What do you think?
Rate this book
The Academy
My name is Kris Jameson and I’m a student at the Royal Academy. I’m at the top of all my classes, what they call a “model student.” There’s only one problem—the Academy is an all boys school and I’m a girl.
It started as a prank when I took my brother’s place. But things got complicated when I caught Broward, the school bully, in a compromising position. They got even worse when I was assigned my roommate—the handsome but enigmatic North who saved me several times from the bully’s attacks.
Now the consequences of my deception are coming back to haunt me. The penalty for fraud at this exclusive school is much worse than simple expulsion—I could lose a hand. Worse, so could my beloved brother.
With so much at stake, it’s imperative that I keep my secret safe. And the person I’m closest to, North, is the one I have to be most wary of.
The trouble is, I think I’m falling in love with him…
It started as a prank when I took my brother’s place. But things got complicated when I caught Broward, the school bully, in a compromising position. They got even worse when I was assigned my roommate—the handsome but enigmatic North who saved me several times from the bully’s attacks.
Now the consequences of my deception are coming back to haunt me. The penalty for fraud at this exclusive school is much worse than simple expulsion—I could lose a hand. Worse, so could my beloved brother.
With so much at stake, it’s imperative that I keep my secret safe. And the person I’m closest to, North, is the one I have to be most wary of.
The trouble is, I think I’m falling in love with him…
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2012
93 people are currently reading
2955 people want to read
About the author
Emmaline Andrews
1 book80 followers(from Smashword)
Emmaline Andrews is the pseudonym of a well known author of adult romance. She has thoroughly enjoyed her first foray into the world of YA and hopes to write many more YA books in the future for younger readers and readers who are young at heart. Emmaline lives in Florida with her son, husband, and cat all of whom are male, making her feel completely outnumbered. Fortunately she can always escape into the fantasy world of her writing where she is the Queen Dictator of the World. Look for more books by Emmaline soon
Emmaline Andrews is the pseudonym of a well known author of adult romance. She has thoroughly enjoyed her first foray into the world of YA and hopes to write many more YA books in the future for younger readers and readers who are young at heart. Emmaline lives in Florida with her son, husband, and cat all of whom are male, making her feel completely outnumbered. Fortunately she can always escape into the fantasy world of her writing where she is the Queen Dictator of the World. Look for more books by Emmaline soon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
September 28, 2021
I can see myself as a teenager absolutely loving this book. I wish I could have read it back then, it would have been one of my favorites, so I am giving it 4 stars, mostly, to honor that. Right now, I see many places where the story could have been improved, made more dramatic and angsty, some miss opportunities to make the story more engaging. But overall, it is an entertaining and enjoyable story and I quite liked it.
July 31, 2019
this book is reminded me of HANA KIMI, very much!
I love it.
it’s Just that .. the bully actions thing was disturbed me so much.
how could Broward done such a thing to Kris even tho he already knew that Kris is a GIRL? O.o
oh boy, u gotta re-arranged your priority. Not just you but your other friends too. bleh!
Sweet ending. couldn’t expect better than that :D
I love it.
it’s Just that .. the bully actions thing was disturbed me so much.
how could Broward done such a thing to Kris even tho he already knew that Kris is a GIRL? O.o
oh boy, u gotta re-arranged your priority. Not just you but your other friends too. bleh!
Sweet ending. couldn’t expect better than that :D
January 25, 2016
Take Alanna (5 stars). Take out all the worldbuilding (–1 star). Take out all the plot (–1 star). Fill in all that space with crushes and romance and swoon (–1 star). The Academy is roughly what's left.
What a disappointment. The premise is that the heroine takes her brother's place at a quasi-military academy because she doesn't want to get married (yet) and he doesn't want to fly spaceships. Okay, so far so good. The characters...
Although there are a handful of side characters, only four characters get any real space:
Kristina, aka Kris. Masquerading as male, which mostly means binding her chest and gasping that she can't possibly be expected to shower with other people and screaming for help every time somebody threatens her physically. Mind, nobody ever actually does guess her secret, but they do all think she's flamingly gay. (Of course, everyone here seems to think everyone else is flamingly gay, so...)
North, aka Loverboy. Quite entertaining initially, because he found Kris so obviously irritating. Has a tortured soul. Wins points because, when he falls for Kris, he fairly quickly and quietly gets over the fact that Kris is (he thinks) male.
The bully, whose name I have already forgotten but who is conveniently often referred to as...you guessed it. The bully. (Can't you just see Kris's self-righteously indignant pout?) Wannabe rapist, maimer, and murderer. Literally tries to do all three at various points in time. Zero characterisation beyond Bad.
The gay best friend, whose name I have also already forgotten. Unlike Kris, actually is flamingly gay. Doesn't really have a personality/role beyond that, which is probably why I don't recall his name.
But what *happens*? you say.
