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Foothills Fae Academy #1

Foothills Fae Academy: Book One

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This book has multiple POVs and is quite lengthy. If you enjoy multiple viewpoints and don't mind a longer read, you may enjoy it. However, this one will not be for you if you prefer short books or one or two POVs, and you may want to find another book to read. I'm putting this warning here now so you're not surprised by the length or the POVs, and you can instead, find a book that would be more enjoyable for you. The first book reads like middle grade, but the characters mature with each book. The last two books, in particular, will be more mature, so discretion is advised when reading this series because this book is the most innocent of the four.

This book will be leaving Kindle Unlimited at the end of June.


Please read the trigger warning and disclaimer at the front of the book just in case you don't want to read it with the subject matter.

Welcome to Foothills Fae Academy, where four thirteen-year-old students embark on a journey to master the power of the Earth, Air, Fire, and Wind. Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael forge a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of the school, but they soon realize that their training goes beyond preparing for adulthood – dangerous Dark Magic Wielders now threaten their world. As the four friends hone their abilities and embrace their true Fae potential, Ben and Amber discover they possess a special gift that puts them in grave danger.

Set in 1999, this thrilling fantasy adventure follows their quest to defend against the malevolent Dark Magic Wielders while honing their skills as aspiring Fae. Join them as they prepare to face an epic battle and unravel the mysteries that lie within the magical realm.

This is a coming-of-age story where the characters start at thirteen in the first book and mature into adults by the last one. The series leans more towards New Adult (NA) than Young Adult (YA) due to the content in the last two books, which might be inappropriate for certain YA age groups. While the first two books fit YA, the rating is specifically for the last two books, where the characters are adults, and I've written them to reflect that progression. Reader discretion is advised, especially for younger readers.

Book Three could also be released soon.

535 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

99 people are currently reading
408 people want to read

About the author

Callie Woodridge

15 books16 followers
Callie Woodridge, a Canadian author, writes fantasy worlds and finds joy in hiking, spending time with her two cats, and binge-watching Netflix. Her Zartoto series, completed during the pandemic, reflects her love for writing. Callie’s experiences deeply influence her writing; characters like Amber and Tiffany echo her childhood struggles with bullying and societal expectations. Her own battles with being socially out of sync are mirrored in her characters' journeys. Callie channelled her experiences into her books despite facing victim-blaming and criticism, highlighting real-world issues. Her autism adds another layer to her books, allowing her to address the flaws and challenges she faced. Callie uses the Fae Realm through her work to spotlight societal problems and advocate for change, drawing from her own life to inspire and educate.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for ✨sara✨.
28 reviews
December 22, 2023
for the last year after giving this author my email for an arc, it has been spammed with every sign up subscription known to man, i’ve been called a fat cunt more times than i can count from different burner accounts, and most recently i was told i deserve to be shot and beat with a 2x4. apparently the author gave out my email in a facebook group “to vent about bad reviews” and some malicious person took it upon themselves to do all the above mentioned things. when brought to the author because i believed it was them, no apology was given. no explanation from them, they just sent screenshots of their conversation with the person they gave my email then blocked me. so i’m lowering this to a 1 star, because f*ck both of you and i was being generous with my review before.

To put it plainly, this is a typical “my life is terrible, I wish I could escape to a magical land” YA book. I rate it a 2.5 stars.

An incredibly shortened and slightly vague synopsis, a group of kids go to a school for fae to learn their “elementals” and possible “secondary powers.” We learn of their varying backgrounds and home life, some much worse off than others. Some kids come from the mortal world, and we also learn of other realms, and these realms influence their powers. There’s a few plots within this book, one being figuring out family, which ties into the “dark magic welders,” then possibly finding other realms, detailing their adventures. I’m not really sure how to sum this up because the ending left me confused, obviously a set up for a second book, but with no real resolve or closure — mostly just waiting.

