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Villains Academy
In the spirit of The Bad Guys and Amelia Fang, this first adventurous romp in the illustrated middle grade Villains Academy series follows a young werewolf who realizes he’s a nice guy at heart while attending a villainous school for monsters.Villains Academy is the most prestigious of villain schools where being bad feels so good and the classes are guaranteed to make students leave as fully formed villains…or in pieces! On werewolf Bram’s first day at Villains Academy, he doesn’t feel like a villain at all. The other monsters seem way scarier and more diabolical than he could ever be. When it’s announced the coveted Villain of the Week trophy is up for grabs, Bram decides to prove himself by claiming the prize—but he’ll have to dig deep to connect with his inner villain. With the help of new friends Mona the elf-witch, Bryan the lion, Shelia the ghost, and Tony the skeleton, can Bram become the big bad he’s always dreamed of being?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
17 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 13, 2023
I won a copy of this in a giveaway, but my 9-year-old seized it first. He laughed SO much as he was reading it, and when I asked him what review he'd give for it, he said he gave it "5 skulls out of 5" and we HAD to preorder Book 2 in the series.
So, you'll have to imagine that those Goodreads stars are actually skulls, since I'm passing on his rating to you - but after hearing all his laughter as he read, I will definitely be reading this myself as well.
So, you'll have to imagine that those Goodreads stars are actually skulls, since I'm passing on his rating to you - but after hearing all his laughter as he read, I will definitely be reading this myself as well.
January 21, 2023
Okay, not only is this book insanely cute but it also highlights to children that it’s okay to be yourself. You’ll find friends and have great adventures by being true to yourself and not trying to be anyone else, or changing yourself to try and fit into your peer group. There are some really cute characters in this one and I can see it being a big hit with all middle grade readers (especially with names like “Master Mardybum” in there!)
January 5, 2023
This was proper loads of fun! A school where young villains go to learn about being bad, a teacher who is grumpy as anything and a bunch of villains who have it in for our lush MC, Bram. I loved Bram - he’s such a great main character. The illustrations in this are just gorgeous too! I hope there’s more to come in this series. I’d love more villainous stories and messages about being yourself, having confidence in your beliefs and being a good friend.
February 26, 2023
A very cute independent readers book (a strong 6 year old - 7yrs) for lovers of Monsters Inc! Despite being a werewolf, Bram doesn’t feel like a villain and is terrified of flunking out of Villain’s Academy. The headmaster has it out for him and his classmates all hate him. But he can’t help it…he’s just not bad!
Even had a good twist
Even had a good twist
July 23, 2024
I love the little illustrations throughout the book. And the story telling was great. I love seeing everyone become confident in themselves and their friends. Can't wait for the next one.
July 28, 2024
Master Mardybum continued. "Right, time to split you into teams. There will be two teams—A and B. You'll decide on a team name among yourselves and submit it to me tomorrow morning. Once submitted, you will not be able to change it. And if you don't choose a team name, then I'll select one for you ... and it will include the word boogers. Understood?"Since J.K. Rowling opened the floodgates, young adult fiction has been teeming with books about alternatives to the public school system (or, what U.K. readers probably call state schools). Like a Princess Academy, or a Vampire Academy, or a School of Fear, or a Spy School. There have been space camps, a colossal number of variations on the theme of schools of magic, schools for superheroes and their sidekicks, and of course this isn't the first book featuring a school for villains. But in a hybrid of kids' chapter book and graphic novel that I've dubbed the graphic chapter book – other examples include the "Last Kids on Earth" series – this one takes the daring step of integrating witches, werewolves, ghosts, and naughty animals with the general population of bad kids who are being taught to be perfectly horrible.
Yes, the ambition for these kids (and animals) is to be serious villains when they grow up. Right now, though, a young werewolf named Bram is worried, down to the tips of his green fur, that he may not have what it takes to be truly wicked. In fact, he's not even sure he'll make it through his first week at Villains Academy, with the nefarious Master Mardybum threatening to issue merits and excluding him from detention with the rest of his team. Bram would just like to prove himself enough to earn the Villain of the Week award, but his attempts to be bad just get him and his group – nicknamed the Weirdoughs – into trouble. And at times, it feels like even his friends are turning against him. But they'll need to work together to survive their end-of-the-week test in the Maze of Mystery.
It's a goofy, subversive and oddly touching story about truly weird kids in an environment that flips goodness and badness upside-down. I don't know what kind of influence it will exert on young readers' behavior, but I can predict that there will be giggles and some heartwarming feelings as they get to know fuzzy Bram and his friends, a ghost named Sheila, a skeleton named Tony, a flatulent lion named Bryan, and the hardest nut to crack, an elf-witch named Mona.