Well, despite not having any formal education and being put two grade levels ahead of where someone her age should be, Kris immediately aces all her classes except gym (which—despite the vaguely futuristic setting; they're all living on moons and so on—literally consists of things like dodgeball and basketball), and once that's settled, we pretty much never hear about classwork again because she's too busy being in love with her roommate. There is romance. There are minor shenanigans related to her being secretly female. There's a bully. And there's more romance. That's it.
That's *it*? you say. But—what about the plot? Surely there's some kind of intergalactic war brewing or something.
Nope.
Well—collaborative efforts as part of their training to become starship captains? Scenarios where they're tearing around the moon in their spaceships? Intense physical training?
Were you not listening when I said they played dodgeball?
At least some kind of quest or thing to accomplish?
There's a penis-obsessed bully to be vanquished. There's love to fight valiantly but ultimately succumb to. There's angst and soul-wrenching guilt, or something like that.
...right.
Indeed. I should not have read this on a day when I had no caffeine.
What a disappointment. The premise is that the heroine takes her brother's place at a quasi-military academy because she doesn't want to get married (yet) and he doesn't want to fly spaceships. Okay, so far so good. The characters...
Although there are a handful of side characters, only four characters get any real space:
Kristina, aka Kris. Masquerading as male, which mostly means binding her chest and gasping that she can't possibly be expected to shower with other people and screaming for help every time somebody threatens her physically. Mind, nobody ever actually does guess her secret, but they do all think she's flamingly gay. (Of course, everyone here seems to think everyone else is flamingly gay, so...)
North, aka Loverboy. Quite entertaining initially, because he found Kris so obviously irritating. Has a tortured soul. Wins points because, when he falls for Kris, he fairly quickly and quietly gets over the fact that Kris is (he thinks) male.
The bully, whose name I have already forgotten but who is conveniently often referred to as...you guessed it. The bully. (Can't you just see Kris's self-righteously indignant pout?) Wannabe rapist, maimer, and murderer. Literally tries to do all three at various points in time. Zero characterisation beyond Bad.
The gay best friend, whose name I have also already forgotten. Unlike Kris, actually is flamingly gay. Doesn't really have a personality/role beyond that, which is probably why I don't recall his name.
But what *happens*? you say.
Well, despite not having any formal education and being put two grade levels ahead of where someone her age should be, Kris immediately aces all her classes except gym (which—despite the vaguely futuristic setting; they're all living on moons and so on—literally consists of things like dodgeball and basketball), and once that's settled, we pretty much never hear about classwork again because she's too busy being in love with her roommate. There is romance. There are minor shenanigans related to her being secretly female. There's a bully. And there's more romance. That's it.
That's *it*? you say. But—what about the plot? Surely there's some kind of intergalactic war brewing or something.
Nope.
Well—collaborative efforts as part of their training to become starship captains? Scenarios where they're tearing around the moon in their spaceships? Intense physical training?
Were you not listening when I said they played dodgeball?
At least some kind of quest or thing to accomplish?
There's a penis-obsessed bully to be vanquished. There's love to fight valiantly but ultimately succumb to. There's angst and soul-wrenching guilt, or something like that.
...right.
Indeed. I should not have read this on a day when I had no caffeine.
January 15, 2013
Damn, this book is made of pure awesome!
This is one of those days wherein I get to thank my goodreads friends again because I never would've found out about this book without them soooo.. thanks!
Reading THE ACADEMY has it's perks. Here are some of them:
✔A girl posing as a guy? Come on! Tell me you're not at least a bit interested in that!
✔There's sci fi parts
✔There's medieval times parts (historical or something)
✔You get to read about an all boys school (I don't see many books with this kind of setup)
✔Scenes are just soooo cute you could just squeal!
✔The girl may not be kickass, but she's smart! So you know, it makes up for her lack of strength.
✔You root for the girl errmm.. guy!
✔You keep on rooting for her errrmm him and yet you want to bash HER head because SHE doesn't wanna say that she's a SHHEEEEEE!!!!
This novel has a very interesting plot and setting. It' set to be in a very futuristic era, but then there are places wherein it's very old fashioned. When I say old fashioned, it's OLD OLD.. like Victorian times or something. It's fascinating, really. What lured me here is its striking resemblance of the plot of HANA KIMI, a japanese series.
You see... they are also room mates and the guy also felt the need to protect the girl posing as a guy. Maybe the only difference is that no one wants to kill the girl in Hana Kimi. Oh well.
--I'm actually amazed by North's character. He was questioning his sexuality and he was going crazy with it. When he couldn't take it anymore, he practically threw himself to Kris when they were on a break. To be honest, I loved that scene! ahhaha! that was plain precious! ^__^
If by some miracle, Kris turns out to be Asian, this is what she'd look like to me..
and they'd look like this:
awwwww...
