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Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders #1
The Villain Institute
Love is even more dangerous behind bars.
Ava-Marie
My name is Ava-Marie, and I love living on the dark side.
Getting into trouble is kind of my thing, but one night, I take revenge too far. I’m sentenced to a reform school for magical delinquents— though really, it’s a prison.
As the only supernatural who can control both fire and water, I’m already a target. To make matters worse, I literally share a soul with Charlie— a sexy inmate from the wrong side of the tracks. Surviving at the Institute is almost as risky as falling in love.
But there’s a way out. The Warden is offering a pardon for the team who wins the Darke Games— a sick, twisted competition where more prisoners come out dead than alive.
They think I'm the bad guy. I'm about to show them just how much of a villain I can be.
Charlie
I shouldn’t be at the Institute. I’m in here because of her— the girl who claims to own half my soul.
After losing my sight, I grew up as an orphan, banished from magical society. I learned enough on the streets to survive the gangs and fight clubs inside the prison. But nothing could prepare me for the Darke Games.
Ava-Marie is my worst enemy, but if we’re going to break out of here, we’ll have to get along. Yet the more I let Ava in, the more I want her. I can’t let my desire for her get in the way of my one chance at escape.
Except it already has. There’s a dark power inside of Ava that terrifies me...
And none of us will be prepared when it unleashes.
Ava-Marie
My name is Ava-Marie, and I love living on the dark side.
Getting into trouble is kind of my thing, but one night, I take revenge too far. I’m sentenced to a reform school for magical delinquents— though really, it’s a prison.
As the only supernatural who can control both fire and water, I’m already a target. To make matters worse, I literally share a soul with Charlie— a sexy inmate from the wrong side of the tracks. Surviving at the Institute is almost as risky as falling in love.
But there’s a way out. The Warden is offering a pardon for the team who wins the Darke Games— a sick, twisted competition where more prisoners come out dead than alive.
They think I'm the bad guy. I'm about to show them just how much of a villain I can be.
Charlie
I shouldn’t be at the Institute. I’m in here because of her— the girl who claims to own half my soul.
After losing my sight, I grew up as an orphan, banished from magical society. I learned enough on the streets to survive the gangs and fight clubs inside the prison. But nothing could prepare me for the Darke Games.
Ava-Marie is my worst enemy, but if we’re going to break out of here, we’ll have to get along. Yet the more I let Ava in, the more I want her. I can’t let my desire for her get in the way of my one chance at escape.
Except it already has. There’s a dark power inside of Ava that terrifies me...
And none of us will be prepared when it unleashes.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
536 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
About the author
Megan Linski
98 books574 followersMegan Linski lives in Michigan. She is the author of more than fifty fantasy and paranormal novels which feature themes of friendship, community, and healthy romantic relationships. She has over fifteen years of experience writing books alongside working as a journalist and editor. She graduated from the University of Iowa, where she studied Creative Writing.
Her passions include ice skating and horseback riding. In her free time she enjoys dancing in the snow and drinking fancy coffee while at her natural habitat, the mall.
Megan advocates for the rights of the disabled, and is an activist for mental health awareness.
Megan co-writes the Hidden Legends Universe with Alicia Rades. She also writes under the pen name of Natalie Erin for the Creatures of the Lands series, co-authored by Krisen Lison.
Awards Megan has won include;
Best Fantasy Book of the Year 2019 by Once Upon a Book
Best Co-Authored Book of the Year 2022 by Once Upon a Book
Author of the Year 2022 by Once Upon a Book
Keynote Speaker at Once Upon a Book 2023
Best Book Friends (Ava and Kallie) 2023 by Once Upon a Book
Featured in the FOX Teen Choice Awards Gift Baskets
Two-time Reader's Favorite Five Star Read (Bronze Medal Finalist)
Winner of Amazon's Kindle Scout Competition
Her passions include ice skating and horseback riding. In her free time she enjoys dancing in the snow and drinking fancy coffee while at her natural habitat, the mall.
Megan advocates for the rights of the disabled, and is an activist for mental health awareness.
Megan co-writes the Hidden Legends Universe with Alicia Rades. She also writes under the pen name of Natalie Erin for the Creatures of the Lands series, co-authored by Krisen Lison.
Awards Megan has won include;
Best Fantasy Book of the Year 2019 by Once Upon a Book
Best Co-Authored Book of the Year 2022 by Once Upon a Book
Author of the Year 2022 by Once Upon a Book
Keynote Speaker at Once Upon a Book 2023
Best Book Friends (Ava and Kallie) 2023 by Once Upon a Book
Featured in the FOX Teen Choice Awards Gift Baskets
Two-time Reader's Favorite Five Star Read (Bronze Medal Finalist)
Winner of Amazon's Kindle Scout Competition
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 30, 2020
Side note- this book deals with some hard topics, such as rape, lots of mental illness and abuse/neglect
I adore Charlie, he was able to roll with the punches and make the best of a crazy situation, completely on his own and pretty much in over his head. He was seriously like a magical version of the comic character Daredevil (even though you can't say that to his face), where he is blind but can sense movement and air currents which basically made him able to see in his own way. It was really sad learning about how his disability held him back in educational situations and made me aware that this is most likely the situation with a lot of people in the (real)world.
Ava- Marie on the other hand was kind of terrible. I really really disliked her when the book started and her whiney, entitled, immature, self centered ways. Sure she has her own baggage with mental illness, but she was legit the worst. She ended up becoming a more well rounded character and I started to understand her as the book went on and I rooted for her to overcome her demons and to let Charlie in regardless of her hesitations.
While this had a smidge of romance (where I rooted for more but will take what I can get!) this was 100% action and magic packed- and a little bit dangerous. Be ready for a non-stop read that deals with drama and hard emotions as well as the battles and challenges you could have imagined.
I had no idea how closely tied this series was to the Academy of Magical Creatures series, with Ava being the daughter to Liam and Sophia. It was really nice to see the two of them again but since I haven't read the last 2 books in that series yet I was a little confused and horrified as to what happened to Liam and Sophia. That being said, I would recommend that this book be read either after completing the first series or completely on it's own without having read any of the other books to avoid spoilers. Side note here, this is the fourth series I have read that ties into this world and I absolutely love how the authors built this complicated interconnected world. I loved seeing hints of the other types of supernatural world I have come to know and even see some of the other plots playing in the background like easter eggs.
Well, I guess I should not be surprised by the terrible cliffhanger ending for this book since it is pretty much the norm for these authors, but geez I was completely caught off guard- and now I am full of angst and worry and will be needing the next book as soon as I can get it.
The audiobook is very much the way to go if you like listening to your stories. The audio was dual narrated by two separate narrators, the female just happens to be one of my favorite audiobook narrators and the male was just as great, bot making Ava-Marie and Charlie seem like real people that I now know and care for. Keep in mind this is a pretty long audio book (and 500+ page ebook) at 17.5 hours and I listened to this at 1.8x speed which was perfect pacing for me. This was a completely enjoyable listening experience and I would gladly pick up the next book in audio format.
I adore Charlie, he was able to roll with the punches and make the best of a crazy situation, completely on his own and pretty much in over his head. He was seriously like a magical version of the comic character Daredevil (even though you can't say that to his face), where he is blind but can sense movement and air currents which basically made him able to see in his own way. It was really sad learning about how his disability held him back in educational situations and made me aware that this is most likely the situation with a lot of people in the (real)world.
Ava- Marie on the other hand was kind of terrible. I really really disliked her when the book started and her whiney, entitled, immature, self centered ways. Sure she has her own baggage with mental illness, but she was legit the worst. She ended up becoming a more well rounded character and I started to understand her as the book went on and I rooted for her to overcome her demons and to let Charlie in regardless of her hesitations.