This is Book 1 of the Villains Academy trilogy, followed up by How to Steal a Dragon and How to Win the Gruesome Games. Between Hammond's author blurb on his literary agent's website and his acknowledgements at the end of this book, it's apparent that he's an English author-illustrator who has a twin brother, a male significant other (which may partly explain why Bram has two dads) and a haunted house crammed with books. He apparently takes a whimsical interest in being bad, as evidenced by the letter at the start of this book presenting readers with their "pass to badness" and advising them, "Being bad is a choice. Don't be bad all the time, please. But do read on if you want to learn how to be a true villain. P.S. Sorry, adults."
April 25, 2023
Everyone loves a bad boy, so who wouldn't want to read about Villains Academy? A school that trains wannabe villains how to be bad. We are introduced to the school along with new student Bram Moon, a werewolf who doesn't feel very villainous. A feeling that is shared by his teacher and fellow students. Bram is keen to do his best and make his parents proud. However, it's tough going when everyone expects him to fail. Can he overcome his fears and prove that he has what it takes to be bad? Could he even end up being named Villain of the Week?
There are a lot of fantasy books set in schools but Villains Academy manages to make it seem fresh. Or at least it brings a fun twist to the same old concept. The villainous side to the story is a lot of fun and younger readers will no doubt delight in all of the ways it flips normal behaviours. Like students being afraid to get merits or being grateful to get a detention. There is a great deal of potential in this element and it allows for plenty of silliness. It's not exactly spooky but there it certainly embraces the darker side. We meet a whole host of creepy characters and they're all wonderful. Even the grumpy Master Mardybum.
A name that tells you everything about the humour level of this book. It's got everything you need for a book for children. Silly names, toilet humour and terrible puns. It doesn't get much better. However, this isn't just about having fun. Villain Academy has plenty of heart to it. Bram is a great protagonist thanks to his feelings of self-doubt and fear. He questions himself and his ability to make his parents proud. All things that younger readers might see in themselves. There is a strong message here about accepting and loving yourself. About embracing the parts of yourself that are unique and special.
In terms of story, this isn't exactly breaking new ground but that's okay. It works really well and will definitely keep readers entertained. This is helped by the amazing illustrations throughout the book. It really helps bring the world to life and adds a new layer of humour. Also, I'm loving the continuing trend of putting drawing guides at the end of kids' books. It's such a great feature and I hope it continues. As an adult, it's always difficult to say whether a children's book is actually any good. I like to try and judge it on whether the younger me would have loved it or not. I reckon Villains Academy would have been as much of a hit with the younger me as it was with the current me.
There are a lot of fantasy books set in schools but Villains Academy manages to make it seem fresh. Or at least it brings a fun twist to the same old concept. The villainous side to the story is a lot of fun and younger readers will no doubt delight in all of the ways it flips normal behaviours. Like students being afraid to get merits or being grateful to get a detention. There is a great deal of potential in this element and it allows for plenty of silliness. It's not exactly spooky but there it certainly embraces the darker side. We meet a whole host of creepy characters and they're all wonderful. Even the grumpy Master Mardybum.
A name that tells you everything about the humour level of this book. It's got everything you need for a book for children. Silly names, toilet humour and terrible puns. It doesn't get much better. However, this isn't just about having fun. Villain Academy has plenty of heart to it. Bram is a great protagonist thanks to his feelings of self-doubt and fear. He questions himself and his ability to make his parents proud. All things that younger readers might see in themselves. There is a strong message here about accepting and loving yourself. About embracing the parts of yourself that are unique and special.
In terms of story, this isn't exactly breaking new ground but that's okay. It works really well and will definitely keep readers entertained. This is helped by the amazing illustrations throughout the book. It really helps bring the world to life and adds a new layer of humour. Also, I'm loving the continuing trend of putting drawing guides at the end of kids' books. It's such a great feature and I hope it continues. As an adult, it's always difficult to say whether a children's book is actually any good. I like to try and judge it on whether the younger me would have loved it or not. I reckon Villains Academy would have been as much of a hit with the younger me as it was with the current me.
July 14, 2024
What worked:
The whole story is contrary to what young readers might expect. Bram is a werewolf and he hopes the school will help him learn to become more villainy. Students are rewarded with detention and extra homework if they’re bad enough and Bram is upset when he’s left out. Students are encouraged to use curse words in Bad Language class, although the whole class is shocked when the teacher yells “Shubblemegump” at Bram. He tells that teacher he prefers not to use bad words and another teacher scolds him for saying “Thank you” and shouts “Don’t use your manners at me!”
