Lessons in Loyalty - Aphrodite & Adonis (Academy of Villains #2) in Everkingdom Army ⚔️

Jun 22, 2025 Fantasy Fables rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, arcs

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

The relationships in Lessons in Loyalty were probably my favorite, and not just the romantic ones! I love a strong girl gang, and Lyla definitely found hers in this book. Watching Lyla’s relationship with both Kiara and Octavia strengthen throughout th ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

May 23, 2025 Ashley Kennedy rated it it was amazing

The magic in this story? Pure poetry Butterflies that shift color with emotion, sentient plants, Barklings... I was completely enchanted.

The tension between Lyla and Bastian starts off sharp, crackling with animosity, but watching it bloom into something tender and beautiful had me hooked. Add in grimoires, heartstrings, charm cards, and secrets that threaten to unravel everything... completely obsessed -
If you love fantasy that feels vividly immersive, layered with emotion, magic, and action, t ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 19, 2025 ComeReadWithDocP rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Enemies to lovers fans—you’re about to eat well.

This time, the spotlight is on Lyla & Bastian (Adonis & Aphrodite reimagined), and I knew from book one that their chemistry was going to explode. The tension? Unmatched. The banter? Sharper than a blade. And Bastian? He’s giving “touch her and you die” energy with just enough softness to make you melt. & I’m here for it!! 😊

What I love about this series is how the female characters are always unapologetic badasses❤️‍🔥. Lyla holds her own, and watch ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 06, 2025 Baeannereads rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

A big thank you to NetGalley and Ever King for the opportunity to read an ARC of Lessons in Loyalty in exchange for an honest review.

Lessons in Loyalty is the second installment in Ever King’s Academy of Villains series, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations after loving book one. I’ve always had a soft spot for myth retellings, and Ever King continues to shine in this genre.

In this book, we follow Lyla Stark, a mage at the Academy of Magic, who crosses paths with the dark and brooding B ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 23, 2025 Yasmin rated it it was amazing

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

Lyla, the Oracle’s chosen guardian of the Golden Tree and its Apples, lives in the Greenhouse, navigating the unwanted attention of classmates. Bastian, is being used by Ko ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 26, 2025 Joanna rated it really liked it

In a kingdom where magic is fading and a ruthless king will stop at nothing to gain more power, the hunt begins for the golden apples of immortality, protected by mage Lyla Stark.

When Lyla is unexpectedly bound by a magical Heartstring to the enigmatic Bastian Lightcroft - a man full of secrets and danger who can’t seem to stay away - everything begins to unravel. As dark magic spreads and truths are exposed, loyalties are tested, hearts are shaken, and Lyla must face one haunting question: can ...more

Like · see review

Sep 06, 2025 Nawelle Feral Reader Books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

If Academy of Villains hooked me with Kiara and Lucian, then Lessons in Loyalty tore me apart and stitched me back together with Lyla and Bastian. I didn’t expect to love them—I really didn’t. In book one, Bastian was the arrogant thorn in everyone’s side. In book two, he became the thorn that blooms into something heartbreakingly beautiful.

Ever King leans into the myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, crafting a story where love, loyalty, and betrayal are dangerous currencies. What undid me most was Ba ...more

Like · see review

Jun 24, 2025 Gypsum Flower rated it it was amazing

What can I say about Lessons in Loyalty that I haven’t already said about Academy of Villains? That I loved it ? Already said that then. That the dark vibe is just gothic enough to make my heart pound, without versing into horror (I’m a wimp, can’t do horror)? Yup, I said that before as well.

Thankfully, this second instalment in the series is packed to the brim with goodness, so I won’t have to look too far for something else to tell you.

First of all, Bastian. Oh my gosh, Bastian! Do you like a What can I say about Lessons in Loyalty that I haven’t already said about Academy of Villains? That I loved it ? Already said that then. That the dark vibe is just gothic enough to make my heart pound, without versing into horror (I’m a wimp, can’t do horror)? Yup, I said that before as well.

Thankfully, this second instalment in the series is packed to the brim with goodness, so I won’t have to look too far for something else to tell you.

First of all, Bastian. Oh my gosh, Bastian! Do you like a morally grey man, full of vulnerabilities and absolute devotion, who doesn’t let himself hope but still somehow does, who will do ANYTHING (and I mean anything) to protect those he loves? If you do, than go no further, this is your man. (Well, not really, cause he’s Lyla’s!)

And I do adore her as well. Put it simply, I wanted to hug her for the whole of the novel. I think I’m a little bit in love with her too. She’s so nurturing, and while she’s what you’d probably describe as a “soft” character, her strength of caring makes her want to be strong for others, as well as herself. And she is SO strong in the end.

The chemistry between them is off the charts. You thought Kiera and Lucian had it bad for each other ? Well, Bastian and Lyla make them look like repressed school kids. These two will make you believe in unconditional love if nothing else does.

Then there’s the creepiest villain ever, seriously she makes my skin crawl, there’s that really weird vibe about her and her hold over Bastian is just creepy (yes, I know I’ve said this already, but it bears repeating. Creepy creepy creepy!!!) Which, let’s face it, is exactly what we want in a villain.

The setting continue to be on of the strongest points in the story, dark academia x greek myth inspiration, done really well, skirting neither too close not too far to the original. More an inspiration than a retelling really. What really does pick up in this one are the Sailor moon vibes, which are so much stronger I felt, as we learn so much more about the star marked warriors.

OK this is already too long so I won’t talk aout the side quest, the river Lethe, the witches, the portals… You’ll just have to discover all that yourself.

I do feel the series will continue to go from strength to strength, I can already tell there is soo much more to come and I can’t wait to discover more about the world and the secret history.

Fingers crossed we’ll get Octavia’s story next…

...more

Like · see review

Sep 27, 2025 Anon Bookgirl rated it it was amazing

Ahh this was so good 4.5 stars rounded up. I feel where the first book set up this second installment added more depths. I loved that it was a new couple but everyone and the raven society was interconnected. I feel the stories running parallel was done so well and easy to follow I absolutly devoured this, the spice and tension was stunning, cannot wait for book 3!

Like · see review

Jun 23, 2025 Cass Parrish rated it it was amazing

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

Like · see review

Aug 10, 2025 Bianca Damhuis rated it really liked it

Okay the first one was great. But i like this one even better. I love the chemistry between Lyla and Bastian. And also to get to know more about them. And their roles in the story and involvement in trying to defeat the king. I already curious about this series. But this book really made me invested🙌

Like · see review

Sep 03, 2025 Jess rated it really liked it

The second book in the Academy of Villains series is every you could want. Loved all the vibes. Great storytelling, well developed characters!

Like · see review

Feb 28, 2025 Chii ✨ is currently reading it

Shelves: arc, netgalley

Like

Jun 30, 2025 Yasmin marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Like

May 20, 2025 Irma Miller rated it it was amazing

📚 Book Review 📚
.
Series: Academy of Villians
📚: Lessons in Loyalty
✍️: @everking
Genre: Dark Academia Romantasy
.
First of all thank you @everking and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
.
This book is book 2 in the Academy of Villians series. They are all greek mythology retellings! The first one was based off of Nyx & Erebus. The second one is Lessons in Loyalty is inspired by Aphrodite (Lyla Stark- FMC) & Adonis (Bastian Lightcroft- MMC) 💛
.
Right from the start I was so excited to get ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 21, 2025 Ellie rated it it was amazing

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

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

The tension between trust and betrayal kept me on edge the entire time. I found myself rooting for characters I knew I shouldn’t, and quest ...more

1 like · Like · see review