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Archangel Academy #3
Unafraid
The boarding school known as Archangel Academy possesses a legacy of secrets known only to a privileged few. For in this peaceful, charming part of England lives a population of vampires at war with one another--and Michael Howard is caught in the middle of it all. . .When Michael left his small Nebraska hometown to enroll at Archangel Academy, he couldn't have imagined how much the experience would change him. Once mortal, Michael is now a vampire with a destiny that was foretold long ago, and a group of friends with their own mysterious abilities. But there are enemies too, some of them hiding in plain sight. Being strong enough to defend himself isn't enough. Michael must find a way to protect his entire race of vampires. Dark forces within the school will drive everyone to take sides in the escalating violence. And for all his new powers, Michael will discover that love, jealousy, and vengeance have a danger all their own. . .
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
23 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Michael Griffo
10 books133 followersMichael Griffo was born, raised, and has since relocated to New Jersey. He is an award-winning playwright and all of his plays have been produced throughout the country and in London. Two of his plays -- CLOUDY and 5G/10B -- have been published in Smith & Kraus's Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 Actors: 2005 and CLOUDY is licensed by Playscripts, Inc.
His first novel, BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS, was written under a pseudoymn, Michael Salvatore (which is actually the author's middle name) and is a hilarious piece of gay fiction that is best described as Sex & The City meets Will & Grace. He has also written a novella published in REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS, a gay Christmas anthology.
UNNATURAL, written under the author's real name, is the first book of the Archangel Academy series that also include UNWELCOME and UNAFRAID. UNNATURAL is a young adult novel that explores the relationship of two young outcasts who meet at an all boy's boarding school in north western England. Set against a backdrop of vampires and the supernatural, it is a coming of age story that young and old alike will be able to relate to.
His first novel, BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS, was written under a pseudoymn, Michael Salvatore (which is actually the author's middle name) and is a hilarious piece of gay fiction that is best described as Sex & The City meets Will & Grace. He has also written a novella published in REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS, a gay Christmas anthology.
UNNATURAL, written under the author's real name, is the first book of the Archangel Academy series that also include UNWELCOME and UNAFRAID. UNNATURAL is a young adult novel that explores the relationship of two young outcasts who meet at an all boy's boarding school in north western England. Set against a backdrop of vampires and the supernatural, it is a coming of age story that young and old alike will be able to relate to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 29, 2013
This book sucks. End of story.
April 17, 2012
I was soooo pumped to read Michael Griffo’s third, Archangel Academy novel (and hey! I noticed that the author and the main character have the same name). I had to know what would happen next after the ending that Unwelcome gave us. There were so many questions swarming my mind; what happens to David? Is Phaedra really gone? Will Ciaran notice the error of his ways? And the hundreds of questions that revolved around Ronan’s sister, Saoirse. While I won’t give you the answers (since that would be cheating and meaning tons of spoilers *la narrowed eyes face*) I will tell you that all of those questions are answered in the novel. Which is a total plus.
The one thing about the title that I found strange was the word afraid because as you all know (or at least I’m assuming you know since this is a review for a sequel) that there is no real reason for Michael to be afraid at double A (Archangel Academy). I mean, despite the waging war between vamps and the headmaster being obsessed with Zachariel, there is nothing for Michael to fear. Or is there…? Basically the entire novel revolved around Michael not fearing anything that comes with the life as a water vamp, since it was established in Unwelcome that Michael would have to learn to adjust to being a water vamp—including all of the enemies and risks that comes with it.
The novel started at an interesting pace, not only was it the day of Michael’s birth, but it was the conclusion of the prologue that totally piqued my interest. It ends with headmaster David Zachary/big bad water vamp hater/Brania’s father watching (but more like peeping) on the water vamp couple, Ronan and Michael. Despite how over the top creepy that is, it had me dying to know just what else David Zachary would be willing to do. As the novel progressed we were introduced to a character from Ronan’s past who apparently betrayed not only the Well but Ronan himself; Morgandy who may not be all that he appears to be. And there’s also the return of Penry’s sister Ruby who might also not be who we all think she is. Throughout the novel there were plenty of gasp-worthy moments and scenes where I would be racing to find out what happens next, I absolutely loved the way that Griffo constantly had Brania comparing her ways of “parenting” Imogene to the ways that David treated and raised Brania, and I could easily feel all of her cross emotions towards her father.
