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Stonewell Academy #1
Shattered Illusion
Life can change in the blink of an eye, or in my case, one minute.
Fifty years ago, supernaturals walked amongst humans, hidden in plain sight. Overnight, the world changed. The veil shattered, revealing their true nature, and humans were forced into sectors so those with preternatural blood could flourish out in the open.
Every human’s twenty-first birthday is marked by a rite of passage. The Awakening, as the supers call it. It’s simple. We dip our toes into a God-made lagoon, then go home.
Sounds fun, right?
Not!
I should know. The illusion that was my life was shattered in the one minute I stood in that lagoon, and now I’m off to an academy to learn all about life on the other side of the sectors.
But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. From what I’m told, I’m dangerous. Me, standing tall at five-foot-two. They say there are those who seek to use me. Kill me. I take what they say with a grain of salt, but after the first attempt on my life, I know I need to focus on staying alive as much as I focus on my studies.
Can the professors at the academy teach me to use my powers quick enough to protect myself, or will I suffer the same fate as those who came before me?
Shattered Illusion is book 1 of the Stonewell Academy series. This is a why-choose novel which means our heroine won't have to choose between any of the guys in her life. And trust there, there are plenty. Please make sure you check out the trigger warnings before starting.
Fifty years ago, supernaturals walked amongst humans, hidden in plain sight. Overnight, the world changed. The veil shattered, revealing their true nature, and humans were forced into sectors so those with preternatural blood could flourish out in the open.
Every human’s twenty-first birthday is marked by a rite of passage. The Awakening, as the supers call it. It’s simple. We dip our toes into a God-made lagoon, then go home.
Sounds fun, right?
Not!
I should know. The illusion that was my life was shattered in the one minute I stood in that lagoon, and now I’m off to an academy to learn all about life on the other side of the sectors.
But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. From what I’m told, I’m dangerous. Me, standing tall at five-foot-two. They say there are those who seek to use me. Kill me. I take what they say with a grain of salt, but after the first attempt on my life, I know I need to focus on staying alive as much as I focus on my studies.
Can the professors at the academy teach me to use my powers quick enough to protect myself, or will I suffer the same fate as those who came before me?
Shattered Illusion is book 1 of the Stonewell Academy series. This is a why-choose novel which means our heroine won't have to choose between any of the guys in her life. And trust there, there are plenty. Please make sure you check out the trigger warnings before starting.
350 pages, ebook
Published April 29, 2024
792 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Kotah Jean
13 books66 followersKotah Jean originally hails from the west coast but has officially become an east coast transplant. Her home life includes a husband, two daughters, and two dogs. She writes a little bit of everything, mainly whoever is screaming in her head at the time, demanding their story to be written. She loves to read Romances herself, ranging from contemporary to monster. Kotah has always loved to write but just recently decided to take a stab at publishing her work for everyone to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 3, 2024
Wrote a long review but it was deleted since I swiped down in the app.
TL;DR disappointed.
FMC: I’m not like other girls, I don’t want to be a homewrecker (is a home wrecker), and an overall ick for me
- wears vans, joggers, messy buns, and sports bras and boy shorts because ugh all that girly shit is such a hassle am I right MEN? god I don’t want that pale color bullshit
- “I don’t want to be a homewrecker!! 😣” Mate or not, why the fuck are you accepting hugs, calling him a nickname, and allowing him to call you a fucking pet name? Set some boundaries? Hello. He’s a terrible partner but you are undoubtedly problematic too?!
- I think I finally realized my most hated personality trait in this book: coffee. First of all, get a real fucking interest? She has none. But Mr. Tall, Dark, and Steamy, nectar of the gods, only man I need in my life… I’d beat the shit out of this person IRL. Millennial coded for sure. “I don’t trust people who don’t have coffee first thing in the morning!!” how about you stfu first thing in the morning?
- She’s fickle as fuck. Quick to hate the parents who love and raised her because they didn’t explain to her that she was adopted. Didn’t even bother hugging them goodbye or hearing a full explanation in regard to their decisions. And then she’s mourning her dead birth parents she never met? *what we could’ve been.. longing* girl you had parents who LOVED YOU. And you said, well you didn’t say I was adopted. Honestly seems like the author has something against adoption. And more fickle behavior: as a perceived human, she HATES supernaturals. Got mad at herself for finding one of them hot. But the second her true nature is discovered… erm well I guess I gotta change sides tehee.
- She is lazy. It was told that her motivation was going to be helping human turned supes assimilate into supe society so they wouldn’t be as scared and unsure as her but does absolutely nothing to work towards this goal? Like girl goes to the mall, school, Axel’s office, and her parent’s house. I understand that she was afraid to go outside, but even in fucking school she didn’t attend classes to idk learn about the shit? Kinda commendable tho for the first academy story I’ve read where the FMC just doesn’t fucking attend her classes or do much work outside to improve.
Other characters:
- Axel, backstory but as interesting as a wet blanket. Dude’s entire personality is omg Bailey and we don’t even know why? It was just instinctual. Has 0 interests other than her. Works as a lawyer, which could’ve been such a cool plot point to understand a bit more of how the supernatural world functions or used to foreshadow events (had anything actually happened in this book) but was chalked up to “big case.”
- Luka, no background, no backstory, instalove. Boring as fuck.
- Hudson, subhuman literal ape instincts still probably the most interesting character since he’s actually flawed.
- Thaddeus, pretty sure she is his mate but still emotionally cheating on his SO, hugging another woman, calling her pet names fucking crazy. People will forgive because “they’re fated by the gods” and his relationship is probably something like “it’s complicated” but damn uh keep it in your pants? Have some self restraint and some respect?
- Her friend, plot device used only to say that she has a friend and to invite her places she reluctantly~ goes to. She does not have a friend as far as I’m concerned.
- +1 point for not mean girls. -1 point for deciding that instead of mean girls you’d make rude sales women.
World building? Doesn’t happen:
- why did supernaturals have to hide?
- why did supernaturals kick humans out of their homes and seclude them into less desirable sub spaces? why is Bailey okay with this?
- what is the world like for supernaturals?
- what is the day-to-day functions of society?
- what kinds of species are there? Is there an order? Kinda mentioned but mostly glazed over.
- where does this story take place? what is the name of shit? what about the demi-gods, the fae realm, etc.?
- who is on the council? what is the point? what disputes do they resolve? when was it created? why does this exist? girl is taking a whole fucking history class and we learn approximately 0 of their history
Plot? What fucking plot:
- girl finds out she’s supernatural, is sent to school, does not attend class and instead sleeps with 2 guys 40 times her age
- impressive to write an academy where she doesn’t go to school
- her motivation to either learn more about herself, society, helping humans, is abysmal. She works on her powers like once a month
- there isn’t really an antagonist. maybe a single one introduced on the last page. she’s told people don’t want her alive and is just “meh” about it (seen by her doing next to fucking nothing to learn anything, assimilate, etc.). And tbh I don’t really understand the purpose of this plot point, you’re dangerous, they can’t know you exist. So why even send her to school? Why even have her learn about her powers? Why not give her a glamour and send her back to the human world? How is her being the last of her kind relevant to the plot? It is not in book one
Anyways, could yap for ages. I did like the relationships even if the characters were all kinda misses for me. Would definitely benefit from truly mapping out events, deciding character motivations for each mc, and building the world up to support and add to the plot. Like the author really thought she ate with that cliffhanger too and it was the funniest part of the novel like this was so predictable and the first time something happened.
