A Clash of Villains

Lycora Wolves #1

by Yajna Ramnath

When two villains collide, the world doesn’t stand a chance—but neither do their hearts.

For years, I seethed in silence, hating the creatures who ruled our realm and mourning the crimes they committed against my family. My vengeance was my own—until one impulsive act of heroism turned me into one of them.

Now, I’m being shipped off to Lycora Training Academy to embrace my newfound werewolf-hood, adapt to their ways, and prepare for the life I never wanted. But instead of guidance, I’m thrown—quite literally—to the wolves. Lycora is a breeding ground for chaos, secrets, and betrayals, and it doesn’t take long for me to realize there’s more going on than just power struggles between Alpha egos.

Something ancient is brewing. Something dangerous. And I’m the other half of the key that could bring it all to ruin.

As if that wasn’t complicated enough, enter *him*: a self-serving, smug Commander with a growl that makes my knees weak and an agenda darker than the night sky. He’s as infuriating as he is intoxicating, and if he doesn’t kill me first, he just might destroy me in other ways.

There’s a villain in this story, hidden in plain sight. Too bad they don't realize, I've got a bigger bone to pick.

Tropes include:
Enemies to Lovers
Villain Gets the Villain
Morally Grey FMC x Morally Black MMC
Push and Pull Romance
Fated Mates to Fated Enemy Mates
Dark Romantasy with spice that will leave you breathless

Perfect for fans of dark romantic fantasy, werewolf mythology, sassy and strong FMCs, and a hot, growling Commander who knows how to play dirty.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Shapeshifters, Dark

371 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2025

About the author

Yajna Ramnath writes like she’s crafting spells—equal parts beauty, danger, and a little chaos.

An author of fantasy, romance, and deliciously dark romance, Yajna builds worlds where love burns, bleeds, and sometimes bites. Her stories are filled with powerful heroines who don’t wait to be saved, dangerously charming love interests who toe the line between savior and sinner, and plot twists sharper than a dagger in the dark.

When she isn’t tormenting her characters (and her readers) with emotional rollercoasters and morally grey dilemmas, she’s doing something equally intense—headshotting opponents in Call of Duty Mobile like the badass she is. Let’s just say her trigger finger is as fast as her plot twists.

Based in a world of words, Wi-Fi, and caffeine-fueled nights, Yajna writes not just to tell stories—but to create entire emotional black holes you’ll gladly get sucked into.

Dark romance with heart. Fantasy with fire. Love that lingers like a ghost.

Welcome to her world. Don’t forget to bring snacks—and maybe a sword.

Reviews

[Kristiyana St · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

A Clash of Villains sucked me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. I loved the wolf shifter worldbuilding and the brutal, high-stakes atmosphere. The FMC’s growth from brokenness and trauma to strength and resilience was raw, heartbreaking, and inspiring. The MMC? Dark, brooding, and absolutely magnetic — the kind of morally grey character you can’t help but fall for.

The twists and betrayals kept me guessing the whole way through, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. The emotional intensity, the danger, the sizzling chemistry — this book had it all.

If you love dark romantasy with wolf shifters, complex characters, and shocking turns, this one is a must-read. I cannot wait for the next installment!

[Ashley Glovas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down 5 stars, I couldnt put this down and got so annoyed when my adulting got in the way of reading!! LOL ....I loved this so much, I finished it and was so ready to read book 2 and then threw an internal fit because its not out yet and I NEED to know what happens. The resilience of the FMC was amazing! And let me tell you I did NOT see the plot twist coming...so the way my jaw dropped! Must read, its not super smutty (nothing wrong with that though lol) and has a fantastic story line!

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 1%. Not feeling the revenge plot.

[Owen Hera-Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf shifters. Fated mates. Magic.
This had almost anything you could want from a shifter love story!

Kaia and Nero; 2 sides of the same coin.
Betrayal and love. Light and dark.

Deceit from days of old. Bring me more; and I can’t wait to read more in book 2!

[Kayleigh Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
I feel like the whole "villain vs. villain" vibe makes the story stand out from any other Romantasy I've read! I AM NEEDING BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW!

[MarlyUsagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cause chaos

Wow this book pulled me in from the beginning I'm hooked you got me, I'm eager for the second one now! I love a good villain tale and this sure has hit the mark. I feel for kaia she's endured so much pain, and I can't wait till she burns down the world. Nero he's a interesting character I definitely want to learn more about.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More more more, I need more of this world!!

I was instantly drawn into this world, and Kaia and Nero. A complicated vat of intentions, feelings, realities ...there are so many twists and turns!

Who can you trust? Who has ulterior motives? Who is hiding secrets? We unravel so much only for more mysteries to wind together.

Both Kaia and Nero are complicated, complicated MCs. Both are definitely morally grey (leaning towards black?), but their growth with each other and themselves is beyond entertaining to read.

This story starts off incredibly gritty, and it continues throughout the book. Check your triggers on this one.

The plot is solid, the world building is detailed but digestible, and the writing draws you in immediately.

I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment of this series!

overall: Definitely recommend
spice: Open Door

[Johanna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this book… they’re both villains…. I hated Nero at some points, I hated Kaia at some points, I cried and felt terrible for things they both suffered, especially Kaia. The writing is well done and descriptive enough that it tugs on all the emotions just like it’s supposed to. There are so many twists in this book!! So many things going on! Every time I thought I knew, I didn’t. Well done. I’ve read enough of these that I figured I had the formula down, but Yajna is here to cause chaos with that formula. There is no hero in this story, but there is love and there is evil that needs to be fought and they are just the villains to do it. There’s some witty moments that made me laugh and the found family aspect is in here too. The lore in this book is different from other werewolf stories so I liked that, I hope we get more of it in the next book. I can’t wait to dive into book 2.

[Kylie Weigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for those book boyfriends who inspire us to slide those fingers just a little bit deeper, and bite our lips just a little harder.

Kaia - wolf hater, wolf hunter. Her disdain for the wolves is not for nothing, she lost her parents to wolves when she was a young child. Despite not being able to recall details about who took her parents, she remembers they were wolves and that was enough for her. After her parents departure, she was fed to the wolves.. not the literal ones, the animalistic nature of man and she was the victim to it several times throughout her life - at the very hands of those that promised to protect and foster her. Until she was adopted by a wolf family, despite her hate, she stayed only for her little "brother". She kept her nighttime activities quiet but avoided facing the family that she was given. But she has one card - one that will descend chaos upon all, dominoes lined up for her to bring down.

Nero - wolf, Commander of the Lycora Guard and has more secrets than most. He is ruthless and fierce. Giving up his claim to heir, he has since been a trainer at the Academy and kept his guards up and distance. He may be a wolf, but he wasn't closed off; he will not be a puppet or a victim to "niceities". He is a tracker and with the yearly killing of a wolf, he was able to track the scent and mark it - HUMAN and he followed the smell until he found the exact one. But he kept that hidden, a secret locked down. But Nero is more than he seems, he too has been wrong and thrown aside. Dismantled and used as a weapon and nothing more. But he was more than expected and he will align his own agenda with Kaia's and wreak havoc starting at the very top.

One fateful full moon has Kaia's world flipped upside down and standing inside the Academy as a student now. Being hated already, only one person knows who she was and what she did, Nero. Despite her mouth and quip, she begins to acquiesce and make a friend and beginning to fit in the best she can. Clueless to the draw between her and Nero, leaves her discovering she is more than just another fresh turned pup. Within seconds of Nero being attacked, she slams her force into the ground channeling a power she had no knowledge of. And it only gets more complicated as she progresses in the Academy, gathering more than she bargained for. Nero didn't see how Kaia is penetrating his walls and guard but he can't stay away and he's learning that they are more alike than they realize. With unspoken plans and terror coming to the forefront of the Academy, Kaia has become a pawn, one with secrets meant to bring doubt but she has her own scheme and is ahead of the game. Secrets since buried are about to become spoken - avenged for her tormented life, abandoned to the life that chewed her up and spit her out. She's not finished and she's not going down without a fight, with Nero at her side - they will bring down the very organization that hurt them, tested them and used them. Nothing will be the same or remain but ash.

