Villains Academy - Ryan Hammond

 

Bram Moon has been sent to Villains Academy in order to learn how to be bad; however, for the shy werewolf, things don't go quite as expected and he finds being evil rather more difficult than some of his fellow pupils.  Can he enlist the help of his friends in order to become bad before he receives three strikes and gets sent home?

I started reading Villains Academy last Saturday evening on the way home from the Simon & Schuster brunch where I'd heard Ryan talking, and finished it the following morning.  The book is a joy to read and is full of some of the most wonderful characters.  I can imagine Ryan having had the best time creating them and, without doubt, Master Mardybum has to be the best name for a teacher I have ever come across!

The writing is enhanced with illustrations throughout and the book will have readers chuckling at the events that unfold.  From getting stuck in the toilet pipes to getting bottoms trapped in doors, the plot will have readers enthralled.  However, alongside the laughs, there are important messages about teamwork, friendship, trust and being yourself woven into the book.

Due for release on the 2nd February, Villains Academy is bound to be a hit with readers and I just hope there is more to come from Bram and the rest of the class.  Now, I wonder how evil I have to be to be awarded Villain of the Week...