Bram’s problem is that he’s not a villain and he doesn’t want to embarrass his fathers. Students share the worst thing they’ve done (one student, a toad, had eaten a child) but Bram can’t think of anything. He’s bullied and cowed by the other monsters and classmates tell him he needs to defend himself. Bram can’t seem to perform any villainous acts. He even tries sneaking into detention but that only causes the class and teacher to roar with laughter. He’s later falsely accused of stealing something valuable and he’s threatened with expulsion instead of being commended for doing something wicked. The plot’s conflict might seem like it’s about finding out who committed the theft but it’s really about Bram accepting who he is.
The supporting characters are strange creatures who are forced to work together as a team. Bryan is a lion with a habit of falling asleep and passing gas. Tony is a skeleton who frequently removes body parts to throw at other characters. Sheila is a ghost who doesn’t seem as scary as one might expect. Mona is an elf-witch who takes on the role of leader for their group. However, she wants nothing to do with the others and wears a button saying “Go Away”. Bram’s lack of villainy and his propensity to fail increases his self-doubt and causes teachers and other students to demean him.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might be put off by the juvenile humor. Farting is repeated throughout the story, especially by Bryan, and it’s the source of humor. It also represents something more important in the story but some readers might still find it disgusting.
The final verdict:
This is actually a fun, quick-paced story that can be enjoyed by most average, middle-grade readers. They can easily connect with Bram’s self-doubt and struggles to be accepted and they’ll cheer for him to overcome assumptions and unfairness. The illustrations help readers visualize the characters and settings, and overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
The whole story is contrary to what young readers might expect. Bram is a werewolf and he hopes the school will help him learn to become more villainy. Students are rewarded with detention and extra homework if they’re bad enough and Bram is upset when he’s left out. Students are encouraged to use curse words in Bad Language class, although the whole class is shocked when the teacher yells “Shubblemegump” at Bram. He tells that teacher he prefers not to use bad words and another teacher scolds him for saying “Thank you” and shouts “Don’t use your manners at me!”
Bram’s problem is that he’s not a villain and he doesn’t want to embarrass his fathers. Students share the worst thing they’ve done (one student, a toad, had eaten a child) but Bram can’t think of anything. He’s bullied and cowed by the other monsters and classmates tell him he needs to defend himself. Bram can’t seem to perform any villainous acts. He even tries sneaking into detention but that only causes the class and teacher to roar with laughter. He’s later falsely accused of stealing something valuable and he’s threatened with expulsion instead of being commended for doing something wicked. The plot’s conflict might seem like it’s about finding out who committed the theft but it’s really about Bram accepting who he is.
The supporting characters are strange creatures who are forced to work together as a team. Bryan is a lion with a habit of falling asleep and passing gas. Tony is a skeleton who frequently removes body parts to throw at other characters. Sheila is a ghost who doesn’t seem as scary as one might expect. Mona is an elf-witch who takes on the role of leader for their group. However, she wants nothing to do with the others and wears a button saying “Go Away”. Bram’s lack of villainy and his propensity to fail increases his self-doubt and causes teachers and other students to demean him.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might be put off by the juvenile humor. Farting is repeated throughout the story, especially by Bryan, and it’s the source of humor. It also represents something more important in the story but some readers might still find it disgusting.
The final verdict:
This is actually a fun, quick-paced story that can be enjoyed by most average, middle-grade readers. They can easily connect with Bram’s self-doubt and struggles to be accepted and they’ll cheer for him to overcome assumptions and unfairness. The illustrations help readers visualize the characters and settings, and overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
February 2, 2023
Villains Academy by @hamdesign
is an extremely fun illustrated middle grade novel and is also out today.
It's werewolf Bram's first day at Villains academy. Can his new friends help him find his inner badness and become villain he's always dreamed of being?
Villains Academy is brilliantly illustrated, big hearted and with a great story about trusting yourself and making friends, plus lots of bum and fart jokes. You know, all the best stuff. I absolutely love Bram, the little werewolf protagonist who isn’t so great at being bad, and the rest of his team the Cereal Killers — though I think Sheila the Ghost and Skele-Tony have my heart.
I read this in its entirety one morning when I needed a good bit of brightness and this was such a perfect read that kids are going to be obsessed with. My nephews spied my proof copy when I was over and kept picking it up to read and laugh at things, and as a former bookseller I know it’s going to catch so many kids eyes.
Perfect for Loki & How to Train Your Dragon fans, and the ultimate antidote to this gloomy bit of the year.
is an extremely fun illustrated middle grade novel and is also out today.