While this had a smidge of romance (where I rooted for more but will take what I can get!) this was 100% action and magic packed- and a little bit dangerous. Be ready for a non-stop read that deals with drama and hard emotions as well as the battles and challenges you could have imagined.
I had no idea how closely tied this series was to the Academy of Magical Creatures series, with Ava being the daughter to Liam and Sophia. It was really nice to see the two of them again but since I haven't read the last 2 books in that series yet I was a little confused and horrified as to what happened to Liam and Sophia. That being said, I would recommend that this book be read either after completing the first series or completely on it's own without having read any of the other books to avoid spoilers. Side note here, this is the fourth series I have read that ties into this world and I absolutely love how the authors built this complicated interconnected world. I loved seeing hints of the other types of supernatural world I have come to know and even see some of the other plots playing in the background like easter eggs.
Well, I guess I should not be surprised by the terrible cliffhanger ending for this book since it is pretty much the norm for these authors, but geez I was completely caught off guard- and now I am full of angst and worry and will be needing the next book as soon as I can get it.
The audiobook is very much the way to go if you like listening to your stories. The audio was dual narrated by two separate narrators, the female just happens to be one of my favorite audiobook narrators and the male was just as great, bot making Ava-Marie and Charlie seem like real people that I now know and care for. Keep in mind this is a pretty long audio book (and 500+ page ebook) at 17.5 hours and I listened to this at 1.8x speed which was perfect pacing for me. This was a completely enjoyable listening experience and I would gladly pick up the next book in audio format.
September 26, 2023
It takes one hell of an author to make a character self-centered and annoying, yet somehow still likeable. This author clearly isn't one of them. Ava was so incredibly annoying. I thought she'd have some character development in the book and change her behaviour, which is why I kept reading, but oh boy, was I wrong. She thinks she's untouchable, just because she is a bitch and her daddy is a chief. At least 3 times she goes "hmm maybe Charlie is right and people suck here and might try to kill me" and she learns nothing from her realisations and keeps provoking others for no reason. She is rude to anyone who doesn't know what she knows, because how can they not, after clearly telling her on multiple freaking occasions that they're new and they don't know....
She's so unreasonable, e.g. claiming that Charlie stole her Familiar, even after it has been made clear it has bonded to both of them and it's not his fault. She's constantly whining about how sorry she is for herself. If she'd died in this book, I would've been relieved and looked forward to the next book.
The bond between Charlie and Ava feels so forced. It's unbelievable and unnatural. Normally when you have some sort of "enemies to lovers" situation, you can sense the (sexual) tension underneath. In this case I wholeheartedly believed they didn't like each other because they both have the personality of a jellyfish and they're very unpleasant and absolutely don't match.
Don't get me started on the unrealistic worldbuilding considering the island. It's so crazy unrealistic. "it's a reform school" but it's clearly a prison (and also everyone knows). You only graduate when you can rehabilitate, but the town next to it apparently has some, probably illegal, businesses. But also they donate (!) super pretty dresses and suits (!!) for their annual ball. Now why tf would they do that??
I'm sure by now it's clear I'm rather disappointed in this book and won't be reading the other books in the series.
She's so unreasonable, e.g. claiming that Charlie stole her Familiar, even after it has been made clear it has bonded to both of them and it's not his fault. She's constantly whining about how sorry she is for herself. If she'd died in this book, I would've been relieved and looked forward to the next book.
The bond between Charlie and Ava feels so forced. It's unbelievable and unnatural. Normally when you have some sort of "enemies to lovers" situation, you can sense the (sexual) tension underneath. In this case I wholeheartedly believed they didn't like each other because they both have the personality of a jellyfish and they're very unpleasant and absolutely don't match.
Don't get me started on the unrealistic worldbuilding considering the island. It's so crazy unrealistic. "it's a reform school" but it's clearly a prison (and also everyone knows). You only graduate when you can rehabilitate, but the town next to it apparently has some, probably illegal, businesses. But also they donate (!) super pretty dresses and suits (!!) for their annual ball. Now why tf would they do that??
I'm sure by now it's clear I'm rather disappointed in this book and won't be reading the other books in the series.
December 31, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Authors Megan Linski and Alicia Rades have created a wonderfully fantastic world in the Hidden Legends Universe. The authors have both written individual books that take place in the universe and have collaborated on books in that same universe as well. While I have books by both authors so far I have only read books by Megan, I started Hidden Legends: University of Sorcery and fell in love with the world and knew I had to have more of it so when I got the opportunity to read Villain Institute, the first book in Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders series, I was in.
I loved this book! The book is told from the dual perspectives of Ava-Marie and Charlie as they both find themselves in and out of trouble while they face challenges and grow closer together. The characters in this story are so complex, at first Ava seems flighty, bratty, self-centered, and spoiled, however as the book goes on I realize that that is only emphasizing her faults. Ava is full of passion, determination, she is caring, smart, a hard-worker, and magically talented. Charlie, on the other hand, seems like a toughened street criminal, who cares about nothing and no one but that is when he had no one, as he grows closer to people he starts to care about things, about others, about his life. Both Ava and Charlie make vast improvements through this book, they grow so much and they grow closer to each other. I love seeing them fall for each other, they fit a part of each other, they each hold a missing piece and I love seeing them together, they are so adorable.
The two supporting characters make up the group that Ava and Charlie have, Kallie and Marcus maybe supporting characters but they provide insights into the other cultures in this world. Each coming with their own backstory, their own strengths and problems. The group that they form adds depth to the story, gives Ava and Charlie support while also giving them the chance to support and think of others. I love this little group together, I wonder what they will take on next.
As for the story, Alicia and Megan have done a fantastic job. They touch base on several topics such as mental health, with Ava's bipolar disorder, a physical impairment such as Charlie's blindness, cultural issues (wrongs to a culture and within it), and the injustice in the prison system. I feel like I have gained a better insight into bipolar disorder thanks to this book, I realize that so many other factors can come into play with the disorder, and to see how Ava deals with her illness and how others see her, treat her was very eye-opening. The same can be said about Charlie, all that he had to endure, how people treated him, other things that his blindness can affect, and how he deals with the world around him. I find it all very interesting.
My favorite thing is how detailed Megan and Alicia are with the story. I can tale that the story connects with other books (Ava's parents have their own series) but I don't feel like I am missing anything by not reading the previous series the details of the Hawaiki society, about their culture, their magic, the other cultures from the other books are mentioned and details come in as they paint a very vivid world all without overwhelming the reader. I love the world that both writers have built, it's beautiful, and magical, filled with adventure and culture. I love living in the Hidden Legends world.
Villain Institute was filled with magic, romance, adventure, mayhem, monsters, takes place in a dangerous prison, has a shady warden, and the prophecy is just starting to unfold. This is just the beginning of Ava's and Charlie's story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Authors Megan Linski and Alicia Rades have created a wonderfully fantastic world in the Hidden Legends Universe. The authors have both written individual books that take place in the universe and have collaborated on books in that same universe as well. While I have books by both authors so far I have only read books by Megan, I started Hidden Legends: University of Sorcery and fell in love with the world and knew I had to have more of it so when I got the opportunity to read Villain Institute, the first book in Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders series, I was in.