Powerful. Fierce and raw. A tale of power and the weight of it and the balance needed to keep it in control. Lean to the wrong side you can become what you despise but lean the other way and your judgement and superiority will shine through exposing weaknesses. A story about perseverance and strength even when you want to give up, give into the voice and shadows that haunt us. That revenge is a dish best served planned and executed with precision.

[Cassi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐺 Overall Impression

This book surprised me in the best way. It’s not your typical “fated mates, instant love” shifter story — it leans more into dark fantasy, political intrigue, and morally gray characters. Instead of giving us a clear hero vs. villain structure, it drops us into a world where power is constantly shifting, loyalties are complicated, and nearly every character has sharp edges.

The story has a strong “enemies with secrets” energy. It’s layered, a little ruthless, and definitely crafted for readers who enjoy complex wolf dynamics rather than light paranormal romance.

⸻

🌟 What I Loved
• Atmosphere & World-Building
Lycora is vividly built — from its power hierarchies to the underlying supernatural politics. The author takes time to set the stage, giving the story a moody, dangerous tone. You can feel the tension simmering beneath every alliance.
• Morally Gray Characters
No one is squeaky clean here, and that’s what makes it compelling. The main leads are both powerful and flawed, and their relationship isn’t romanticized into perfection. There’s betrayal, tension, and genuine pushback — which makes their chemistry spark even more.
• Villain Energy Done Right
Instead of the usual “secret softie” villain trope, this book lets its characters stay cunning, ambitious, and a little dangerous. That commitment gives the story a darker bite that I really appreciated.

⸻

⚡ What Could Be Better
• Pacing
The beginning is a slow burn. It takes a few chapters to fully click into the rhythm of the world. Once it gets going, it’s gripping — but some readers might find the setup a bit dense at first.
• Character Depth in Side Cast
The main characters are well-drawn, but a few side characters feel more like tools to move the plot rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. I wanted a little more development there, especially since the political dynamics rely on multiple players.
• Abrupt Transitions at Times
Occasionally, scene shifts or emotional beats happen quickly without as much build-up as I’d like. It’s not constant, but enough that I noticed a few moments where I wanted the story to slow down and let the moment breathe.

⸻

📝 Final Thoughts

I’d give A Clash of Villains a strong 4 out of 5. It’s sharp, moody, and refreshing for the wolf-shifter genre — leaning into villain POVs, strategic plotting, and slow-burn intensity rather than fluffy tropes.

[Chelsea Luitwieler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I go into a lot of books “blind”. I don’t read triggers or the blurb.
At first I was like, wow, that’s a lot of anger and f*** this and f*** that. When I got further into it, I could NOT STOP READING.
Kaia has been THROUGH IT. And I found myself wanting to jump in and befriend her and protect her.
She has so much to be vengeful about.
I have complicated feelings for Nero. I love him but also had a hard time with how he treated Kaia at times.
I’m excited to see how things come together in A Bond of Villains and get some questions answered.
The ending surprise had me wanting to go back to re-analyze everything I read!!!

I rounded this up to a 5 star, but it’s a very high 4-4.5 for me because:
-some spelling/grammatical errors throughout. But I understand that not everyone can go through the whole editing process when indie, so it’s not that big of a deal to me and it wasn’t to the extent that I couldn’t see that it was an easy mistake to make. like autocorrect errors.
-the bully type stuff is really hard for me to read in romance aspects. But just because *i* didn’t enjoy it, doesn’t mean other people won’t!

For anyone who likes werewolf/shifter dark romantasy, I recommend!!

[Kelsey C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaia wasn't always dealt the easy hand when it came to life. She hated the werewolves. She had her revenge set and planned until one night when everything changed. Now, she has to go to Lycora Academy. The academy where all wolves learn, train, and fight for their place. Nero is the Commander of the Lycora Guard. He's a broody shadow daddy that keeps a close eye on Kaia. Will she be able to trust him? Will he be able to trust her? Will she be able to survive and keep her secrets? What would they do if they found out who she was?

