Academy of Villains • Book Three

Lessons in Trickery

Ever King

The story continues in Book 3 of the Academy of Villains series—a dark academia romantasy inspired by Hekate and Hermes, perfect for fans of Zodiac Academy and Shadow and Bone, featuring a secret relationship, divided loyalties, demons, titans, and a deadly quest.

When a witch hiding among mages is cursed to die, she must seduce and betray the Skymage bound to her to uncover the secret location of an ancient gate before time runs out.

She’s been cursed to die.

He’s determined to save her.

lessons in trickery by ever king book cover

Lessons in Trickery

Academy of Villains • Book Three

Synopsis

In a kingdom where magic is slowly disappearing, an evil king hunts witches, brands their kind as traitors, and forces mages to serve under his endless rule. But the king hides many secrets, and one of them, when unearthed, will shatter the balance of power and unmask the mythic monster the world once mistook for a god.

Bellatrix Bane, a witch hiding among mages, never meant to fall for her enemy. After a Heartstring binds her to Skymage Dorian Mistfall, her destiny becomes a death sentence.

The witches curse her to die by the Death Sands, an enchanted hourglass that will stop her heart when the final grain falls. They give her one chance to survive: seduce Dorian, betray him, and steal his secrets before her time runs out.

She will need his help to find a gate concealed by ancient magic, revealed only by a locator spell requiring bones, blood, and ashes from the bloodlines that sealed it.

As Titans stir in the mountains and rumors of a lost heir spread through the realm, witches, mages, and the Starmarked Seven brace for a magical war that will decide the fate of their world.

Tropes in the story

Excerpts from the book

In a world filled with magic and monsters, the real danger is craving the very thing destined to destroy you.

– Lessons in Trickery

Dorian Mistfall stands between us, like some dark spirit summoned—the kind that demands a blood sacrifice.

– Lessons in Trickery

“I’ll freeze everything in this room,” he murmurs, watching me. “Until the only warm thing left in here is my body.”

– Lessons in Trickery

Reviews

I loved getting Bellatrix and Dorian’s story. Their dynamic? Elite. Their tension? Immaculate. Their chemistry? Off the charts.

– @evenromanceisnerdy

So many threads are starting to weave together and it’s truly amazing how well these different storylines mesh. I don’t know how Ever King manages it, but this is master story telling.

– @stayathomebookshop

I know I said Bastian & Layla were my favorites… but I think I’m officially more obsessed with Bellatrix & Dorian.

– @highlybookednook

Resources & Extras

Series: Academy of Villains, Book 3

Genres: Dark Fantasy, Greek Mythology, Dark Academia, Fantasy Romance

ASIN: B0FPDLP93W

ISBN: PB 9781069563606; EB 9781069563613; HC 9781069563620

This story contains mature themes and potentially sensitive content, including violence, blood, injury, death, perilous situations, strong language, and and sexual activities that are shown on the page. Reader discretion is advised.

Listen to the official book playlist on Spotify.

This series takes place in the Kingdom of Ithaka. Learn more about the kingdom, its lore, and characters on the official Kingdom of Ithaka Wiki.

Coming soon.

For publishing, audio, translation, or other rights inquiries, contact [email protected].

In the series

Academy of Villains • Book One 

Academy of Villains • Book Two 

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