Objectively, it hit all the pieces to be a good adventure filled fantasy story, but I feel it missed the mark. The writing style is was very simple, and not enough to keep me engaged. The multiple viewpoints didn’t do this book a service, I feel. I regularly had to check back to see which character was speaking because there was no dialectal change, or personality shifts between narrators. It also caused lots of repetition. Ben tells this story, then two chapters later, Ellen repeats it from her POV. It felt as though it was intended to help comprehension if a younger kid was reading it. A huge subplot was all the characters love interest, even throwing in some incest, that was constantly addressed as being taboo but telling us why they felt it was okay. It felt icky in a kids book, and genuinely unnecessary. Everyone was so agreeable it made scenarios unbelievable, but maybe that’s the naivety of the book content/writing style. An antagonist would be confronted and almost immediately change viewpoints to right wrongs or gain forgiveness and team up with the protagonists. Finally finishing Foothills Fae Academy, I felt like I read 3 different stories. The changing plot, but lack or resolve dragged the story out. I expected a big finale, final battle, something, and what we got felt lackluster and more of a “wait ‘til the next book.”
Profile Image for Fantasylover87.
68 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2024
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. It's okay, but it felt rushed, and it ended abruptly. It's meant to be written childishly because the author is writing through the eyes of children, but I think there is a better way to do it. If I wrote this, I would have done much better. She said her writing style is meant to grow as the characters age, and I like the thought, but I think she went too childish. I think she should take a look at other coming-of-age stories and learn how they do it. I would have had them start the school at thirteen, but then age them a few chapters later. The Harry Potter books are a good example. It could have been better. I like the idea of all these other realms, and the dark magic welder's origin surprised me (I have to be honest, I thought dark magic welders were a rip-off of Death Eaters from Harry Potter), and I liked that twist a lot, but it felt too much like a kids book to me. Prisoner of Azkaban was written through thirteen-year-olds' eyes, and JK Rowling did it much better. These books are exactly like Harry Potter, so she could have learned how to write it properly since the story line is the same exact as Harry Potter. There is literally no difference between the books.

Perhaps book 2 will be better since they'll be 16. Although, that's one of the things I don't like about the ending. It just ends with no real conclusion, and then there will be a time jump of at least 3 years. I don't mind the time jump, but it's the fact that the ending had no real conclusion. I thought maybe the next book would start off where this one left off, but it will be years later. I also think she should have stuck with her original plan instead of writing alternate POVs.

I was an ARC reader, and she explained the series to me, and initially, she was going to do a book for each character. The first book was meant to be Amber's, the second one Ellen's, and so forth. I don't mind alternate POVs, but it felt clunky in this book. I've read other books by this author, and I know she can do better. I think that's why I am disappointed because this book has so much potential to be better. She has a great story to tell, so I don't understand what went wrong with this book. I didn't hate it, and certain parts kept me entertained, like the Fight Club and the cheerleading. I also liked how the sports are played using the elements.

There is what might be considered incest in it, but the characters aren't related. They just see each other as family; I didn't see anything wrong with it, but others could find it problematic.

My biggest complaint is that the characters acted so childish! They were getting their first kisses and stuff, which was off putting. Amber, the main character, got her first boyfriend in this book, which felt weird to me. I just wish it was more adult I guess.

Profile Image for MJ James.
Author 13 books50 followers
August 12, 2023
The first book in the Foothills Fea Academy series reads like a middle-grade book. The characters are around the age of 13 and starting their schooling at a magical academy. As the series progresses, they will continue to age. While the writing style and structure is middle-grade, there is dating and such and making out, mostly of the older characters.

The book is a dual POV written in the first person. There are a lot of different POVs ranging from the core characters and, at times, other characters that are not part of this core group. While the characters were well-developed, it was hard at times to understand who was narrating.