I know I say I love a book too often, but seriously this book is soooo good. I absolutely loved it. The sass and banter between the MCs is perfection. The snarkiness had me smirking or downright laughing every single time. The emotions behind the scenes is so well written. Shocker I cried a few times. The hate, the love, the feeling that you don't belong, the past, the future... All of it!!!!!

[Kim Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride!! Clash of Villains is about Kaia a human who believes that her family was killed by werewolves when she was two and she is on a mission to avenge their deaths. Kaia suddenly finds herself in the middle, involved in werewolf politics and a human rebellion. Her strength will be tested and her patience will wear thin when dealing with Nero, the grumpy, arrogant head of the werewolf guard. I love this cast of characters. They are all so fun and the banter in this book is so good!! Kaia is feisty and I love her fire.
The lore of Lycosia and the history of these packs is so interesting and there are definitely a few moments in this book that will leave you with your mouth open staring at your Kindle. Plot twists come fast and furious and what you think you know will unravel at a very fast pace. Can’t wait to move on to book 2, A Bond of Villains!!

[Emireadsthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Clash of Villains

This book had me hooked from the dedication!

I loved the revenge plot and the idea of a wolf hunter turned wolf. So many twists — and the secrets each character held were revealed so perfectly. I did not see them coming!

The danger, the chemistry, and the heartbreak had me completely gripped. The power plays between Kaia and Nero were everything, and the witty comments just made it even better.

If you love dark romance with wolf shifters, this one is for you. The definition of a morally grey MMC.

I can’t wait for book two — ARC read here we come! 🐺🔥

[Sommer Compher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell I am NOT okay!! Yajna, WHAT THE HELL.

This book was such a fantastic read, the pacing was immaculate, not once did I feel like “oh, this is taking forever!!”, it was perfect, the side characters perfect!

Nero? A bastard, but we love him anyway, there were so many times where I was flustered as screamed, “what a bastard!” At my kindle. 😂

Kaia? Badass, take no shit FMC. It was incredible to watch her story unfold, and the plot twist?? Oh honey, you could’ve given me YEARS to come up with it and I still wouldn’t have figured it out.

The ending has torn my heart out, sobbed for 20 minutes straight, I cannot wait to hop into A Bond Of Villains.

[Sleeping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the Beginning

My words keep failing me to describe how much I love this story… and it’s only the beginning; the beginning of a beautifully rich world and incredible characters. A story that leaves you knowing your heart is going to be broken and yet you are left craving more. I don’t need to rehash the synopsis as that has been done. Just know reading the beginning of Kaia and Nero’s is worth the turmoil and the heat. I can’t wait to delve into book two! If you live an incredible shifter series where things are not as simple as they seem and will leave you breathless and wanting more… Yajna Ramnath’s Lycora wolves has it all.

[Fae&Lattes (Chelle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4/5 stars | 🌶 4/5

Dark. Dangerous. Deliciously spicy.

This book drops you straight into the chaos — no slow burn here. The chemistry between the leads is instant, explosive, and packed with tension. The FMC is bold and beautifully flawed, and the dynamic between her and the MMC had me glued to every page.

The world-building is rich with shifters, power struggles, and morally grey motives — exactly the kind of fantasy I crave. The spice is intense and emotional, blending perfectly with the story’s danger and darkness.

A Clash of Villains is fierce, seductive, and impossible to put down. The perfect start to a shifter romantasy series that doesn’t hold back.

[Lizandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so honestly I'm not much of a warefolf fantasy girlie I'm still barely on Witches and Fae but this was a really solid read for me!!

I really enjoyed the power dynamics between the packs and the magic each one had. I really liked the addition of the Heirs and the Guard apart from the Alpha and the Beta. And I loved that there are not only born wolves.

I do want to be honest and say that some parts for me were way too slow like from the bite to the transition I feel like it looks forever. I know she was getting training but that part could have been cut in half. Other parts I was getting into it getting really excited and all of a sudden that's it nothing more happens. I kind of needed more action packed scenes.