I loved this book! The book is told from the dual perspectives of Ava-Marie and Charlie as they both find themselves in and out of trouble while they face challenges and grow closer together. The characters in this story are so complex, at first Ava seems flighty, bratty, self-centered, and spoiled, however as the book goes on I realize that that is only emphasizing her faults. Ava is full of passion, determination, she is caring, smart, a hard-worker, and magically talented. Charlie, on the other hand, seems like a toughened street criminal, who cares about nothing and no one but that is when he had no one, as he grows closer to people he starts to care about things, about others, about his life. Both Ava and Charlie make vast improvements through this book, they grow so much and they grow closer to each other. I love seeing them fall for each other, they fit a part of each other, they each hold a missing piece and I love seeing them together, they are so adorable.
The two supporting characters make up the group that Ava and Charlie have, Kallie and Marcus maybe supporting characters but they provide insights into the other cultures in this world. Each coming with their own backstory, their own strengths and problems. The group that they form adds depth to the story, gives Ava and Charlie support while also giving them the chance to support and think of others. I love this little group together, I wonder what they will take on next.
As for the story, Alicia and Megan have done a fantastic job. They touch base on several topics such as mental health, with Ava's bipolar disorder, a physical impairment such as Charlie's blindness, cultural issues (wrongs to a culture and within it), and the injustice in the prison system. I feel like I have gained a better insight into bipolar disorder thanks to this book, I realize that so many other factors can come into play with the disorder, and to see how Ava deals with her illness and how others see her, treat her was very eye-opening. The same can be said about Charlie, all that he had to endure, how people treated him, other things that his blindness can affect, and how he deals with the world around him. I find it all very interesting.
My favorite thing is how detailed Megan and Alicia are with the story. I can tale that the story connects with other books (Ava's parents have their own series) but I don't feel like I am missing anything by not reading the previous series the details of the Hawaiki society, about their culture, their magic, the other cultures from the other books are mentioned and details come in as they paint a very vivid world all without overwhelming the reader. I love the world that both writers have built, it's beautiful, and magical, filled with adventure and culture. I love living in the Hidden Legends world.
Villain Institute was filled with magic, romance, adventure, mayhem, monsters, takes place in a dangerous prison, has a shady warden, and the prophecy is just starting to unfold. This is just the beginning of Ava's and Charlie's story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 16, 2023
This is the first book in the fantasy genre I’ve read since I’ve picked up reading books again. So I’ve got nothing to compare it with.
I’ve got it for free on stuff your kindle day 2023.
I really enjoyed reading the story about Ava- Marie and Charlie! Even though I disliked their dynamic at the beginning cause they were acting so childish and not at all like I thought 20- something’s should act, I got used to it and remembered that I’m also in my 30s and forgot how I acted when I was younger 😵💫
I think this book was perfectly balanced between the love story and the actual plot, the love story nicely woven into it without feeling forced.
As I’ve learned by now, this book is not only the first one of a series but also the series is one of four in a entire universe. The authors of this universe put a recommended order and timeline on their website (https://www.hiddenlegendsbooks.com/faqs/).
I don’t know If I have it in me to cling to all those series’s let alone to the rest of the books in this particular series because they are long and I’m such a slow reader but I’ll think about it, haha.
Only thing that confuses the heck out of me…on the cover is a white girl (I guess this is suppose to be Ava) and the physical description of her and Charlie as well as the story about colonization of their homeland and heritage points (at least in my head) to a non- white look and I guess my brain is just funky but it made me really dislike the person on the cover lol
4,5 stars.
I’ve got it for free on stuff your kindle day 2023.
I really enjoyed reading the story about Ava- Marie and Charlie! Even though I disliked their dynamic at the beginning cause they were acting so childish and not at all like I thought 20- something’s should act, I got used to it and remembered that I’m also in my 30s and forgot how I acted when I was younger 😵💫
I think this book was perfectly balanced between the love story and the actual plot, the love story nicely woven into it without feeling forced.
As I’ve learned by now, this book is not only the first one of a series but also the series is one of four in a entire universe. The authors of this universe put a recommended order and timeline on their website (https://www.hiddenlegendsbooks.com/faqs/).
I don’t know If I have it in me to cling to all those series’s let alone to the rest of the books in this particular series because they are long and I’m such a slow reader but I’ll think about it, haha.
Only thing that confuses the heck out of me…on the cover is a white girl (I guess this is suppose to be Ava) and the physical description of her and Charlie as well as the story about colonization of their homeland and heritage points (at least in my head) to a non- white look and I guess my brain is just funky but it made me really dislike the person on the cover lol
4,5 stars.
January 3, 2025
Dnf 20%
This was too childish for me.
This was too childish for me.
September 14, 2023
Going to have to DNF this book. It’s too annoying, and I’m tired of the author telling me how I should feel instead of making me actually feel that way. I hate every character and nothing anyone does makes sense. It’s conflict for the sake of conflict and I’m not a fan.
January 13, 2021
Audio Review:
The Villain Institute (Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders #1) is a magical story with a creative plot and storyline. Brimming with adventure, magic and supernatural creatures. I absolutely was thrilled to be able to listen to it on audio and absolutely loved it.
I've been lucky to be able to read the academy of magical creatures series and recognized a few of the characters which is where the love for this world the authors have created has began.
I loved revisiting with them and getting to know Ava Marie and the prophecy as I loved her parents in magical creatures series. It was also fun getting to know Charlie's character too. The characters are compelling and driven.
The world building aspect brings intrigue and suspense. Supporting character's enhance the story and the familiar's are my favourite characters.
These two authors co-wrote a ya fantasy romance that features people with disabilities in a way that didn't take away from the fantasy romance. I love how cohesive these two talented authors write as I've had the pleasure of reading individual books and co-written books of these two.
I'm so excited and can't wait for the next audio in this enchanting series. I absolutely love love this amazing world these two created.
Narrators Vanessa Moyen, A. J. Carter dual naration was smooth and easy listening. Vanessa was the perfect choice in portraying Ava Marie and her ability to change her tone and emotions was perfect. A.J. portrayal of Charlie was what I would picture as Charlie. However, his female voice could use work. It was a bit awkward. Other than that the narration was perfect.
I listened on Authors Direct and a few glitches on there but totally worth listening.
A highly entertaining listen I recommend.
The Villain Institute (Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders #1) is a magical story with a creative plot and storyline. Brimming with adventure, magic and supernatural creatures. I absolutely was thrilled to be able to listen to it on audio and absolutely loved it.
I've been lucky to be able to read the academy of magical creatures series and recognized a few of the characters which is where the love for this world the authors have created has began.
I loved revisiting with them and getting to know Ava Marie and the prophecy as I loved her parents in magical creatures series. It was also fun getting to know Charlie's character too. The characters are compelling and driven.
The world building aspect brings intrigue and suspense. Supporting character's enhance the story and the familiar's are my favourite characters.
These two authors co-wrote a ya fantasy romance that features people with disabilities in a way that didn't take away from the fantasy romance. I love how cohesive these two talented authors write as I've had the pleasure of reading individual books and co-written books of these two.
I'm so excited and can't wait for the next audio in this enchanting series. I absolutely love love this amazing world these two created.
Narrators Vanessa Moyen, A. J. Carter dual naration was smooth and easy listening. Vanessa was the perfect choice in portraying Ava Marie and her ability to change her tone and emotions was perfect. A.J. portrayal of Charlie was what I would picture as Charlie. However, his female voice could use work. It was a bit awkward. Other than that the narration was perfect.
I listened on Authors Direct and a few glitches on there but totally worth listening.
A highly entertaining listen I recommend.
June 1, 2023
Wow. I thought I was signing up to read a cool fantasy prison book but but oh boy, was I wrong!
