Jahr 1

Demigods Academy #1

by Elisa S. Amore, Kiera Legend, Katherina Kisner (Translator)

Willkommen auf der Akademie der Götter
Die preisgekrönte Urban Fantasy Bestseller Serie endlich auf Deutsch!
Mit Kindle Unlimited gratis lesen

Ich musterte die Einladung. Kein Name stand auf dem Papier. Jeder, der sich im Besitz der Einladung befand, könnte mit ihr auf die Akademie gelangen ... oder?

Das erste Jahr

Willkommen auf der Akademie der Götter!
Wo Zeus und Aphrodite selbst den Unterricht leiten. Wo Ares Kriegskunst lehrt, Hephaistos Schmiedekunst unterrichtet, und Dionysos rauschende Feste veranstaltet. Nur die mächtigsten und talentiertesten Jugendlichen erhalten eine Einladung.
Nur die mächtigsten, die talentiertesten, und ich.

Ich habe eigentlich gar keine Einladung bekommen. Aber das Schicksal hat mir eine Gelegenheit geboten. Jetzt bin ich an der Akademie und muss gefährliche Prüfungen und magische Tests bestehen. Eigentlich sollte ich keine Chance haben.
Doch einer der Götter hält seine schützende Hand über mich.
Wenn ich nur wüsste, was er im Gegenzug will.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Gods

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

Join my Readers List, I'd love to have you there!
www.ElisaSAmore.com/vip-list

Meet other fans in the Official Touched Saga Group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Amoreans

Text AMORE to (844) 339 0303 to get SMS alerts on my new releases

Official Hashtags:
#TouchedSaga - #TheCaressOfFate

Elisa S. Amore is the author of the paranormal romance saga Touched. She wrote the first book while working at her parents’ diner, dreaming up the story between one order and the next. She lives in Italy with her husband, her son, and a pug that sleeps all day. She’s wild about pizza and traveling, which is a source of constant inspiration for her. She dreamed up some of the novels’ love scenes while strolling along the canals in Venice and visiting the home of Romeo’s Juliet in romantic Verona. Her all-time favorite writer is Shakespeare, but she also loves Nicholas Sparks. She prefers to do her writing at night, when the rest of the world is asleep and she knows the stars above are keeping her company. She’s now a full-time writer of romance and young adult fiction. In her free time she likes to read, swim, walk in the woods, and daydream. She collects books and animated movies, all jealously guarded under lock and key. Her family has nicknamed her “the bookworm.” After its release, the first book of her saga quickly made its way up the charts, winning over thousands of readers. Touched: The Caress of Fate is her debut novel and the first in the four-book series originally published in Italy by one of the country’s leading publishing houses. The book trailer was shown in Italian movie theaters during the premiere of the film Twilight: Breaking Dawn—Part 2.

Get The Caress of Fate at a Special Price:
https://getbook.at/thecaressoffate
READ IT FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!

www.facebook.com/eli.amore
www.instagram.com/eli.amore
www.twitter.com/ElisaSAmore
www.tiktok.com/@elisasamoreauthor