TL;DR disappointed.
FMC: I’m not like other girls, I don’t want to be a homewrecker (is a home wrecker), and an overall ick for me
- wears vans, joggers, messy buns, and sports bras and boy shorts because ugh all that girly shit is such a hassle am I right MEN? god I don’t want that pale color bullshit
- “I don’t want to be a homewrecker!! 😣” Mate or not, why the fuck are you accepting hugs, calling him a nickname, and allowing him to call you a fucking pet name? Set some boundaries? Hello. He’s a terrible partner but you are undoubtedly problematic too?!
- I think I finally realized my most hated personality trait in this book: coffee. First of all, get a real fucking interest? She has none. But Mr. Tall, Dark, and Steamy, nectar of the gods, only man I need in my life… I’d beat the shit out of this person IRL. Millennial coded for sure. “I don’t trust people who don’t have coffee first thing in the morning!!” how about you stfu first thing in the morning?
- She’s fickle as fuck. Quick to hate the parents who love and raised her because they didn’t explain to her that she was adopted. Didn’t even bother hugging them goodbye or hearing a full explanation in regard to their decisions. And then she’s mourning her dead birth parents she never met? *what we could’ve been.. longing* girl you had parents who LOVED YOU. And you said, well you didn’t say I was adopted. Honestly seems like the author has something against adoption. And more fickle behavior: as a perceived human, she HATES supernaturals. Got mad at herself for finding one of them hot. But the second her true nature is discovered… erm well I guess I gotta change sides tehee.
- She is lazy. It was told that her motivation was going to be helping human turned supes assimilate into supe society so they wouldn’t be as scared and unsure as her but does absolutely nothing to work towards this goal? Like girl goes to the mall, school, Axel’s office, and her parent’s house. I understand that she was afraid to go outside, but even in fucking school she didn’t attend classes to idk learn about the shit? Kinda commendable tho for the first academy story I’ve read where the FMC just doesn’t fucking attend her classes or do much work outside to improve.
Other characters:
- Axel, backstory but as interesting as a wet blanket. Dude’s entire personality is omg Bailey and we don’t even know why? It was just instinctual. Has 0 interests other than her. Works as a lawyer, which could’ve been such a cool plot point to understand a bit more of how the supernatural world functions or used to foreshadow events (had anything actually happened in this book) but was chalked up to “big case.”
- Luka, no background, no backstory, instalove. Boring as fuck.
- Hudson, subhuman literal ape instincts still probably the most interesting character since he’s actually flawed.
- Thaddeus, pretty sure she is his mate but still emotionally cheating on his SO, hugging another woman, calling her pet names fucking crazy. People will forgive because “they’re fated by the gods” and his relationship is probably something like “it’s complicated” but damn uh keep it in your pants? Have some self restraint and some respect?
- Her friend, plot device used only to say that she has a friend and to invite her places she reluctantly~ goes to. She does not have a friend as far as I’m concerned.
- +1 point for not mean girls. -1 point for deciding that instead of mean girls you’d make rude sales women.
World building? Doesn’t happen:
- why did supernaturals have to hide?
- why did supernaturals kick humans out of their homes and seclude them into less desirable sub spaces? why is Bailey okay with this?
- what is the world like for supernaturals?
- what is the day-to-day functions of society?
- what kinds of species are there? Is there an order? Kinda mentioned but mostly glazed over.
- where does this story take place? what is the name of shit? what about the demi-gods, the fae realm, etc.?
- who is on the council? what is the point? what disputes do they resolve? when was it created? why does this exist? girl is taking a whole fucking history class and we learn approximately 0 of their history
Plot? What fucking plot:
- girl finds out she’s supernatural, is sent to school, does not attend class and instead sleeps with 2 guys 40 times her age
- impressive to write an academy where she doesn’t go to school
- her motivation to either learn more about herself, society, helping humans, is abysmal. She works on her powers like once a month
- there isn’t really an antagonist. maybe a single one introduced on the last page. she’s told people don’t want her alive and is just “meh” about it (seen by her doing next to fucking nothing to learn anything, assimilate, etc.). And tbh I don’t really understand the purpose of this plot point, you’re dangerous, they can’t know you exist. So why even send her to school? Why even have her learn about her powers? Why not give her a glamour and send her back to the human world? How is her being the last of her kind relevant to the plot? It is not in book one
Anyways, could yap for ages. I did like the relationships even if the characters were all kinda misses for me. Would definitely benefit from truly mapping out events, deciding character motivations for each mc, and building the world up to support and add to the plot. Like the author really thought she ate with that cliffhanger too and it was the funniest part of the novel like this was so predictable and the first time something happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
I didn't like the FMC particularly. That she found out she was adopted and literally just never spoke nor thought of the people that had raised her and loved her for 21 years was odd. She never heard their explanations or anything.
One of her 'mates', not realising she is his mate (because that makes it all ok), and thinking she wasn't supposed to be in his class (he is an actual PROFESSOR), beats her, breaks her bones, terrifies her - but he so wouldn't have done it if he had known she was his mate. WTF. He is an abuser, with a terrible temper, that should be in jail, not teaching, not in a place of power. If she takes him back, I will not finish this series, because talk about a kick in the face for every single woman that tries to escape their abusive relationships. (he didn't mean it, she made him do it, he didn't understand, what appalling and disgusting behaviour).
One of her 'mates', not realising she is his mate (because that makes it all ok), and thinking she wasn't supposed to be in his class (he is an actual PROFESSOR), beats her, breaks her bones, terrifies her - but he so wouldn't have done it if he had known she was his mate. WTF. He is an abuser, with a terrible temper, that should be in jail, not teaching, not in a place of power. If she takes him back, I will not finish this series, because talk about a kick in the face for every single woman that tries to escape their abusive relationships. (he didn't mean it, she made him do it, he didn't understand, what appalling and disgusting behaviour).
July 23, 2024
What's her age again???
This whole book reads immature. I think maybe Bailey should have just been cast as a 17 year old or possibly younger. I don't care how vindicated she may have felt about not being told she was adopted, she had parents who loved her completely for 21 years!! How could she drop them like a hot potato?? Come On, Bailey was still getting an allowance from her parents. Children in foster care would whoop her upside the head.
The TSTL...... Enough said.
Considering we've all read Academy storylines, I'm sure we all know a good series or two. So how did the author miss this?? Bailey has ZERO focus on academics, why not just not write in a different direction. There is nothing special about her starting college, since apparently all the "humans" are tested at 21. I suppose all the other new supernatural students are not so self absorbed to the point of destruction.
This just reads so immature and air heady, even the giggling had me rolling my eyes.
This whole book reads immature. I think maybe Bailey should have just been cast as a 17 year old or possibly younger. I don't care how vindicated she may have felt about not being told she was adopted, she had parents who loved her completely for 21 years!! How could she drop them like a hot potato?? Come On, Bailey was still getting an allowance from her parents. Children in foster care would whoop her upside the head.
The TSTL...... Enough said.
Considering we've all read Academy storylines, I'm sure we all know a good series or two. So how did the author miss this?? Bailey has ZERO focus on academics, why not just not write in a different direction. There is nothing special about her starting college, since apparently all the "humans" are tested at 21. I suppose all the other new supernatural students are not so self absorbed to the point of destruction.
This just reads so immature and air heady, even the giggling had me rolling my eyes.