I’m not entirely sure I liked the characters all that much. A lot of them seemed to be very horrible. I really did not like how Amber was continually talked down to because she did not dress feminine and attractive. As a trans-mast kid, I found this problematic and kind of offensive. Even then, a lot of the kids’ behaviors were just not very nice. That is supposed to be the culture of the Fea world, and there was mention of it being addressed in book two, and to some degree, it was addressed in this book. But specifically for Amber, it was a lot of I hope she doesn’t change herself to fit other people’s expectations, but she also better because who she is is gross.

I enjoyed the writing style overall. It could have benefited from more sensory detail, but it built up the visuals of the book well. The world-building was a lot. Often it was just laid out, but then was told again multiple times. Sometimes just in the next sentence. It made it hard to stay connected to the story. The book is also nearly 500 pages and could benefit in a good reduction in at least 100 of those pages that would make the story tighter, the plot stronger, and the reader more engaged.

I think there is a lot to really enjoy about the Foothills Fea Academy and it has the potential to be really great.
Profile Image for Tayler Marie Brooks.
Author 18 books47 followers
January 10, 2024
Lots of magic but I knew that going in. At first I wasn't sure about this story because the characters felt really immature but they grew up alot by the end. Overall, it was an interesting read that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Mandi.
Author 12 books78 followers
July 28, 2023
Fae are one of my favorite things to read about in books, so I went into this novel with high expectations. This was a much different take on them than what I'm used to. I love when authors put their own spin on things.

You could tell Woodridge poured her heart into the storyline and magic system.

The book is written with multiple points of view, but I never really felt like I got to know any of the characters. It felt more like watching someone from a distance than getting up close and personal with them.

There was a lot of repetition and explaining that pulled me out of the story at times, but I'm curious to see what the next book brings.
114 reviews
April 6, 2024
Foothills Fae Academy by Callie Woodridge plunges readers into a magical world brimming with elemental powers and teenage drama. Set against the backdrop of a complex magical realm, the story introduces us to four young protagonists who are just beginning to explore their abilities. However, the depth of the world-building, while ambitious, tends to slow the narrative down, especially in the early chapters.

A significant issue in the novel is its treatment of themes like bullying and prejudice. These elements, meant to add realism and conflict, end up feeling misplaced, making it harder to root for the characters. Additionally, the story juggles too many points of view and often repeats itself, which can make the magical rules feel more confusing than intriguing.

That said, for those who have a soft spot for stories about young individuals discovering their powers and facing off against the forces of evil, there's something here to enjoy. The book packs in plenty of twists and magic-filled confrontations that could keep the target audience engaged after wading through the initial setup. While Foothills Fae Academy might not hit the mark for every reader, it offers a world filled with potential for those willing to dive deep into its lore.
Profile Image for Andrea Spinosa.
Author 3 books
November 5, 2023
An interesting coming-of-age story in a magical academy

This novel is certainly interesting, but I encountered some difficulties in reading it. First and foremost, I would like to commend the author for creating a new and engaging narrative universe. The story follows the experiences of a group of students in a "magical" academy located in a parallel realm inhabited by beings known as Fae. It is genuinely fascinating to observe how these students face the challenges of adolescence and the common issues that young people their age encounter, such as bullying, adjusting to school life, and the typical challenges of adulthood, even though they are not fully adults yet. Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, I appreciate how the narrative universe of "Foothills Fae Academy" reflects real-life situations (youth gossip, bullying, online forums, school lessons, and cell phones), despite being a magical school with fantastic elements (such as attacks from magical adversaries and students learning to control their powers).

However, I must be honest in saying that I had some difficulties in following the plot. There are too many points of view, too many characters, and too many narrative threads. Often, the information provided through narration and dialogue became repetitive because it had already been mentioned previously. Additionally, the book is quite long (maybe too much), both in terms of pages and words, so keep that in mind if you decide to purchase it (I personally believe it could have been shorter without losing much).

