A School for Villains

by Ardyth DeBruyn, Leo DeBruyn (Illustrator)

Thirteen-year-old Danny is astounded when his father decides to send him to Dark Lord Academy to learn to be a villain. Pa claims it will make him stand out and fulfill his own lost childhood dreams. Being evil doesn’t appeal to Danny, but he’s always been a good and obedient son, so he goes.Dark Lord Academy’s not just unappealing, it’s downright terrible. His advisor dyes Danny’s blond hair black and changes his name to the unpronounceable Zxygrth. He can’t get the hang of maniacal laughter, his second-in-command servant is a puke-colored monkey, and the cafeteria lady enjoys serving stewed cockroaches or fried bat wings. A run in with a hero results in hate mail and he gets caught up in a rivalry with the school bully. The only way for Danny to stay alive is to find his inner villain.

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Middle Grade

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2011

About the author

Ardyth DeBruyn is a native Oregonian with a restless nature and a degree in Anthropology. After hiking over 1500 miles across Europe and living on the Mexican border for a year, she settled back in the Pacific Northwest (for now) to write fantasy stories. She has decided she can type herself into adventures faster than walk.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny never wanted to be a villain, but when his father enrolls him at Dark Lord Academy, he finds himself dragged into a world of maniacal laughter, minions, monsters, and all around villainy. Determined to get expelled, Danny embarks on a boatload of evil behavior, all the while struggling to understand the difference between good and evil.

A School For Villains is a humorous and easy middle grade read. It contains name calling, use of the word "damn", bullying, fighting, killing, mistreatment/deliberate harm of another, lying, stealing, necromancy, and the use of dark magic.

Parents should be aware that while good and evil is regularly referenced and explored, a clear line is never drawn between the two and young readers may find the distinction unclear.

See more content based reviews at Sarah's Reviews: http://ssbookreviews.blogspot.com/

[Melissa Storm]

Really fun. Definitely reminiscent of Harry Potter. You hear me, Potterheads?! I think I picked this one up for free a gazillion years ago. This is the first indie book I'm reading without personally knowing the author, but I'd like to know this talented, quirky lately--Hi, Ardyth!

[Chrystalla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A School For Villains is not simply a parody of epic fantasy stories about wizard schools – it’s a new take on the trope and an imaginative reversal of genre expectations.

When Danny is sent to a School for Villains and has to leave his father’s forge, he’s horrified. He doesn’t want to be evil, doesn’t want to hurt anybody and doesn’t like the fact that he has no say in all this. He has no love for evil lords and hates maniacal laughter (I love him for this!) In all, Danny is a normal boy and he will do anything in his hand to escape the School and its mad teachers. I will say no more because there are many twists and surprises in the plot and I can’t give them away, but trust me, it is an interesting story.

Danny’s character is dynamic and active. He spends a big part of the book looking for ways to escape the school, and these are often hilariously funny and imaginative. However, I must admit I was a little put off by his whiny nature at first. Happily, he comes into his own in later chapters and goes through an interesting transformation.

The characters surrounding him are beautifully crafted, and although they may first appear as stereotypes (done on purpose, obviously, to add to the satirical nature of the book), as the story progresses they become rounded and real. I really enjoyed discovering their other facets.

I admit I laughed out loud at the portrayal of the boy hero coming to challenge Danny and the letters they exchanged, and I loved this author’s imagination in crafting the school and all its crazy magic and great characters. Although the book addresses a younger public than I’m used to, I greatly enjoyed reading a School for Villains and look forward to a sequel.

I recommend a School for Villains for all readers who enjoy a funny take on fantasy, such as satires of wizard schools, and especially for teens and young adults.

For Good Book Alert.

[K.C. Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I so enjoyed the humor and characters, once I delved into the main story I found that I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books where I actually loved all of the characters and their stories (even the nasty ones). It was hilarious and often thought-provoking to watch Danny's struggles with the concepts of good and evil. What DOES make one evil? Or good, for that matter? And why ARE all dark elves white guys with black hair? A satisfying ending with loads of fun along the way, I honestly hope there will be more adventures with Danny and his comrades in the future.

[Katharina Gerlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone liking middle grade stories. I love the way the MC is forced to go to a school for villains. There, he has to figure out the differences between good and evil on his own to get expelled, but since most actions are ambiguous at best, he has a hard time.
The closer I got to the end, the more I hoped the book would be longer -- and that's quite something for a 43-yr old reading a kid's book. The author managed to keep me interested from the first page to the last, and the characters grew so much on me, I hope there will be a sequel.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this lively spoof and its cast of delightful creatures (great illustrations too). The author kept me guessing how Danny was going to get out of his predicaments, whether he'd give in to the urge to be a villain or find himself the secret hero in the academy. The story offers a valuable theme without being moralistic. I think adults as well as teens will enjoy it, and teachers and parents may decide this is one to read to their younger students.

[Lanelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed reading this book, and I think it was well written, I was appalled at the concept of teaching a child to become evil.

As I was reading, I looked forward to the parts where Danny would try and figure out the meaning of goodness and friendship and heroism. And the author did a good job of placing Danny in positions where he could see for himself the consequences of his actions and choices.

I wish the book had had a different ending.

[Katie Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY got around to reading this! A hilarious and heartwarming story of a student at Dark Lord Academy who doesn't actually want to be a villain. But what does being a villain entail, really? Ardyth DeBruyn mocks stereotypes and turns cliches on their heads repeatedly in this rollicking adventure. Highly recommended for everyone.

[Marva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read this book on Critique Circle, so I've got another copy (thanks, Ardyth!) and will get to enjoy it all over again.

Finished the latest draft. This is a wonderful book. I hope Ardyth will get it published soon so others can enjoy her witty and unique fantasy.

[Stefanie Pristavu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun read. I read this book in a little over a day and throughly enjoyed it. I'll certainly be reading more. :)

[Ernesto F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a fun story, but the ethical compass is confusing. Good for discussion, bad to just hand it over to a child.

Also worth to discuss: there is fate or not in the real world vs. the book world?

[Thomas Fackler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisting the boundaries of good and evil, Danny finds that neither good nor evil are static, but are concepts dependent on individual perspective.

[Alex Hogan]

Really fun, quick read. Perfect for a plane trip.

Definitely aimed at younger audience - don't expect a lot of subtlety.