“Phenomenal! I DEVOURED this book!” ★★★★★I thought I was ordinary Rory Franco: college student, artist, and over-protected daughter. Then mages barge into my family’s home, murder my parents, and whisk me off to a university known to the rest of magical society as Villain Academy.It turns out I’m Persephone Bloodstone, the long lost heir to one of the five royal families of dark magic. I’m … families of dark magic. I’m destined to learn how to manipulate the world with fear—and to stand beside the four other scions: the scorching-hot, arrogant young men who rule this school.
Unfortunately, I’m having trouble locating my supposedly wicked skills. I don’t want to use a power that feeds off people’s pain, but I have to tap into my talents fast if I want to survive. I’ve got no time to grieve for my family. The students here are even more vicious than the teachers, and my fellow scions are worst of all.
The four of them crush anyone who doesn’t kowtow. No way will I bow to any villain, no matter how brutally alluring. They can turn on the charm or tear me down, but they can’t break me, even if I can barely get my magic working.
They’ve never met anyone like me before. I don’t care about ruling. I just want to avenge the people I loved.
It doesn’t matter what kind of power runs through my veins. I’m taking Villain Academy down.
Cruel Magic is the first in a university-age paranormal academy series. Expect magical villainy, a tough heroine who bends to no one’s will, a dollop of steam, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance where there’ll be no choosing required.
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Cruel Magic is Book 1 of the Villain Academy series. Eva Chase is truly an exceptional author. She has taken an over used story line and added new life to it. Rory, our MFC, is unique in that she has been raised a joymancer when she is actually a fearmancer and has no idea what magic she possess. She must, for now, get past the death of her adopted parents, abduction, and being dumped into a dark, depressing academy where she is hated by all to accomplish her goal of avenging her loved ones. I really love Rory as she is truly someone to admire as she sticks to her morals no matter what is thrown at her. The 4 scions (males of course) are really big jerks and at this time have no redeeming traits. It is going to be great watching Rory whip them into shape and what she plans to do to the Academy as she is not what they think or really want. Am looking forward to the next book to see what road and adventures Eva has in store for Rory in her quest to eventually achieve her goal. I highly recommend this book. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Magical bullies and university based on cut throat mentality… Despite all that, the story somehow works to pique your interest. The villains seem ultimately redeemable. The romance is perhaps brewing and adventure lies ahead. Definitely ends in a large cliffhanger but enjoyable book. Looking forward to next in series.
Wow — Rory has a loving family and a great life, when suddenly her world is turned upside down – her parents murdered and she is kidnapped to Villain Academy where she supposedly belongs. I liked Rory. She has a core of strength and stands up for her beliefs. I’m really torn on the guys right now, they are definite villains in the making, but for a couple, there were some spots I was rooting for them. I’m not sure how this will all work out, but I am hooked and can’t wait to see Rory turn things back on the, 🙂 This is a slow burn, Academy RH.
Buckle up and prepare yourself for this high intensity read! It’s emotional and frightening. Rory’s difficulties may just break your heart. She’s one sweet girl caught up amidst a world that just doesn’t make sense to her. Her priorities shift majorly. The guys in this play their parts perfectly! They are so beautifully broken, but what would you expect from the scions of Villian Academy? They each are driven to ruthlessly succeed. There is something about each one that makes you want to unravel the puzzles that make them up. I am beyond excited to see just where this series will take us!! This cover is absolutely gorgeous! Eva Chase always delivers these rich world building details that utterly draw you in. Her characters are so very delightfully delicious
*** No Spoilers ***
Love love this book! Eva did an excellent job of character and environment development. She set a storyline that is intriguing and makes you want more. Our female main character, Rory, is survivor. I love her “take no crap” attitude. Now the 4 main men characters are just … Grrrr. I can’t use the word for them on a public review. I did get emotional and cried during a scene Rory has to go through. I can’t wait for the next book!
I highly recommend this book/series.
*** I was given an advance readers copy of this book. ***
This is the first book in a new series by Ms. Chase and I absolutely loved it! Rory is a wonderful, tough girl and I love that she’s trying to keep her morals while using her magic. I can’t wait for Malcolm to get what’s coming to him. He is a great character to hate.
I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Eva Chase’s Royals of Villain Academy 1: Cruel Magic is a true treat, and the start of something really special. Read the publisher’s blurb on this one as it pretty much tells you what you need to know. I can guarantee that if you find it even slightly appealing you will love this book. Frankly it’s the birth of a new addiction for me. The lead here, Rory Franco, may in fact be Persephone Bloodstone, the long lost heir to one of the five royal families of dark magic, but this touch gal knows what she wants and has her values pretty much set in stone. Too bad for those in Villain Academy stupid enough to get in her way. I can already tell that Cruel Magic is going to be a fantastic paranormal series – and a pretty great (even though slow-burn) reverse harem romance. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.