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Lessons in Loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis (Academy of Villains #2) by Ever King
Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic and guardian of the golden apples, is about to learn that in the kingdom of Ithaka, nothing is as it seems. And when a Heartstring binds her to Bastian Lightcroft, his darkest secrets will shatter everything she thought she knew about magic, loyalty, and love itself.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Adoration, Intrigue, Warmth
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic Academia, Magic
Fi ...more
Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic and guardian of the golden apples, is about to learn that in the kingdom of Ithaka, nothing is as it seems. And when a Heartstring binds her to Bastian Lightcroft, his darkest secrets will shatter everything she thought she knew about magic, loyalty, and love itself.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Adoration, Intrigue, Warmth
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic Academia, Magic
Fi ...more
A Heartstring That Binds Readers From Page One 💫
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5 Stars)
Genre:
Dark Academia Romantasy
Mythology:
Adonis & Aphrodite
Tropes:
Fated Mates, Enemies to Lovers, Secret Societies, Grumpy x Sunshine
Ever King has completely outdone herself with this second Academy of Villains installment! Just when I thought nothing could top the first book, along comes Lyla and Bastian's story to prove me absolutely wrong. This Adonis and Aphrodite retelling is pure magic ✨
The Good:
- Chemistry that crackles ...more
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5 Stars)
Genre:
Dark Academia Romantasy
Mythology:
Adonis & Aphrodite
Tropes:
Fated Mates, Enemies to Lovers, Secret Societies, Grumpy x Sunshine
Ever King has completely outdone herself with this second Academy of Villains installment! Just when I thought nothing could top the first book, along comes Lyla and Bastian's story to prove me absolutely wrong. This Adonis and Aphrodite retelling is pure magic ✨
The Good:
- Chemistry that crackles ...more
my rating: ★★★★.5
aesthetic: 🦋🌸🗝️🍃💀🥀💫📓🏛️🎀
Lessons in Loyalty is a powerful, immersive sequel that not only builds on the magical chaos of book one, but deepens it with emotional intensity, layered storytelling, and standout mythological integration.
What truly sets this installment apart is the intricate weaving of Greek mythology retellings. The lore is handled with both reverence and creative freedom, reimagining familiar gods, legends, and curses in ways that feel fresh and unpredictable. Every ...more
aesthetic: 🦋🌸🗝️🍃💀🥀💫📓🏛️🎀
Lessons in Loyalty is a powerful, immersive sequel that not only builds on the magical chaos of book one, but deepens it with emotional intensity, layered storytelling, and standout mythological integration.
What truly sets this installment apart is the intricate weaving of Greek mythology retellings. The lore is handled with both reverence and creative freedom, reimagining familiar gods, legends, and curses in ways that feel fresh and unpredictable. Every ...more
4,5✨
Lessons in Loyalty brought what the first part of the series did - it was exciting, romantic, dark, yet hopeful. It had everything you need for a good fantasy story. I found this book a bit clichéd (much like the first book) in one or two places, but in the best possible way, so it didn't take away from the reading experience at all.
With each new book, I become more invested in this series. I liked that this book was written from different POVs than Academy of Villains, so I was able to lear ...more
Lessons in Loyalty brought what the first part of the series did - it was exciting, romantic, dark, yet hopeful. It had everything you need for a good fantasy story. I found this book a bit clichéd (much like the first book) in one or two places, but in the best possible way, so it didn't take away from the reading experience at all.
With each new book, I become more invested in this series. I liked that this book was written from different POVs than Academy of Villains, so I was able to lear ...more
I devoured Academy of Villains last year, because of how well King builds not just her worlds - full of wonder and mythology - but also her relationships and her characters.
With Lessons in Loyalty we pivot away from Kiara and Lucian and look to Lyla, our resident green thumb, and Bastain, our resident mysterious pretty boy, but we maintain with this new relationship King’s perfect grasp of relationships, banter and unlikely connections. From the first few chapters I was HOOKED into their dynami ...more
With Lessons in Loyalty we pivot away from Kiara and Lucian and look to Lyla, our resident green thumb, and Bastain, our resident mysterious pretty boy, but we maintain with this new relationship King’s perfect grasp of relationships, banter and unlikely connections. From the first few chapters I was HOOKED into their dynami ...more
thank you to the lovely author ever king and netgalley for allowing me an arc for this book for an honest review - especially with how much i loved the first one. i was extremely excited!
based on the story of aphrodite and adonis in greek mythology, the second instalment continues from the first book, however follows two new people: lyla and bastian.
lyla is a forest mage who takes care of the academy’s greenhouse. she’s sweet, often underestimated but she is shown to be fierce, smart and wantin ...more
based on the story of aphrodite and adonis in greek mythology, the second instalment continues from the first book, however follows two new people: lyla and bastian.
lyla is a forest mage who takes care of the academy’s greenhouse. she’s sweet, often underestimated but she is shown to be fierce, smart and wantin ...more
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!