Despite these challenges, the book is still enjoyable, and the richly created setting deserves a solid 3-star rating, and perhaps even 4 stars for those who are really passionate about novels set in magical schools (and don't mind very long books).
Profile Image for Matt Twinley.
Author 2 books3 followers
July 18, 2023
Like many typical millennials, I grew up with Harry Potter. So when it comes to YA fantasy books set in a magical school, I have a soft-spot. That’s why it came as no surprise to me that I really enjoyed Foothills Fae Academy!
Callie Woodridge kicks things off straight away, finding an engaging way to build up the magical world effectively. There are magic elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Wind), fae and mortal realms, dark magic wielders and even academy life to get to grips with, from sports (that might remind you of Quidditch!) to fun classes.
We’re introduced to thirteen-year-old students Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael and get multiple POVs to let us really dive into their lives and thoughts. As they grow and discover their own abilities, they also have to face dangerous Dark Magic Wielders.
There’s great pace and tension to add to the excitement. I was impressed with the inclusion of more challenging themes and dark moments in a YA book, making it appealing to more than just teenagers.
There’s a brilliant balance of adventure, friendship, romance and magic. Fantasy fans (specifically Potterheads!) will find themselves easily immersed in the well-crafted world – especially with much more exciting adventures soon to come!
Profile Image for Christine V.
156 reviews
October 25, 2023
This is one of those books that you will either love or hate, yet I feel indifferent. The storyline itself reminds me very much of the Harry Potter Series with a different design. 13 Year olds getting into a grand mysterious school that helps focus and train magical powers, meanwhile you’re away from home all year long… every child’s dream, right?

While reading I found it hard to keep focus as the writing style is directed at a younger audience for this book in my opinion. I understand what the author was trying to do in starting young and growing up, however, I feel like it might have started a little too young or the writing and wording could have been a bit more adultish when describing certain things.

That said, I did relate to some of the characters, either because of something they said or how they acted. Amber in particular was one of those characters you can just connect to. Granted I have younger siblings, so I feel it was more big sisters vibes in my case than close friends, but it was still nice to be able to relate.

I truly believe that if you enjoy any magical adventure filled story, this would be a good addition to your TBR list. I will be adding Book 2 in the series to my TBR list as well.
Profile Image for SilverStar Review.
51 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2023
This book has Harry Potter vibes

This review might have spoilers.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This is a multi-protagonist story told from each of the young fun characters point of view that come full of insecurities and family mysteries. The story shows us how they all meet and converge at Foothills academy.

This story has it all; Fae realms, magic, portals, fun classes, royalty, dark and mysterious unknown characters, a fight for equality among those lesser ranking students and the politics of those opposing.

The story also gives us romantic young love and all the cruel drama one should expect at this academy.

At Foothills Academy students do the tryouts for Hockey (that brought me back memories of quidditch in Harry Potter) The games came with
cheerleaders, dance, and an energizing audience.

It is written well without visible grammatical or spelling errors. This book flows at a slow-medium pace. It is a substantial read that includes a great epilogue.
40 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy: Book One by Callie Woodridge reminded me of the Magicians slightly (also Harry Potter, but to much lesser extent) as well as a lot of comics stories where three or four heroes/superheroes gather to defeat a super villain. If you are searching for something new and refreshing this is definitely not for you. But if you want to read a familiar story with different settings and dialogues, then you shall denitely give this book a try.

The pros of the story is that the author has definitely managed to build a unique world with interesting mechanics and magic rules. The characters are intersting and thoroughly believable. I noticed some minor descrepencies and misprints, but it nohow affected my reading experience. Overall it was a plesant journey. I am giving this book a solid 4, but if the author continues to progress, then I am sure the remaining books in the series will receive 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for K.
520 reviews27 followers
June 30, 2023
Thanks to Voracious Readers Only for this book - 3.5 stars rounded up.

Let's get the negatives out of the way. Typos, grammatical mistakes, and one whole section in a Sierra chapter where I had to read that bit so many times and eventually gave up following it perfectly.