June 7, 2024
All the MC does is cry
This had so much potential but the MC does nothing but cry and act weak. She’s the last of her kind, toted to be more powerful than everyone……but she’s annoyingly weak, constantly searching for a man to make her feel better or pick her up.
Then the level of insanity the cliffhanger brings GTFOH. How could she NOT know that things weren’t safe in front of the counsel. Who cares that your friend wants you to attend the gala? You’re the last of your kind, your ppl had been viciously murdered WHY would you go to an even held by the counsel? Who are clearly powerful and can probably see through glamour? I’m annoyed.
This had so much potential but the MC does nothing but cry and act weak. She’s the last of her kind, toted to be more powerful than everyone……but she’s annoyingly weak, constantly searching for a man to make her feel better or pick her up.
Then the level of insanity the cliffhanger brings GTFOH. How could she NOT know that things weren’t safe in front of the counsel. Who cares that your friend wants you to attend the gala? You’re the last of your kind, your ppl had been viciously murdered WHY would you go to an even held by the counsel? Who are clearly powerful and can probably see through glamour? I’m annoyed.
Read
February 6, 2025DNF @ 51% the main FMC is kinda getting on my nerves
May 1, 2024
Love love loved this!!
What can I say?? I love, love, LOVED this!! Bailey is an amazing, snarky, and strong fmc who isn't afraid to admit when she's scared or ehen she's wrong. Her instant willingness to reevaluate her ideology towards supernaturals once she realised she was one was so refreshing. I love her mates, Axel and Luka arw amazing, I hope Hudsons redemption arc js spectacular, I suspect there may be more to Thaddy and 'Ronnie' (arranged marriage maybe?) Or else he's just too nice to kick her to the curb yet lol. And I hope the giant rock bird becomes more prominent in the next books. I can't wait for book 2!!
What can I say?? I love, love, LOVED this!! Bailey is an amazing, snarky, and strong fmc who isn't afraid to admit when she's scared or ehen she's wrong. Her instant willingness to reevaluate her ideology towards supernaturals once she realised she was one was so refreshing. I love her mates, Axel and Luka arw amazing, I hope Hudsons redemption arc js spectacular, I suspect there may be more to Thaddy and 'Ronnie' (arranged marriage maybe?) Or else he's just too nice to kick her to the curb yet lol. And I hope the giant rock bird becomes more prominent in the next books. I can't wait for book 2!!
April 23, 2024
Shattered Illusion, book 1 of the series Stonewell Acadamy by Kotah Jean @authorkotahjean. First off, I am a fan of Kotah’s & this book was no different! That cliffhanger! Ugh! Why? 😳🥲 that is a brutal cliffhanger & I can't wait for the next book!
I devoured this book about Bailey, Luka & Axel. Maybe Hudson. Maybe Thaddeus. We’ll see. Such a great book. I loved learning about Bailey coming into her own & how Luka & Axel are falling in love with her. Hudson messed up. Big time. Thaddeus… not sure what's going on there.
I received this #ARCBook early and I am freely leaving my honest review.
I devoured this book about Bailey, Luka & Axel. Maybe Hudson. Maybe Thaddeus. We’ll see. Such a great book. I loved learning about Bailey coming into her own & how Luka & Axel are falling in love with her. Hudson messed up. Big time. Thaddeus… not sure what's going on there.
I received this #ARCBook early and I am freely leaving my honest review.
February 24, 2025
2.75
If you can put up with all the "vampy, thaddy, lui, and mare bear's" you're better than me. Oh ... I forgot the "goddess" nickname that's used so unnaturally over and over again.
The story is pretty typical though (not that I minded), girl discovers she has rare magic, that she has to hide. She's then taken to a magical academy where she meets some fated mates. Eventually she is exposed, setting up the storyline for book 2.
I think I would have eaten this up when I was in jr high. As a now eternally 29 year old, I felt like the writing was extremely juvenile... Especially where the mfc was supposed to be 21.
If you can put up with all the "vampy, thaddy, lui, and mare bear's" you're better than me. Oh ... I forgot the "goddess" nickname that's used so unnaturally over and over again.
The story is pretty typical though (not that I minded), girl discovers she has rare magic, that she has to hide. She's then taken to a magical academy where she meets some fated mates. Eventually she is exposed, setting up the storyline for book 2.
I think I would have eaten this up when I was in jr high. As a now eternally 29 year old, I felt like the writing was extremely juvenile... Especially where the mfc was supposed to be 21.
September 14, 2024
DNF @ 28%
I don't like Bailey, something about her just stresses me out and technically she hasn't even done anything yet, she's just annoying. I had to stop at this point but only because of her but also because of wrong word usage. I hit my limit at her "self defecating snort" when my brain turned into Inigo Montoya " ....that word! I do not think it means what you think it means " either that out she has a super power I don't ever want to know about 😑
I don't like Bailey, something about her just stresses me out and technically she hasn't even done anything yet, she's just annoying. I had to stop at this point but only because of her but also because of wrong word usage. I hit my limit at her "self defecating snort" when my brain turned into Inigo Montoya " ....that word! I do not think it means what you think it means " either that out she has a super power I don't ever want to know about 😑
September 6, 2024
I have to stop starting series that aren't finished. Spoilers.
Alright let's break it down, and honestly the only thing that made this a 3 and not a four was our rushed ending to get to a cliffhanger and a pretty slow moving book and some personal issues with some harem members.
Our main character has a good sense of self and back bone but shows vulnerability with the men in her life and not in an annoying main character way. I liked her development throughout the book, and hope to see more of it moving forward.
Men:
Well the group seems to be forming but we have a few unknowns or maybes? Let's start with the ones she actually mates with Luka and Axel. I like them both, love the determination and fire from both. To be honest they seem the most similar so I'm glad we got their bond in the first book so that maybe the ones who will need more work can take more of the next books.
Now onto the problematic pieces that dropped my star review. Lets start with Hudson. He physically harms her on purpose, then feels bad when he realizes it's his mate not some random woman. How do we move on from that? How do we become okay with someone who would just hurt a woman in general? I guess we will see because she already started softening to him in the book. Thaddy....thaddy.....thaddy. You sir are either blind or problematic or dating your girlfriend for political reasons because nothing about his behavior with the main character is okay with a girlfriend. Just because you say you have a girlfriend does not excuse anything you do after saying it. Cute nickname for her? Hugging her and running to care for her all the time? Hugging her when you are with your girlfriend at the gala? Nope. Not cool sir. So hopefully we see that change too.
Jasper. I think we saw you twice, so I guess no notes? Hope you are having fun running the school I guess.
Overall the concept is cool, her runes are a fun concept and the dynamic between mates will always keep me hooked. It dragged a little at the end then quickly jumped to a cliffhanger so we will see next spring how it goes.
Alright let's break it down, and honestly the only thing that made this a 3 and not a four was our rushed ending to get to a cliffhanger and a pretty slow moving book and some personal issues with some harem members.
Our main character has a good sense of self and back bone but shows vulnerability with the men in her life and not in an annoying main character way. I liked her development throughout the book, and hope to see more of it moving forward.
Men:
Well the group seems to be forming but we have a few unknowns or maybes? Let's start with the ones she actually mates with Luka and Axel. I like them both, love the determination and fire from both. To be honest they seem the most similar so I'm glad we got their bond in the first book so that maybe the ones who will need more work can take more of the next books.