“Only a God can kill a God”
“Flowers don’t bloom for admiration, but they’re worshipped for their beauty. “
“He was the poison in my veins and I savoured every drop”
Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!! I don’t actually know what kind of drug this author puts into these books but I always find myself wanting more. There is something so enthralling about the way she seamlessly puts together the romance betwee ...more
“Only a God can kill a God”
“Flowers don’t bloom for admiration, but they’re worshipped for their beauty. “
“He was the poison in my veins and I savoured every drop”
Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!! I don’t actually know what kind of drug this author puts into these books but I always find myself wanting more. There is something so enthralling about the way she seamlessly puts together the romance betwee ...more
i absolutely devoured this book! the first version of Academy of Villains was good. the rerelease was great. and Lessons in Loyalty? AMAZING! i truly have no notes; this was perfection through and through. i’ve said it once but i’ll say it again: Ever King continues to work and hone her craft. her passion and dedication to the stories she’s tell bleeds from the page and i’m here for it 😍
the pacing was flawless, the character development for Lyla and Bastian was gorgeous, the initial steps of cre ...more
the pacing was flawless, the character development for Lyla and Bastian was gorgeous, the initial steps of cre ...more
“Better to die chasing something extraordinary than live ordinary.”
The adventure in the Kingdom of Ithaka continues in Academy of Villains: Lessons in Loyalty and I was HERE 👏🏻 FOR 👏🏻 IT 👏🏻
In this retelling of the story of Adonis and Aphrodite, we follow Bastian and Lyla - a Spiritmage and a Forestmage, respectively, who have a lot of secrets and of course, the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Being the second novel in the series, Lessons in Loyalty deviated ever so slightly from the first ...more
The adventure in the Kingdom of Ithaka continues in Academy of Villains: Lessons in Loyalty and I was HERE 👏🏻 FOR 👏🏻 IT 👏🏻
In this retelling of the story of Adonis and Aphrodite, we follow Bastian and Lyla - a Spiritmage and a Forestmage, respectively, who have a lot of secrets and of course, the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Being the second novel in the series, Lessons in Loyalty deviated ever so slightly from the first ...more
I’m a proud member of Ever King’s Royal Court of the Everkingdom—huge thanks to Ever King for letting me be part of this amazing community and for the chance to read this eARC!
Lessons in Loyalty picks up right after book one but shifts the spotlight to two previous side characters—Lyla and Bastain. Lyla is a forestmage (which I LOVE) who is a student at the academy while also tending to the academy's greenhouse. She’s soft and gentle but has that quiet strength I’ve really been into lately. Bast ...more
Lessons in Loyalty picks up right after book one but shifts the spotlight to two previous side characters—Lyla and Bastain. Lyla is a forestmage (which I LOVE) who is a student at the academy while also tending to the academy's greenhouse. She’s soft and gentle but has that quiet strength I’ve really been into lately. Bast ...more
May 08, 2025
Ashley {_xamountofbooks}
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
netgalley,
foolishly-started-unfinished-series
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
Back in the dark academia halls of a cursed kingdom! SO much pining between Bastian and Lyla. I was glad to see him open up more to her as the story progressed (even if I think she could have let him sweat it out a little but it's all good in the end :P). I loved seeing the girls band together to help work on solving their god problem. Quick pacing made things move right along an ...more
Back in the dark academia halls of a cursed kingdom! SO much pining between Bastian and Lyla. I was glad to see him open up more to her as the story progressed (even if I think she could have let him sweat it out a little but it's all good in the end :P). I loved seeing the girls band together to help work on solving their god problem. Quick pacing made things move right along an ...more
Thank you to Netgalley and Ever King for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Lyla and Bastian in this book—their story had such a pull! Inspired by the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, it was executed really well, blending mythology with fantasy academy drama in a way that felt natural and emotional.
One of my favorite parts was the friendship dynamic between Kiara, Octavia, and Lyla. It gave the story a warm, grounding layer amid all the intensity, and their bond mad ...more
I loved Lyla and Bastian in this book—their story had such a pull! Inspired by the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, it was executed really well, blending mythology with fantasy academy drama in a way that felt natural and emotional.
One of my favorite parts was the friendship dynamic between Kiara, Octavia, and Lyla. It gave the story a warm, grounding layer amid all the intensity, and their bond mad ...more
This is book two in the series. If you have not read book one, I suggest you do! It's Good, but in my opinion, book two is even better.
