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Royals of Villain Academy #1
Cruel Magic
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 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 reverse harem romance where there'll be no choosing required.*
It turns out I’m Persephone Bloodstone, the long lost heir to one of the five royal 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 reverse harem romance where there'll be no choosing required.*
302 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2019
3970 people are currently reading
9520 people want to read
About the author
Eva Chase
124 books3,783 followersEva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
May 18, 2019
Hi, were you shocked by the villainous, cruel or bully aspects of this book? Here's a review for you that might help.
Zero spoilers ahead, but mild irritation might occur if you dislike sarcasm.
I rarely go through reviews after I've read a book and decided how I feel about it, but seeing the rating on Cruel Magic drop like a cow's tail within a few days, I decided to offer my two cents on the issue of 'cruelty/bully romance' in this book.
So, you were surprised or upset about the cruelty and villainy in this book? Or maybe you're considering reading this book, but have read some of the bad reviews and are now iffy? Lemme help a fellow reader out. (And also, these are the reasons why I liked the book.)
Let's start with the blurb, which most people should read to determine whether they wish to spend time and money on a book or not.
The blurb rather clearly states that a) there will be bad guys (arrogant men who rule the school) and that they will be the worst of all, b) the teachers won't be much better, c) the reverse harem will be slow-burn, and d) the bad guys will crush anyone who doesn't bow down to them. And also, Rory will fight them all, as she did. Aaaand Rory is different, as she was. She kicked ass and stayed true to herself - a perfectly awesome leading lady. And so, if you start reading a book with all that written in the blurb, and you're still shocked about the bully romance aspects or the cruel characters in the book... Well, I can't really help you, seeing as that was the main point in this book - dealing with bullies who murdered Rory's parents and made her life a pain. It would be rather foolish to expect rainbows and butterflies after a blurb like that, don't you think?
And if you didn't read the blurb before you read the book, surely you looked at the title?
It's called Cruel Magic (Royals of Villain Academy), and not Super Sweet Magic (Royals of Lovers Academy). Apologies for the crappy sarcasm, but I mean.. The clues to the contents of this book were right there. Don't buy a dog and expect it to quack.
To the readers that were disappointed by the lack or quality of the romance: Perhaps consider that this book wasn't supposed to be aaaaaall about the romance. Rory wasn't boy-crazy and constantly talking about boys to other girls, which, in my opinion, was a huge plus. Also, the blurb, again, did mention that the RH romance would be slow-burn, so hold your horses. There have been many RH series where not a single kiss took place in the first book, or even bully RH romances where the boys were cruel after the kisses and throughout the books. If you don't like waiting for the happy romance parts in series, or if you don't like a bit of bite to your romance book relationships, then again: read the blurb and avoid books that say 'slow-burn' or mention possible bully angles.
Personally, I enjoyed Cruel Magic a lot. It was different and original in many refreshing ways. The villains were actually rather villainous, and not just some fake mean dudes who changed their attitudes at the sight of a pretty girl. It had loads of bad guys and girls, but that's what kept the story interesting. Also, seeing as there are so many tiny fights, obstacles, complex histories, and conflicts still left pending, there will be plenty more delicious storylines to read about.
And I can't wait to read more!
Zero spoilers ahead, but mild irritation might occur if you dislike sarcasm.
I rarely go through reviews after I've read a book and decided how I feel about it, but seeing the rating on Cruel Magic drop like a cow's tail within a few days, I decided to offer my two cents on the issue of 'cruelty/bully romance' in this book.
So, you were surprised or upset about the cruelty and villainy in this book? Or maybe you're considering reading this book, but have read some of the bad reviews and are now iffy? Lemme help a fellow reader out. (And also, these are the reasons why I liked the book.)
Let's start with the blurb, which most people should read to determine whether they wish to spend time and money on a book or not.
The blurb rather clearly states that a) there will be bad guys (arrogant men who rule the school) and that they will be the worst of all, b) the teachers won't be much better, c) the reverse harem will be slow-burn, and d) the bad guys will crush anyone who doesn't bow down to them. And also, Rory will fight them all, as she did. Aaaand Rory is different, as she was. She kicked ass and stayed true to herself - a perfectly awesome leading lady. And so, if you start reading a book with all that written in the blurb, and you're still shocked about the bully romance aspects or the cruel characters in the book... Well, I can't really help you, seeing as that was the main point in this book - dealing with bullies who murdered Rory's parents and made her life a pain. It would be rather foolish to expect rainbows and butterflies after a blurb like that, don't you think?
And if you didn't read the blurb before you read the book, surely you looked at the title?
It's called Cruel Magic (Royals of Villain Academy), and not Super Sweet Magic (Royals of Lovers Academy). Apologies for the crappy sarcasm, but I mean.. The clues to the contents of this book were right there. Don't buy a dog and expect it to quack.
To the readers that were disappointed by the lack or quality of the romance: Perhaps consider that this book wasn't supposed to be aaaaaall about the romance. Rory wasn't boy-crazy and constantly talking about boys to other girls, which, in my opinion, was a huge plus. Also, the blurb, again, did mention that the RH romance would be slow-burn, so hold your horses. There have been many RH series where not a single kiss took place in the first book, or even bully RH romances where the boys were cruel after the kisses and throughout the books. If you don't like waiting for the happy romance parts in series, or if you don't like a bit of bite to your romance book relationships, then again: read the blurb and avoid books that say 'slow-burn' or mention possible bully angles.
