� Magic academy

鈥� she鈥檚 dangerous and beautiful. Stunningly so, but it鈥檚 the kind of beauty that you鈥檇 expect from a colorful but poisonous flower鈥�

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Nov 22, 2024 Julia Cash rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was shockingly good! I chose the book based on the title and cover and boy am I glad I did. This book is for people who like dark academia Romantasy with a magical school and a Greek mythology retelling. It is about an assassin Kiara who has to survive in a dangerous academy and discover it secrets. I plan to pick up the next book as soon as I can and recommend this to everyone.

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Nov 23, 2024 Emma Floyd rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

The Honest Bunny Review:

馃挌 Dual POV
鉁� Enemies-to-Lovers
馃惁鈥嶁瑳 Dark academia鈥�
馃枻 Fated mates
馃悕 Greek mythology retelling
鈿旓笍 Morally gray MCs

This story IMMEDIATELY hits the ground running from the very first page, jumping straight into the action. While I do adore the wonders of world building, it was refreshing immediately being absorbed into this new, fantastic world.

This has the most immaculate dark academia vibes. Anyone who is a Harry Potter fan will fall in lov ...more

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Dec 15, 2024 Shauny rated it really liked it

An assassin, a magical academy, secret societies and a shadow daddy?! What more could you possibly want??

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Nov 30, 2024 叠别迟丑补苍测测测测鉂わ笍 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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