Reviews

[Dea꧂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5
Predictable plot with cartoonish characters. It is not a badly written book but nothing really extraordinary happens.There are a few fighting classes,a couple of unexplained earthquakes and some shadows are looming around the Academy. I like fantasy books centered around greek mythology so this story is good for a quick read before falling asleep.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demigods Academy is an absolute blast! I loved every minute of this book and am absolutely eager for more!
Melaney is an outsider. Her 18th birthday came and went and she never received the famed Shadowbox that all other kids have received on their 18th birthday. Well, get ready for a surprise! Her "friend" Callie just turned 18. All her life she and her family have gone and paid tribute to the gods in the hopes that she would get the coveted invitation to their academy. Well...when things do go as she thought - the epic opening of the box to big fanfare, the coveted invitation, etc. she throws the Shadowbox down in a tantrum. Melaney doesn't expect a reaction from the box, but that's exactly what she gets when she picks up. But the surprises don't stop there...Melaney discovers a scroll that is the coveted invitation. Instead of putting it back and giving it to Callie...she keeps it and determines to go and test her fate against the gods. Question is...will she make it? Or fail epically? Either way...there is no turning back.
Demigods Academy - Year One is a fantastic Young Adult Supernatural academy novel. You will most definitely see the references to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson in this book. I absolutely loved it! Melaney finding the invitation and keeping it even reminded me of the ballet movie - "Leap." But I couldn't help but question...what if she was meant to have it? Melaney is quite refreshing in my opinion. Quite often authors give readers main characters with a ton of attitude to drown the world in and it just never stops. Melaney, while she does have some attitude, doesn't wave it around like she's so angry at the world and that she doesn't care who knows it. I was so relieved when this aspect of her shown through. She goes from being essentially friendless to having a couple of unique friends. I like how they come together and are kind to each other. Of course, there is the expected bully who is out to prove that Melaney doesn't belong, but that just amps up the drama. Of course, when Melaney isn't getting on the wrong side of a couple of her teachers.
Is there anything that I don't like about this book? Absolutely not. Normally, if there is too much attitude from a character I will definitely howl about it, but the author does an excellent job keeping the attitude to a minimum and doesn't just throw it around like she has the world's biggest chip on her shoulder. For those of you who don't like cliffhangers...sorry not sorry but buckle-up buttercup cuz its a-comin!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I loved it and couldn't get enough of it! I need more!! Preferably soon. Haha! If you like fantasy/paranormal novels and academy style books then this one will be a good fit for you. The gods aren't just "figureheads" in this book. They are the characters, too! I'm sure that you'll love it as much as I did.

[itznyzzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this book... Nothing big happens but I guess that’s because is just the first book. The first few chapters were a little interesting, the rest was okay. The only thing that makes me want to read the next book was because of how the last chapter ended. Even though what happened was expected.

The description of this book says it's a Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson. I can see why. I wanted more details on the world building. I'm hoping it is because this is just the beginning and my questions will be answered later in the other books.

I kinda feel bad saying this but I don't really care for the characters, their relationships/friendships... just yet. Not much to go on.

Melany's determined and she knows how stands up for herself. I'm definitely curious. Other than that, I don't know how to feel about her. And if I didn't know what to make out of Melany, much less with Lucian. His pov didn't explain much. Don't know if I like him or not, they didn't give me a reason to care about him. He's fine, I guess.

I didn't really feel their connection. Yes, they cared for each other, but to the extent that was said.... I don't know about that... There wasn't much bonding shown. Only them glaring at each other, little talks and them making out. It would have been better if it was a slow burn or of there were at least scenes were they get to know each other, see their dynamic. Like she found him handsome, he found her intriguing and they admire each other's skills... and...? Hoping next book we have more scenes were they are together, getting to know each other.

I don't know, I am asking for too much for a first book?😅 or did I missed something or read incorrectly?

I'm so conflicted. I didn't dislike the book but I didn't loved it.

Nonetheless, I'm still going to read the next book. Despite everything, I still enjoyed it. I see the potential.

[Amber Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! There isn't a single thing I would change. It is the perfect blend of fantasy and romance. The romance doesn't get in the way of the story of the characters becoming soldiers it only enhances it, and vice versa. I can't wait for year two! Need it now!

[Dr. Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I received a free audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such an interesting story! I loved the concept of Demigods going to school to learn how to harness their powers. Melany never received her own Shadowbox--a gift from the gods everyone receives on their 18th birthday. When Callie Demos, a girl with everything whom Melany's adopted mother works for, isn't invited to join the Army of the gods, Melany is left to clean up the Shadowbox.