With a lot of characters, they're quite two-dimensional. Not many of their personalities are particularly clear, and the dialogue between them can be very awkward.

All of that being said... I loved the ideas. There were some seriously cool plot elements and it was just fun to read. I know magic school isn't exactly original, but I'd definitely read more of these books.

Profile Image for Kathy.
448 reviews
June 30, 2023
Fantasy readers will get drawn into this book. Though not my genre at all, it was able to draw me in. The author draws her reader in from the beginning of the book with the unique world that has been designed and crafted. As you read there are different perspectives brought forth so you can get the full experience of the characters. The bringing in of the four events is unique and clever. The four main characters representing the elements are 13 in this book. I believe as the series progresses so will the characters as tends to be in some fantasy series. Sit back and enjoy the journey on this first series book.
Profile Image for Amy Marie.
Author 7 books39 followers
July 3, 2023
As other readers have noted Foothills Fae Academy (love the title) is a wizard academy-esque YA novel that has its dark moments and taboo themes. (Kudos to the author for her bravery btw). I found it a fun enjoyable read mostly because the kids are right at the crux of adolescence and it's beginning to show. This is the time of life when the confusion starts. Some characters suffer from self doubt, others from overconfidence, but in the end they are all trying to learn their magic (more about themselves) and grow as individuals which is commendable and lends itself to this complex tale. If you enjoy Harry Potter you may enjoy this even more for that reason alone.
Profile Image for Suzannah C. Grose.
17 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2023
The starting point of the book, they are children. So, if you like to read fantasy novels that are also coming of age stories. Or if you like to read books with magic. This book would be a great fit.

This book was an interesting story about a camp for Fae & human children to interact. There’s also 4 different realms (mortal, magical, dark, shape-shifter).

(spoiler) Chapter 2 Danger of alcohol and addiction & dangers. (Trigger warning) There is bullying and parental emotional abuse.

I do wish I had an element like the characters in the story. 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for K. Kinley.
Author 8 books18 followers
August 14, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy is the first in the series where we’re introduced to a group of students entering their first year in a magical Fae school for elements and other powers. There are several POV’s of teenagers learning their powers while forming new relationships with their friends and family.

I was excited to read this one and loved the concept of the coming of age story, but it was a lot of repetitive and information, subplots and characters for one book.
It’s an exciting story of multiple realms that kept me interested and turning pages!
Profile Image for Jennifer Jones.
Author 2 books52 followers
June 23, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy was such a fun read! I don’t usually read in the fantasy genre and throughly enjoyed this one! It was easy to follow and the storyline was great! I liked that although this is not necessarily YA, the characters began as young teens. The reader gets to experience the forming of their friendships and their emerging abilities. I liked the multiple POV storytelling, and loved the magical elements! Pick this one up!
Profile Image for K.S. Wood.
Author 20 books12 followers
October 22, 2023
The premise of this book was great - mortal world kids learning that they had fae powers, dark magic, a battle at school. I tried hard to enjoy this book, but there was something just off about it. The constant changes in viewpoint were a bit jarring (I got lost trying to figure out who was telling the story sometimes) and the multiple characters the could use a bit more development made for a very long-winded but rushed storyline.

I will read the next work in the series, since I have it.
Profile Image for Kay Cobbold.
261 reviews11 followers
October 5, 2023
A lovely, long book which held me in its grip throughout. It contained many of my favourite fantasy elements, but also had so many unique ideas. I got to know and to empathise with the characters and was sad to reach the last page, but… now I can read the sequel! I received a complimentary book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Patricia Jack.
226 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2023
I couldn’t finish this book. It definitely has touches of things like Harry Potter but I couldn’t stick with the story.

