Lessons in Loyalty (Academy of Villains #2) by Ever King (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you, NetGalley and Ever King for giving access to an eBook copy of Lessons in Loyalty (Academy of Villains #2) for free in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved book one and couldn’t wait to dive into book two. The eBook I received from NetGalley didn’t have a cover image, so I am using a cover image I have found through Google (Fair use under the Copyright Act sections 29 and 30 under use for a review). Spoiler-free review.

Happy Publication Day

Title: Lessons in Loyalty
Author: Ever King
Series: Academy of Villains #2)
Genre: Greek Mythology, Fantasy, Romantasy
Pages: 532
Cover Image:

Synopsis: In a kingdom where magic is slowly disappearing, an evil king will stop at nothing to obtain more power. His sights are set on the golden apples, mythical fruits that promise immortality—and the key to an eternal reign. To claim them, he will unleash the Beast of Thorns, a creature born of darkness, a destroyer of those who defy the crown.

 
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.
 
As the land crumbles under the weight of dark magic, truth becomes a weapon, and even the purest heart is made a pawn in the king’s deadly game. But some truths, once revealed, can never be forgiven.
 
And in the end, Lyla must decide if love is worth the price of betrayal.

Miniature Review

I’m getting more invested in this series with every book, and Lessons in Loyalty absolutely delivers. The world-building deepens here, blending captivating myth-inspired storytelling with creative reinventions of Greek legends that feel both fresh and thrilling. The mythology isn’t just decoration it’s woven tightly into the characters’ struggles, making every moment feel meaningful and symbolic.

The magic system continues to intrigue, connecting past and present mysteries that left me wanting more. Plus, the academic setting adds a darkly enchanting vibe that perfectly fits the morally grey world. What stands out is how past decisions ripple through the story, testing alliances and loyalties with real emotional weight. The balance of high-stakes action and heartfelt moments kept me hooked from start to finish.

With politics, magic, romance, and betrayal all expertly blended, this sequel confirms why I’m obsessed with this series. Every twist and revelation builds anticipation for what’s next. If book one hooked you, this sequel will make you fall even harder for the series. New to the series? Prepare to get lost in a stunning world that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable.

L x

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