As soon as she touches it, she feels magic. When she looks inside she finds an invitation to the Army. How could Callie have missed it? When Melany risks taking Callie's spot, she isn't sure she'll find a spot to fit in. After all, no one else has wanted this blue-haired, tatted orphan girl yet.

I really enjoy school stories and this was no different. I loved seeing the various different classes. One thing that was different was that all of the demigods seemed to have powers not just only from their godly lineage. Having to pass trials to be invited into the army after schooling was intense. The trials they all faced were no joke. I loved seeing Melany protect her friends and make sure they passed alongside her.

Guessing everyone's godly parentage was a really fun part of the story. I wasn't right on all counts, but I'm most excited to see what will happen with Melany after her claiming. I also enjoyed seeing Melany's powers grow alongside her relationships with her friends. The romance between Lucian and Melany was so much fun and I can't wait to see more of them!

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I look forward to books two and three.

The pacing and plot were excellent. In terms of being an academy book specifically, I really appreciated that it kept classes and learning the whole way through, as many drop them in favor of romance or mystery. This managed to incorporate romance and a bit of mystery well, along with a good group of characters. I look forward to seeing all of them become more fleshed out as the series goes on. As for the main character, Melany, I loved her! She was smart and strong, without being idiotic. I enjoyed watching her mistakes and triumphs. I also enjoyed her relationship with Lucien. I loved that he wasn't the typical closed off asshole love interest. Nope! He was actually respectful, caring, kind, handsome, and really awesome. I quite like him, and hope he and Melany continue their romance in later books.

Overall, this ended up being better than I expected, and I read it in a day. Melany was an excellent heroine, and the plot provided an interesting academy with cool classes, a bit of intrigue, and some fun romance. I do hope that her friends get a bit more fleshed out as the books go on. I look forward to book 2 after that ending! Awesome book! 5 stars!

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this well enough but there were a few problems for me. The pacing didn’t feel very consistent which isn’t exactly an issue except that it didn’t flow very naturally when there was a change up. At times the writing and words used felt heightened as far as vocabulary and sentencing goes and other times a little more childish and menial. There were a few times when it seemed to contradict itself. Overall though it was decent enough and went by pretty quickly, plus I finished it and that doesn’t usually happen if I’m not at least enjoying a book on some level. I think what really saved this for me and made it enjoyable was that it dealt with the Greek gods and in an academy setting no less. I wish we had more class time though. Not crazy about the romantic relationship but I appreciate the platonic ones and I hope that they’re developed more as the series continues. Major cliff hanger but no surprise there given that it’s a kindle unlimited series and from my experience that’s their MO.

[Kandice La page en folie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Une héroïne que la vie n'a pas épargnée mais qui se retrouve, contre toute attente, à être la meilleure de toute. Une romance précipitée qui fait tâche. Des amis qui servent parfois à l'histoire pour rendre l'héroïne encore plus héroïque. De la vulgarité et des phrases parfois très limites ("Georgina est une fille super efficace, elle s'est tapée le plus gros du boulot. C'était même surprenant parce qu'elle est plus potelée que robuste" mais PARRRRDOOON ?!).
Bref, un roman bien loin d'être fameux. Tout est rapide, trop parfait, exagéré. Le seul point positif est que ça se lit relativement bien. Un sacrée DÉCEPTION et une perte de temps. La mythologie et les dieux sont assez peu exploités. Melany prends une place tellement énorme et peu glorieuse malgré les efforts de l'autrice que c'est gonflant.

[chromAyshan · Rating 2 out of 5]

hm...

[Cade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things I didn't love:

Oof. There was a lot of girl hate here.

“You know what I think? You’re not used to girls with brains. You like girls who fawn at your every word. Girls who swoon when you flex your biceps.”

[Guess she's just "not like other girls" then]

When Revana spotted me watching them, she sneered.
I didn’t know how one person could be so hateful. It wasn’t just me who she looked down on, either; it was almost everyone except her immediate friends, although I had overheard her talking crap about Isobel behind her back to Diego. As I stared at her, I got angrier and angrier. Gritting my teeth and pressing my hands down into the dirt, I thought someone needed to shut her up.