Anyway.. I had fun reading this. I was laughing out loud at some point because hey, her hardships as a poser is such a hilarious thing to read about and imagine. It's very light hearted and even if there are serious scenes, it's still totally cute. I guarantee a happy ending too! So everyone! Let's read this! ^________^
This is one of those days wherein I get to thank my goodreads friends again because I never would've found out about this book without them soooo.. thanks!
Reading THE ACADEMY has it's perks. Here are some of them:
✔A girl posing as a guy? Come on! Tell me you're not at least a bit interested in that!
✔There's sci fi parts
✔There's medieval times parts (historical or something)
✔You get to read about an all boys school (I don't see many books with this kind of setup)
✔Scenes are just soooo cute you could just squeal!
✔The girl may not be kickass, but she's smart! So you know, it makes up for her lack of strength.
✔You root for the girl errmm.. guy!
✔You keep on rooting for her errrmm him and yet you want to bash HER head because SHE doesn't wanna say that she's a SHHEEEEEE!!!!
This novel has a very interesting plot and setting. It' set to be in a very futuristic era, but then there are places wherein it's very old fashioned. When I say old fashioned, it's OLD OLD.. like Victorian times or something. It's fascinating, really. What lured me here is its striking resemblance of the plot of HANA KIMI, a japanese series.
You see... they are also room mates and the guy also felt the need to protect the girl posing as a guy. Maybe the only difference is that no one wants to kill the girl in Hana Kimi. Oh well.
--I'm actually amazed by North's character. He was questioning his sexuality and he was going crazy with it. When he couldn't take it anymore, he practically threw himself to Kris when they were on a break. To be honest, I loved that scene! ahhaha! that was plain precious! ^__^
If by some miracle, Kris turns out to be Asian, this is what she'd look like to me..
and they'd look like this:
awwwww...
Anyway.. I had fun reading this. I was laughing out loud at some point because hey, her hardships as a poser is such a hilarious thing to read about and imagine. It's very light hearted and even if there are serious scenes, it's still totally cute. I guarantee a happy ending too! So everyone! Let's read this! ^________^
October 8, 2012
This book was awesome!! It reminded me of She's the Man. I had everything that I like in a book, romance, science fiction and fantasy. The characters were well written; in the beginning I didn't really like North because he was really mean to Kristina AKA Kris, but after knowing his background I started to like him. Kristina was a strong, loyal and brave character, which you don't really find in novels these days. I totally did not like the mean characters but what's to like about them, they are the mean characters. The plot was really unique, a lot of brothers and sisters don't get along well in the real world, so it was cute that Kris and Kristina did. This was also my first book that I read that took place in a boarding school, so that was interesting as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, science fiction and fantasy!!
My type of North:
My type of Kristina/Kris:
My type of North:
My type of Kristina/Kris:
December 22, 2017
I loved this book. It was sweet, with a lot going on. I loved Norths character he's loyal, passionate, caring, considerate he helped and protected Kris even before he knew the truth about her. Kris was my second favorite she also is loyal, smart, caring, and a good person with goals and aspirations. Her father is a complete pick, the character you love to hate. I think the only thing I might have liked, is the book to have gone into life on the ship a bit, along with their lives together. Excellent book though. I have enjoyed all of Evangeline Anderson's books I've read so far, great Author.
February 25, 2022
It's not a complete 5 stars, but I enjoyed it more than other books I've given 4 stars, so I wanted to the rating to reflect that. Also, not that the book was short, but I would have loved it to be longer. I didn't want it to end.
Normally, I stay far away from Young Adult (no sex scenes hello!), but for Evangeline Anderson, I can read YA. This book showed that Evangeline can still write a good book without any sex in it. I was still hoping at the very end there would be a sex scene in it, even though it is YA, but there wasn't. I was thinking to myself how this would be 5 stars with a sex scene lmao.
Anyway, the sexual tension between Kristina and North was so good, and North was quite dreamy. He's going on my hero hall of fame shelf, which is pretty special. I liked the boarding school/high school daily life and vibes and their going to bed scenes.
It was a cute read I just wish it was longer (and had a sex scene lol). Also, I KNEW
I hope Evangeline Anderson writes more standalone books like this one and Planet X.
Normally, I stay far away from Young Adult (no sex scenes hello!), but for Evangeline Anderson, I can read YA. This book showed that Evangeline can still write a good book without any sex in it. I was still hoping at the very end there would be a sex scene in it, even though it is YA, but there wasn't. I was thinking to myself how this would be 5 stars with a sex scene lmao.
Anyway, the sexual tension between Kristina and North was so good, and North was quite dreamy. He's going on my hero hall of fame shelf, which is pretty special. I liked the boarding school/high school daily life and vibes and their going to bed scenes.
It was a cute read I just wish it was longer (and had a sex scene lol). Also, I KNEW
I hope Evangeline Anderson writes more standalone books like this one and Planet X.
September 1, 2012
Haa!!