Instead I’m 15% in and all I’ve read is whining teenagers, a spoilt brat and two seriously immature kids screaming at each other. And then I realised that these kids are 20 and 22! Um...WTF!? This is not something I have patience for in real life let alone my downtime with a book. Not entertaining at all but instead very irritating.
I must be the odd one out though since all I see is 5 star reviews.
Also, the story seems really slow. I wanted a prison fantasy but so far its just background build up.
Now onto our leading pair: the lad nabs her wallet, and instead of feeling even an inkling of remorse, he's left scratching his head, wondering why she's all up in his grill. No Sherlock, you! But the bickering is unbearable, she is an absolutely spoilt princess who always gets her way. Yes she has some mental issues but that is no excuse for the behaviour I've seen on the page so far.
I persevered a bit more but just couldn't carry on with this. #feelingfrustrated
Instead I’m 15% in and all I’ve read is whining teenagers, a spoilt brat and two seriously immature kids screaming at each other. And then I realised that these kids are 20 and 22! Um...WTF!? This is not something I have patience for in real life let alone my downtime with a book. Not entertaining at all but instead very irritating.
I must be the odd one out though since all I see is 5 star reviews.
Also, the story seems really slow. I wanted a prison fantasy but so far its just background build up.
Now onto our leading pair: the lad nabs her wallet, and instead of feeling even an inkling of remorse, he's left scratching his head, wondering why she's all up in his grill. No Sherlock, you! But the bickering is unbearable, she is an absolutely spoilt princess who always gets her way. Yes she has some mental issues but that is no excuse for the behaviour I've seen on the page so far.
I persevered a bit more but just couldn't carry on with this. #feelingfrustrated
January 14, 2021
Did not finish, so please take this review with a grain of salt. I read about 35% according to my Kindle and found both main characters intensely unlikeable.
January 12, 2021
Wow, just wow! This Prison for Supernatural Offenders series is addictive and exciting and grabbed me from the start! A new adult college paranormal romance full of dark passions and secret adventures, mayhem, romance and some excellent characters. I love Ava our female mc. She comes across as a brat but actually is strong , determined and a hard worker. Charlie our male mc is tough as he has had to fend for himself after losing his sight and cares for nothing or nobody! Throughout this read they both grow as does our story and I loved it!
This series takes place in the Hidden Legends Universe which our collaborated authors created and I have to say it is incredible and magical and I cannot get enough!
This series takes place in the Hidden Legends Universe which our collaborated authors created and I have to say it is incredible and magical and I cannot get enough!
March 24, 2024
So good!
I don't think I've ever read a book like this before! I became entranced by the characters and the plot. It's more plot heavy with tension along the way. It does end in a cliffhanger, so I'm anxious for the next one 🫣
All-in-all, this is a 5 star easily for me for the amazing plot and uniqueness alone!
I don't think I've ever read a book like this before! I became entranced by the characters and the plot. It's more plot heavy with tension along the way. It does end in a cliffhanger, so I'm anxious for the next one 🫣
All-in-all, this is a 5 star easily for me for the amazing plot and uniqueness alone!
April 16, 2025
The Magic system in this was really cool. Creative story that blends monster lore with mythology with all sorts of religions and beliefs. A paranormal & urban fantasy with dark undertones. Loved it so much.
January 1, 2024
DNF’d audiobook at 30%. I really kept trying to give it a chance thinking it would get better, but the FMC is so unbelievably whiny, obnoxious, and annoying, that I couldn’t stay long enough to see if she gets a character development/redemption arc.
February 5, 2025
The Villain Institute by Megan Linski & Alicia Rades
The authors took on a few things with this book that are not talked about often in books, like blindless and bipolar disorder. You have Ava-Marie the bipolar, rebellious, spoiled brat, and Charlie, the blind, homeless criminal. You wouldn’t think these would work but they do.
You might not think that Ava-Marie is a strong female character but I think she really is. Her rebellious, spoiled brat persona is just that. She cares deeply but she is NOT a pushover. She is champion for others. I actually went from thinking how spoiled she was to actually liking her later in the book.
Charlie is also a bit of a surprise. He is blind, but he has hidden depths. I love that they are kind of forced to be around each other so much by fate. He is so compassionate but also learns that he isn’t who he thought he was. I love it when characters learn about themselves while the reader is learning. I felt bad that he struggled so much with his learning disabilities and he couldn’t get ahead until Ava-Marie came along and helped.
The different races were fun to learn about. I am curious about the door they found during the Darke Games. Will more be revealed about this in book 2. I am so darn curious about this door and the Elven Union that was wiped out. There were so many hints left about them. I am wondering if the prophecy has something to do with them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I will be reading more of this series. I need to know what happens next. I rated it a 4-star.
The authors took on a few things with this book that are not talked about often in books, like blindless and bipolar disorder. You have Ava-Marie the bipolar, rebellious, spoiled brat, and Charlie, the blind, homeless criminal. You wouldn’t think these would work but they do.
You might not think that Ava-Marie is a strong female character but I think she really is. Her rebellious, spoiled brat persona is just that. She cares deeply but she is NOT a pushover. She is champion for others. I actually went from thinking how spoiled she was to actually liking her later in the book.
Charlie is also a bit of a surprise. He is blind, but he has hidden depths. I love that they are kind of forced to be around each other so much by fate. He is so compassionate but also learns that he isn’t who he thought he was. I love it when characters learn about themselves while the reader is learning. I felt bad that he struggled so much with his learning disabilities and he couldn’t get ahead until Ava-Marie came along and helped.
The different races were fun to learn about. I am curious about the door they found during the Darke Games. Will more be revealed about this in book 2. I am so darn curious about this door and the Elven Union that was wiped out. There were so many hints left about them. I am wondering if the prophecy has something to do with them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I will be reading more of this series. I need to know what happens next. I rated it a 4-star.
January 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this story! I love that this book was told from dual POVs, and I thought the authors did an amazing job building this world and describing all the different supernatural races and their abilities. I loved Charlie’s character from the start, however I had a harder time connecting with Ava-Marie’s character. It probably took me until about halfway through to see Ava as more than just an entitled, self-absorbed, spoiled rich kid. I loved the character development though. By the end I was rooting for them both. I’m really excited to see what happens next in this series!
January 16, 2021
Review to come (morally grey characters, yay!)
Read
June 12, 2021Df’d for me at 38% - no rating because I didn’t finish it. Didn’t like the characters at all and it was slow..
September 29, 2024
So much potential, yet so hard to get through…
The author did a good job in creating flawed main characters, not the usual YA heroes who’s only flaw is they’re so awkward and clumsy and not like other girls teehee. In fact, the author did such a good job that I spent a lot of the time reading this book groaning and hating the everloving shit out of Ava.
I really do appreciate the author using disabled main characters and not just as token disabilities. Their disabilities impact their personalities and bring along struggles many disabled people have to cope with. Sometimes, the author teeters on the edge of being tell, not show, with this, when she has the MCs talk about what it’s like being disabled.
The concepts of the book are novel, but interesting. Yes, concepts, plural: magical academy but what if it’s for outcasts only. Battle Royale type of competition where criminals are used to keep society safe from monsters. Two lovers as Chosen Ones where one receives the prophecy they have to destroy the other (introduced in the last chapter, by the by).
But why vacuum press all of this into one novel, and not just stop with the aforementioned mentioned ideas either…. Because what if it’s also with disabled people? And oppressed minorities? Oh oh and what if there’s magical Hunger Games as well? And a prophecy? Ooooh and what if the main characters are like chosen ones with extreme powers? Yes, let’s make all of them and their friends literal demigods! Ohh and we need supercool and cute animals too! And we NEEED a school prom arc! And we can’t just start with the magical prison, we have to spend 20% of the book on the MCs backgrounds as well!