Personally, I enjoyed Cruel Magic a lot. It was different and original in many refreshing ways. The villains were actually rather villainous, and not just some fake mean dudes who changed their attitudes at the sight of a pretty girl. It had loads of bad guys and girls, but that's what kept the story interesting. Also, seeing as there are so many tiny fights, obstacles, complex histories, and conflicts still left pending, there will be plenty more delicious storylines to read about.
And I can't wait to read more!
May 9, 2019
A RH so bad I was hoping these guys are not love interest
Ugh. Well I hated this book, I even came to hate the storyline? Where is this going? We find Rory who is raised by joymaycers who do magic with the joy and happiness of others, then bam they are killed by fearmaycers, well you get what the wield magic from. It's hard watching Rory just go, deal with crap, it's frustrating and I was yelling at my kindle hoping that Rory grew a pair. She doesn't have power to fight off the bullies at school because she doesn't want to strike fear, she feels bad while they viciously attack her everyday. This was down right pathetic, and honestly I can not see this being a RH, who is she going to be with? Seriously, these ppl are awful, and the kissing scenes we had mad me cringe, there was no lead up to them liking one another, I mean they are literally cruel and she kisses them? Has sex with another who( shockingly) not shockingly treats her like crap the next day. I mean come on, who rated this book with 5 stars? Our heroine is so weak and sad and with her saying how good the guys look? As they treat her like dog crap on the bottom of their shoes? Why oh why! Is this a RH? I can not see it! I would not for the life of me give any of these guy characters a chance in he'll, but our weak heroine does with no care as to watching her love ones being murdered if front of her and then being kidnapped and then treated as bad as anyone can be arriving at some crazy school of just horrible ppl? I'm at a freaking loss. Nothing in this book was appealing! and none of the freaking characters was worth anything, I cared for none of them! What a waste of my time and of anyone else's for that matter.
Ugh. Well I hated this book, I even came to hate the storyline? Where is this going? We find Rory who is raised by joymaycers who do magic with the joy and happiness of others, then bam they are killed by fearmaycers, well you get what the wield magic from. It's hard watching Rory just go, deal with crap, it's frustrating and I was yelling at my kindle hoping that Rory grew a pair. She doesn't have power to fight off the bullies at school because she doesn't want to strike fear, she feels bad while they viciously attack her everyday. This was down right pathetic, and honestly I can not see this being a RH, who is she going to be with? Seriously, these ppl are awful, and the kissing scenes we had mad me cringe, there was no lead up to them liking one another, I mean they are literally cruel and she kisses them? Has sex with another who( shockingly) not shockingly treats her like crap the next day. I mean come on, who rated this book with 5 stars? Our heroine is so weak and sad and with her saying how good the guys look? As they treat her like dog crap on the bottom of their shoes? Why oh why! Is this a RH? I can not see it! I would not for the life of me give any of these guy characters a chance in he'll, but our weak heroine does with no care as to watching her love ones being murdered if front of her and then being kidnapped and then treated as bad as anyone can be arriving at some crazy school of just horrible ppl? I'm at a freaking loss. Nothing in this book was appealing! and none of the freaking characters was worth anything, I cared for none of them! What a waste of my time and of anyone else's for that matter.
May 18, 2019
RH books-especially those about magic or supernatural elements-are selling like hot cakes right now. If you’re an author with even a hint of talent and you write romance, chances are that you’ve tried to write an rh just because they sell, and that’s just the truth. It’s because of the abundance of books written in this trope that I feel I can critique them harsher, because at this point they are a dime a dozen (however i’m not saying this isn’t the same with other tropes as well, it’s just that before, rhs were relatively rare whereas now they aren’t).
I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than I expected to-if I had to describe it, I would say it’s a little bit of Harry Potter mixed in with some Kit Davenport and Curse of the Gods. Maybe even a little bit of Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, if we’re thinking about how the rest of the scions treat her. I have to say, I think I likes Rory that much more because her name and some aspects of her personality reminded me of Rory from Gilmore Girl (amazing show btw). However, I didn’t really like the boys as much-I felt as though there wasn’t that much depth to them, even though there was an attempt at a deeper meaning behind their action. That being said, this is the first book in the series, so I guess we’ll see where it goes.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than I expected to-if I had to describe it, I would say it’s a little bit of Harry Potter mixed in with some Kit Davenport and Curse of the Gods. Maybe even a little bit of Rich Boys of Burberry Prep, if we’re thinking about how the rest of the scions treat her. I have to say, I think I likes Rory that much more because her name and some aspects of her personality reminded me of Rory from Gilmore Girl (amazing show btw). However, I didn’t really like the boys as much-I felt as though there wasn’t that much depth to them, even though there was an attempt at a deeper meaning behind their action. That being said, this is the first book in the series, so I guess we’ll see where it goes.
February 27, 2025
lame ahh “we got zodiac academy at home” ahh
DNF at 60%.
DNF at 60%.
