Welcome to Merlin Academy
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Welcome to Merlin Academy

Written by Melissa de la Cruz

Part of the A Descendants Mystery series

Villain kids face mystery and magic at Merlin Academy when Merlin and Excalibur vanish.

4.0 Goodreads · 135 ratings
304 pages· ~700L
$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

At Merlin Academy, villain kids like Hook and Hades face a magical challenge: pull Excalibur from the stone for a life-changing prize. But when Merlin and the sword disappear, suspicion falls on them. With magic misfires and a missing spell book, can they solve the mystery before their time at the academy ends?

From the publisher

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?

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
304
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~700L
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~4.5
F&P level
~Q
Publication
Published
May 12, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781368081467

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