It's werewolf Bram's first day at Villains academy. Can his new friends help him find his inner badness and become villain he's always dreamed of being?
Villains Academy is brilliantly illustrated, big hearted and with a great story about trusting yourself and making friends, plus lots of bum and fart jokes. You know, all the best stuff. I absolutely love Bram, the little werewolf protagonist who isn’t so great at being bad, and the rest of his team the Cereal Killers — though I think Sheila the Ghost and Skele-Tony have my heart.
I read this in its entirety one morning when I needed a good bit of brightness and this was such a perfect read that kids are going to be obsessed with. My nephews spied my proof copy when I was over and kept picking it up to read and laugh at things, and as a former bookseller I know it’s going to catch so many kids eyes.
Perfect for Loki & How to Train Your Dragon fans, and the ultimate antidote to this gloomy bit of the year.
February 26, 2023
With names like Master Mardybum, you just know this book is going to be perpetually out in school libraries across the land. It's a walking shop window for World Book Day costumes, and the colourful mix of goofy villains will give everyone someone to root for (and dress up as). Ryan's illustrations are brilliant and plentiful, lending a sense of fun and whimsy on every page.
But while it's clear from the cover that it's going to be a riot, actually there's a bit more going on under the surface than the wacky escapades and abundance of toilet humour. Villains Academy is a book with heart, telling an important parable about being yourself. Obvious without being heavy-handed, it's a message that's not going to be lost on the children that read it.
With a second book already in the pipeline, Villains Academy is a worthy shelfmate to the likes of Laura Ellen Anderson's Amelia Fang series, and the Loki books by Louie Stowell. I also love the "How to Draw Bram" feature at the back of the book - nice touch!
But while it's clear from the cover that it's going to be a riot, actually there's a bit more going on under the surface than the wacky escapades and abundance of toilet humour. Villains Academy is a book with heart, telling an important parable about being yourself. Obvious without being heavy-handed, it's a message that's not going to be lost on the children that read it.
With a second book already in the pipeline, Villains Academy is a worthy shelfmate to the likes of Laura Ellen Anderson's Amelia Fang series, and the Loki books by Louie Stowell. I also love the "How to Draw Bram" feature at the back of the book - nice touch!
April 27, 2023
Enjoyable read. Easy to understand because it is a middle grade book. Before start reading, here is a message to reader; being bad is a choice. Dont be bad all of the time.
Wants to be a true villain? Lets read and learn how to do it!
Being bad had never felt so good. Bram was so lucky to have the supportive team eventhough from the earliest of the story, his team always make him feel so bad especially from their teacher; Master Mardybum. Master Mardybum always think that Bram was so stupid and always annoyed him.
In the Villains Academy, life is better with friends especially in Cereal Killers’s team where they make each other feels grateful and believing in their own abilities.
You are only what you believe yourself to be. If you look deep within, you will find confidence and courage.
Wants to be a true villain? Lets read and learn how to do it!
Being bad had never felt so good. Bram was so lucky to have the supportive team eventhough from the earliest of the story, his team always make him feel so bad especially from their teacher; Master Mardybum. Master Mardybum always think that Bram was so stupid and always annoyed him.
In the Villains Academy, life is better with friends especially in Cereal Killers’s team where they make each other feels grateful and believing in their own abilities.
You are only what you believe yourself to be. If you look deep within, you will find confidence and courage.
January 26, 2023
I loved this unlikely crew of monster children, sent to Villain Academy to learn from the best how to be bad.
Surely children will have a favourite character to dress up as for World Book Day from Bram, a werewolf, Bryan the Lion, Sheila the ghost, Mona who seems to be a witch or Tony the skeleton.
My personal favourite was the teacher of the class Master Mardybum. He has quite the distinctive wardrobe.
Fun, farts & friendship is what this read is all about as well as trying your best & staying true to who you are.
I can't wait to place this in readers hands, if you love reading out loud in class or at home this is hilarious. Can't wait for next term.
Surely children will have a favourite character to dress up as for World Book Day from Bram, a werewolf, Bryan the Lion, Sheila the ghost, Mona who seems to be a witch or Tony the skeleton.
My personal favourite was the teacher of the class Master Mardybum. He has quite the distinctive wardrobe.
Fun, farts & friendship is what this read is all about as well as trying your best & staying true to who you are.
I can't wait to place this in readers hands, if you love reading out loud in class or at home this is hilarious. Can't wait for next term.