January 26, 2021
Her mother is killed, and the next thing you know-
Oh wow. Because that's exactly my reaction. Oh yes. That makes so much sense. What else can you focus on in this situation. A handsome guy. His buddies kill your parents and you are standing there...salivating.
After meeting new people who I suppose are the future harem she...salivates while they abuse some kid. But get it, she woke up right after she saw her parents killed and she is as calm as a clam she just follows her captors around and stays a 'good little girl'. Also, not even one tear. She is...emotionless. she cares how she looks before the pretty guys, not about the murder of her freaking parents. But of course, seeing an injustice of the situation towards the kid she, the knight in shining armour decides they cannot leave unpunished!
Guys' point of view is focused on how well defined her glutes are.
Suffice to say, I am done with this masterpiece.
I registered through the roar of anguish in my head that he looked younger than the others, not much older than me, and that he was one of the most striking guys I’d ever seen. Even if I hadn’t been in the middle of the most horrifying scene in my life, with one glimpse that smooth face with its slicked-back black hair and those brilliant eyes would have been burned into my memory.
Oh wow. Because that's exactly my reaction. Oh yes. That makes so much sense. What else can you focus on in this situation. A handsome guy. His buddies kill your parents and you are standing there...salivating.
After meeting new people who I suppose are the future harem she...salivates while they abuse some kid. But get it, she woke up right after she saw her parents killed and she is as calm as a clam she just follows her captors around and stays a 'good little girl'. Also, not even one tear. She is...emotionless. she cares how she looks before the pretty guys, not about the murder of her freaking parents. But of course, seeing an injustice of the situation towards the kid she, the knight in shining armour decides they cannot leave unpunished!
This morning I’d been totally useless while one asshole had flayed my family. I didn’t have to watch another one flambé this kid. I could at least create a distraction that’d give the boy time to flee.
“Leave him alone!” I said, marching toward them. “You’re hurting him.”
Guys' point of view is focused on how well defined her glutes are.
Suffice to say, I am done with this masterpiece.
May 9, 2019
Wasn't expecting a bully romance.
I wasn't expecting a bully romance. I generally don't like them. This book reaffirmed that for me. There,s definitely not a Hero in this book. The story was good I hated all the guys in this,but I loved the I loved Rory. She was strong and dedicated.
I wasn't expecting a bully romance. I generally don't like them. This book reaffirmed that for me. There,s definitely not a Hero in this book. The story was good I hated all the guys in this,but I loved the I loved Rory. She was strong and dedicated.
April 17, 2023
I listened to the audiobook of Cruel Magic and wow! What a tense, intense start to the Royals of Villain Academy series. With plenty of well placed world building and plot setting, this book has me chomping at the bit for the rest of this series. The narration was spot on with acting and characterization.
January 26, 2022
I really disliked the magic system in this book. I won't be continuing this series for the reasons stated in the spoiler. When I started this I was hoping for a series like The Scholomance by Naomi Novik, this wasn't it. I guess I'll just have to wait until 9/22 for the next book in that series.
June 7, 2019
Cruel Magic.. way more "cruel" than Cruel Intentions. So this has been the first Paranormal Bully romance series that I've read so far. Not only has Eva Chase jumped into the Academy KU craze here but she upped the game and jumped on the Bully romance Bandwagon at the same time. Touche Eva Chase, Touche. So what sets this Bully Romance apart from the other ones despite the Paranormal aspects? Here all the male characters aren't set on seducing and "breaking" the FMC's heart. In fact it seems more like they are dead set on like actually "breaking" her. In fact in leu of this new Bully Romance fad I've decided to start the annual "Biggest Bully" awards. MMC Malcolm so far is our top contender.. This guy ya'll.. I hope he chokes and dies. JS.
FMC, Rory's, life is turned upside down when she watches her parents be murdered by magic and discovers that her whole life is a lie. Kidnapped by her parents murderers and brought to Fearmancer academy Rory learns that this isn't her first kidnapping. Apparently she was kidnapped after her "real" parents murder as a child and this most recent kidnapping was a rescue mission. Not only that but she is a fearmancer, a mage who uses fear and converts it into power, and to top it all of she is the lost Bloodstone heir, the scion of her family. One of 5 scions and ruling parties of the fearmancer society. As if all that isn't enough to deal with, within 5 seconds of being introduced to her new school she decides to piss off all the other scions and has now made dangerous enemies that have made it their goal in life to destroy her.
This was a super intense, heartbreaking, aggravating and unputdownable read. It always gets me these Bully romances. I just want the FMC to loose her freaking shit, burn down the world, and make slaves out of all those that have wronged her. Ahem, yea, I'm not sure why but they also mae me a tad violent and bloodthirsty in real life too. I need to go and get a handle on myself here.
FMC, Rory's, life is turned upside down when she watches her parents be murdered by magic and discovers that her whole life is a lie. Kidnapped by her parents murderers and brought to Fearmancer academy Rory learns that this isn't her first kidnapping. Apparently she was kidnapped after her "real" parents murder as a child and this most recent kidnapping was a rescue mission. Not only that but she is a fearmancer, a mage who uses fear and converts it into power, and to top it all of she is the lost Bloodstone heir, the scion of her family. One of 5 scions and ruling parties of the fearmancer society. As if all that isn't enough to deal with, within 5 seconds of being introduced to her new school she decides to piss off all the other scions and has now made dangerous enemies that have made it their goal in life to destroy her.