This story legit contained so many plotlines that I have reader’s whiplash now. Consequently, none of them are super well fleshed out. The main characters’ familiar is a dog who wears cute tophats and bow ties and also an Epic Black Fire Unicorn That Shoots Fireballs Out Of Its Horn. The warlocks companion pet is a normal cat that also wears a tophat sometimes.
The author introduces a gazillion characters left and right that make you feel like they’re going to be the MCs close friends, and then just discards them. Justice for Opal the mermaid tbh.
She describes Magic Prison as this super harsh place with an isolated floor where people go to never return (which also disappears from the story about 30% in by the way), and then suddenly starts talking about how they have Prison Starbucks where you can order pumpkin spiced lattes, Prison Thrift Shop for cute gowns, Prison Halloween with cute decorations, Prison hangout room with Fussball that’s lovingly called the Villains Den…..
The two main characters are bonded because they’re ✨special✨and Chosen Ones and it’s hate at first sight. And then they kind of end up being hot for each other all of a sudden. They make out, share their deepest secrets, cuddle, and still pine over the other and are insecure if they feel the same way. Ugh.
And then, as cherry on top of this review, the “”””smutty””””” scenes that honestly make me wonder what on earth is going on. With as en epic fireworky finale the prom where suddenly everyone starts twerking and grinding their genitals together.
Here’s some snippets:
“His masculine energy poured out of him and collided with my feminine nature”
“My ass hit something. [….] he had a hard-on. Like, the legendary kind girls gossip about, but I wasn’t actually sure was real. Proof of the rare perfect dick’s existence was pressed up against me, and it was still in his pants, for crying out loud.”
“I seriously needed to go to the bathroom and ditch the panties. Flash flood alert.” (Hint: she didn’t pee herself)
So yeah. Good on the people who really enjoyed this. I really -wanted- to enjoy this because I see the potential, but it completely missed the mark for me.
The author did a good job in creating flawed main characters, not the usual YA heroes who’s only flaw is they’re so awkward and clumsy and not like other girls teehee. In fact, the author did such a good job that I spent a lot of the time reading this book groaning and hating the everloving shit out of Ava.
I really do appreciate the author using disabled main characters and not just as token disabilities. Their disabilities impact their personalities and bring along struggles many disabled people have to cope with. Sometimes, the author teeters on the edge of being tell, not show, with this, when she has the MCs talk about what it’s like being disabled.
The concepts of the book are novel, but interesting. Yes, concepts, plural: magical academy but what if it’s for outcasts only. Battle Royale type of competition where criminals are used to keep society safe from monsters. Two lovers as Chosen Ones where one receives the prophecy they have to destroy the other (introduced in the last chapter, by the by).
But why vacuum press all of this into one novel, and not just stop with the aforementioned mentioned ideas either…. Because what if it’s also with disabled people? And oppressed minorities? Oh oh and what if there’s magical Hunger Games as well? And a prophecy? Ooooh and what if the main characters are like chosen ones with extreme powers? Yes, let’s make all of them and their friends literal demigods! Ohh and we need supercool and cute animals too! And we NEEED a school prom arc! And we can’t just start with the magical prison, we have to spend 20% of the book on the MCs backgrounds as well!
This story legit contained so many plotlines that I have reader’s whiplash now. Consequently, none of them are super well fleshed out. The main characters’ familiar is a dog who wears cute tophats and bow ties and also an Epic Black Fire Unicorn That Shoots Fireballs Out Of Its Horn. The warlocks companion pet is a normal cat that also wears a tophat sometimes.
The author introduces a gazillion characters left and right that make you feel like they’re going to be the MCs close friends, and then just discards them. Justice for Opal the mermaid tbh.
She describes Magic Prison as this super harsh place with an isolated floor where people go to never return (which also disappears from the story about 30% in by the way), and then suddenly starts talking about how they have Prison Starbucks where you can order pumpkin spiced lattes, Prison Thrift Shop for cute gowns, Prison Halloween with cute decorations, Prison hangout room with Fussball that’s lovingly called the Villains Den…..
The two main characters are bonded because they’re ✨special✨and Chosen Ones and it’s hate at first sight. And then they kind of end up being hot for each other all of a sudden. They make out, share their deepest secrets, cuddle, and still pine over the other and are insecure if they feel the same way. Ugh.
And then, as cherry on top of this review, the “”””smutty””””” scenes that honestly make me wonder what on earth is going on. With as en epic fireworky finale the prom where suddenly everyone starts twerking and grinding their genitals together.
Here’s some snippets:
“His masculine energy poured out of him and collided with my feminine nature”
“My ass hit something. [….] he had a hard-on. Like, the legendary kind girls gossip about, but I wasn’t actually sure was real. Proof of the rare perfect dick’s existence was pressed up against me, and it was still in his pants, for crying out loud.”
“I seriously needed to go to the bathroom and ditch the panties. Flash flood alert.” (Hint: she didn’t pee herself)
So yeah. Good on the people who really enjoyed this. I really -wanted- to enjoy this because I see the potential, but it completely missed the mark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2023
Charlie Wahkin grew up in the foster system, blind since he was three, and with such a learning disability, he flunked high school. He aged out of the system and found that panhandling would pay for the roof over his head and sometimes for a meal or two. Then he met a friend, Marty, who showed him the ropes of living on the edge of society. He taught him the art of the con, of stealing, of dealing, and of downright down-and-dirty survival. He was exceptionally good-looking and well-built, and sometimes he had to sell himself to women who wanted what he had; in return, he would get a roof over his head for the night. Then one night, with a con gone wrong, he ran into an alley as three men pursued him. Charlie had stolen one of the men’s wallets, but some strange dog came to his aid and protected him from the men, but the dog had the tables turned on him and received a kick in the side and was tossed against the alley wall. Charlie would have none of that, and could feel by the vibrations in the air, the man with a club advance upon the dog. He put himself in between the man and the dog and then thrust his arms out in an attempt to block the blow he knew was coming for the dog, but something else happened. Charlie felt this power surge through him, and the next thing he knew, the three men landed hard somewhere down the alley. From that moment on, he and the dog, Oberi, were inseparable. A few days later, he came home, to the apartment he was sub-renting illegally, and found a man in his kitchen making a sandwich. After a few words, Charlie learned that the man knew who he was and what he could do. Charlie accepted the man’s offer of going to a school for Elementals, of which he was one of them. Soon after, he met Ava-Marie, an entitled, opinionated, troubled, and not-so-nieve tribal leader’s daughter. He had to catch up with her on the beach when she bonded with his familiar, which was impossible because he was bonded with Oberi. She insisted even after seeing her female fire unicorn transform into a male husky that was his familiar. She called her grandfather, the same man who invited Charlie to attend the magical school, so he could explain to Charlie how bonding worked. When Professor Baine arrived with Imogin, Ava’s aunt, he cast a spell that showed the reality of who was bonded to whom. The spell showed that both Charlie and Ava were bonded to Oberi, and Oberi was not your normal familiar, nor were Charlie and Ava normal as they both shared the same soul.
Oh wow! So many things for a series starter. The opposite personalities of our main characters made me dislike Ava almost immediately. Poor Charlie! Then when her secret was revealed, some of my dislike for her melted away. The physical world-building can almost draw you a picture in places. Then the ethereal world-building is self-explanatory a lot of the time. The character background is very in-depth for both main characters, making their interaction and self-reflection very interesting. Leads me to wonder if a new genre should be added, enemies too -friends -lovers maybe in the next book?