Now onto the problematic pieces that dropped my star review. Lets start with Hudson. He physically harms her on purpose, then feels bad when he realizes it's his mate not some random woman. How do we move on from that? How do we become okay with someone who would just hurt a woman in general? I guess we will see because she already started softening to him in the book. Thaddy....thaddy.....thaddy. You sir are either blind or problematic or dating your girlfriend for political reasons because nothing about his behavior with the main character is okay with a girlfriend. Just because you say you have a girlfriend does not excuse anything you do after saying it. Cute nickname for her? Hugging her and running to care for her all the time? Hugging her when you are with your girlfriend at the gala? Nope. Not cool sir. So hopefully we see that change too.
Jasper. I think we saw you twice, so I guess no notes? Hope you are having fun running the school I guess.
Overall the concept is cool, her runes are a fun concept and the dynamic between mates will always keep me hooked. It dragged a little at the end then quickly jumped to a cliffhanger so we will see next spring how it goes.
December 21, 2025
premise is great but female main is terrible
Terrible female main character. She discards the parents that raised her without a second thought, doesn’t care about learning and is acting like a spoiled brat
Terrible female main character. She discards the parents that raised her without a second thought, doesn’t care about learning and is acting like a spoiled brat
July 25, 2025
Dnf'ed at 31%
I hope no one actually paid money for this book because it was clear the author put zero effort into creating a credible world, a credible female lead or even a credible story.
The contrivance, stupidity (examples below) and wish-fulfillment were off-the-charts. For example, not only is the female lead the last of her kind, all other supernaturals are one-trick ponies while she can do all their tricks and anything else she wants because her magic is limitless (exact word used in text).
Oh, and her looks are sooooo special, other supernaturals dye their hair and wear colored contacts to also achieve it but of course fail because they just aren't that special and apparently magic is only a thing if it doesn't infringe on how unique and amazing the female lead is.
Writing was poor.
Storytelling was awful. Mysteries were drawn out with no payoff. Logical follow thrus did not happen. Thoughts and actions were often contrary.
The world was very present-day human... which made little sense given humans had been shut up in ghettos for fifty years.
The little bit of mystical world-building provided amounted to 'the gods did it'.
Female lead was unpleasant, self-involved, over-dramatic, lacking in any type of dignity or maturity and too stupid to live. Oh, and she hated supernaturals for the power and privilege they hold until she got the same power and privilege; then she forgot all about the injustice and just wanted to help other supernaturals adjust to being powerful and privileged .
Male leads were all unprofessional, overly familiar, handsy, disrespectful, condescending and had the same voice which sounded like a twenty-something human. And douche alert: the first thought one of the male leads has about her is how her lips would feel around his cock.
Female lead was five foot two while one of the male leads was six foot five. Do authors even bother to understand the physics of that and how awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, it makes a variety of physical interactions?
It's all insta-devotion on the male leads' side and insta-lust on the female lead's.
Apparently in this world vampires are just cuddly teddy bears of empathy and love. Who growl. And can go out in the daylight. And can't keep their staff under control without physically attacking them.
So much stupidity but these gems I had to share.
Definitely don't recommend.
I hope no one actually paid money for this book because it was clear the author put zero effort into creating a credible world, a credible female lead or even a credible story.
The contrivance, stupidity (examples below) and wish-fulfillment were off-the-charts. For example, not only is the female lead the last of her kind, all other supernaturals are one-trick ponies while she can do all their tricks and anything else she wants because her magic is limitless (exact word used in text).
Oh, and her looks are sooooo special, other supernaturals dye their hair and wear colored contacts to also achieve it but of course fail because they just aren't that special and apparently magic is only a thing if it doesn't infringe on how unique and amazing the female lead is.
Writing was poor.
Storytelling was awful. Mysteries were drawn out with no payoff. Logical follow thrus did not happen. Thoughts and actions were often contrary.
The world was very present-day human... which made little sense given humans had been shut up in ghettos for fifty years.
The little bit of mystical world-building provided amounted to 'the gods did it'.
Female lead was unpleasant, self-involved, over-dramatic, lacking in any type of dignity or maturity and too stupid to live. Oh, and she hated supernaturals for the power and privilege they hold until she got the same power and privilege; then she forgot all about the injustice and just wanted to help other supernaturals adjust to being powerful and privileged .
Male leads were all unprofessional, overly familiar, handsy, disrespectful, condescending and had the same voice which sounded like a twenty-something human. And douche alert: the first thought one of the male leads has about her is how her lips would feel around his cock.
Female lead was five foot two while one of the male leads was six foot five. Do authors even bother to understand the physics of that and how awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, it makes a variety of physical interactions?
It's all insta-devotion on the male leads' side and insta-lust on the female lead's.
Apparently in this world vampires are just cuddly teddy bears of empathy and love. Who growl. And can go out in the daylight. And can't keep their staff under control without physically attacking them.
So much stupidity but these gems I had to share.
Definitely don't recommend.
March 21, 2025
I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series
The FMC is my least favorite character..
There’s absolutely no way the she’s 21. She spends nearly the entire book complaining like a petulant 16 year old. For all her bravado she’s CONSTANTLY crying. Her own prejudices are annoying and just ugh. Dang near every time something supernatural happens she’s screaming like a nutcase. PLEASE! You can tell immediately her temper is going to get her kidnapped or hurt, probably both. The immaturity is ridiculous.
The first “mate” is an abusive and cruel a-hole and he 10000% earned the beating from her 2nd mate. The excuse “I didn’t know she was my mate” is such trash. B/c she’s your mate your sorry but you had zero remorse while actually abusing her?! TRASH.
This could’ve been amazing as the premise is unique and her powers are bad ass but it’s just falling short.
The FMC is my least favorite character..
There’s absolutely no way the she’s 21. She spends nearly the entire book complaining like a petulant 16 year old. For all her bravado she’s CONSTANTLY crying. Her own prejudices are annoying and just ugh. Dang near every time something supernatural happens she’s screaming like a nutcase. PLEASE! You can tell immediately her temper is going to get her kidnapped or hurt, probably both. The immaturity is ridiculous.
The first “mate” is an abusive and cruel a-hole and he 10000% earned the beating from her 2nd mate. The excuse “I didn’t know she was my mate” is such trash. B/c she’s your mate your sorry but you had zero remorse while actually abusing her?! TRASH.
This could’ve been amazing as the premise is unique and her powers are bad ass but it’s just falling short.
September 13, 2024
Ole girl is ruining this for me
Honestly, the story, the plot, the majority of the characters, and even some of the side characters are developed very well. Just the longer I read, the more I grow to detest Bailey.
She's childish, selfish, weak minded, and a bigot to boot. I didn't think I'd like her from the very beginning and I was right.
She's a racist. She admitted to having a strong hatred towards supes all the way up until she realized she was one. It's like hating all black people until you realize you are a little bit black too. 😮💨
She's ok with accepting the money her parents left her, but everything else regarding them is just "too much" for her. 😒
She claims she wants to learn more about herself and her magic, but flat out refuses to learn anything that makes her even the slightest bit uncomfortable. AND I believe learning about her parents could also help with learning about what it means to be a curiomancer.
I also hate that she holds Axel above Luka.
The fact that she described Axel's length as "getting places that Luka couldn't" didn't sit well with me. The wording just seemed demeaning and I'm a firm believer that mates should be loved and treated equally.