This was a super intense, heartbreaking, aggravating and unputdownable read. It always gets me these Bully romances. I just want the FMC to loose her freaking shit, burn down the world, and make slaves out of all those that have wronged her. Ahem, yea, I'm not sure why but they also mae me a tad violent and bloodthirsty in real life too. I need to go and get a handle on myself here.
June 6, 2019
Rory Franco is ripped away from the life she's known and forced to attend Bloodstone University, aka Villain Academy. All her life she believed she didn't have any magic, but it turns out her magic is fueled by a different source than her parents. This school specializes in teaching those with her type of magic, but Rory is traumatized by her new life and what she must do to use the magic she has. Making things worse are four boys from the ruling families that have taken it upon themselves to bully her into submission. Rory isn't one to bow down regardless of how outgunned she might be.
What I think I like about this series so far is that the guys are, and they aren't your usual RH types. I mean yes, one is athletic, one is a nerd, one is an artist (I think), and one is an asshole - but at the same time, you hate ALL of them for the entirety of the book. Even when you think one guy might be showing a likable quality, the author shuts it down almost immediately leaving you wondering how this harem will ever form up. And furthermore, I can't decide if Rory is going to make the guys better people, or if they are going to make her a worse one when they all finally get together. There is so much that is different about this story than other RH's that it is exciting. I totally want to continue reading it!
What I think I like about this series so far is that the guys are, and they aren't your usual RH types. I mean yes, one is athletic, one is a nerd, one is an artist (I think), and one is an asshole - but at the same time, you hate ALL of them for the entirety of the book. Even when you think one guy might be showing a likable quality, the author shuts it down almost immediately leaving you wondering how this harem will ever form up. And furthermore, I can't decide if Rory is going to make the guys better people, or if they are going to make her a worse one when they all finally get together. There is so much that is different about this story than other RH's that it is exciting. I totally want to continue reading it!
January 1, 2020
I found this series by accident and I'm kind of glad that I did. Rory Franco watched as her parents were murdered in front of her and then she was taken by their murderers. It is here that Rory finds out that they were never her parents, but the people who kidnapped her as a child after murdering her real parents. Not only that, but Rory is also the lost heir to a very important family and now that she's found, is expected to take her place with her magic.
This book definitely had an interesting magic system. There are two types of magic users: Joymancers and Fearmancers. One gets their power from joy while the other gets their power from, you guessed it, fear. Rory was raised with Joymancers, just assuming she didn't inherit any of their powers. Now she's stuck with Fearmancers being told that this is her true form and needless to say, she's confused.
I liked Rory for the most part. But I was getting frustrated with how little she tried to find out information. I get that she was violently ripped from the only life and family she knew. But on the other hand, she just found out that her real parents were killed by her fake parents and she has no drive to find out why or what really happened. She's so stuck in fearmancers being evil that she can't function any other way. And it got frustrating.
Which brings me to the magic systems. I both liked and disliked it. So joymancers get their power from happy people, but the do horrible things. Fearmancers get their power from peoples fears and also do horrible things. Okay, sure. So Rory is now at a school learning how to scare people for power. I guess I just couldn't wrap my mind around a school where kids are encouraged to be horrible to each other. They even earn the equivalent of house points for doing these evil things. I just wasn't too keen on that part of the world. Hopefully it gets fleshed out in future books.
But there's enough interest for me to continue, so off to the next one I go!
This book definitely had an interesting magic system. There are two types of magic users: Joymancers and Fearmancers. One gets their power from joy while the other gets their power from, you guessed it, fear. Rory was raised with Joymancers, just assuming she didn't inherit any of their powers. Now she's stuck with Fearmancers being told that this is her true form and needless to say, she's confused.
I liked Rory for the most part. But I was getting frustrated with how little she tried to find out information. I get that she was violently ripped from the only life and family she knew. But on the other hand, she just found out that her real parents were killed by her fake parents and she has no drive to find out why or what really happened. She's so stuck in fearmancers being evil that she can't function any other way. And it got frustrating.
Which brings me to the magic systems. I both liked and disliked it. So joymancers get their power from happy people, but the do horrible things. Fearmancers get their power from peoples fears and also do horrible things. Okay, sure. So Rory is now at a school learning how to scare people for power. I guess I just couldn't wrap my mind around a school where kids are encouraged to be horrible to each other. They even earn the equivalent of house points for doing these evil things. I just wasn't too keen on that part of the world. Hopefully it gets fleshed out in future books.
But there's enough interest for me to continue, so off to the next one I go!
June 5, 2025
3.8 four stars because I actually felt real emotions about the bullying. These types of stories are all formulaic but this one is like Zodiac Academy but make it RH (and this was published first)
January 30, 2020
Right after I finished Wonderland I asked Eva Chase (yes! That's one of the things I love so much about reading indie published books! Connecting with authors is so easy!) which series I should read next. And according to her, this serie had everything I liked in Wonderland: Politics, scheming, hot guys to fall in love with and a nice heroine I could identify with.
