Fans of Disney’s Descendants can get ready for a new story within the world of their favorite characters before the next film entry arrives on our screens.
While fans of Descendants may be best acquainted with Auradon Prep, once upon a time it was known as Merlin Academy.
But how did it this story all start?
That is a question with quite it’s own tale- one that fans can watch unfold in a brand-new novel by Melissa de la Cruz.
Brimming with mystery and magic, this new stand-alone prequel to the Descendants series stars the original class of Disney’s best-loved Villain Kids.
Before their Descendants rocked the world, the baddest villains made waves in the classroom.
It’s the first day at Merlin Academy, and the new students have no idea what to expect. Hook hopes he’ll get closer to the legacy he was destined for. Hades is determined to impress the already-infamous Maleficent. Uliana recruits Morgie to do some hands-on spellwork so they’re not stuck at a desk all day. And Ella’s not sure where she fits in to all this magical royalty and villainy. Luckily, her new friend Bridget’s got her back.
The one thing they have in common? They’re all intrigued when headmaster Merlin transforms the school’s fountain into the Sword in the Stone. A challenge is issued: pull Excalibur from the rock and a life-changing prize awaits.
But when Merlin and the famed Sword in the Stone vanish, all eyes narrow in on the Villains. Typical. It doesn’t help their image when classes are constantly interrupted by wayward magic and a powerful, ancient spell book goes missing. Amidst secrets and accusations, will the students find Merlin and have a chance at that life-changing prize? Or will their time at Merlin Academy be over before it’s even begun?
Coming off The Rise of Red fans like ourselves have grown very intrigued not only by the history behind the once Merlin Academy. But also the story that brough Ella and Bridget to together.
It certinly will be a read worth bitting into.
Be sure to preorder your copy in time for it’s May 2026 release.