I received a complementary copy from the author via Voracious Reads.
Profile Image for Shana.
776 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2024
Book: Foothills Fae Academy: Book One
Author: Callie Woodridge
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#BookLoungeReviewTeam

✨️✨️ BLURB ✨️✨️
Welcome to Foothills Fae Academy, where four thirteen-year-old students embark on a journey to master the power of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Wind. Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael forge a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of the school, but they soon realize that their training goes beyond preparing for adulthood – dangerous Dark Magic Wielders now threaten their world. As the four friends hone their abilities and embrace their true Fae potential, Ben and Amber discover they possess a special gift that puts them in grave danger.

Set in 1999, this thrilling fantasy adventure follows their quest to defend against the malevolent Dark Magic Wielders while honing their skills as aspiring Fae. Join them as they prepare to face an epic battle and unravel the mysteries that lie within the magical realm.

✨️✨️ REVIEW ✨️✨️
I spoke with Callie before starting this book and she explained it is basically in it's pre-editing stage and will be re-released once she receives more feedback on it and makes some changes. Keeping that in mind, I ignored the basic editing/grammar mistakes, such as: clumsy dialogue, repetition, etc. None of which were bad enough to discourage me from finishing the book. Now, on to the review!

This book has an exciting storyline full of deception, disguise, adventure, the usual impulsive teen decisions, broken families, great friends, and so much more.

It definitely comes off as more YA, since the characters are all 13-14 years old, but will tend more towards New Adult as the series progresses. They're entering their first year at a magical school and there's a lot of angst and drama, but it was so fun to see how they develop their abilities and grow as they progress through their school year. PLUS, it's set in 1999 which had me feeling very nostalgic... Y2K anyone??

I was hooked from the first page. Callie did a wonderful job leaving each chapter with just enough intrigue where I wanted to keep going. This would definitely be a great introduction to fantasy for younger teens, but I think would also be enjoyable for adults as a quick, easy read. I'm really excited to check out the rest of the series and I hope you give this one a try too
Profile Image for Amanda.
334 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2023
I am going to start out by saying I received this book for free and this opinion is all my own. Thank you Plunge Into Books and Callie Woodridge for allowing me to read this magical book of Foothills Fae Academy.
3.5/5
Pages: 486
Tropes: Found Family, Magic, Multi POVS, Building Friendships
Triggers: Abusive family, Separation in magical classes (Lesser magic/to more magic), Making fun of appearances

So this book is like a mix of Harry Potter and Zodiac Academy. But mostly Harry Potter, since it is in the mindset of thirteen year olds mostly. Amber is a true starts from the bottom and now she is sort of a character. Her mother and sisters hate her and make it clear, like it was super annoying how harsh they were to her. I get it, there are parents like that. Then you have Ellen who seems to be the pride of her family and she always gets pranked on by her brothers. Something she mentions a bunch of times. She also brings up how she shouldn't be kissing boys and such since her parents said no. Now for Ben, the sort of know it all sort of guy who gets pissed because Amber shows him up on day one and he holds a grudge for no apparent reason other than he is mad she did better than him.That lasts for a good part of the book. Michael has some povs but I felt like his was mostly filler, same with some of the other random povs that showed up. The villains in this story did not feel like normal villains, like they had bad characters for the sake of needing someone to fight.

The book goes from zero to one hundred very fast. So much goes on, kidnappings, dark magic people causing problems, tryouts for sports, finding some family along the way. It was a bit forced per say, like I think it would have been better if it did split people off and not push so much to happen in this first book. I am curious how the other books would play out, maybe they added so much in hopes the second book could get published but as the saying goes less is more. Still I did have a fun time reading this. It did bring me back to my younger years of grabbing Harry Potter and staying up all night reading. If this gets done right, it could catch on just the same. I will give the others books a try just to see how it is once they come out.
Profile Image for Helen Garraway.
Author 18 books314 followers
June 16, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy is set in a complex world of eight realms, with a very detailed magic system which denotes the hierarchy of power and acceptance. Such a complex world does take time to introduce which slows the pacing at the beginning. Four thirteen year olds begin school, at a time when they are only just coming into their powers.

There seems to be a lot of prejudice in this school. Although it is stated multiple times that the kids are only just coming into their power and will still have another year or so to mature, but if they are only showing one power, they are denigrated and belittled as being 'weak' which is a bit unfair and short sighted by the powers that be.

I did get a little confused with Ben, who only had one power at the start and was worrying about being seen as weak, and yet in the Power Display (a bit like the sorting hat in Harry Potter but with elemental powers) he demonstrated all four elementals and wasn't surprised.

I'm not gonna lie, I struggled with this book a bit, though I don't think I am the target reader so that should be taken into account. There were too many POV characters, too much explanation and too much repetition to really get into the story. I don't understand why bullying was acceptable, and that made it difficult to like and engage with some of the main characters as they stood by and allowed it to happen because they all had to 'toughen up'.

Once you get into the story, there is a lot packed into this book, and if you like coming of age, coming into powers trope then this book will be for you. There is good versus evil and unexpected reveals and plenty to keep your attention once you get passed the initial world building and character introductions. A complex world with an interesting magic system with undertones of a wizarding school to keep you hooked for those younger readers.
22 reviews
October 10, 2023
I recently delved into the enchanting world of "Foothills Fae Academy Book One" by Callie Woodridge, and what a spellbinding adventure it turned out to be! From the moment I opened the pages, I was transported into a realm where magic and mystery abound.

Woodridge's storytelling is nothing short of captivating. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own quirks and secrets that kept me guessing throughout. The protagonist's journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary is a classic theme, but the author adds her own unique twist to it, making it fresh and engaging.

The Foothills Fae Academy itself is a richly imagined setting, filled with hidden nooks, fantastical creatures, and a deep sense of history. It's a place where every corridor holds a new surprise and every class unveils a new layer of intrigue.

As a reader, I was thoroughly invested in the characters' growth and the unfolding mysteries. The pacing is spot-on, and the world-building is impeccable. By the time I reached the final page, I was left eagerly anticipating the next installment.

"Foothills Fae Academy Book One" is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who loves to get lost in a world of magic, secrets, and adventure. Callie Woodridge has crafted a mesmerizing tale that will leave you craving for more.
Profile Image for Susan Day.
Author 111 books41 followers
November 28, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy is a complex story about an amazing protagonist whose tale is beautifully woven around an enchanting world of Fae. This is the second book in the series, and while I haven’t read the first, it didn’t stop me from becoming totally enthralled and hooked.

The world of Fae is certainly complicated. This is not a book for a quick read on a rainy afternoon. If you are willing to put the work in, however, you will be taken into an enthralling magical world with its own lore and customs, with realistic portrayals of fantasy characters.

Delve deep and become lost in the gripping twists and turns of this novel, then hang on to your seat – you won’t be disappointed. The author skillfully crafts the narrative from peaceful, serene settings to powerful, exciting events that will keep you turning the page.

I really liked Amber, our lead character. I think she is a great role model for younger readers. Her strengths and flaws unite her with the readers, making her realistic and easy to identify with. And, in so many ways, the other characters ignite the same appeal.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, but feel you have outgrown it, then Foothills Fae Academy is definitely the next step you will want to take in your reading journey. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book.
8 reviews
May 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Welcome to Foothills Fae Academy, where four thirteen-year-old students embark on a journey to master the power of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Wind. Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael forge a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of the school, but they soon realize that their training goes beyond preparing for adulthood – dangerous Dark Magic Wielders now threaten their world. As the four friends hone their abilities and embrace their true Fae potential, Ben and Amber discover they possess a special gift that puts them in grave danger.

If you love Fantasy, Foothills Fae Academy has something for everyone. Multiple realms, mythical creatures, elemental magic. It sucks you in and I can't wait to see where this journey ends up.

It's written from multiple perspectives, almost in a "Dear Diary" format. It was at times hard to keep track of what pov you where on but I didn't find it impacted the story. I think the author really captured the 'angst' of youth and channelled a fair amount of herself into her characters, as an 'older' reader it was a little tiring going through some of the repeated self depreciating dialogue but I understand it's from the characters aged perspective and will hopefully mature as the story continues.

Overall worth a read and a very promising introduction to an amazing series
Profile Image for Luna Mabini.
Author 9 books8 followers
June 25, 2023
Foothills Fae Academy awakened a flood of memories from my youthful days, evoking innocent crushes, budding young love, and the joyous bonds of cherished friendships. Needless to say, this book proved to be a delightful respite after immersing myself in an intense novel. While there were some technical aspects that could have been polished and plotlines that could have been strengthened, they did not detract from the overall reading experience.

My critique: Among the characters in this story, Amber undoubtedly stood out as the most captivating. Her journey mirrored that of a hero, filled with numerous challenges and struggles. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her, and when she finally received her well-deserved extraordinary powers, I couldn’t help but cheer. However, my enthusiasm was slightly dampened when I discovered that her sisters, who had not treated her kindly, were also granted magical abilities. In my humble opinion, this occurrence diminished Amber's light, as it seemed that her sisters were rewarded without truly earning their powers. Nonetheless, this critique is merely a testament to how deeply engrossed I was in this enchanting tale and how thoroughly it transported me to this magical world. I eagerly anticipate delving into the next series.
Profile Image for Quincy Clark.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 8, 2023
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure that I would like this story - it was a little slow off the mark, and the tone was a little awkward at times. But I am really glad that I stayed with it! The story was really intriguing and I found myself relating to the characters although I have almost a decade on them lol. I know that a lot of people didn't enjoy the bullying within the novel; however, I think it was a necessary part of the storyline that helped build the characters. I was not expecting some of the twists and the ending left me wanting to read what comes next for Ellen, Michael, Jared, Amber, Ben, and the rest of the gang. I can't wait for them to explore the feelings they have for each other more in the coming novels, and I can't wait to see the other ways the author can manage to catch me off-guard. Plus, as a Canadian, I enjoyed the parallels that were drawn between the setting of the novel and our reality. I would have rated it higher; however, admittedly there were times when I was confused as to who was speaking because there were so many perspectives, and at times things felt a little redundant in my opinion. I still recommend this novel, and like I said, I look forward to what's to come :)
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,432 reviews63 followers
January 3, 2024
I would love to have given this review more hearts than I could have, but this book reminds me of a different Harry Potter world and I don't know how to feel about that since I LOVE HP, its my favorite book series.

The writing is immature but it is supposed to be as it is told from the pov's of 13-year-old children, so that was fine. I read alot of younger kids books. But these kids get into a magical school that is going to help them train their powers. Sound familiar? And then they have an EPIC battle ahead of them, and the book is set in 1999 ...Just No.

There is some kissing and making out of the older kids so this is not a book for younger children. This is more of a YA read for adults and older teenagers as most younger children don't like that kind of thing yet.

The story itself was written well, but there is just similar to HP, so I had alot of trouble reading it and finishing the book. The world building was okay overall and the characters are well written.

If it were either a kids book or a YA I might feel a little differently with the rating but it is too flip-floppy and goes between the two genres. And the similarities to HP are too much for me to really enjoy this book overall, like the dark magic welders....
28 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2024
This book was a fantastic escape read! It hit that sweet spot between light and engaging. The story unfolds beautifully. The characters are easy to connect with, and the author's writing style is smooth and inviting. The good part was the unique blend of familiar teen situations with a magical twist. It was like the author took the everyday high school drama and added a sprinkle of fantastical elements, making it completely unexpected and refreshing. The book's pacing is perfect for unwinding before bed. It has its moments of excitement, but the overall feel is heartwarming and adventurous. Plus, the way the story progresses leaves you wanting more – a great quality for a series! I wouldn't say it's a complex read, but it's definitely captivating. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. This is the series for people looking for a fun, magical escape!
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