And she had not promised me anything she couldn't give. Because this book indeed had it all and from start to finish it sucked me in and didn't let me go. I was gonna take a break after 150 pages of reading, but I just couldn't. In the end I read the entire book in one sitting and I now really hate my rule of having at least a week between two books by the same author. Because that means I can only revisit Rory and her guys next week!
What I love is that Chase really takes the time to build everything up. She doesn't rush in and force things. She takes the time to build the world, the characters, their relationships and dynamic. The politics is not front and centre in this book, but it's clearly there already in the background, waiting to be revealed once both Rory and the reader are ready to sort of deal with it.
I also love that Chase dares to make her characters flawed and allows them to make mistakes. Rory is therefore easy to identify with and to understand. She is human, even though she's not entirely human. At times she can be slightly naive, but she's fierce and doesn't let others get to her. And although there are certainly things off in her way of thinking, her willpower and determination are really admirable.
It's not love at first sight when it comes to the guys, but I'm pretty sure Chase meant it that way. Thanks to their point of view chapters we know that they're not just arrogant pricks even though they sometimes seemed to be. I can't wait to get to know them better and I can't wait for Rory to get to know them better. Because I'm sure that once they are willing to truly let the other in, the romance will be epic.
I'm already really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If the other books are just as good as this one, it's gonna be a wild and amazing ride.
And she had not promised me anything she couldn't give. Because this book indeed had it all and from start to finish it sucked me in and didn't let me go. I was gonna take a break after 150 pages of reading, but I just couldn't. In the end I read the entire book in one sitting and I now really hate my rule of having at least a week between two books by the same author. Because that means I can only revisit Rory and her guys next week!
What I love is that Chase really takes the time to build everything up. She doesn't rush in and force things. She takes the time to build the world, the characters, their relationships and dynamic. The politics is not front and centre in this book, but it's clearly there already in the background, waiting to be revealed once both Rory and the reader are ready to sort of deal with it.
I also love that Chase dares to make her characters flawed and allows them to make mistakes. Rory is therefore easy to identify with and to understand. She is human, even though she's not entirely human. At times she can be slightly naive, but she's fierce and doesn't let others get to her. And although there are certainly things off in her way of thinking, her willpower and determination are really admirable.
It's not love at first sight when it comes to the guys, but I'm pretty sure Chase meant it that way. Thanks to their point of view chapters we know that they're not just arrogant pricks even though they sometimes seemed to be. I can't wait to get to know them better and I can't wait for Rory to get to know them better. Because I'm sure that once they are willing to truly let the other in, the romance will be epic.
I'm already really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If the other books are just as good as this one, it's gonna be a wild and amazing ride.
May 11, 2019
1,5 * stars
i really wanted to like this book, cuz i enjoyed reading filthy rich boys series by cm stunich which is also a bully romance rh book. But no i got very disappointed sadly :( I think Chase should make some chances in the book with the story line and characters. I have really liked Chase previous books that i have read by her so i expected more
i got fucking pissed when they bullied her and was mean to her, i mean yeah i get the fact that you are new n shit but please get a backbone bitch i wanted her to lash out at the ones that hurt her
the last bully scene we get when they kidnap her familiar or whatever i expected her to be furious and that her magic would rise and lash out! Like she got betrayed and she still didn´t get piss angry .... um no what the fuck
i just got so annoyed at everyone , they where awful to her and i didn´t like the fact that she didnt stand up for herself and be angry, like girl you got kidnaped and ur parents got killed and ur at a unfamiliar school .
sorry not sorry for the rating
i really wanted to like this book, cuz i enjoyed reading filthy rich boys series by cm stunich which is also a bully romance rh book. But no i got very disappointed sadly :( I think Chase should make some chances in the book with the story line and characters. I have really liked Chase previous books that i have read by her so i expected more
i got fucking pissed when they bullied her and was mean to her, i mean yeah i get the fact that you are new n shit but please get a backbone bitch i wanted her to lash out at the ones that hurt her
the last bully scene we get when they kidnap her familiar or whatever i expected her to be furious and that her magic would rise and lash out! Like she got betrayed and she still didn´t get piss angry .... um no what the fuck
i just got so annoyed at everyone , they where awful to her and i didn´t like the fact that she didnt stand up for herself and be angry, like girl you got kidnaped and ur parents got killed and ur at a unfamiliar school .
sorry not sorry for the rating
August 9, 2025
it’s good
It’s good enough for me to keep reading but being that it’s 8 books long that could change, it might be too slow n for me. Also I like a bit of bullying and I like that in Eva’s books but it’s a fine line and Malcolm is pissing me off and so is Connar
It’s good enough for me to keep reading but being that it’s 8 books long that could change, it might be too slow n for me. Also I like a bit of bullying and I like that in Eva’s books but it’s a fine line and Malcolm is pissing me off and so is Connar
May 1, 2025
I stuck it out with this one. Still not a huge fan of the wide eyed innocent being bullied by a group of elites. lmao hoping she takes off the rose colored glasses soon.
November 15, 2020
Bully and academy romances are all the rage right now, filling Amazon page after Amazon page of recommendations. While this little gem may fit snuggly into that saturated genre, it stands apart and shines on its own by offering an incredibly intriguing story, fantastic characters and a whole new world I can't help but want to explore more.