Hudson is an ass and I hope she doesn't forgive him because honestly, his level of hostility made ZERO sense. Like I STILL don't understand why he treated her so badly. But, I believe she's going to forgive him and mate him. Ugh, honestly, I wish people would reject someone a flippin stick to it.
There were other things, but I think this gave enough explanation as to why this book got the rating it got. 🤷🏽♀️
Honestly, the story, the plot, the majority of the characters, and even some of the side characters are developed very well. Just the longer I read, the more I grow to detest Bailey.
She's childish, selfish, weak minded, and a bigot to boot. I didn't think I'd like her from the very beginning and I was right.
She's a racist. She admitted to having a strong hatred towards supes all the way up until she realized she was one. It's like hating all black people until you realize you are a little bit black too. 😮💨
She's ok with accepting the money her parents left her, but everything else regarding them is just "too much" for her. 😒
She claims she wants to learn more about herself and her magic, but flat out refuses to learn anything that makes her even the slightest bit uncomfortable. AND I believe learning about her parents could also help with learning about what it means to be a curiomancer.
I also hate that she holds Axel above Luka.
The fact that she described Axel's length as "getting places that Luka couldn't" didn't sit well with me. The wording just seemed demeaning and I'm a firm believer that mates should be loved and treated equally.
Hudson is an ass and I hope she doesn't forgive him because honestly, his level of hostility made ZERO sense. Like I STILL don't understand why he treated her so badly. But, I believe she's going to forgive him and mate him. Ugh, honestly, I wish people would reject someone a flippin stick to it.
There were other things, but I think this gave enough explanation as to why this book got the rating it got. 🤷🏽♀️
May 13, 2024
I mostly liked it..
This had a lot of good things. Great world building, interesting characters, and A good amount of heat..
My problem was with the FMC internal dialog, which was incessant, and annoying. And that of a very young teenage girl. Bailey's also extremely intolerant of anything outside of her comfort zone, and admits to being racist against Supes for no reason.
She also cries all the time, which gets old fast.
Hopefully this characters evolves for the better in book 2.
This had a lot of good things. Great world building, interesting characters, and A good amount of heat..
My problem was with the FMC internal dialog, which was incessant, and annoying. And that of a very young teenage girl. Bailey's also extremely intolerant of anything outside of her comfort zone, and admits to being racist against Supes for no reason.
She also cries all the time, which gets old fast.
Hopefully this characters evolves for the better in book 2.
May 19, 2024
Grabbed my attention from the start
I really enjoyed this book. It’s been sitting in my to read pile to long. I’m really freakin pissed the 2nd book isn’t out yet. Sure, she’s a super naive 21 year old in a new supernatural world she didn’t realized she belonged in but the story stil grabbed my attention. I could overlook some of her childish thoughts, because when she allowed herself to feel like she belonged, something would show up and knock her on her ass. It matured her each time, she started to learn a bit of control but I found it lacked a bit because she never felt safe enough to practice outside of the practice rooms. And she only had 3 practices with Thaddeus. His character confuses me, I can see the sparks, the attraction they have can be tense at times but then his gf always seems to show up and try to lay claim to him even though they have remained professional at all times. He helps her learn how to use some of her runes, but she’s got hundreds of them on her body so I kinda hoped there would be more to that part of her magic. Bailey seems to grasp the magic quickly which is good because she came from the Human world, and needs to catch up to those who grew up in the supernatural world. Hudson, man he really screwed up, but I keep hoping she will give him a chance, but he didn’t really try much in this book. Although his sister Marion is turning into an incredible best friend to Bailey. Hudson’s a Lycan and couldn’t smell she was his mate because of the glamoured snowflake charm that hands around her neck, and only believed the overgrown rock bird (gargoyle who likes to play pranks on new supernaturals, he also owns the academy building and is the dean, I can’t remember his first name but his last name is the name of the academy, Stonewell). I feel like there is a spark there too, but there wasn’t enough book to explore that part, I think the dragon who introduced the council will also be a part of her harem, but again, the book ended before we got to the good stuff. Somehow she’s been exposed at the gala, she had an inkling something would go wrong, and boy did it ever. Being sentenced to death immediately, then the book ends? Luka the demigod, her first in many ways but also first to claim their soul bond. Axel, the vampire who she chose as a bond, was next and was dancing to Bailey at the Gala before her world came crashing down when someone knocked Axel away from her, separating her from her mates and friend, before being told she’s to powerful and to be put to death immediately. Kotah, you’re killing me here! Can you Please release the 2nd book before the current eta May 2025? I loved the majority of this book, but there was a few spots where I felt like I missed an important part of a conversation or missed a thought process, before it made sense a page or 2 later. I did reread a few spots to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I can’t wait to see Bailey grow as an Curiomancer. Obviously she won’t be put to death as she’s the lead female character but I’m glad she won’t have to hide behind a glamour now that the world knows what she is. And if Marion couldn’t understand why she couldn’t tell her because it would have jeopardized her safety then she wasn’t a real friend anyways. Such a good book! Read this in a day.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s been sitting in my to read pile to long. I’m really freakin pissed the 2nd book isn’t out yet. Sure, she’s a super naive 21 year old in a new supernatural world she didn’t realized she belonged in but the story stil grabbed my attention. I could overlook some of her childish thoughts, because when she allowed herself to feel like she belonged, something would show up and knock her on her ass. It matured her each time, she started to learn a bit of control but I found it lacked a bit because she never felt safe enough to practice outside of the practice rooms. And she only had 3 practices with Thaddeus. His character confuses me, I can see the sparks, the attraction they have can be tense at times but then his gf always seems to show up and try to lay claim to him even though they have remained professional at all times. He helps her learn how to use some of her runes, but she’s got hundreds of them on her body so I kinda hoped there would be more to that part of her magic. Bailey seems to grasp the magic quickly which is good because she came from the Human world, and needs to catch up to those who grew up in the supernatural world. Hudson, man he really screwed up, but I keep hoping she will give him a chance, but he didn’t really try much in this book. Although his sister Marion is turning into an incredible best friend to Bailey. Hudson’s a Lycan and couldn’t smell she was his mate because of the glamoured snowflake charm that hands around her neck, and only believed the overgrown rock bird (gargoyle who likes to play pranks on new supernaturals, he also owns the academy building and is the dean, I can’t remember his first name but his last name is the name of the academy, Stonewell). I feel like there is a spark there too, but there wasn’t enough book to explore that part, I think the dragon who introduced the council will also be a part of her harem, but again, the book ended before we got to the good stuff. Somehow she’s been exposed at the gala, she had an inkling something would go wrong, and boy did it ever. Being sentenced to death immediately, then the book ends? Luka the demigod, her first in many ways but also first to claim their soul bond. Axel, the vampire who she chose as a bond, was next and was dancing to Bailey at the Gala before her world came crashing down when someone knocked Axel away from her, separating her from her mates and friend, before being told she’s to powerful and to be put to death immediately. Kotah, you’re killing me here! Can you Please release the 2nd book before the current eta May 2025? I loved the majority of this book, but there was a few spots where I felt like I missed an important part of a conversation or missed a thought process, before it made sense a page or 2 later. I did reread a few spots to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I can’t wait to see Bailey grow as an Curiomancer. Obviously she won’t be put to death as she’s the lead female character but I’m glad she won’t have to hide behind a glamour now that the world knows what she is. And if Marion couldn’t understand why she couldn’t tell her because it would have jeopardized her safety then she wasn’t a real friend anyways. Such a good book! Read this in a day.