Buen Libro,El Libro Me Recuerda MUCHISIMO A la Pelicula "She's The Man".
!RECOMENDADO!
*solo si estas ABURRIDA y no tienes otro libro que leer!!! :D
Buen Libro,El Libro Me Recuerda MUCHISIMO A la Pelicula "She's The Man".
!RECOMENDADO!
*solo si estas ABURRIDA y no tienes otro libro que leer!!! :D
August 6, 2012
This is a love story about a girl, whose love and devotion to her twin brother lead her to pose as a boy in all boys school in a futuristic world very similar to our own. Some previous unknown tragedy lead people from earth to abandoned their plant and seek out an existance in another solar system. Through this move women seemed to have lost their rights or standing in society and backslid into a more Victorian existence where women could be viewed more as property and corporal punishment seem to be common place.
Through her deception she is introduced to North, her male roommate, who through his own tragedy feels protective of her. I liked that this novel dealt with falling in love with a person and crossed boundries between what you think you're supposed to feel for someone and what actually makes you love someone. Does real love really transcend sexuality? We got a glimpse at a young man as he tried to deal with these feelings and a young woman who is trying to be herself while posing as someone else and the loyalty she feels for her brother conflicting with the betrayal she also feels she is perpetrating to her new friends.
Definately not a tween book, but would recommend to a young adult. Can't wait for more by this author.
Through her deception she is introduced to North, her male roommate, who through his own tragedy feels protective of her. I liked that this novel dealt with falling in love with a person and crossed boundries between what you think you're supposed to feel for someone and what actually makes you love someone. Does real love really transcend sexuality? We got a glimpse at a young man as he tried to deal with these feelings and a young woman who is trying to be herself while posing as someone else and the loyalty she feels for her brother conflicting with the betrayal she also feels she is perpetrating to her new friends.
Definately not a tween book, but would recommend to a young adult. Can't wait for more by this author.
August 8, 2012
To start, the author has decided to set the story in the future and in space. a bizarre choice to say the least. I actually thought it was really unnecessary, I mean she had a lot going with the idea of a girl going into an all boys school...oh well.
The other thing that you may notice is that there are many elements from Japanese anime and manga. The story itself is like (Hana kimi)in which a girl also moves into an all boys school. A lot of the insults are known ones from anime. The surprises, events and especially the setting of the story are what you call staples in manga storytelling.
While it did take me a while to get used to the writing style and all the obvious anime influence. I did actually enjoy the story. The main character was somehow both the top other class and the most gullible creature you could ever face, but I guess that's just another thing you have to take as it is.
I almost gave this book 2.5 stars maybe even 3 because it was fun. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the book and the last line specifically just ruined everything.
The other thing that you may notice is that there are many elements from Japanese anime and manga. The story itself is like (Hana kimi)in which a girl also moves into an all boys school. A lot of the insults are known ones from anime. The surprises, events and especially the setting of the story are what you call staples in manga storytelling.
While it did take me a while to get used to the writing style and all the obvious anime influence. I did actually enjoy the story. The main character was somehow both the top other class and the most gullible creature you could ever face, but I guess that's just another thing you have to take as it is.
I almost gave this book 2.5 stars maybe even 3 because it was fun. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the book and the last line specifically just ruined everything.
August 13, 2013
Welcome to a hard review for me. THE ACADEMY is basically a futuristic version of TWELFTH NIGHT (or for the non-Shakespearean fans, SHE'S THE MAN starring Amanda Bynes, which I love to pieces don't you say anything bad about it). The thing is that aside from some cool tech mentions and scifi trappings Andrews made Kris(tina), our main character, come from a province that adheres to Victorian principles. They're even referred to that way. Modesty, chastity, women can't do cool things like fly a ship, women are the property of their fathers/husbands, etc etc.
This felt a bit like a cop out to me. I can see why Andrews would go this route--it set groundwork as to why Kristina and her brother Kristopher would trade places, why they would risk so much, why they felt there was no other viable option. Later when Kris(tina) is in the Academy it gave her an easy excuse as to why she didn't want to undress in front of guys or take showers with them or spoke so formally.
Kris's roommate (and love interest) North comes up with half a dozen different reasons (reasonable and otherwise) why Kris would be so reluctant to behave like the other guys. All of which she insists, repeatedly, aren't true. I feel like one of those options would have been preferable to simply reading over and over again that she was embarrassed and modest.
There's also the matter of how same-sex relationships are handled in the book. Its an all boys' school with a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. A couple characters are clear on gay; Wilkinson, Kris' only friend (more or less), and 'Kinky' Hinks, assistant to the Headmaster. Both come off initially as being predatory, but later actions prove them to be otherwise. Still a bit too stereotypical for me though.