Revana literally just sneered at her. Is this how the world sees teenagers?? So riddled with hormones we'd wrap a girl in vines just to shut her up? And what did Melany get for it? Approval.

1. Melany was just a special snowflake. Oh the author made her fail in some things like controlling the element water, but oh turns out, even if she can't control the element itself, she can still scare away some sea monsters with her super strength...because she can somehow move quickly through water.

2. The writing. I learned that I've taken varied sentence structures for granted. Nearly every sentence in this story started with the word I.

3. The characters. Yeah, they were all one dimensional. I'd have preferred reading about Callie's story instead of Melany. How much more interesting would that have been?? Instead, we got Lucian who saw Melany, engaged in a few conversations with her, and was just so intrigued by her oh so snarly attitude and her oh so not-like-other-girls-ness. (yeah, you guessed it, insta love.) And we got Melany, the "different even among the different."

I think I could've understood Melany more if she was more mature. She was eighteen. If she'd really struggled as much as we were told she had, she would've been so much wiser. She wouldn't have gotten so torn up about a few nasty words. What's a mean girl compared to the real struggles of life? That's how she should've been thinking instead of being triggered upon hearing some girl talk smack about her.

4. The plot. It felt rushed. A lot of things didn't make sense. I'd elaborate but see sleep>half-baked book reviews/rants

Things I liked:

1. The premise. A girl stealing someone else's destiny was such an intriguing concept.

2. The writing. Aside from the sentence structures and the occasional odd sentence, it was pretty okay.

3. I liked the shadow manipulating part. There definitely needs to be more books on manipulating shadows.

[Thea’s Reading World 💛 · Rating 4 out of 5]

And what a beautiful surprise....
When it says it's like Percy Jackson, it doesn't lie for suuuure. But in a good way.

Like in Percy Jackson, I predicted the God in the lineage of our main character Melany. Even her name suggest what she'll be picked as.

This series is exactly what I needed for my reading slump. Usually when I feel a slump coming I come back to one of my favorite sub genres Paranormal Romances with this cover set in Academy settings. And this one delivered...

For the people that want to know, here's what the book is about :


The Greek Gods are back after they rebuilt their society and each year, they pick 32 people on their 18th birthday to go to an Academy that trains them to be in the Gods' army against Titans, should there ever be need.

Our mc Melany lives in a rich family house and Callie, the kid of the family just turned 18 and has her Shadowbox (basically like a Harry Potter letter) come in for.But when she opens it, contrary to what the family expected, she was not invited.
Being tasked to get rid of the Shadowbox, when Melany opens it she finds a scroll that invites her as one of the 32 students. But how could that be when the shadowbox wasn't hers? Was it Callie's chance that she was stealing?


The book was like crack, couldn't stop reading. They are all super short so I bet that in no time I'll be done with the series. The concept is super interesting in itself, but I also loved the characters. Lucian is your generic love interest, but he's soooo sweet. Georgina is a cutie pie and Jasmine our favorite lesbian-(I thiiiiink).

If you like Percy Jackson and you need something similar but not the same, try this series. Each book is short so you won't waste too much time if it's not your thing.


Also for my reverse harem people: this is not one sorry😂 wrong person to read the reviews of cause I don't really read RH.

[Gaïa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️ - Bonne lecture avec quelques défauts
Demigods Academy m'avait au départ attirée car j'espérais que ce soit une lecture facile et rapide et car je voulais voir comme l'aspect mythologie était traité.

Sur ce premier point, je n'ai pas été déçue, l'histoire avance très vite et se dévore, il y a très peu de temps morts, ce qui fait que j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture.
Le contre-coup de cette rapidité, c'est qu'il y a pas mal de facilités dans l'intrigue et de questions qui restent sans réponses : pourquoi besoin d'une armée de demi-dieux ? pourquoi Mélanie reconnait-elle tous les dieux qu'elle n'a jamais croisés ? Les aspects mythologiques sont du coup assez légers, tout comme la magie dont le fonctionnement n'est pas vraiment expliqué.
On peut avoir eu l'impression qu'on survole un peu tout sans trop approfondir, mais pour ma parti j'ai choisi de ne pas trop questionner la cohérence de l'ensemble pour passer un bon moment.

Côté personnages, il y a effectivement pas mal de clichés qui m'ont rappelé les sombres années 2010 dans les romans YA (la rebelle aux cheveux bleus par ex) mais cela m'a plutôt fait rire, c'est un bon plaisir coupable ! Comme le reste les relations vont très vite mais c'était raccord.

En conclusion, un roman jeunesse qui se lit très facilement mais qui souffre de quelques défauts. Ils ne m'ont personnellement pas empêchée de passer une bonne lecture, mais à prendre en compte avant de commencer !

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Points positifs :
- le plot : pas encore assez dvlpé mais c'est très prometteur pour les prochains tomes
- le mélange et les refs Percy Jackson et Harry Potter
- le personnage de Mélany (surtout son côté forte et indépendante)

Points négatifs :
- l'écriture : je ne sais pas si c'est le texte original ou la traduction le problème mais beaucoup d'expressions ne sont pas adaptés à l'âge des persos et à l'époque actuelle (l'expression "les nerfs en pelote" va vous sortir par les yeux à la fin de ce livre)
- certaines réflexions sont problématiques (grossophobie, sexisme, querelles d'adolescents alors que les persos ont 18ans)
- le côté BFF avec tout le monde, "pouvoir de l'amitié" qui n'est que survolé et pas dvlpé et du coup qui manque de sens et d'intérêt pour l'histoire.

Une histoire prometteuse, une écriture/ traduction à améliorer, des personnages à dvlpé pour leur accorder l'intérêt qu'ils méritent, et faire mûrir les persos dans leur réflexion, pourrait permettre à ce livre d'être bien meilleur.

Le cliff de la fin me donne envie de lire la suite mais si l'écriture est la même que ce premier tome, cela va être dur de s'accrocher.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demigods academy year one...... 🤩

5 stars completely deserved. This is an awesome and brilliant read! A must read for anyone who likes reading about the gods.

Oh my word... that ending??? It had me grinning from ear to ear.

This is a brilliantly written story. Over the years that i really got into reading and the 500 something fictional books i have read this is up there at the top with the best.

The world building is superb set in a fabulous story line. A world brimming with adventure' action' humour' friendship with a touch of romance.

I enjoyed every aspect of the story' it pulled me in and kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat throughout.

I loved the characters Melany ( Blue ) i felt she is written beautifully. As are all the other characters.

Elisa S Amore and kiera Legend' you are both Absalutely brilliant and excellent writers with the most wonderful imaginations.

I can't wait to find out what happens next in Year 2. Bring it on!!!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I recieved an Advanced Review Copy of this book."
Where do I start. I was so excited to get to read this book in advance. Been awhile since I have read a good demigod book. Also I love Elisa S. Amore's work. I have to say this book was fantastic. I loved Melany's characters. She had spirt and was a badass really. I love when a MC female character isn't helpless. Also Lucian omg he sounded hot. I felt the connection between them I was rooting for them but I have to say I was way to happy with Hades showed up. I really want Melany with him idk why. That fantasy played into my head where he kept protecting her and chose her. Shocked by the ending but was so happy was hoping for it since he showed up. Also the close friendship bonds in this book were amazing. Loved how close they all because like family.