December 10, 2024
2.5 stars
This is the first book I read by the author. Listened to it on audiobook. The voice performers did a great job.
While the writing was engaging, I feel this book needed more work.
The main character is 21 years old. However, based on the internal character narration and her behaviour, I had a hard time remembering that. Although 21 years is young, it’s not that immature. I kept double-checking with myself: “this girl is supposed to be 21? She sounds like a 15 year old.” Her entire drama with her adopted parents lying to her was so below what I would have expected from someone her age.
I understand the author’s dilemma. She wants to write this character this way, but to include the explicit romance, she needs the character to be of a certain legal age, beyond the ambiguous I-have-no-life-experience-but-I’m-18-a-legal-adult, for readers to feel comfortable with her being romantically involved with these men who have centuries of life experience (still iffy with someone being 21). But the author can’t age the character to a more reasonable number (27?) because then the entire premise of being awakened at 21 and being sent to magic academy won’t make sense at an older age when she’s established a life for herself. In this instance, it would have been better to age down the men to her age, so there isn’t such a weird life experience gap.
It’s even harder to root for their relationships because her maturity comes off even younger than she’s supposed to be. Maybe the author could branch into the young adult genre to satisfy her desire to write immature characters?
I don’t feel like doing a full in-depth review (with full blown out examples), so I’ll just touch on the other major issue: the plot. It ends on a major cliffhanger just as something finally starts to happen with respect to anything not related to the romance. It’s really annoying.
The story cut short just as we were finally building to the climax. I don’t get any sense of a resolution.
It doesn’t feel like the book has an ending.
With cliffhangers, it’s important to resolve the majority of the problems and leave the reader wanting more. This doesn’t happen here. The moment the plot started moving forward in regards to MC’s precarious position in the social setup, the author chose to abruptly cut the story off. We spend the whole book being told how living her identity is a death sentence, so we expect some kind of confrontation to happen when she ventures into paranormal society. The story ends just as the confrontation opens.
I didn’t expect the MC to resolve her social standing dilemma in book 1, but I expected some kind of confrontation where she would show how she evades the bad guys (with all the magic practice she’s been doing) to regroup for another day. I don’t expect her to win or defeat anyone with how poorly trained she is, but a climax in a serial instalment usually involves narrowly evading the worst outcome.
In cases like this, when the next book isn’t even out, this is extremely irritating because I’ve already invested all that time, all for not even getting any kind of ending.
This is cliffhangers done wrong. The point is, books should deliver some kind of satisfaction. I feel robbed.
This is the first book I read by the author. Listened to it on audiobook. The voice performers did a great job.
While the writing was engaging, I feel this book needed more work.
The main character is 21 years old. However, based on the internal character narration and her behaviour, I had a hard time remembering that. Although 21 years is young, it’s not that immature. I kept double-checking with myself: “this girl is supposed to be 21? She sounds like a 15 year old.” Her entire drama with her adopted parents lying to her was so below what I would have expected from someone her age.
I understand the author’s dilemma. She wants to write this character this way, but to include the explicit romance, she needs the character to be of a certain legal age, beyond the ambiguous I-have-no-life-experience-but-I’m-18-a-legal-adult, for readers to feel comfortable with her being romantically involved with these men who have centuries of life experience (still iffy with someone being 21). But the author can’t age the character to a more reasonable number (27?) because then the entire premise of being awakened at 21 and being sent to magic academy won’t make sense at an older age when she’s established a life for herself. In this instance, it would have been better to age down the men to her age, so there isn’t such a weird life experience gap.
It’s even harder to root for their relationships because her maturity comes off even younger than she’s supposed to be. Maybe the author could branch into the young adult genre to satisfy her desire to write immature characters?
I don’t feel like doing a full in-depth review (with full blown out examples), so I’ll just touch on the other major issue: the plot. It ends on a major cliffhanger just as something finally starts to happen with respect to anything not related to the romance. It’s really annoying.
The story cut short just as we were finally building to the climax. I don’t get any sense of a resolution.
It doesn’t feel like the book has an ending.
With cliffhangers, it’s important to resolve the majority of the problems and leave the reader wanting more. This doesn’t happen here. The moment the plot started moving forward in regards to MC’s precarious position in the social setup, the author chose to abruptly cut the story off. We spend the whole book being told how living her identity is a death sentence, so we expect some kind of confrontation to happen when she ventures into paranormal society. The story ends just as the confrontation opens.
I didn’t expect the MC to resolve her social standing dilemma in book 1, but I expected some kind of confrontation where she would show how she evades the bad guys (with all the magic practice she’s been doing) to regroup for another day. I don’t expect her to win or defeat anyone with how poorly trained she is, but a climax in a serial instalment usually involves narrowly evading the worst outcome.
In cases like this, when the next book isn’t even out, this is extremely irritating because I’ve already invested all that time, all for not even getting any kind of ending.
This is cliffhangers done wrong. The point is, books should deliver some kind of satisfaction. I feel robbed.
February 16, 2025
Good
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one is pretty big, about a 4.5/5 on my trauma scale (it could absolutely have been worse, but not by much!)
Bailey thought she was an ordinary human, until she discovered otherwise, when she is tested just after her twenty first birthday.
Taken to a training academy for supernaturals, she struggles to fit in, while knowing her unusual heritage has out a target on her back.
Luckily, there are several attractive males willing to help her out…
A fast academy fantasy/rh romance, with a magical heroine and her several mates. This may be a romance, but the fantasy storyline is front and centre, although we do have open door bedroom scenes (there are several steamy scenes in this book). There is an intriguing background storyline regarding the curiomancers, and I hoping the next book begins to address this in a bit more detail.
The heroine is a unique magical being, and I look forward to seeing just where the author takes her next.
Recommended for RH fantasy fans.
Personal Reading Notes/Spoilers
These are just here to help me remember for when the next book is out. Read ahead at your own risk!
Bailey is a Curiomancer- white hair, pink eyes, runic tattoos all over. The number of tattoos indicates she is very powerful.
She’s adopted, because all the curiomancers were destroyed because the supernatural governing council are a punk of jealous idiots.
At the school, she’s placed in the faculty wing, and wears a glamour. Her best friend is a shifter wolf called Marion, who is he sister of Hudson, the transmutation professor.
So far she has mated two of the love interests, the demigod Luka and vampire Axel. The lycan, Hudson and fae, Thaddeus are intriguing to her, but the latter has a girlfriend while the former calls her his fated mate but messed up by actually hurting her when he got angry after they first met. Gargoyle headmaster Jasper also seems to interest her.
We end on a massive cliffhanger where she is exposed for what she is. I suspect the girlfriend of Thaddeus to be honest, and am hoping that the dragon there might play a part in saving her.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one is pretty big, about a 4.5/5 on my trauma scale (it could absolutely have been worse, but not by much!)
Bailey thought she was an ordinary human, until she discovered otherwise, when she is tested just after her twenty first birthday.
Taken to a training academy for supernaturals, she struggles to fit in, while knowing her unusual heritage has out a target on her back.
Luckily, there are several attractive males willing to help her out…
A fast academy fantasy/rh romance, with a magical heroine and her several mates. This may be a romance, but the fantasy storyline is front and centre, although we do have open door bedroom scenes (there are several steamy scenes in this book). There is an intriguing background storyline regarding the curiomancers, and I hoping the next book begins to address this in a bit more detail.
