The citizens of the United States of America have long since dreaded August 31. For centuries, 140 thirteen-year-olds across the country disappear in the dead of night, and most are never seen again. Nobody knows where they go... and nobody wants to find out. When eight teenagers, from all across the country, are taken and meet, they learn of Paylope School of Villainy - their new home. As they begin their studies to learn to be Villains, and hopefully be transferred to Gigmascew Academy in two years, they begin to unearth the secrets and mysteries of their school. Corrupted teachers, troublesome students, and a secret hidden deep beneath the school means that for these eight kids, their academic career will be anything but simple.