[thebooksuccubus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story Melany has several ups and downs throughout the book and truly learns about who she is as a person. And she is one spitfire, not letting anyone push her around which can get her into some trouble.Throw in some conniving Gods into the mix and dark shadows and there is no telling where she may go. The jerk who may not be a jerk, Lucian also has to come to terms with the boy he grow up as and the man he wants to be. And the spark between him and Melany excited to she how big of a fire the will grow into. The build of not only the main characters but the side characters are great they grow with every meeting. And sorry to say but the last line of the book will only leave you wanting more. 😁

[Erica Paré · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of book is not what I would normally read. With that being said, I finished this book in an evening! It so good! When it is described as Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson, its not a lie. The characters are well developped and the detail provided by the other plays like a movie.

Lucian is my favorite character in this book. He is different than those in his group and thats a good thing. He is caring and definitely is interested in our main MC Melany. It makes me wonder about those shadowboxes though, did it give one message to Callie and knew that it was Melany the second time since she never received her box? Did someone take it?

[Carol A. Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down, loved it.

I've been reading several different academy books, and some are very good and some didn't quite hold my attention and I lost interest but this book kept me glued to the pages and now looking forward to the next book in the series. It was quite interesting reading about gods and demigods, instead of vampires, werewolves, witches and dragons (and I do love my Dragon stories, so I'm not putting them down) it's just a refreshing change from the usual. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[jade-chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good read and i love how it ended can't wait to read the second book
There were some unresolved issues in the book for me to give it 5 stars and am hoping some are answered in the next book
I do love how badass the FMC is and she doesn't take shit from anyone
Is it wrong for me to want her to be with hades?
Looking forward to seeing how this develops
The story line is good and its in detail with what's going on around the book great first in the series

[Cindy Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Amore and Ms Legend have created a world well worth diving into! It has left me with no choice but to order book #2. Let’s just say I have a need to know where Melany Richmond is headed and more importantly the why.

I love the strong female protagonist! More of that, please.

Well done!

[anjuli · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 33%
Unfortunately, this one as well wasn't for me. I felt myself pulling away and then I just couldn't get back into it. Maybe, one day I may return. For now...it is dnf.

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to this series and what an ending! This book grabbed me up really quickly, and though there is still quite a bit of mystery... and that ending was like whhhhaaaaatt, I feel like we are really headed for some greatness in the next books.

FMC, Melany, decided to attend Demigod Academy on a whim, not actually believing that the gods really taught. Upon barely arriving, Melany realizes real quick all the stories are true and knows that she has tricked and stolen her way in. Now she is going to have to fake it till she makes it through the classes so no one realizes she is an impostor... that is until she not only starts doing well in the classes but also excelling at almost everything. The gods know something is...different about Melany but no one can tell her what the difference is, especially since they all seem distracted by the goings on in the world.. natural disasters have started occurring all over the world and Melany is suspicious of some of the gods behavior.. They may actually have some answers.. but she has to get through the school year in order to find things out.\

I got to say that Melany is pretty great.. she is boarder line too hostile but always reigns it in just as she starts going overboard.. She also doesn't seem to take no crap.. from anyone which usually means shes swimming in some crap she done stirred up lol. Can't wait to walk the mysteries unfold in this story! On to the next one.

[Candies · Rating 2 out of 5]

C'était nul et pourtant j'ai envie de lire la suite ??

Non franchement c'était trop mal écrit, la perso principale est insupportable et hyper clichée, l'histoire n'a rien d'originale et les représentations des Dieux donnent envie de mourir tellement y a aucune profondeur.

Je donne deux étoiles parce que y a un couple lesbien et que les personnages secondaires ont quand même réussi à me toucher, et que les cent dernières pages avec les épreuves sont plutôt cool, mais rien de révolutionnaire !

[Les lectures de Dobby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finiiii ! Franchement, malgré l’écriture (ou la traduction ?) un peu simple, hachée et pas vraiment naturelle, j’avoue que j’ai été embarquée dans les actions (meme si tout semble trop facile) et dans l’univers. Encore une fois, les persos sont un peu survolés, les dieux pas approfondis, le love interest et les amitiés bien trop rapides, résultant en un enchaînement d’actions… mais le suspens est présent, c’était SUPER addictif, j’étais à fond, et j’ai très envie de lire la suite quand même !