This dark fantasy book can read like a fairy tale in places. It is full of mythical creatures, action & adventure, and romance. I give this tale five stars out of five stars.
Oh wow! So many things for a series starter. The opposite personalities of our main characters made me dislike Ava almost immediately. Poor Charlie! Then when her secret was revealed, some of my dislike for her melted away. The physical world-building can almost draw you a picture in places. Then the ethereal world-building is self-explanatory a lot of the time. The character background is very in-depth for both main characters, making their interaction and self-reflection very interesting. Leads me to wonder if a new genre should be added, enemies too -friends -lovers maybe in the next book?
This dark fantasy book can read like a fairy tale in places. It is full of mythical creatures, action & adventure, and romance. I give this tale five stars out of five stars.
July 7, 2025
Ok, the premise of this got me. A reform school for supernatural offenders? Sign me up! The beginning started off strong with character development. Ava-Marie, FMC, is a bull-headed supernatural, coming of age (19-20yo, which feels a bit off to me but that I will explain later) character that has decided every rule can and should be broken, consequences be damned. Charlie (this name really bugs me because it does not fit the character, imo) is our 26 yo MMC and he is a supernatural foster child that took to the streets to survive. Their paths cross and a friendship ensues. But Ava-Marie does not know how to keep her head down and gets in serious trouble with the tribal leaders (oh, I didn’t mention the tribal part, one sec and I will get to it) and a drastic decision is made, she must go to The Villian Institute. I like to go into books blind (didn’t even read the synopsis for this one, just that we had supernatural jai;/reform school) and I really do not want to go past this basic description because it was fun just letting it unfold, for me.
One of the things that I really enjoyed with this story was the development of Ava-Marie’s family and the tribes. (See, I told you I would come back to it.) The native feel of the community with the tribespeople all actively participating in the lives of the other members was wholesomely realistic. The way the tribe’s hierarchy granted control over the consequences that were delivered down to the accused felt truly authentic. The tribe ties the supernatural powers to its members and then they in turn instruct the children how to tap into and use those powers through education. Overall, tribal supernatural characters was a fun nuance that really heightened the story for me.
I gave this book a 4 star rating because a great deal of it has been done before and in some cases done better. The characters, being around 20, felt a bit immature. I would have liked to seen a bit more depth to Ava-Marie as she is battling BiPolar disorder and is really in-tuned to her day-to-day changes with it; she seemed to take some really immature turns, early on in the book. That being said, by the time you reach 1/3 of the way in, I was able to overlook her immaturity and really experience her and her surroundings a bit better. Charlie, is a blind character, and I felt really well immersed into his world and how her overcame day-to-day obstacles. His immaturity lied in the area of relationships. I would definitely say the representation of disabilities in this book is well done. This is a fun story and I am really looking forward to continuing it.
I recommend this to anyone that enjoyed Divergent, Hunger Games and the Scholomance series.
One of the things that I really enjoyed with this story was the development of Ava-Marie’s family and the tribes. (See, I told you I would come back to it.) The native feel of the community with the tribespeople all actively participating in the lives of the other members was wholesomely realistic. The way the tribe’s hierarchy granted control over the consequences that were delivered down to the accused felt truly authentic. The tribe ties the supernatural powers to its members and then they in turn instruct the children how to tap into and use those powers through education. Overall, tribal supernatural characters was a fun nuance that really heightened the story for me.
I gave this book a 4 star rating because a great deal of it has been done before and in some cases done better. The characters, being around 20, felt a bit immature. I would have liked to seen a bit more depth to Ava-Marie as she is battling BiPolar disorder and is really in-tuned to her day-to-day changes with it; she seemed to take some really immature turns, early on in the book. That being said, by the time you reach 1/3 of the way in, I was able to overlook her immaturity and really experience her and her surroundings a bit better. Charlie, is a blind character, and I felt really well immersed into his world and how her overcame day-to-day obstacles. His immaturity lied in the area of relationships. I would definitely say the representation of disabilities in this book is well done. This is a fun story and I am really looking forward to continuing it.
I recommend this to anyone that enjoyed Divergent, Hunger Games and the Scholomance series.
December 24, 2020
Ava-Marie is a good kid she loves her family very much and will go to any length to keep them safe. But she also has a dark side. She is always getting into trouble and she kind of enjoys doing bad things.
Ava-Marie like her parents has special abilities. They can control the elements like earth, air, fire, and water, well not all of them as it is unheard of for someone to have control over more than one element at a time.
Ava-Marie finally meets and bonds with her familiar. Afterward, she learns that this guy Charlie has bonded with the same familiar which is also unheard of. Charlie and Ava-Marie also learn that they also share the same soul.
Charlie is an orphan who grew up on the streets and after his powers manifested he began to use them to help him get through the day and survive on the street. When Charlie lost his sight no one seemed to want him anymore which is the reason he probably lived on the street. Charlie had to learn to keep as few people as possible from finding out he was blind or he would never have made it living on the street.
When Ava-Marie’s dark side comes out one night Charlie just happens to be with her when she is caught. Charlie is taken into custody alongside Ava-Marie I guess you could say he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ava-Marie has been in trouble a few times before and she has just struck out. Ava-Marie is being sent to a Prison for Supernatural Offenders. Poor Charlie is being sentenced right along with Ava-Marie.
I have so enjoyed reading The Villain Institute as it is apart of the Hidden Legends universe as well as the Academy of Magical Creatures and University of Sorcery. I loved seeing characters from other books that are in this same universe appear in The Villain Institute. I loved seeing these character’s stories continuing. If I haven’t mentioned it before I love this world and can’t get enough of it as I have read all the books in this universe and can’t wait for more.
I loved the twists on the familiars. I loved the banter between Ava-Marie and Charlie I enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other and how they were there for each other even when they didn’t even know it. I loved how they depended on each other without actually being aware of it and how they each pretended they didn’t need the other.
Ava-Marie like her parents has special abilities. They can control the elements like earth, air, fire, and water, well not all of them as it is unheard of for someone to have control over more than one element at a time.
Ava-Marie finally meets and bonds with her familiar. Afterward, she learns that this guy Charlie has bonded with the same familiar which is also unheard of. Charlie and Ava-Marie also learn that they also share the same soul.
Charlie is an orphan who grew up on the streets and after his powers manifested he began to use them to help him get through the day and survive on the street. When Charlie lost his sight no one seemed to want him anymore which is the reason he probably lived on the street. Charlie had to learn to keep as few people as possible from finding out he was blind or he would never have made it living on the street.
When Ava-Marie’s dark side comes out one night Charlie just happens to be with her when she is caught. Charlie is taken into custody alongside Ava-Marie I guess you could say he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ava-Marie has been in trouble a few times before and she has just struck out. Ava-Marie is being sent to a Prison for Supernatural Offenders. Poor Charlie is being sentenced right along with Ava-Marie.
I have so enjoyed reading The Villain Institute as it is apart of the Hidden Legends universe as well as the Academy of Magical Creatures and University of Sorcery. I loved seeing characters from other books that are in this same universe appear in The Villain Institute. I loved seeing these character’s stories continuing. If I haven’t mentioned it before I love this world and can’t get enough of it as I have read all the books in this universe and can’t wait for more.
I loved the twists on the familiars. I loved the banter between Ava-Marie and Charlie I enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other and how they were there for each other even when they didn’t even know it. I loved how they depended on each other without actually being aware of it and how they each pretended they didn’t need the other.