All in all a great read, and definitely my favorite novel in the whole Archangel Academy series… so far. Obviously if you loved or enjoyed the first two novels you won’t be disappointed with the latest installment and if you haven’t read the series yet (in which case you should be glad that this review has almost 0 spoilers) and are a fan of vampire lore you should definitely check out Griffo’s twist on the modern vampire world. With an ending that left me awestruck and begging for more, what wasn’t to love?
The one thing about the title that I found strange was the word afraid because as you all know (or at least I’m assuming you know since this is a review for a sequel) that there is no real reason for Michael to be afraid at double A (Archangel Academy). I mean, despite the waging war between vamps and the headmaster being obsessed with Zachariel, there is nothing for Michael to fear. Or is there…? Basically the entire novel revolved around Michael not fearing anything that comes with the life as a water vamp, since it was established in Unwelcome that Michael would have to learn to adjust to being a water vamp—including all of the enemies and risks that comes with it.
The novel started at an interesting pace, not only was it the day of Michael’s birth, but it was the conclusion of the prologue that totally piqued my interest. It ends with headmaster David Zachary/big bad water vamp hater/Brania’s father watching (but more like peeping) on the water vamp couple, Ronan and Michael. Despite how over the top creepy that is, it had me dying to know just what else David Zachary would be willing to do. As the novel progressed we were introduced to a character from Ronan’s past who apparently betrayed not only the Well but Ronan himself; Morgandy who may not be all that he appears to be. And there’s also the return of Penry’s sister Ruby who might also not be who we all think she is. Throughout the novel there were plenty of gasp-worthy moments and scenes where I would be racing to find out what happens next, I absolutely loved the way that Griffo constantly had Brania comparing her ways of “parenting” Imogene to the ways that David treated and raised Brania, and I could easily feel all of her cross emotions towards her father.
All in all a great read, and definitely my favorite novel in the whole Archangel Academy series… so far. Obviously if you loved or enjoyed the first two novels you won’t be disappointed with the latest installment and if you haven’t read the series yet (in which case you should be glad that this review has almost 0 spoilers) and are a fan of vampire lore you should definitely check out Griffo’s twist on the modern vampire world. With an ending that left me awestruck and begging for more, what wasn’t to love?
April 9, 2012
Okay, so considering I spent the money to buy these books and what not, I'm prone to commenting and saying that they weren't that bad, but they make Twilight look like the hottest thing since Harry Potter (which will never ever happen) The style of writing could, and will, give you a headache after a while considering on how, um, how do I say this nicely? Unprofessional written it was. Michael is the type of character you really just want to hate (he's annoying and whines far too much for a male ) and no one, absolutely no one, is normal. The switch of perspectives can also bring about the greatest migraine in history, but after you get through the first book, the second and third seem slightly more digestible. This all aside, I still thought it was a fairly good book. But it would never be a New York Times best seller in my honest opinion.
July 8, 2014
A great end to the series. Some parts felt a little rushed but Unafraid definitely lives up to the previous books. The mystery, suspense, friendship, family, and romance that made Unnatural and Unwelcome great is present in Unafraid and takes it once step further. Each turn of the page took me on a roller coaster of emotions as I was both worried and longing to know what happens next. My favorite book series ends well with the final book not being eclipsed by the previous ones.
March 11, 2012
Same old same old, although Michael was slightly less annoying this time around. Very anticlimactic after a build up through three books. I still don't get why vampires turned as teenagers would want to stay in high school though. As a perpetual student myself, I would just continue with uni degrees.
March 16, 2012
ok, just got done with this book.. it's so long before they get to the good stuff.. really did not care for the books, but do to I had read book one had to read all three... This is so not what I would read..
December 19, 2017
I have not read the two previous books but I guess I wasn't the only one who felt this was empty and needed another few two hundred or so pages of info. I felt as if the conflict was never truly resolved and that it needed another book even.
March 29, 2019
I'm sure this book would make sense if I had read the previous two books. As it was I was just confused.
April 22, 2012
Michael has escaped his small hometown of Weeping Waters, Nebraska and is attending another year of school at Archangel Academy, a boarding school with a legacy and secrets all it's own. Michael has left his insecurities back in America and is enjoying his new found life in Eden, England. But along with his great new life also comes great responsibilities. He must protect his boyfriend and new friends and fight against the dark forces lurking within the school grounds.Can he use his new abilities and connections to keep them all safe from one man's sinister plans?