It is also the kind of 'bully romance' I really CAN read. Many of the offerings on the market today are cruel for cruel's sake, setting men against women in situations that make little sense, with reactions that just make me cringe - or worse, cry. Cruel Magic, on the other hand, serves a point with its 'bullying' - and the author allows the reader to peek behind the scenes by serving up multiple POV that galvanize, instead of hampering, the plot.
It's well done and I can't wait to see what happens with the Barons, the Scions and Rory in Book 2!
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Cliffhanger
Rating
NC-17 (but far from extreme)
Pros:
Well Written.
Great use of Multiple POV
Character growth.
Rory is amazing, and the kind of strong I want to be.
Malcom.... do I love him? Do I hate him? Who cares... I'm paying attention to him.
Cons:
Nothing structurally, just plot wise - the idea of 'Nary's' on campus bothers me, especially when I think of what purpose they probably serve. Mind you, this bothers Rory too - and that is likely the point, character development wise.
It is also the kind of 'bully romance' I really CAN read. Many of the offerings on the market today are cruel for cruel's sake, setting men against women in situations that make little sense, with reactions that just make me cringe - or worse, cry. Cruel Magic, on the other hand, serves a point with its 'bullying' - and the author allows the reader to peek behind the scenes by serving up multiple POV that galvanize, instead of hampering, the plot.
It's well done and I can't wait to see what happens with the Barons, the Scions and Rory in Book 2!
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Cliffhanger
Rating
NC-17 (but far from extreme)
Pros:
Well Written.
Great use of Multiple POV
Character growth.
Rory is amazing, and the kind of strong I want to be.
Malcom.... do I love him? Do I hate him? Who cares... I'm paying attention to him.
Cons:
Nothing structurally, just plot wise - the idea of 'Nary's' on campus bothers me, especially when I think of what purpose they probably serve. Mind you, this bothers Rory too - and that is likely the point, character development wise.
November 27, 2020
This was an okay read, although I was hoping it would be enemies-to-lovers as read in the description, not a bully romance, I just have no patience for those. Oh well. At least the heroine didn’t melt into a puddle of goo the second the H wiggled their dicks a little.
In fact the heroine made me stick to the story and read the next book, because she is strong willed and unrelenting without being absolutely OP. Her thinking and thought processes are definitely too young for my taste, hence why I normally don’t read Academy series. But it was all reasonable and understandable, so it was okay. I initially picked up the book, because I really enjoyed another series by this author, but I felt this one was a lot more generic and cliche, although one of the better written Rh IMO.
Wouldn’t be my favorite series, but still a decent three star read, but I COULD NOt, for the life of me, get over the unrealistic behaviour and reaction of the heroine to her parents being killed right in front of her eyes and then later told they were keeping secrets from her. Everyone reacts different, but this was so ridiculously handled, it was just not believable at all and ruined almost the first half of the book for me.
The men weren’t too interesting, besides one, who couldn’t live up to my expectations. And as I said, I just don’t think bullying sexy.
In fact the heroine made me stick to the story and read the next book, because she is strong willed and unrelenting without being absolutely OP. Her thinking and thought processes are definitely too young for my taste, hence why I normally don’t read Academy series. But it was all reasonable and understandable, so it was okay. I initially picked up the book, because I really enjoyed another series by this author, but I felt this one was a lot more generic and cliche, although one of the better written Rh IMO.
Wouldn’t be my favorite series, but still a decent three star read, but I COULD NOt, for the life of me, get over the unrealistic behaviour and reaction of the heroine to her parents being killed right in front of her eyes and then later told they were keeping secrets from her. Everyone reacts different, but this was so ridiculously handled, it was just not believable at all and ruined almost the first half of the book for me.
The men weren’t too interesting, besides one, who couldn’t live up to my expectations. And as I said, I just don’t think bullying sexy.
May 9, 2019
It's a good written book and I love Rory. But I hate everyone else, I can not take that everyone else in this book is so cruel.
I don't want to see her with any of the guys and I fantasize most that she'll kill them all.
Hate-love is one thing but this is just bully, and everyone just tries to push her down until she's nothing.
I don't want to see her with any of the guys and I fantasize most that she'll kill them all.
Hate-love is one thing but this is just bully, and everyone just tries to push her down until she's nothing.
January 21, 2023
Book: Cruel Magic
Author: Eva Chase
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
Plot:
A Young girl living in her parents basement called Rory, watches her parent get murdered by fearmancers aka other mages. When the fearmancers snatch her from her house and take her back to the their magic academy which she nicknamed Villain Academy. She meets 4 boys who are Royal members of there magic community. Malcolm Nightwood, Jude Killbrook, Connar Stormhurst and Declan Ashgrove who all are handsome and complete dicks. They try to be friends with her first but she shoots them down so they make her life miserable instead. She ends up sleeping with Conner up on a cliff top. Then after the steal her familiar he turns on her and is horrible.
When her second assessment comes along its comes out she has magic in all 4 groups and is now the strongest of them all.
My feelings:
So I bought this bookset ages ago when it was on special on amazon with he intentions of reading it when I got the chance.