May 4, 2023
4.5/5
Trigger warning about book: this book discusses content matter on the topics of rape, drugs, and mental illness (Bipolar Disorder).
This book also has some sexual content, I would say it’s appropriate for 16+.
It is told from both fmc and mmc perspectives— Charlie and Ava-Marie (P/i/g— short for pigeon).
To be honest, I absolutely HATED the beginning of the book… but only because it was the main character Ava-Marie is portrayed as an awful human being and so well written.
My thoughts at the beginning of the book of Ava-Marie:
“I can’t believe you… I’m not a little kid anymore- I’m almost 20, you have to start trusting me to do the right thing”
— says the spoiled brat that gets away with arson, theft, and many more things because she’s daddy’s little girl and daddy is high in power. She acts like she’s 14 and gets what she wants whenever she wants it. She is selfish, snobby, bitchy, narcissistic, egotistical, spoiled, and childish. (Yes i literally wrote this in my notes…)
By the end of the story, she has such a developed character plot and you understand her thought process. I really enjoyed her character development.
Charlie is a tough cookie. From the very first chapter we see that his life has been extremely difficult and it only gets more intense as we learn more about his character. Charlie is blind and has made it through life on his own, knowing from life experience if he lets people get close, they get hurt.
This story is full of romance, comedic relief moments, magic, and battle. It sparks so many emotions from the within the reader and I am so excited to see where this series is going to go… especially with the cliffhanger ending.
It is not a standalone, and once you get to the end, you’re going to immediately want to hop to the next book!
Trigger warning about book: this book discusses content matter on the topics of rape, drugs, and mental illness (Bipolar Disorder).
This book also has some sexual content, I would say it’s appropriate for 16+.
It is told from both fmc and mmc perspectives— Charlie and Ava-Marie (P/i/g— short for pigeon).
To be honest, I absolutely HATED the beginning of the book… but only because it was the main character Ava-Marie is portrayed as an awful human being and so well written.
My thoughts at the beginning of the book of Ava-Marie:
“I can’t believe you… I’m not a little kid anymore- I’m almost 20, you have to start trusting me to do the right thing”
— says the spoiled brat that gets away with arson, theft, and many more things because she’s daddy’s little girl and daddy is high in power. She acts like she’s 14 and gets what she wants whenever she wants it. She is selfish, snobby, bitchy, narcissistic, egotistical, spoiled, and childish. (Yes i literally wrote this in my notes…)
By the end of the story, she has such a developed character plot and you understand her thought process. I really enjoyed her character development.
Charlie is a tough cookie. From the very first chapter we see that his life has been extremely difficult and it only gets more intense as we learn more about his character. Charlie is blind and has made it through life on his own, knowing from life experience if he lets people get close, they get hurt.
This story is full of romance, comedic relief moments, magic, and battle. It sparks so many emotions from the within the reader and I am so excited to see where this series is going to go… especially with the cliffhanger ending.
It is not a standalone, and once you get to the end, you’re going to immediately want to hop to the next book!
February 24, 2021
I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.
Normally I reduce a star for a lack of an trigger warning on books which this really should have, on this occasion I am not for one reason only and that is the incredible way bi polar has been portrayed in this book. My friend has this and it’s so nice to see it’s not been glamourised it just is what it is. Sometimes people with these mental health issues come across badly when they are off meds or are in a manic period that’s just how it goes. Often these things are triggered by things which is why I’m forgoing my star rule this once. I’d just like to suggest having mental health and rape (although not overly detailed) is mentioned in the summery for people who do have such triggers.
Firstly I love the two main characters Ava and Charlie, both strong but broken. You really feel like you get to know them throughout the book it’s truly a beautiful relationship to watch especially with their familiar. They are backed up by two really well rounded supporting characters who each have their own story and background which all adds into what makes this book. The world building is fantastic and the creation of the magical beasts and demons just made it so interesting. The ending just makes me want to give it zero starts because of the evil cliffhanger 😂 but of course I won’t do that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and very much look forward to the next book in the series!
Normally I reduce a star for a lack of an trigger warning on books which this really should have, on this occasion I am not for one reason only and that is the incredible way bi polar has been portrayed in this book. My friend has this and it’s so nice to see it’s not been glamourised it just is what it is. Sometimes people with these mental health issues come across badly when they are off meds or are in a manic period that’s just how it goes. Often these things are triggered by things which is why I’m forgoing my star rule this once. I’d just like to suggest having mental health and rape (although not overly detailed) is mentioned in the summery for people who do have such triggers.
Firstly I love the two main characters Ava and Charlie, both strong but broken. You really feel like you get to know them throughout the book it’s truly a beautiful relationship to watch especially with their familiar. They are backed up by two really well rounded supporting characters who each have their own story and background which all adds into what makes this book. The world building is fantastic and the creation of the magical beasts and demons just made it so interesting. The ending just makes me want to give it zero starts because of the evil cliffhanger 😂 but of course I won’t do that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and very much look forward to the next book in the series!
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Both of the main characters have something to struggle with (bipolar and blindness), which is a nice departure from MCs who are practically perfect in every way. I also like that magic wasn't the "cure". It made the character growth so much deeper and richer as more and more backstory was revealed.
I think my main complaint was the use of "b*tch" as both insult and pet name from the same character. That is mostly a personal preference, but it bothered me when it popped up in the middle of touching scenes. And its overuse. People don't normally use pet names three times in the span of a sentence or two of dialogue. I do understand that some people use swear words constantly in their speech and that some people like to reclaim these words to subvert their negative meanings. (Although this second option did not seem to be the intention of the character using it.) I just don't like it and my friends are similar.
The other thing I really liked about this story was the combination of the various supernatural races. Having only read one other book set in this universe (The Wolven Mark), I was grateful for the little snippets of information that were fluidly inserted into narrative. It definitely makes me curious to see what other stories are waiting for me to read while I wait for the sequel to this book!
I think my main complaint was the use of "b*tch" as both insult and pet name from the same character. That is mostly a personal preference, but it bothered me when it popped up in the middle of touching scenes. And its overuse. People don't normally use pet names three times in the span of a sentence or two of dialogue. I do understand that some people use swear words constantly in their speech and that some people like to reclaim these words to subvert their negative meanings. (Although this second option did not seem to be the intention of the character using it.) I just don't like it and my friends are similar.
The other thing I really liked about this story was the combination of the various supernatural races. Having only read one other book set in this universe (The Wolven Mark), I was grateful for the little snippets of information that were fluidly inserted into narrative. It definitely makes me curious to see what other stories are waiting for me to read while I wait for the sequel to this book!
January 9, 2021
Absolutely outstanding!!! this surpasses everything!!! omg I don't have the words to even begin to describe this pheonomenal story!!! I love megan linki and Alicia Rades, they are one of my absolute favorite autor's of all time!!! They delivered again!! whoa what a ride... The characters are just phenomenal and I love everyone!!! ALLL MYYY LOVEEEEEEE
SOHPIA AND LIAM AND THE WHOLE GANG ARE BACK!! WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT!!!
Ava-Marie is my favorite badass bitch evaaaa omg she's crazy and amazing and sooo sassy!! but has a heart of gold!!!
loveeeeee Charlie!!! omg he's EVERYTHING!!!
Kalina/Kallie and Marcus are FANTASTIC!!!
their background stories... I CRIED BUCKETS OF TEARS I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING OMG !!!!
I LOVE THE WORLD, THE PRISON, THE CHARACTERS, THIS STORY IS INTERNAL, ALL TOXIC, TERRIBLE, HORRIBLY CRAZY AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT
THE ELEMENTAL CUP 2.0 IS BACK!! THE DARKE GAMES
THE ROMANCE AND ENEMIES TO LOVERS TROPE TOOK A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL!!!