As is common in these stories the love interest finds himself reluctantly falling in love with our hero(ine) and wrestling with the fact this previously Manly Man is into...well guys (or a guy at least). No one knows of Kris' ruse, and there aren't any women to try to wrestle North away from her so instead we're dealing with North's past. Its a hard past and one that Andrews handles carefully. I did rather find but it was kind of sweet.
The world-building is too shallow for me to feel the urgency that Kris seems to feel and I'm a bit put out that my favorite character (Wilkinson) just kind of...disappears without so much as a mention at the end . It sounds like I'm hating on this book, but I did enjoy it as a quick, light read.
And while I can understand Andrews worked herself into a corner in regards as to what to do with Kris the ending is kind of a Deus Ex Machina Hammer.
This felt a bit like a cop out to me. I can see why Andrews would go this route--it set groundwork as to why Kristina and her brother Kristopher would trade places, why they would risk so much, why they felt there was no other viable option. Later when Kris(tina) is in the Academy it gave her an easy excuse as to why she didn't want to undress in front of guys or take showers with them or spoke so formally.
Kris's roommate (and love interest) North comes up with half a dozen different reasons (reasonable and otherwise) why Kris would be so reluctant to behave like the other guys. All of which she insists, repeatedly, aren't true. I feel like one of those options would have been preferable to simply reading over and over again that she was embarrassed and modest.
There's also the matter of how same-sex relationships are handled in the book. Its an all boys' school with a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. A couple characters are clear on gay; Wilkinson, Kris' only friend (more or less), and 'Kinky' Hinks, assistant to the Headmaster. Both come off initially as being predatory, but later actions prove them to be otherwise. Still a bit too stereotypical for me though.
As is common in these stories the love interest finds himself reluctantly falling in love with our hero(ine) and wrestling with the fact this previously Manly Man is into...well guys (or a guy at least). No one knows of Kris' ruse, and there aren't any women to try to wrestle North away from her so instead we're dealing with North's past. Its a hard past and one that Andrews handles carefully. I did rather find but it was kind of sweet.
The world-building is too shallow for me to feel the urgency that Kris seems to feel and I'm a bit put out that my favorite character (Wilkinson) just kind of...disappears without so much as a mention at the end . It sounds like I'm hating on this book, but I did enjoy it as a quick, light read.
And while I can understand Andrews worked herself into a corner in regards as to what to do with Kris the ending is kind of a Deus Ex Machina Hammer.
August 20, 2012
Kris Jameson has a family name to uphold. Admiral Jameson expects his child to graduate from the prestigious "Royal Academy" and enlist in the military as generations of Jameson's have always done. Things seem simple as Kris is a top notch student who consistently has high honors. Graduation should be a breeze if the school bully and 'Ice Prince' roommate don't have Kris leaving first.
This is a YA read that goes to the top of my list in terms of story line presentation and development with a kick ass plot. The central characters and futuristic world building created by this author are suburb. It's the kind of book I find myself screaming at my e reader because the suspense at certain parts of the story are that frustrating and intense. I appreciated the twists and turns that occurred but that doesn't mean I didn't want to jump into the pages and put in my own two cents worth. Darn fictional characters who don't do the right or proper thing in a timely and/or efficient manner.....
There is a romance element to this book but it's not the main focus of the story. There are secrets to reveal and adventures to be taken before the two main characters can even remotely think about a HEA if it even occurs. But no spoilers from me there.
Really outstanding book that any teen reader would love to read or the adult that loves a good book without the sexual content.
This is a YA read that goes to the top of my list in terms of story line presentation and development with a kick ass plot. The central characters and futuristic world building created by this author are suburb. It's the kind of book I find myself screaming at my e reader because the suspense at certain parts of the story are that frustrating and intense. I appreciated the twists and turns that occurred but that doesn't mean I didn't want to jump into the pages and put in my own two cents worth. Darn fictional characters who don't do the right or proper thing in a timely and/or efficient manner.....
There is a romance element to this book but it's not the main focus of the story. There are secrets to reveal and adventures to be taken before the two main characters can even remotely think about a HEA if it even occurs. But no spoilers from me there.
Really outstanding book that any teen reader would love to read or the adult that loves a good book without the sexual content.
July 22, 2019
Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
She's the Man... in space... with a truly delectably, blue-eyed boy? Yes please. Sign me up.
Oh man it was great. And the heartstrings were bleeding for poor North (Daniel... seriously, can he GET any hotter?) all the damned time. I just wanted to hug his big-ass, sexy, confused, self-doubting self. Ugh. His developing relationship with Kris (who was faboosh) was endearing, heartbreaking and angsty to the max all at once - just the way I like it.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
It's official. I'm devouring everything she ever writes, no matter the name on the book. Holy cow I love love loved this. It's no Kindred, but man oh man.
It's a quickie, but it's fab. All the best elements from those awesome girlie teen movies you just can't give up, no matter how old you get. Give it a read.
Reread: December 8, 2013
She's the Man... in space... with a truly delectably, blue-eyed boy? Yes please. Sign me up.