I love Nero I honestly did love some brooding man in a book. Everything that Kiera has been through breaks my heart so so much I understood her anger and her desire for revenge I totally get it. Them together?? I love it I love he was so dominant with her and she never shied away.

Noooow let's talk about the plot twist!!! I would have never even thought that could be possible and yes I'm talking about both mayor plot twists. But then just leave us with such a huge huge cliffhanger??? Nooooo whyyyyyy I need to know what happens next

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shook in the best possible way. A Clash of Villains is top tier in my opinion. Twists and turns I never saw coming with an opening page that had me gripped instantly, I couldn't have put this book down even if I had wanted to. It feeds perfectly into my love of werewolves, woven into a universe that is simple to follow as a reader. It will have you feeling all human emotions sometimes more than one at a time. And prepare yourself for shifting forward to the edge of your seat out of anticipation. I cannot wait for book 2 of the series.

[Kashmir M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the world building and characters in this story. There were some moments with Nero and Kaia that were difficult to read BUT this is a DARK fantasy so it perfectly fit the vibe and villain persona. The academy setting, different magical powers, human revolution and spicy scenes will keep you engaged. And the twists and turns are likely to leave you stunned! This is an emotional rollercoaster that just keeps going through Book 2!

[Two Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

A world of werewolves and magical powers by @ramnathwrites . Kaia is a feisty human who is trying to make a name for herself. With the help of her broody commander, Nero, Kaia gains the guidance she needs to embrace who she is and her path in Lykosia. Book 2 can’t come soon enough with the cliffhanger this book leaves you on 😍😍😍

Trope: Dark Academia, Fated Mates, Enemies to Lovers
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕

[Sarah Lybarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one wild ride! The story between Nero and Kaia is intense! She is a human who hates wolves and then in some freaky turn becomes one… or was she already a wolf?? You are not prepared for all the twists and turns this book holds all the way to the very last page… wow! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Stasia Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I beg your finest pardon?? THAT ENDING??
Holy smokes, this is the book for you if you like fmcs who don't give af about traditions, society rules, and archaic governing. It's full of twists that you just don't see coming and are so easy to read!
There are a few grammatical errors, but it doesn't imped the readers' experience.

[Ashlyn Boozenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind after my mom recommended it to me, but it had me hooked from the first chapter! I love Kaia so much, she's such a badass! And don't even get me started on Nero 🥵

There were so many plot twists in this book that had my jaw dropping, but what really had my jaw on the floor was that ending! WTF 🤯

I will be recommending this book to anyone that will listen 🫣

[Zephyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She wasn’t guilty of anything. Not personally, at least. She didn’t know me, didn’t know my family. Hell, she probably didn’t even know I existed. Like the others before her, she probably thought me lost to the fucking afterlife. So why did I shove a silver coated dagger into her chest cavity and relish in the feel of her blood all over my hands?

Because I fucking could.”

Yajna Ramnath was born to be a writer. I am blown away by the story, the character arcs, the progression, THE PLOT TWISTS. I can usually see them coming but I didn’t see this one coming until it was right in front of my face!

We have a morally black MMC and a morally grey FMC, who is the epitome of female rage caused by intense trauma (read the trigger warnings!!). Definitely spicey. Both their character arcs are compelling. We have wolves and an academy they attend before they shift. We have magic. We have secrets and betrayals and love. Definitely looking forward to book 2!

[Tabytha Boozenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

I picked up this book after it was recommended several times. The only thing I knew about it was there were werewolves. But this book is so much more. I don't even have the words to describe. Just read it.

[Hannah M Burrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! So many unexpected twists.
I loved the sarcasm and banter, so many good lines.
I’m not a fan of Nero, one ‘command’ put me off his character completely.
I still want to see where the story takes Kaia next though.

[T. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a great werewolf story and this one's stellar! Love the unique magic systems and the incredible world building. Really sucks you in! And oh baby, Nero is a new book boyfriend for sure! 🥵🥵

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good fantasy book. it's even better when you add action to the mix. I couldn't put this book down.

[Amber Tribble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. It definitely kept me interested. Nero's broody self definitely met his match with Kaia and I love it!