THE WHOLE SUPERNATURAL WORLD IS ANTICIPATING A WAR AND AVA IS THE ONLY ONE TO EITHER SAVE OR DESTROY THE WORLD
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH...OMG I CAN'T!!!
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP!!!!
SOHPIA AND LIAM AND THE WHOLE GANG ARE BACK!! WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT!!!
Ava-Marie is my favorite badass bitch evaaaa omg she's crazy and amazing and sooo sassy!! but has a heart of gold!!!
loveeeeee Charlie!!! omg he's EVERYTHING!!!
Kalina/Kallie and Marcus are FANTASTIC!!!
their background stories... I CRIED BUCKETS OF TEARS I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING OMG !!!!
I LOVE THE WORLD, THE PRISON, THE CHARACTERS, THIS STORY IS INTERNAL, ALL TOXIC, TERRIBLE, HORRIBLY CRAZY AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT
THE ELEMENTAL CUP 2.0 IS BACK!! THE DARKE GAMES
THE ROMANCE AND ENEMIES TO LOVERS TROPE TOOK A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL!!!
THE WHOLE SUPERNATURAL WORLD IS ANTICIPATING A WAR AND AVA IS THE ONLY ONE TO EITHER SAVE OR DESTROY THE WORLD
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH...OMG I CAN'T!!!
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP!!!!
January 26, 2026
Incredibly mixed thoughts on this book.
The vast majority of the book contained annoying, spoiled characters yet that is pretty much who they were. It was deviant magical children gone astray.
If you can get through the sniveling 20-25% of the 1st part of the book about broken fingernails and wardrobe malfunctions... the later portion of prison life isn't as bad. It is still rather immature, but they do some growing up along the way and some of the battles are interesting.
The credit I give the author is the open acknowledgement of the characters disabilities. One boy is blind and doesn't see it as an issue and functions fine, only others don't treat him as an equal. One of the girls is bipolar and she doesn't handle her diagnosis well and struggles with it and any relationships. Adding mental health into a book makes writing much more layered in a book. Kudos for trying to add depth to the characters.
I'm still unsure on a star rating. The characters were so shallow & immature, a 2-star rating is likely it.
The vast majority of the book contained annoying, spoiled characters yet that is pretty much who they were. It was deviant magical children gone astray.
If you can get through the sniveling 20-25% of the 1st part of the book about broken fingernails and wardrobe malfunctions... the later portion of prison life isn't as bad. It is still rather immature, but they do some growing up along the way and some of the battles are interesting.
The credit I give the author is the open acknowledgement of the characters disabilities. One boy is blind and doesn't see it as an issue and functions fine, only others don't treat him as an equal. One of the girls is bipolar and she doesn't handle her diagnosis well and struggles with it and any relationships. Adding mental health into a book makes writing much more layered in a book. Kudos for trying to add depth to the characters.
I'm still unsure on a star rating. The characters were so shallow & immature, a 2-star rating is likely it.
January 3, 2021
I received a complimentary ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Linski and Rades' novel The Villain Institute is everything you could ask for in a supernatural fantasy. With nods to Daredevil, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, The Last Airbender and more the authors weave together our favorite parts of the supernatural world; creating a work that is both familiar and new.
Beyond this, the authors have grappled with several heavy topics including disability, mental illness, trauma, and the oppression of indigenous peoples. Through their work, readers are asked to grapple with the experiences of others that they may not normally engage. *Please note* this novel includes overt references to topics that may be triggering for some readers including sexual assault and rape.
At times the authors interest in multiple social issues as well as the merger of several types of supernatural "magic" can be overwhelming. There are points, especially in Chapter 2, where understanding the direction of the plot is difficult. Despite this, it is definitely worth the read and I look forward to the second installment.
Linski and Rades' novel The Villain Institute is everything you could ask for in a supernatural fantasy. With nods to Daredevil, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, The Last Airbender and more the authors weave together our favorite parts of the supernatural world; creating a work that is both familiar and new.
Beyond this, the authors have grappled with several heavy topics including disability, mental illness, trauma, and the oppression of indigenous peoples. Through their work, readers are asked to grapple with the experiences of others that they may not normally engage. *Please note* this novel includes overt references to topics that may be triggering for some readers including sexual assault and rape.
At times the authors interest in multiple social issues as well as the merger of several types of supernatural "magic" can be overwhelming. There are points, especially in Chapter 2, where understanding the direction of the plot is difficult. Despite this, it is definitely worth the read and I look forward to the second installment.
January 6, 2021
I read and listened to the dual narrated audiobook, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m Charlie’s biggest fan!! Ava-Marie is such a rebellious, spoiled brat. Haha I totally did not like her at the beginning of the story but she’s slowly starting to grow on me. I think she’s slowly changing. I love the prison academy part. Ha. Everyone is bad and usually someone is up to no good, so it’s entertaining.
The narrators are fabulous. I found myself laughing in several scenes throughout the book. It was a refreshing listen. This particular book is a Upper YA/NA paranormal romance. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance then this may be up your alley.
Note: 18+ due to mature content. There is mention of some disabilities, such as bipolar disorder and blindness and visual impairment that the authors write. I feel like they used it to help educate others and they did a wonderful job weaving it into the story.
The narrators are fabulous. I found myself laughing in several scenes throughout the book. It was a refreshing listen. This particular book is a Upper YA/NA paranormal romance. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance then this may be up your alley.
Note: 18+ due to mature content. There is mention of some disabilities, such as bipolar disorder and blindness and visual impairment that the authors write. I feel like they used it to help educate others and they did a wonderful job weaving it into the story.
February 23, 2024
A paranormal & urban fantasy with dark undertones. Ava-Marie, Liam's and Sophia's daughter from an earlier series, and Charlie, a blind initiate to the tale, share a soul. To top it off, they have been jointly sentenced to a reform school for magical delinquents. During a semester of classes, they form a team to face the Darke Games. Bullies abound. Many are students. Some are faculty and staff. The characters face several regular hurdles: blindness, mental illness, and accommodating faculty being the most prevalent.
This story is comfortable and exhilarating. There are many dichotomies. However, through thick and thin, the story is gripping.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
This story is comfortable and exhilarating. There are many dichotomies. However, through thick and thin, the story is gripping.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
April 13, 2024
Ava Marie is the daughter of the Water Tribe’s Chief. She can get away with anything. But after she runs into Charlie, a blind homeless man, her antics start to catch up with her and Charlie is pulled along with her. It seems they both have bonded to the same magical creature. When they’re caught breaking the rules again, the Chief has no choice but to sentence them to a reform school where they’ll either have their records scrubbed or they’ll die.
Ava is 19 and acts 15. She’s infuriatingly spoiled and whiny. Her backstory has some tragic memories and when her preteen mentality pops up, the incongruity is so evident that it takes you out of the story. I liked Charlie and loved having a blind main character! The audiobook narrator for him wasn’t the best choice; he shouts a lot for not reason and his voice doesn’t seem to vibe with the physical description.
The book ends on a cliffhanger so prepare for a series if you start this one!
Ava is 19 and acts 15. She’s infuriatingly spoiled and whiny. Her backstory has some tragic memories and when her preteen mentality pops up, the incongruity is so evident that it takes you out of the story. I liked Charlie and loved having a blind main character! The audiobook narrator for him wasn’t the best choice; he shouts a lot for not reason and his voice doesn’t seem to vibe with the physical description.
The book ends on a cliffhanger so prepare for a series if you start this one!
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