I loved continuing to see the transformations in Michael and watching him grow and find himself as he also finds out about love, loyalty, and trusting his instincts. He has formed some strong relationships that continue to be tested but he also has found out a lot more about himself. Unafraid has a consistent message of self acceptance and acceptance of others that I love. It really steps outside the normal relationships you see in YA paranormal romance novels and introduces some really interesting characters. I love that we get insight to what some of our main characters are thinking and the things they try to conceal ,sometimes even from themselves.Unafraid has it all : love, romance, adventure, vengeance, action , and intrigue.
I loved continuing to see the transformations in Michael and watching him grow and find himself as he also finds out about love, loyalty, and trusting his instincts. He has formed some strong relationships that continue to be tested but he also has found out a lot more about himself. Unafraid has a consistent message of self acceptance and acceptance of others that I love. It really steps outside the normal relationships you see in YA paranormal romance novels and introduces some really interesting characters. I love that we get insight to what some of our main characters are thinking and the things they try to conceal ,sometimes even from themselves.Unafraid has it all : love, romance, adventure, vengeance, action , and intrigue.
November 25, 2016
I actually quite liked this trilogy. I'll admit, there were certain scenes that I thought were cliche, but that's alright.
I really did not like Michael's so-called father, Vaughn. He was a jerk that never really did much good for his son, except in the last book. His being homophobic didn't score him any brownie points, either. But that's not an insult to the author--author's aren't their characters, I know that.
Things I liked about these books? Michael and Ronan's relationship--the "big bad vampire" scene was painfully cute. I also like how the books didn't constantly show Michael, Ronan, and Nakano into stereotypes. This trilogy showed that just because a guy is gay doesn't automatically mean they act--how do I say this?--uh, feminine? Ronan and Michael both seemed pretty secure in their sexuality--though it took Michael a while to get to that point--but they both still wanted to be treated like any normal guy. I'm glad everyone was pretty accepting of Michael and Ronan's relationship--even Nakano looks like he might get a happy ending, which is nice.
I also liked how Ronan didn't hate being a vampire. Not to say there's anything wrong with characters like that, but I have to admit, it was a refreshing change.
Anyway, good trilogy.
I really did not like Michael's so-called father, Vaughn. He was a jerk that never really did much good for his son, except in the last book. His being homophobic didn't score him any brownie points, either. But that's not an insult to the author--author's aren't their characters, I know that.
Things I liked about these books? Michael and Ronan's relationship--the "big bad vampire" scene was painfully cute. I also like how the books didn't constantly show Michael, Ronan, and Nakano into stereotypes. This trilogy showed that just because a guy is gay doesn't automatically mean they act--how do I say this?--uh, feminine? Ronan and Michael both seemed pretty secure in their sexuality--though it took Michael a while to get to that point--but they both still wanted to be treated like any normal guy. I'm glad everyone was pretty accepting of Michael and Ronan's relationship--even Nakano looks like he might get a happy ending, which is nice.
I also liked how Ronan didn't hate being a vampire. Not to say there's anything wrong with characters like that, but I have to admit, it was a refreshing change.
Anyway, good trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2013
I finally finished this book! It took me a month after it forced me to take a two week break on it. Books should not do that. Anyway. Mission accomplished.
I gave it two stars because while I did not enjoy that 95% of the time reading this book felt like a chore. I didn't entirely hate the overall idea of it. And that's pretty much it. Same problem as the second book, many uninteresting plot points drag on unnecessarily (Cieran looking for genes, what was the point?), while more interesting ones get barely mentioned (Brania's character. Was I suppose to infer she was something other than a whiny brat? Cause all I got was a whiny brat stuck in a cave). Also a believable reason for them to stay in the school would have been nice. Why the hell would you go to a school where pretty much the entire staff is your enemy? But I digress.
I think this book lacked plot editing. It has all the right elements for a good read, they are just badly presented.
I gave it two stars because while I did not enjoy that 95% of the time reading this book felt like a chore. I didn't entirely hate the overall idea of it. And that's pretty much it. Same problem as the second book, many uninteresting plot points drag on unnecessarily (Cieran looking for genes, what was the point?), while more interesting ones get barely mentioned (Brania's character. Was I suppose to infer she was something other than a whiny brat? Cause all I got was a whiny brat stuck in a cave). Also a believable reason for them to stay in the school would have been nice. Why the hell would you go to a school where pretty much the entire staff is your enemy? But I digress.
I think this book lacked plot editing. It has all the right elements for a good read, they are just badly presented.