The heroine is a unique magical being, and I look forward to seeing just where the author takes her next.
Recommended for RH fantasy fans.
Personal Reading Notes/Spoilers
These are just here to help me remember for when the next book is out. Read ahead at your own risk!
Bailey is a Curiomancer- white hair, pink eyes, runic tattoos all over. The number of tattoos indicates she is very powerful.
She’s adopted, because all the curiomancers were destroyed because the supernatural governing council are a punk of jealous idiots.
At the school, she’s placed in the faculty wing, and wears a glamour. Her best friend is a shifter wolf called Marion, who is he sister of Hudson, the transmutation professor.
So far she has mated two of the love interests, the demigod Luka and vampire Axel. The lycan, Hudson and fae, Thaddeus are intriguing to her, but the latter has a girlfriend while the former calls her his fated mate but messed up by actually hurting her when he got angry after they first met. Gargoyle headmaster Jasper also seems to interest her.
We end on a massive cliffhanger where she is exposed for what she is. I suspect the girlfriend of Thaddeus to be honest, and am hoping that the dragon there might play a part in saving her.
May 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Why-choose Paranormal Romance
Kotah Jean has written such a thrilling, world-opening story that I couldn’t put it down until I had finished. She put a new spin on the ‚omg I am a supe‘ / ‚the one‘ trope, though some parts still don’t fit right.
First, our heroine Bailey. For the most part, I liked how she acted and could feel with her. But there were some moments where she completely changed character. Like, why does she cry all the time (when she’s surrounded by people) and act tough and sassy the next moment? Or why does it take her so long to speak with her guys, instead just ghosting them? And then how she just flipped from depressed to fine after the incident in the mall with one outing in the city?
The guys need a bit of fleshing out as well. Jasper being so flippant about her broken, abused wrist, Thaddeus not figuring out his romantic feelings toward either girl, Luka flipping from disdain to full-on love.
If possible, I’d like to know more as well about Bailey‘s adoptive parents. Does she not speak with them anymore after her revelation? Not even by phone? I thought the human-paranormal relations might be pretty important to the development of the story.
All in all, a well-written romance in a new, paranormal world where the heroine has to change the current societal structure while forging bonds with friends and mates.
Kotah Jean has written such a thrilling, world-opening story that I couldn’t put it down until I had finished. She put a new spin on the ‚omg I am a supe‘ / ‚the one‘ trope, though some parts still don’t fit right.
First, our heroine Bailey. For the most part, I liked how she acted and could feel with her. But there were some moments where she completely changed character. Like, why does she cry all the time (when she’s surrounded by people) and act tough and sassy the next moment? Or why does it take her so long to speak with her guys, instead just ghosting them? And then how she just flipped from depressed to fine after the incident in the mall with one outing in the city?
The guys need a bit of fleshing out as well. Jasper being so flippant about her broken, abused wrist, Thaddeus not figuring out his romantic feelings toward either girl, Luka flipping from disdain to full-on love.
If possible, I’d like to know more as well about Bailey‘s adoptive parents. Does she not speak with them anymore after her revelation? Not even by phone? I thought the human-paranormal relations might be pretty important to the development of the story.
All in all, a well-written romance in a new, paranormal world where the heroine has to change the current societal structure while forging bonds with friends and mates.
September 20, 2025
4.5/5 Stars – A Reverse Harem Gem I Didn’t Know I Needed
Stonewell Academy by Kotah Jean is exactly the kind of large harem series I’ve been craving! The world-building is rich and imaginative, packed with unique creatures, intriguing abilities, and so much promise for what's still to come. I tore through the available books, devoured them, really - and I’m already desperate for more.
As a HUGE fan of large Reverse Harem stories, this one checked so many boxes for me. The FMC herself grows stronger and more grounded as the story progresses, and I’m absolutely here for it. One of the best parts? When a character treats her poorly, there are actual consequences. She doesn’t stick around and tolerate abuse or mistreatment - and the MMCs are held accountable. We need more of this in the genre!
My only small critique—and the reason it’s not a full 5 stars—is that I wish there were a bit more clarity around the FMC's powers & Chosen vs Fated mates dynamic. It’s all hinted at, but not fully explored yet. That said, I have faith it’ll unfold more as the series continues.
This was a stellar first & second book, and I cannot wait to see how the harem grows from here. Bring on more members and more chaos—I’m all in!
Stonewell Academy by Kotah Jean is exactly the kind of large harem series I’ve been craving! The world-building is rich and imaginative, packed with unique creatures, intriguing abilities, and so much promise for what's still to come. I tore through the available books, devoured them, really - and I’m already desperate for more.
As a HUGE fan of large Reverse Harem stories, this one checked so many boxes for me. The FMC herself grows stronger and more grounded as the story progresses, and I’m absolutely here for it. One of the best parts? When a character treats her poorly, there are actual consequences. She doesn’t stick around and tolerate abuse or mistreatment - and the MMCs are held accountable. We need more of this in the genre!
My only small critique—and the reason it’s not a full 5 stars—is that I wish there were a bit more clarity around the FMC's powers & Chosen vs Fated mates dynamic. It’s all hinted at, but not fully explored yet. That said, I have faith it’ll unfold more as the series continues.
This was a stellar first & second book, and I cannot wait to see how the harem grows from here. Bring on more members and more chaos—I’m all in!
April 30, 2024
This story had me hooked from start to finish & I loved it every step of the way! Bailey is our FMC and boy is she lovable. She has such a soft spot and it sometimes gets to her but it's normal especially being thrown head first into everything! She discovers some truths about her life and it's just too much to digest but she is soo strong & has men who will help her every step of the way! This story was so well written & the characters were unique in their own way! As for her mates, we have only met 3 but I have a inkling there will be more! We have her Demigod, Vampy & Lycan but she's only mated with 2 since the 3rd one did not have a good first impression! As the story goes on you'll be on an emotional rollercoaster and the smexy scenes will be 🔥. But the one thing I loved to hate was that cliffy OMG how dare Kotah end it like that lmao! Am dying to get my hands on book 2 & if you haven't started this one I truly suggest you do!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2024
Wow thank you for bringing me back to loving a good supernatural book, for a while I have been off them and this one makes me want to look for more.
I was annoyed at the ending sorry but I was raging I mean how dare you leave us on a cliffhanger like that, indeed to know how bailey ended up exposed and who done it also I need to know how many more gorgeous specimens turn out to be mates with her, I'm feeling there are another 2 more At least.
I hated one of the professors and I'm hoping you can guess which one, if not let's just say they go with the smurf like water and oil, I hate them and they haven't had a big role yet.
Soooo big question is when will book 2 be released as I need it like yesterday lol
Thank you for this amazing start to what I hope will be a gripping series
I was annoyed at the ending sorry but I was raging I mean how dare you leave us on a cliffhanger like that, indeed to know how bailey ended up exposed and who done it also I need to know how many more gorgeous specimens turn out to be mates with her, I'm feeling there are another 2 more At least.
I hated one of the professors and I'm hoping you can guess which one, if not let's just say they go with the smurf like water and oil, I hate them and they haven't had a big role yet.
Soooo big question is when will book 2 be released as I need it like yesterday lol
Thank you for this amazing start to what I hope will be a gripping series
May 1, 2024
Surprisingly fun
This book came to me as a recommendation in 5 different Facebook groups, so I figured I needed to pay attention and I wasn't disappointed.
Bailey is a reluctant heroine, she gives Feyre vibes.
Bailey was raised human, and had all of the human prejudice and resentment in place only for everything to fall apart when she awakens as a supe.
It takes a bit but the internalized hate and shame is a theme their the book and Bailey adjusts to her new life with enough guidance from the people she is surrounding herself with.
I'm a big fan mate grovelling and some of those boys deserve to spend time on their knees prostrate.
The last of her kind, but saviour trope was done well. But it wasn't explored much in this book but it's been set up to be brilliant later.
I can't wait for Bailey to kick the evil council's butt in the next instalment of the series.
This book came to me as a recommendation in 5 different Facebook groups, so I figured I needed to pay attention and I wasn't disappointed.
Bailey is a reluctant heroine, she gives Feyre vibes.
Bailey was raised human, and had all of the human prejudice and resentment in place only for everything to fall apart when she awakens as a supe.
It takes a bit but the internalized hate and shame is a theme their the book and Bailey adjusts to her new life with enough guidance from the people she is surrounding herself with.
I'm a big fan mate grovelling and some of those boys deserve to spend time on their knees prostrate.
The last of her kind, but saviour trope was done well. But it wasn't explored much in this book but it's been set up to be brilliant later.
I can't wait for Bailey to kick the evil council's butt in the next instalment of the series.
April 30, 2024
From the blurb alone, it made we want to read this book. I'm so glad I did, because I loved it!!!
What an excellent beginning to the series!!
It had my attention the whole way through. Filled with magic, mystery, some suspense, spice and so much more!!
I knew I was gonna love Bailey from the first chapter. She is smart, stands up for herself, and an overall relatable character.
Her inner monolog had me cracking up at times as well. Mr Tall, Dark, and Steamy please.
I love Luka and Alex!
I can't wait to find out who else becomes apart of her harem. I have a few ideas or maybe even hopes. 😉
This was a definite 5 star read for me!!
Now, I need book 2 as soon as possible, especially after that cliffhanger!!
What an excellent beginning to the series!!
It had my attention the whole way through. Filled with magic, mystery, some suspense, spice and so much more!!
I knew I was gonna love Bailey from the first chapter. She is smart, stands up for herself, and an overall relatable character.
Her inner monolog had me cracking up at times as well. Mr Tall, Dark, and Steamy please.
I love Luka and Alex!
I can't wait to find out who else becomes apart of her harem. I have a few ideas or maybe even hopes. 😉
This was a definite 5 star read for me!!
Now, I need book 2 as soon as possible, especially after that cliffhanger!!
June 29, 2024
Great, but cliff hanger
This is book one of a series. Rh, fated mates, magic, lost heritage, Academy, pnr, shifters etc. The story starts off with our heroine discovering she has magic and is adopted, meaning her old life is no longer. In this world paranormals make up the largest population and humans are relegated to compounds. Not only was she hidden in a human compound, her magic is rare and forbidden because it is so powerful. Now she is exposed to supernatural society and must learn her magic, while developing relationships with several mates. Apparently four books are anticipated in this series, so it'll be a long wait. Well written, but has numerous punctuation errors.
This is book one of a series. Rh, fated mates, magic, lost heritage, Academy, pnr, shifters etc. The story starts off with our heroine discovering she has magic and is adopted, meaning her old life is no longer. In this world paranormals make up the largest population and humans are relegated to compounds. Not only was she hidden in a human compound, her magic is rare and forbidden because it is so powerful. Now she is exposed to supernatural society and must learn her magic, while developing relationships with several mates. Apparently four books are anticipated in this series, so it'll be a long wait. Well written, but has numerous punctuation errors.
July 13, 2025
This might be one of the most immature books I’ve read in a while. She’s supposed to be 21 but acts like 15, she founds out that she adopted and since that day never talks to her parents again, she mates two men and basically gives them both a part of her soul but “it’s too early to call it love”, she gets bad feelings before things go wrong but never acts upon them nor tell anybody because “she doesn’t want to ruin the vibe/my friend wants to go so we go” even though she’s in serious danger. In general both the characters and the story writing need some serious work, I think it had the potential of being great and now there so many holes and inconsistencies I probably won’t ever read the second book.
April 23, 2024
It is no secret that i love me some #pnr 🖤 i eat that ish up and babbbyyyy, Kotah is filling me up with Shattered Illusion.
I loved the uniqueness of this storyline and the inclusion if the various supernatural beings - from Gargoyles to vampires to demi-gods, Lycans and more! There is something for everyone 👀 Kotahs world building and descriptions had me wishing I was a student at Stonewall Academy. This is, imho, a medium-ish burn and baby does it burn so good.
Thank you, Kotah for the early read! I cant wait to see what comes next bc BISH i have questions 🤪 ily
This drops April 29th but you should pre-order now so you cab wake up with a little special treat that morning 😘
I loved the uniqueness of this storyline and the inclusion if the various supernatural beings - from Gargoyles to vampires to demi-gods, Lycans and more! There is something for everyone 👀 Kotahs world building and descriptions had me wishing I was a student at Stonewall Academy. This is, imho, a medium-ish burn and baby does it burn so good.
Thank you, Kotah for the early read! I cant wait to see what comes next bc BISH i have questions 🤪 ily
This drops April 29th but you should pre-order now so you cab wake up with a little special treat that morning 😘
July 8, 2024
A new favorite series of mine because this book was amazing. The whole plot and concept of the world the author created was phenomenal. I love Bailey, she was such a relatable character even when her world is turned upside down. I enjoyed that there were different kinds of supernaturals because books like that are somewhat hard to find. The spice in this was just enough for the beginning of Bailey's story. Luka, Hudson, and Axel are everything as the MMCs of this story. This gripping world and the ending seriously has me needing book 2 asap. If you are someone who loves paranormal romance this is a great one to read.
January 18, 2025
the premise of the story is good and i like the men but a few things bugged me:
• all bailey does is cry — like seriously, where is the badass from the first chapter? like not even attempt to try and NOT cry and get her shit together; it doesn’t read like she’s 21, it reads like she’s 12 and that makes it harder to like her.
• the nicknames 😩 please god NO why do we have to give her pet names out of the blue right when they meet? COME ON
• too insta-love for me with luka and axel… i get the physical connection and the gratitude but 😭 these men barely work for it and AGAIN she proves to be 0 badass and 100% a doormat
anyway…
i’ll read the sequel but i’m hoping for improvements.
• all bailey does is cry — like seriously, where is the badass from the first chapter? like not even attempt to try and NOT cry and get her shit together; it doesn’t read like she’s 21, it reads like she’s 12 and that makes it harder to like her.
• the nicknames 😩 please god NO why do we have to give her pet names out of the blue right when they meet? COME ON
• too insta-love for me with luka and axel… i get the physical connection and the gratitude but 😭 these men barely work for it and AGAIN she proves to be 0 badass and 100% a doormat
anyway…
i’ll read the sequel but i’m hoping for improvements.
April 22, 2024
Shattered Illusion: A Paranormal Why-Choose Academy Romance is the first in the Stonewall Academy Series by Kotah Jean. We meet Bailey, a young lady turning twenty-one and has to go into the magical lagoon to see if she has magic or not. She gets one heck of a surprise. I loved watching Bailey start to make a relationship with her vamp and demigod. Looks like their might be a couple more mates coming? Great start to the series. Does end with a cliff hanger! I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!
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