Oh man it was great. And the heartstrings were bleeding for poor North (Daniel... seriously, can he GET any hotter?) all the damned time. I just wanted to hug his big-ass, sexy, confused, self-doubting self. Ugh. His developing relationship with Kris (who was faboosh) was endearing, heartbreaking and angsty to the max all at once - just the way I like it.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
It's official. I'm devouring everything she ever writes, no matter the name on the book. Holy cow I love love loved this. It's no Kindred, but man oh man.
It's a quickie, but it's fab. All the best elements from those awesome girlie teen movies you just can't give up, no matter how old you get. Give it a read.
Reread: December 8, 2013
July 2, 2015
This was AWESOME! The time I spent away from this book, while part-way through, was torture. My mind had taken flight with a different ending, but the way the story wrapped up was satisfactory. I really think more can be squeezed out of this world - that Andrews has only scooped part way into the ice-cream carton. I really hope to see a sequel!
I recommend this to everyone :)
I recommend this to everyone :)
June 24, 2015
3.5 stars
February 8, 2024
Eh... not worth the time spent reading it. Little substance to the worldbuilding and an equally flimsy plot, and the characters were a bunch of walking stereotypes with precisely one character trait each, acting like a particularly idiotic bunch of 14-year-olds.
September 30, 2021
If I've read this book about 15 years ago, my teen self will be sooo excited. Now in my 30s, I still loved it! Futuristic/ Dystopian stories aren't my favorite ones, but Emmaline Andrews created a unique world, that somehow has a lot of the current society issues we are facing... Daniel and Kris had amazing chemistry and their story had such a sweet epilogue! I LOVED it!
November 19, 2015
It's like Hana Kimi/ coffee prince. A girl in an all boy school can only mean one thing, trouble. I like how the tension is built in this gender bender romance. It brings love to brief asexual standpoint in where it drives on pure emotion.
January 8, 2023
3.5
“She may be a liar but she’s not a whore.”-- well i'm both... sorry 😔
“She may be a liar but she’s not a whore.”-- well i'm both... sorry 😔
September 5, 2021
RE- LECTURA:
De verdad que esta muy difícil encontrar libros con ésta temática, de chica se hace pasar por chico en una academia solo de varones. Ame esta relectura, es una historia sencilla, pero ambientada en un mundo super original, las escenas de ambos juntos mientras North pensaba que Kris era un chico fueron mis favoritas. Una vez más disfrute esta lectura, va perfecto para leer después de una resaca literaria u algún bloqueo lector. 💓
_________________________________________
PRIMERA REVIEW:
Si haz visto Kdramas sabras de lo que hablare a continuación.
You are beautiful.
Luz de luna pintada en las nubes.
Son dramas de chicas que se disfrazan de chicos y siempre quize leer un libro sobre ese tema. Pero nunca halle alguno.
Hasta que llego este y sinceramente yo no esperaba la gran cosa. PERO vaya puñetazo en la cara que me lleve. Porque el libro esta increible.
La protagonista es Kris quien lleva de manera fluida la historia del libro.
Sin duda lo que más destaca es Kris y North la pareja del libro. Esque joder J O D E R me encantaron!
Una cosa importante es que este libro se ubica en un futuro en el que la tierra ya no existe y habitan en otros planetas. Y me quede con ganas de saber más cosas sobre estos.
La historia tiene todo y algo que aprecie demasiado es que es hilarante. Me reia demasiado con las cosas que pasaba Kris en la academia ya que ella era mujer.
Otra cosa es que el libro era algo realista en ciertos temas y eso le agrego credibilidad al libro.
En fin una GRAN HISTORIA que mega recomiendo leer o no saben de lo que se pierden.
Y completamente rapido de leer! Lo empece hoy y lo acabe en este mismo día. Ademas me ayudo con mi bloqueo de lector. Seguramente lea más libros de esta autora en el futuro ;)
PD1: Posible Spoiler
!#####@@@#####@########
El final fue genial pero apresurado y no me sorprendio ya que es algo que me esperaba.. Solo eso y unos detallitos por algunas partes de la historia que no me acabaron de convencer me hicieron no poner sus 5 estrellas, por lo demas el libro esta genial!
De verdad que esta muy difícil encontrar libros con ésta temática, de chica se hace pasar por chico en una academia solo de varones. Ame esta relectura, es una historia sencilla, pero ambientada en un mundo super original, las escenas de ambos juntos mientras North pensaba que Kris era un chico fueron mis favoritas. Una vez más disfrute esta lectura, va perfecto para leer después de una resaca literaria u algún bloqueo lector. 💓
_________________________________________
PRIMERA REVIEW:
Si haz visto Kdramas sabras de lo que hablare a continuación.
You are beautiful.
Luz de luna pintada en las nubes.