I love Lyla! She comes off as sweet and innocent, but don’t let that fool you because the girl can care for herself. Bastian comes off as mysterious, and morally gray. The tension, banter, and spice between these two were on point!
Believe it or not, I love me a Villain so I loved Kore as a character😈
The magic system, the magical objects just all the details that ...more
I love Lyla! She comes off as sweet and innocent, but don’t let that fool you because the girl can care for herself. Bastian comes off as mysterious, and morally gray. The tension, banter, and spice between these two were on point!
Believe it or not, I love me a Villain so I loved Kore as a character😈
The magic system, the magical objects just all the details that ...more
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The Honest Bunny Review:
https://www.instagram.com/thehonestbu...
Rating:🐇🐇🐇🐇/5
“Love is a promise. Loyalty is keeping it.”
The narrative continues to unfold. Academy of Villains: Lessons in Loyalty was magnificent. I had truly a remarkable time spending this time with Bastian and Lyla.
The first book was extremely action-packed. It was a great example of being plot driven – jumping right into the action. I think book two really showcased the beauty of a character driven story. It had a healthy dose ...more
https://www.instagram.com/thehonestbu...
Rating:🐇🐇🐇🐇/5
“Love is a promise. Loyalty is keeping it.”
The narrative continues to unfold. Academy of Villains: Lessons in Loyalty was magnificent. I had truly a remarkable time spending this time with Bastian and Lyla.
The first book was extremely action-packed. It was a great example of being plot driven – jumping right into the action. I think book two really showcased the beauty of a character driven story. It had a healthy dose ...more
I can even begin to tell you how obsessed I am with this series
5/5⭐️
If you like Greek mythology dark romance retellings this is the series for you. It’s got action and romance. I won’t give away any spoilers but one of my favorite things about this series is each book is different characters BUT the characters from the previous book are still very much involved in each book. So you don’t read about them and move on. They are all still together. I am obsessed and I can’t wait until book 3 is out! ...more
5/5⭐️
If you like Greek mythology dark romance retellings this is the series for you. It’s got action and romance. I won’t give away any spoilers but one of my favorite things about this series is each book is different characters BUT the characters from the previous book are still very much involved in each book. So you don’t read about them and move on. They are all still together. I am obsessed and I can’t wait until book 3 is out! ...more
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 🌶️
(rounding up)
Lessons in loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis is Book 2 in the Academy of Villains series; a continuation of a dark academia romantasy, where each book explores a different couple inspired by Greek mythology, blending romance, mystery, and rich world-building.
We're back to the kingdom of Ithaka and the Academy of Magic where magic is fading and the ruthless king is seeking immortality through mythical golden apples. Lyla Stark, a young mage and guardian of the greenhouse a ...more
(rounding up)
Lessons in loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis is Book 2 in the Academy of Villains series; a continuation of a dark academia romantasy, where each book explores a different couple inspired by Greek mythology, blending romance, mystery, and rich world-building.
We're back to the kingdom of Ithaka and the Academy of Magic where magic is fading and the ruthless king is seeking immortality through mythical golden apples. Lyla Stark, a young mage and guardian of the greenhouse a ...more
5⭐2🌶️
This sequel was everything I wanted and then some.
Where book one plants the seeds of the Academy of Magic’s richly layered world, book two lets them take root and bloom—exploring shadowy landscapes, deepening the unique magic system, and giving character arcs that feel both gorgeous and achingly real. It’s the kind of continuation that doesn’t just follow in book one’s footsteps, but lets the story flourish.
Ever King has this way of folding Greek mythology into her stories that is downright ...more
This sequel was everything I wanted and then some.
Where book one plants the seeds of the Academy of Magic’s richly layered world, book two lets them take root and bloom—exploring shadowy landscapes, deepening the unique magic system, and giving character arcs that feel both gorgeous and achingly real. It’s the kind of continuation that doesn’t just follow in book one’s footsteps, but lets the story flourish.