Well that took me like 6 months to do.
I started it yesterday and the books only take about 6 hours of reading per book, so ill review them one at a time.
So I actually really enjoyed this, I love a good enemies to lovers type book. I don’t think this is older adult style more young adult, the only spicy chapter was as spicy as I like but it was ok for younger people who are just entering into spice book with reverse harem. Now there is no reverse harem yet but we can tell who the 4 boys will be in the end.
I love how horrible they all are. They honestly think the more horrible they are the more she will break and just allow them to mould her. But I think they are sooooo very wrong. I think Jude is the gonna be the first to break with he boys. I know she slept with Conner but I think Conner is more sheep then Jude and will do anything Malcom says.
Im interested to see who cracks first and if she is able to learn to master her powers and pass the boys.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot earlier. I’m Malcolm Nightwood, the Nightwood scion.” He made a grand gesture toward himself and pointed to the copper-haired guy who’d come up beside him, who offered a cheeky wave. “This jackass is Jude Killbrook.” Then to the beefy guy, who was watching me with a small smile that didn’t really fit his otherwise stern expression. “Our resident blockhead, Connar Stormhurst.” Then my former captor/rescuer. “And the stuffed shirt over there is Declan Ashgrave.”
Author: Eva Chase
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
Plot:
A Young girl living in her parents basement called Rory, watches her parent get murdered by fearmancers aka other mages. When the fearmancers snatch her from her house and take her back to the their magic academy which she nicknamed Villain Academy. She meets 4 boys who are Royal members of there magic community. Malcolm Nightwood, Jude Killbrook, Connar Stormhurst and Declan Ashgrove who all are handsome and complete dicks. They try to be friends with her first but she shoots them down so they make her life miserable instead. She ends up sleeping with Conner up on a cliff top. Then after the steal her familiar he turns on her and is horrible.
When her second assessment comes along its comes out she has magic in all 4 groups and is now the strongest of them all.
My feelings:
So I bought this bookset ages ago when it was on special on amazon with he intentions of reading it when I got the chance.
Well that took me like 6 months to do.
I started it yesterday and the books only take about 6 hours of reading per book, so ill review them one at a time.
So I actually really enjoyed this, I love a good enemies to lovers type book. I don’t think this is older adult style more young adult, the only spicy chapter was as spicy as I like but it was ok for younger people who are just entering into spice book with reverse harem. Now there is no reverse harem yet but we can tell who the 4 boys will be in the end.
I love how horrible they all are. They honestly think the more horrible they are the more she will break and just allow them to mould her. But I think they are sooooo very wrong. I think Jude is the gonna be the first to break with he boys. I know she slept with Conner but I think Conner is more sheep then Jude and will do anything Malcom says.
Im interested to see who cracks first and if she is able to learn to master her powers and pass the boys.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot earlier. I’m Malcolm Nightwood, the Nightwood scion.” He made a grand gesture toward himself and pointed to the copper-haired guy who’d come up beside him, who offered a cheeky wave. “This jackass is Jude Killbrook.” Then to the beefy guy, who was watching me with a small smile that didn’t really fit his otherwise stern expression. “Our resident blockhead, Connar Stormhurst.” Then my former captor/rescuer. “And the stuffed shirt over there is Declan Ashgrave.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
این کتاب زودیاک اکادمی بود توی یه فونت دیگه و البته RH.
خیلی جالب نبود ولی بدم نبود. اونقدری که دوست داشتم هیجان انگیز نبود و برعکس زودیاک اکادمی اعتیاد آور نبود.
حداقل توی زودیاک اکادمی ادم میدونه پسرا چرا متنفرن از توری و دارسی و دلیل رفتارشون چیه. بودن اونا قدرت و حکومتشون رو به خطر میندازه و قابل درکه که نخوان اونجا باشن.
این چهارتا؟ این چهارتا میخوان که روری باشه و طرفدارشونم باشه ولی باهاش وحشتناک رفتار میکنن چون میخوان بشکنه و ازشون خواهش کنه که بهش کمک کنن! واتتت؟ مخصوصا مالکوم. جوری مالکوم روی مغزم بود که دلم میخواست بزنم توی دهنش.
جود قابل نادیده گرفتنه و کانر هم میدونم که در آینده میشه بخشیدش.
دکلن قلبم رو داره و کاملا میشه دید که دلش میخواد به روری کمک کنه و از ته دلش میخواد کمکش کنه قویترین ورژن خودش شه و اصلا با بچهبازیای مالکوم موافق نیست ولی از یه طرفم بار دنیا رو روی دوشش داره و میخواد همهی کارا رو درست انجام بده. تنها کسی که دوست داشتم دکلن بود
ولی مالکوم؟ نه مرسی. لطفا دور کنیدش ازم.
خیلی جالب نبود ولی بدم نبود. اونقدری که دوست داشتم هیجان انگیز نبود و برعکس زودیاک اکادمی اعتیاد آور نبود.
حداقل توی زودیاک اکادمی ادم میدونه پسرا چرا متنفرن از توری و دارسی و دلیل رفتارشون چیه. بودن اونا قدرت و حکومتشون رو به خطر میندازه و قابل درکه که نخوان اونجا باشن.