Son dramas de chicas que se disfrazan de chicos y siempre quize leer un libro sobre ese tema. Pero nunca halle alguno.
Hasta que llego este y sinceramente yo no esperaba la gran cosa. PERO vaya puñetazo en la cara que me lleve. Porque el libro esta increible.
La protagonista es Kris quien lleva de manera fluida la historia del libro.
Sin duda lo que más destaca es Kris y North la pareja del libro. Esque joder J O D E R me encantaron!
Una cosa importante es que este libro se ubica en un futuro en el que la tierra ya no existe y habitan en otros planetas. Y me quede con ganas de saber más cosas sobre estos.
La historia tiene todo y algo que aprecie demasiado es que es hilarante. Me reia demasiado con las cosas que pasaba Kris en la academia ya que ella era mujer.
Otra cosa es que el libro era algo realista en ciertos temas y eso le agrego credibilidad al libro.
En fin una GRAN HISTORIA que mega recomiendo leer o no saben de lo que se pierden.
Y completamente rapido de leer! Lo empece hoy y lo acabe en este mismo día. Ademas me ayudo con mi bloqueo de lector. Seguramente lea más libros de esta autora en el futuro ;)
PD1: Posible Spoiler
!#####@@@#####@########
El final fue genial pero apresurado y no me sorprendio ya que es algo que me esperaba.. Solo eso y unos detallitos por algunas partes de la historia que no me acabaron de convencer me hicieron no poner sus 5 estrellas, por lo demas el libro esta genial!
September 1, 2012
This is a unique slightly gender bender story that will leave you wanting more.
I loved the storyline and the problems presented while pretending to be a boy in an all boys academy. The setting was also very interesting in that it was a futuristic setting with a few old fashioned ideas.
The twists and turns in the story really kept me on the edge of my seat. I also had a great time laughing at the hilarious incidents she got herself into.
The romance in this story was sweet and not too overdone. It is perfect for teenagers looking for some action and a provocative coming of age novel without a lot of adult content.
This story also deals with a lot of issues such as gender roles and bullying. Which is what we all deal with a t some point growing up and
I really liked the way she handled it in this book.
The characters were fun and interesting. I had a great time getting to know them all.
The relationship between Kris and her twin brother was endearing and the reader could really see the love there. They were both going to be thrust into a world that neither wanted and instead of just going along with this they decided to do something about it.
Kris is a strong and courageous young woman who fights for what she wants. She doesn’t have the best social skills and because of this gets into a lot of trouble. She stands up for herself and doesn’t let it get in the way of her dreams, which is what I admire about her.
North is somewhat standoffish at first, but deep down he has a heart of gold. He is a fun character and I loved seeing the different sides of him. I loved the parts where he questioned himself because of Kris (not knowing she was a girl).
All in all this is a wonderful story that I would recommend to all ages and to anyone who enjoys a provocative coming of age story.
I loved the storyline and the problems presented while pretending to be a boy in an all boys academy. The setting was also very interesting in that it was a futuristic setting with a few old fashioned ideas.
The twists and turns in the story really kept me on the edge of my seat. I also had a great time laughing at the hilarious incidents she got herself into.
The romance in this story was sweet and not too overdone. It is perfect for teenagers looking for some action and a provocative coming of age novel without a lot of adult content.
This story also deals with a lot of issues such as gender roles and bullying. Which is what we all deal with a t some point growing up and
I really liked the way she handled it in this book.
The characters were fun and interesting. I had a great time getting to know them all.
The relationship between Kris and her twin brother was endearing and the reader could really see the love there. They were both going to be thrust into a world that neither wanted and instead of just going along with this they decided to do something about it.
Kris is a strong and courageous young woman who fights for what she wants. She doesn’t have the best social skills and because of this gets into a lot of trouble. She stands up for herself and doesn’t let it get in the way of her dreams, which is what I admire about her.
North is somewhat standoffish at first, but deep down he has a heart of gold. He is a fun character and I loved seeing the different sides of him. I loved the parts where he questioned himself because of Kris (not knowing she was a girl).
All in all this is a wonderful story that I would recommend to all ages and to anyone who enjoys a provocative coming of age story.
March 22, 2013
Reviewed on Blog
Kris(tina) – Growing up in a society where girls are no more than delicate creatures is tough, it’s even tougher when you know how things could’ve been and had been in the past on the Earth-that-was. Kristina hates how she is unable to learn and go to school like her brother. She wants to become a navigator on a ship but being a girl means she’s stuck at home. Kristina says what she thinks and doesn’t back down, which gets her in a hot spot or two.
Kris(topher) – Navigating is really not Kristopher’s passion, he wants to become a musician, but how can he if he’s busy at school? Having Kristina take his place is a great idea as long as no one gets hurt. In comparison to his sister Kristopher seems quite shy and sensitive. He’s not as confident as Kristina so when it comes to decision making he is easily persuaded and overpowered by her.