[Jordan Maldonado · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many things that didn’t really add up in this book but I gave it four star nonetheless because it was so freaking entertaining. I seriously had so much fun reading it.

[Jannik · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought what a crazy idea, but then it was really captivating and I enjoyed my time with it. Now I already have the second book waiting for me at home!

[📚 Alana (professional book nerd) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt predictable.... and not like a mix of PJO + HP 😭

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

On their eighteenth birthday, everyone receives a gift from the Gods; a beautiful Shadowbox. Most contain a note of well-wishes but a select few get the call to train with the Gods and join the Gods’ Army. Nothing else is known because those people are never seen again. Melany Richmond is not a believer. An orphan, later adopted by the housekeeper of a devout, wealthy family, Melany didn't even receive a Shadowbox on her birthday. So when she opened the discarded Shadowbox of Callie Demos, the spoiled daughter of the house, felt the magic, and received an invitation to the God’s Academy she didn't think twice about accepting this unexpected opportunity. It's only later that she worries that the Gods will figure out that she's a fake. She's a blue-haired misfit with tattoos and piercings; she doesn't belong with the perfect demigods at the academy.

I love Greek mythology. I love a good academy book. This is both and I loved it. The Gods, the classes, the trials. It's pure entertainment. The world-building is exceptional and the writing is flawless. It captures the complete academy first-year experience; feeling like you are in over your head, getting singled out for being different, finding your people, finding your footing, finding a boy, growing, and starting to become whom you are meant to be. There was a nice balance of character development and storyline. A few unexpected twists are thrown in along the way adding to the adventure and then an expected surprise ending make you impatient for year two. Can't wait to see what it brings!

[Ludo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not too fond of the first series from one of the authors, because it seemed a copy of Twilight and Fallen. I gave this a chance because of the covers and some extracts and the all-positive reviews, however, that “characteristics” did not change: this one was heavily inspired by Percy Jackson. I’m not saying this just because it is about demigods, but because there are even similar scenes (example from this book and The Battle of the Labyrinth under spoiler): Annabeth kisses Percy in the volcano while they are hiding behind the rock, here Lucian too steals a kiss in the exact same circumstances
About the story, it felt too rushed. I didn’t particularly appreciate the characters either (or the practically insta-love, though I appreciated that there was no love triangle, though I suspect it may appear in the sequel). Contrary to a lot of people, I don’t really have problems with Mary Sues. Still, this protagonist was way too perfect and powerful (and naive, in my opinion, not to say stupid). The authors tried so much to make her unique and different and special, that she became a total standard protagonist.
Probably, I’ll continue the series because I don’t like leaving them unfinished, and also the books are short and fast to read. Still, I doubt I’ll read anything else from the authors.

[Anirbas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not quite sure why this book is getting 5 stars. I really tried but could only make it about 44% before dnf.

First things first, there is zero character development. I literally don’t care about her friends at all, we don’t know any thing about them really, accept their names and their powers. Lucien who is clearly meant to be the love interest, is about as interesting as a plank of wood. He likes to corner her and tell her how she feels about him. It’s not at all attractive, I think it’s meant to be flirty but it just seems very awkward and second hand—like the author just ‘threw it in’ because they know people like romantic tension.

Mel is just boring. It really annoyed me when Ren punches her and she just brushes it off like,
“She punches like a girl.”
Haven’t we moved past using that as a derogatory phrase? Do I really have to be saying this is 2020?!
I mean come on.

Not just that, but you are told Mel has always been an outcast because her family is dead she has blue hair and tattoos? I’m like.. okay, haven’t heard that before.
It all feels very childish and awkward to read.
I’m sorry but it’s a dnf from me!