June 9, 2014
It took me over two months to make it through this one. I just found it a struggle to maintain an interest in the story. While I found myself originally drawn into the series and its British academy teeming with sixteen year old vampires, as it progressed, the overall story arc surrounding one seriously pissed off principal failed to enrapture me. In terms of Michael and Ronan’s relationship, I found that book three really didn’t take them any further. The mountain of angst they were put through in the previous instalment is practically non-existent now. Some may like that—they have past their tests and it’s them against the bad guys rather than mistrusting each other. I like a bit of both though. If things don’t get shaken up just a little, they can feel stagnated.
Read the full review at my blog, Demons Read Too
Read the full review at my blog, Demons Read Too
October 27, 2013
Oh yay, I was waiting for the ex to come around. I didn't expect him however to be dating Seersh, that definitely surprised everybody. And what was up with Phaedra and Rhoswen? Phaedra was freaking out about Rhoswen bringing death and being dangerous but she did do anything but get rid of David. That part confused me a bit but it's was still an excellent book! Oh I knew I loved Kano, even when he was a crazy killer, I was saying to myself "I can't wait till he becomes good so I can love him without shame!" And now I can. Ronan and Michael were just as wonderful as ever! I loved this book!
November 4, 2014
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
This was an interesting end to the series, but I did get bored in places.
The characters in this were all okay, although Fritz’s infatuation with Ruby was a bit annoying. Michael and Ronan continued to be as lovey-dovey and over-the-top as usual, and once again kept going on about Oscar Wilde’s books, and how each of them would make an ‘ideal husband’.
The storyline was okay but I did get bored in places. Things seemed to work out awfully well in the end though.
6.5 out of 10
This was an interesting end to the series, but I did get bored in places.
The characters in this were all okay, although Fritz’s infatuation with Ruby was a bit annoying. Michael and Ronan continued to be as lovey-dovey and over-the-top as usual, and once again kept going on about Oscar Wilde’s books, and how each of them would make an ‘ideal husband’.
The storyline was okay but I did get bored in places. Things seemed to work out awfully well in the end though.
6.5 out of 10
December 11, 2012
I started this series because I read it was a gay Twilight. That's hardly the case. Yes, it's about vampires but it's about vampires attending a boarding school in the UK. There are two different vampire species. The first is your traditional vampire but the second is a vampire somehow descended from the lost city of Atlantis. The whole series has become preposterous and I'm not sure why I'm still reading. Thankfully, I think this is the last book of the series.
June 21, 2012
Loved the series. I was particularly happy that Griffo sustained the excitement and quality through all three of the books, without a hint of my getting fatigued with the characters or story. On the contrary, the suspense built throughout. Twilight be damned, this is the teen vampire series everyone should be reading.
May 23, 2012
SPOILERS
The trilogy itself was fine. I wasn't a big fan because of many small reasons, but it was okay. The ending was good and I'm glad Brania ends up being the ruler of Them. I don't like how we still don't entirely know the purpose of "Sheersh" but whatever. It was really a 3.5.
The trilogy itself was fine. I wasn't a big fan because of many small reasons, but it was okay. The ending was good and I'm glad Brania ends up being the ruler of Them. I don't like how we still don't entirely know the purpose of "Sheersh" but whatever. It was really a 3.5.
May 8, 2012
I just couldn't finish this book. The series started out with a good message, but then the message disappeared and I got bored with the "love story". They act like middle schoolers, not high schoolers...too much "trust" drama.
August 25, 2016
For a certain audience, but poorly written. Note violent and sexual content in this book may not be suitable for all readers
March 9, 2012
I want this entire series.This book jsut is an awesome finish to the books and Go Ronan and Michael!
June 19, 2013
Buddy read with Ashlyn
September 7, 2012
Truly been liking this series. A nice new take on vampires, and a nice gay romance as well.
June 28, 2012
when i first saw this book, i was like oh no, not another vampire romance, but when i started reading it, it was truly amazing. hope you people would enjoy it.
August 22, 2012
I loved this book. And david is finally dead(: Well maybe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2012
Love this trilogy. Kudos to a satisfying ending. Gotta be comfortable with gay vamps ... but who isn't? Right? Right??
August 9, 2014
I thought it was very good conclusion to the series. I want to see what happens and if the author will continue the series.
May 16, 2015
I read Unafraid (Archangel Academy #3)
More vampires. More teen angst.
A stupid love triangle.
That's enough for me.
More vampires. More teen angst.
A stupid love triangle.
That's enough for me.
August 18, 2021
LGBT+ boy love paranormal romance. Don’t expect much plot outside of that.
August 22, 2013
I have not yet read this, but when I do, I am sure I will be happy.
September 12, 2013
This review and many others can be found on my blog: literatureobsessed.blogspot.com.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews