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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

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

Lessons in Loyalty is book two of Ever King's Academy of Villains series. Each book in the series will feature a couple inspired by Greek Mythology with this book focusing on Adonis and Aphrodite.
If you haven't read Academy of Villains, what are you doing!? Go add it to your TBR now and come back after to read this review. ♡
This story focuses on Lyla and Bastian with the occasional POV from Kiara and Lucian. Lyla is a forestmage attending the Academy of Magic. She lives in the greenhouse tending ...more
If you haven't read Academy of Villains, what are you doing!? Go add it to your TBR now and come back after to read this review. ♡
This story focuses on Lyla and Bastian with the occasional POV from Kiara and Lucian. Lyla is a forestmage attending the Academy of Magic. She lives in the greenhouse tending ...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

✨Academy of Villains: Lesson in Loyalty✨
Author: Ever King
Release: June 24, 2025
Series: Book 2
Back at the academy with Ever King’s cast of morally grey and uniquely talented characters, we find ourselves following a new couple and an Aphrodite and Adonis retelling. We continue on our overarching plot, making this sequel most appreciated when read after book one.
After the events of book one, the secrets and twists are just getting started. We begin by following Lyla, our forestmage FMC, as she se ...more
Author: Ever King
Release: June 24, 2025
Series: Book 2
Back at the academy with Ever King’s cast of morally grey and uniquely talented characters, we find ourselves following a new couple and an Aphrodite and Adonis retelling. We continue on our overarching plot, making this sequel most appreciated when read after book one.
After the events of book one, the secrets and twists are just getting started. We begin by following Lyla, our forestmage FMC, as she se ...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

As I'm beginning to realise, every book I read of Ever King's (past and future), I will adore and have adored. I cannot begin to explain how much I enjoyed reading this book. This story has so many meanings and messages that make reading it much more than just escapism. Lyla and Bastian were everything of course but the friendships and difficulties they face together also shine through and how they grow together. I also loved the female friendships and support and how even though two friends may
...more

May 08, 2025
Ashley {_xamountofbooks}
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
foolishly-started-unfinished-series,
netgalley
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

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.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

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

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

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

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

Jan 05, 2025
Shauny
marked it as to-read

Apr 08, 2025
Karissa Sperry
marked it as to-read

𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 (𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴)
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 & 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴
𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 ☠️
𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘴/𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴/𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴
~𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬~
And the saga continues! A marvelous follow up story weaving myth and magic into a retelling of Aphrodite and Adonis’ love story. I am fascinated with this series and cannot wait to see where it goes next. Ever King has created a fantasy world that is entertaining, empowering, romantic, and just a little perilous and I’m here for all of it. The plot follows a new love story ...more
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 & 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴
𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 ☠️
𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘴/𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴/𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴
~𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬~
And the saga continues! A marvelous follow up story weaving myth and magic into a retelling of Aphrodite and Adonis’ love story. I am fascinated with this series and cannot wait to see where it goes next. Ever King has created a fantasy world that is entertaining, empowering, romantic, and just a little perilous and I’m here for all of it. The plot follows a new love story ...more