Ever King has this way of folding Greek mythology into her stories that is downright ...more
Ever King's second instalment in the Academy of Villains series, Lessons in Loyalty, continues to impress. 4.5/5
The evolving dynamic between Lyla and Bastian is laced with tension and vulnerability, as both characters grapple with loyalty, legacy, and trust. As their relationship grows, Lyla's sharp-edged resilience plays perfectly against Bastian's enigmatic intensity, sucking you in word for word. The dual POV adds depth to their arc giving us a glimpse of the emotional weight Lyla and Bastia ...more
The evolving dynamic between Lyla and Bastian is laced with tension and vulnerability, as both characters grapple with loyalty, legacy, and trust. As their relationship grows, Lyla's sharp-edged resilience plays perfectly against Bastian's enigmatic intensity, sucking you in word for word. The dual POV adds depth to their arc giving us a glimpse of the emotional weight Lyla and Bastia ...more
I was a little worried about the main character shift. I am so happy we still get to see a lot of Lucian and Kiara. But I absolutely loved getting to read Lyla and Bastian as the main characters! Lyla is such a sweet girl who learns how powerful she can be. Bastian is someone I didn't really know how to feel about at first. But wow does his character get a lot of development through this book. The story line was so good. The truths that come out are jaw dropping and the battles have just begun.
...more
I’m convinced ever king can’t write a bad book. I’ve been on the edge of my seat since reading academy of villains waiting for book 2 and this didn’t disappoint. Dare I say I prefer bastian and Lyla to Lucian and Kiara I adored them in this book! And I love that we are getting to know more of the ensemble in a deeper way! I’m so glad I got this arc bc I literally couldn’t wait.
Another fabulous read by Ever King. It was delightful returning to the Academy of Magic. This story focuses on Lyla and Bastian, loosely based on Adonis and Aphrodite. At first glance, Bastian appears reckless and uncaring, but as we get to know him, he reveals much more depth, the perfect example of a morally gray character who commits questionable acts to protect those he loves. Meanwhile, Lyla, though initially quiet and demure, discovers the strength to grow beyond what she thought possible.
...more
A true masterpiece. Seriously I have nothing bad to say about this book. I am in love with the way that Ever King writes these books. The characters are above and beyond amazing. I didn't think I would like any other couples more than Lucian and Kiara but wow, Bastian and Lyla might have just topped them. Not only does this book have amazing characters, the plot is plotting. There were so many times in this book that I was sat going "OMG I didn't expect that!" or "That makes so much sense now!"
...more
These characters.. oh my god. The swooning, the banter, the character development from them both. I love this book so much.
Bastian, not wanting to connect with anyone, staying clear of everyone but the members of the raven society. He’s the kings soldier? Slave? He’s doing things against his will to aid the king.
Lyla, she keeps to herself and doesn’t really like using her magic unless it’s in her greenhouse attending to plants.
Bastian helps Lyla learn how to protect herself, with and without ...more
Bastian, not wanting to connect with anyone, staying clear of everyone but the members of the raven society. He’s the kings soldier? Slave? He’s doing things against his will to aid the king.
Lyla, she keeps to herself and doesn’t really like using her magic unless it’s in her greenhouse attending to plants.
Bastian helps Lyla learn how to protect herself, with and without ...more
This was a wonderful sequel, picking straight up from book one and answering some questions I had been left with. I enjoyed the pining throughout this book, the two characters really felt meant for one another and like their love and happiness was hard won. It was also really nice to get a different insight into the academy through the new perspectives, reading each character’s bias led to a much more developed view of the world.
Thank you to the author for the arc, my views are my own.
Thank you to the author for the arc, my views are my own.
Another amazing book in the Academy of Villains series! 🦋
I love the magic in these books and the Harry Potter/Winx vibes I get when I’m reading them. I felt like I was in the academy with how great the descriptions were.
Book 2 contained more spice than book 1! I was pleasantly surprised by that. It was not over the top, just the right amount.
We were set up for a handful of book 3 options and I can’t wait to see whose story we get to read next!!
🌶️🌶️/5
I love the magic in these books and the Harry Potter/Winx vibes I get when I’m reading them. I felt like I was in the academy with how great the descriptions were.
Book 2 contained more spice than book 1! I was pleasantly surprised by that. It was not over the top, just the right amount.
We were set up for a handful of book 3 options and I can’t wait to see whose story we get to read next!!
🌶️🌶️/5
Ever King did such a fantastic job at weaving this storyline. Lessons in Loyalty is such a fantastic book that shows that not everyone is as they appear, and I love it. This is the perfect second book in the series of Acadeny of Villains, and you should absolutely read it.
If you like books inspired by greek mythology, magic, adventure, love, and FMC's that discover their strength along the way, then absolutely read this, but read book 1 first! ...more
If you like books inspired by greek mythology, magic, adventure, love, and FMC's that discover their strength along the way, then absolutely read this, but read book 1 first! ...more
I loved this book so much. This was an amazing Greek mythology Romantasy book. So different from the other things I’ve read. Both have been five stars for me and I can’t wait for the third one to come out as well. I hope I can get it as an ARC as well.
Jan 05, 2025
Shauny
marked it as to-read
Apr 08, 2025
Karissa Sperry
marked it as to-read
