At twelve, every child in Edrion is tested by prophecy.

Most are told they will become healers, scholars, soldiers, or farmers.

A few are told they will become monsters.

When kind-hearted Riven Ash is named a future kingdom-burner, he is taken from his home and sent to Blackthorn Academy, a secret school for children with dangerous destinies. Behind its iron gates, students predicted to become tyrants, traitors, assassins, and destroyers are taught magic, discipline, morality, and control.

At least, that is what the school claims.

Riven wants only one thing: to prove he is not the villain prophecy says he will become. But Blackthorn is filled with secrets, cruel lessons, hidden files, rival students, and teachers who believe fear can be used as a weapon. With the help of Elara Voss, a brilliant girl destined to betray everyone she loves, and Tobin Grey, a nervous boy predicted to become a dictator, Riven begins to question whether the academy is preventing villains, or creating them.

Dark, magical, emotional, and suspenseful, The Boy Who Was Born to Burn is the first book in The School for Future Villains, a young adult dark academia fantasy series about prophecy, friendship, power, and the terrifying question of whether anyone is truly born evil.

Perfect for readers who love magical schools, dark secrets, found family, dangerous trials, and heroes fighting against the future written for them.