October 24, 2024
The kid thought it was alright. Would have been better if it had been a bit longer. Liked that at the end Bram and Mona became friends. He did not like Bryan, Sheila, and Tony were stealing the furyflumos and lied about it. He thinks he would be friends with the Weirdoughs because the way they acted they have some things in common
I also thought the book was just ok. It seemed a little simplistic. And I thought it was ridiculous that Master Mardybum was mad that they broke into his office. Is t that being bad? He should have commended them for that. I did like that the weirdoughs were not actually villains and just nice “people”.
I also thought the book was just ok. It seemed a little simplistic. And I thought it was ridiculous that Master Mardybum was mad that they broke into his office. Is t that being bad? He should have commended them for that. I did like that the weirdoughs were not actually villains and just nice “people”.
February 3, 2023
I read this in pretty much in one sitting! It’s a fantastic MG book: quick-paced and full of heart, imagination and bucketloads of fun and friendship
(and fart jokes!). Nervous werewolf Bram’s new school for villains has a truly cackle-worthy cast. (And omg Ryan’s illustrations are simply *to die for!* ) I can so imagine kids picking their favourite goofy villains!
Highly recommend if you like belly-laughs, kooky pals, a sprinkling of sweetness and spooky mystery and the best *it’s good to be bad* vibes!
(and fart jokes!). Nervous werewolf Bram’s new school for villains has a truly cackle-worthy cast. (And omg Ryan’s illustrations are simply *to die for!* ) I can so imagine kids picking their favourite goofy villains!
Highly recommend if you like belly-laughs, kooky pals, a sprinkling of sweetness and spooky mystery and the best *it’s good to be bad* vibes!
March 13, 2023
I bought this little adorable book to add to my sprayed edges collection and to have for my Luna one day. The Villain Academy was such a cute read. Little monsters who talk about passing gas and lots of talk about bums, but also all about friendship and working together to complete a task. Master Mardybum divided two teams, the Overloads and the Cereal Killers, to complete the mystery maze. Only one team can win but Master Mardybum will also name a villain of the week.
I know this was YA but man I liked it! The sprayed edges and the gorgeous art work.
I know this was YA but man I liked it! The sprayed edges and the gorgeous art work.
June 22, 2023
A fun early middle grade book about Bram, a werewolf style character who goes to Villain school, but turns out not to be very good.
Bram is part of a team, but keeps losing the games they are playing, the team isn't very happy with him, but try to help him anyway.
This was a book all about friendship, finding your place and believing in yourself.
The illustrations were fabulous and the story was easy to follow.
Bram is part of a team, but keeps losing the games they are playing, the team isn't very happy with him, but try to help him anyway.
This was a book all about friendship, finding your place and believing in yourself.
The illustrations were fabulous and the story was easy to follow.
April 16, 2023
I actually struggled through the start of this because everyone was being so mean! But as all children's books usually do, the message of the story became clear and most of the characters stopped being such arseholes and the end was pretty sweet.
Not claiming to know much about middle school aged kids but I think the fart jokes will be popular 🤣
Side note: the illustrations are fabulous!
Not claiming to know much about middle school aged kids but I think the fart jokes will be popular 🤣
Side note: the illustrations are fabulous!
April 18, 2023
Cute book for kids aged 7+. Villains Academy takes you through the first week of Villains Academy for Bram, a little werewolf without a single bad bone in his body. Bram struggles to make friends and fit in at his new school, but wants so bad to prove he can be a villain. This is a fast paced, funny, flatulence filled story about learning to believe in yourself and love yourself for who you are.
March 15, 2023
This was wonderfully adorable! I was kind of disappointed when I saw the page count because I was hoping there would be more of it. But it's a series, so there's that. I have a thing for magic schools and supervillains, so both was like my birthday at Christmas. Looking forward to the next one.
December 3, 2024
What would you do if you were enrolled in a school for the evilest of villains, but you really didn’t feel like a villain at all? This silly and charming early chapter book is cute and perfect for some hesitant readers. It could be used in a Halloween display.
January 15, 2025
This book is cute and funny and held the attention of my 6 and 4 year old boys, but the main character has two dads so I had to change it to a mom and a dad! That’s really my only downfall of the book.
November 14, 2022
A great MG book packed with fun and humour.
March 19, 2023
Fun little story for younger children - 5-8 ys.
March 22, 2023
I love the idea of the book but does it have a secret?
From a child aged 8
From a child aged 8
May 26, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5
March 1, 2024
Dull cliche. Dnf.
March 14, 2024
Arc Copy...Whack, fun, witty and hehe these "villians" in training are as honorable as "good guys" in many ways.
February 1, 2025
Cok komik ve bir aslanin surekli pirt yaptigi bir kitap :)
September 14, 2025
A really good fantasy novel about werewolves, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night for kids aged 7 and above. Fang-tastic illustrations too! See what I did there? ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews