Apprentice

by Sara Blake

Sofia agreed to enroll in the Psychic Arts program at Olive Tree Academy with one to learn how not to use her abilities. But ever since she arrived, almost a month late and feeling completely out of her depth, strange things have been happening. The only person who might be able to help her is the person she's the least willing to put in danger.

Cabot was an excellent student… last year. Now that his second year at OTA has begun, he feels less psychic than when he first enrolled over a year ago. Now he's been chosen to mentor the new girl, who's abilities far outstrip his own. Trouble seems to follow Sofia wherever she goes, but Cabot thinks getting close to her is well worth the risk.

Welcome to Olive Tree Academy for Supernatural Studies! Join Sofia and Cabot in this first installment of a new series in the Barrow City world of Sara Blake!

511 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good I like the story but some of switching between the two main characters was confusing but good book 1

[Karoline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a frustrating read. It's an interesting setting, but the main character have the charisma of a wet cloth. The villain's scheme has me excited for what is to come, but it was so painfully obvious who the villain actually was. It was very irritating to follow, especially when a lot of the plot could have been resolved by just communicating to others what was going on. WHY keep it a secret?! Surely there's laws regarding this? At least cause for concern from the school administration?

The characters felt a lot younger and immature for their age, especially with their backstory in mind. The two different POV's were written with the same "voice", making it hard to distinguish which character we're following - this usually isn't something I struggle with but here I was confused multiple times.

The author also makes some choices that has quite extensive consequences that doesn't feel completely thought through. For example, magic healing cures everything. It makes you wonder why they are gatekeeping this fantastic cure? Why are they not sharing this wonderful and benevolent gift with the world? It feels like a happy ending was prioritized at the cost of world building and making sure the magic system stays consistent throughout the story.

[Rane Sterling · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the premise of a psychic academy is promising, Apprentice struggles to find its footing due to inconsistent pacing and immature character development. Sofia and Cabot’s alternating perspectives often feel disjointed, leaving several scenes feeling unfinished and the overarching mystery underdeveloped. Additionally, the shift from a young adult "school setting" feel to explicit adult content felt jarring and poorly integrated into the plot. Overall, the world-building isn't enough to save a story that feels like it’s still in the rough draft phase.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a story of mystery. Sophie has been asked to go to the Olive Tree Academy. She ends up deciding to go and then things start happening. Cabot has been assigned to give her a tour and help with anything she has. They become friends. He plays a big part in this story too. Then we have Davie, Gilian and Daniel. Then we have teachers that play a big part too. Follow the mystery and drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apprentice

A college of sorts for those with psychic and magical abilities. The characters are okay, a bit immature, as some learn there even is a larger magical world. The perspective varies between two characters and sometimes the section is left feeling unfinished.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is there at the academy to learn not to use her power. He has been there a year and he needs to help her during her first year. Her powers are greater than his and trouble is following her. See if he can keep her safe
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read

[cmc27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read in a new world. I love reading "Academy" books that have details about how other worlds and magick systems work. Good mix of introduction to a new world, magick theory, romance, mystery and suspense. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia enters a college of sorts. It teaches the lifted and magical how to live with and use their gifts. While there she finds out more about herself and her gift. She falls in love, makes friends, and ends up in danger. A good story and I look forward to the next one.

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt as if I was attending OTA and learning right along with Cabot and Sofia.

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good!

Excellent world-building, engaging characters, villain-twisties and, wait for it—carnal love scenes.

I anticipate and eagerly wait the sequel!

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apprentice is book 1 of the Olive Tree Academy series. Sophia is a great FMC who had supernatural abilities. Magic, witches and a griffin are all included. A great read.

[Hannah Etherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. the plot was fun with some twists. The author made it pretty clear that the characters were wrong about who they thought the bad guy was! I was still left wondering about all the details, that came later!
This book does switch between the main characters viewpoints most chapters, this can be off putting for some people, but I didn't have any issues with it, I would say they sometimes felt quite similar in personality to each other.
I enjoyed the world building of magicka and psychic abilities. There are quite a lot of details about tarot cards and so on!
I am looking forward to seeing this author develop her style.