این چهارتا؟ این چهارتا میخوان که روری باشه و طرفدارشونم باشه ولی باهاش وحشتناک رفتار میکنن چون میخوان بشکنه و ازشون خواهش کنه که بهش کمک کنن! واتتت؟ مخصوصا مالکوم. جوری مالکوم روی مغزم بود که دلم میخواست بزنم توی دهنش.
جود قابل نادیده گرفتنه و کانر هم میدونم که در آینده میشه بخشیدش.
دکلن قلبم رو داره و کاملا میشه دید که دلش میخواد به روری کمک کنه و از ته دلش میخواد کمکش کنه قویترین ورژن خودش شه و اصلا با بچهبازیای مالکوم موافق نیست ولی از یه طرفم بار دنیا رو روی دوشش داره و میخواد همهی کارا رو درست انجام بده. تنها کسی که دوست داشتم دکلن بود
ولی مالکوم؟ نه مرسی. لطفا دور کنیدش ازم.
May 14, 2019
I like this book, but all of the bullying was a bit of an issue for me. It just seemed as if the entire book centered around this and there is a huge secret that we have yet to find out. Also she totally does some questionable things with a so called bully. Other than that, pretty good read.
August 29, 2023
Yes, another magical academy series with a heroine who only just discovered she's the heir to an important magical family. Rory lived her 19 years believing she was the adopted unmagical daughter of two joymages (mages who draw power from joy and pleasant feelings they inspire); instead, she's the very magical daughter of two fearmages (guess where they draw power from) who were murdered 17 years ago when she was kidnapped by the joy people. Now she's been 'rescued' from the joymage territory (aka California) and taken to the mysterious fearmage academy (aka in New York somewhere... it's a whole East Coast/West Coast rivalry up in here).
Rory's a likable heroine, not too overpowered all at once and with a spine of steel. She's immediately at odds with the four other magical family scions (who all happen to be hot dudes. Go figure!) and there's plenty of slow burn RH tension and mysterious goings on to keep me hooked. (Though I just checked and the series is 8 volumes? I'm enjoying it now, but we'll see if it can sustain interest for that long.)
Rory's a likable heroine, not too overpowered all at once and with a spine of steel. She's immediately at odds with the four other magical family scions (who all happen to be hot dudes. Go figure!) and there's plenty of slow burn RH tension and mysterious goings on to keep me hooked. (Though I just checked and the series is 8 volumes? I'm enjoying it now, but we'll see if it can sustain interest for that long.)
May 12, 2019
Fantastic Twist
I have to say that this book is definitely a different twist them most of the one I read though that is not a bad thing in any way. Rory grows up thinking she has no magic with parents that use not to fuel theirs. Then she is pretty much kidnapped after they kill her parents and taken to a school of people that get power from fear instead. Her journey from their is one big bully incident after another. I kept hoping she would power up to kick some butt but we have to wait for that I guess. First time I have instantly hated all of the guys as they are all asshats at some point or a other though a couple are starting to get a tiny bit better. This all culminates is one epic ending that leaves you wanting book two like right now. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I have to say that this book is definitely a different twist them most of the one I read though that is not a bad thing in any way. Rory grows up thinking she has no magic with parents that use not to fuel theirs. Then she is pretty much kidnapped after they kill her parents and taken to a school of people that get power from fear instead. Her journey from their is one big bully incident after another. I kept hoping she would power up to kick some butt but we have to wait for that I guess. First time I have instantly hated all of the guys as they are all asshats at some point or a other though a couple are starting to get a tiny bit better. This all culminates is one epic ending that leaves you wanting book two like right now. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
May 17, 2019
Disappointment in cruel magic book 1
This book took FOREVER to move along. I seriously mean forever. And after awhile it started feeling like a chore to get through. The characters have a decent amount of depth but the main male character is such a jerk it’s just so unattractive. The female lead is so darn pathetic, she’s got these brief, and I mean shooting star brief moments, of some awesomeness that it is so hard to choke this book down to see if she’s just plateauing. The premise of this book could be so great but the follow through and the constant wording and re-wording. Ugh! It went on forever! I hate weak female lead characters and even though she has potential and a tenacity to be great, this book is taking forever to get her to that point.
This book took FOREVER to move along. I seriously mean forever. And after awhile it started feeling like a chore to get through. The characters have a decent amount of depth but the main male character is such a jerk it’s just so unattractive. The female lead is so darn pathetic, she’s got these brief, and I mean shooting star brief moments, of some awesomeness that it is so hard to choke this book down to see if she’s just plateauing. The premise of this book could be so great but the follow through and the constant wording and re-wording. Ugh! It went on forever! I hate weak female lead characters and even though she has potential and a tenacity to be great, this book is taking forever to get her to that point.
July 14, 2019
Nothing redeeming about these guys at all—in fact, I don’t like any of them. That’s a first for me. But the story is interesting enough to continue.
Want to read
October 8, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2020)! 🎁
September 2, 2020
4.5 stars
December 31, 2023
super easy new adult read def going to continue reading the series. 3.5 stars because it felt a bit immature at times, considering the age of the characters. had a lot of tropes i’m interested as to what she’s going to do next.
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