North (Hot guy with a PAST) – Having had to repeat a year of school, North is in Kristina’s year. Or Kris’ year he thought. I wasn’t a fan of North at the start as he seems like the kind of person who is constantly angry and gets irritated quickly, but by the end of the book I too was in love with him! Understanding his past (when he does actually finally let it all out) is a great leap towards understanding his behaviour and from there on it’s just a step to falling in love with him.
The Academy is set in the future in space yet it does contain some old fashioned ideas. Kristina and Kristopher are twins, so when Kristopher decides that he doesn’t want to go to boarding school Kristina takes his place and becomes ‘Kris’. Easy right?
Errr… NO.
Not one there’s a bully out to get you for walking in on an awkward situation and a hot guy who you can’t help but fall in love with but who just happens to think you’re a boy too.
Kris(tina) – Growing up in a society where girls are no more than delicate creatures is tough, it’s even tougher when you know how things could’ve been and had been in the past on the Earth-that-was. Kristina hates how she is unable to learn and go to school like her brother. She wants to become a navigator on a ship but being a girl means she’s stuck at home. Kristina says what she thinks and doesn’t back down, which gets her in a hot spot or two.
Kris(topher) – Navigating is really not Kristopher’s passion, he wants to become a musician, but how can he if he’s busy at school? Having Kristina take his place is a great idea as long as no one gets hurt. In comparison to his sister Kristopher seems quite shy and sensitive. He’s not as confident as Kristina so when it comes to decision making he is easily persuaded and overpowered by her.
North (Hot guy with a PAST) – Having had to repeat a year of school, North is in Kristina’s year. Or Kris’ year he thought. I wasn’t a fan of North at the start as he seems like the kind of person who is constantly angry and gets irritated quickly, but by the end of the book I too was in love with him! Understanding his past (when he does actually finally let it all out) is a great leap towards understanding his behaviour and from there on it’s just a step to falling in love with him.
The Academy is set in the future in space yet it does contain some old fashioned ideas. Kristina and Kristopher are twins, so when Kristopher decides that he doesn’t want to go to boarding school Kristina takes his place and becomes ‘Kris’. Easy right?
Errr… NO.
Not one there’s a bully out to get you for walking in on an awkward situation and a hot guy who you can’t help but fall in love with but who just happens to think you’re a boy too.
August 5, 2016
There I was, blissfully enjoying this relatively fun, light, genderbender, er, "sci-fi" romance book.... When all of a sudden, I was in the middle of a intergalactic Gothic romance novel. WTH.
Which was a shame because I was enjoying the shenanigans of our main characters. I have always, always been a sucker for these girl-pretending-to-be-a-boy-in-an-all-boys-school tropes (blame my high school addiction to Fictionpress' "False Facades"). I've always had an unholy enjoyment watching these manly man heroes squirm because of doubting their sexuality due to their unaccountable attraction to their mousy, girly "guy" roommates. I am not sorry. However, while I have seen a lot of out-of-this-world, why-the-hell-would-anyone-believe-this-was-possible resolutions for this type of story, this book would probably take the cake for being the most bizarre.
Well, I don't know what I expected coming into this book. It's not as if I read it for some glorious world building, or introspective self-actualization-inducing prose. Most of the time, I just ignored the whole sci-fi bit. Still, the awkward roommate and romantic vacation scenes were GOLD. So if you are looking for a funny and uncomplicated read that wouldn't require much (or anything) out of you, this should be it.
Which was a shame because I was enjoying the shenanigans of our main characters. I have always, always been a sucker for these girl-pretending-to-be-a-boy-in-an-all-boys-school tropes (blame my high school addiction to Fictionpress' "False Facades"). I've always had an unholy enjoyment watching these manly man heroes squirm because of doubting their sexuality due to their unaccountable attraction to their mousy, girly "guy" roommates. I am not sorry. However, while I have seen a lot of out-of-this-world, why-the-hell-would-anyone-believe-this-was-possible resolutions for this type of story, this book would probably take the cake for being the most bizarre.
Well, I don't know what I expected coming into this book. It's not as if I read it for some glorious world building, or introspective self-actualization-inducing prose. Most of the time, I just ignored the whole sci-fi bit. Still, the awkward roommate and romantic vacation scenes were GOLD. So if you are looking for a funny and uncomplicated read that wouldn't require much (or anything) out of you, this should be it.
February 15, 2015
Did you enjoy the movie "She's the Man" ? The one where Viola wanted so much to be a Soccer Player, so she went undercover as her brother Sebastian in order to play while he was off doing what he wanted. The Academy by Emmaline Andrews was similar , where twins Kristine and Kristopher have been home-schooled on their planet together and Kristine dreams of being a pilot and her brother dreams of being part of the orchestra. Upon their sixteenth birthday, they recieve a message from their father - the Admiral , that Kristopher must now attend the school in order to become a pilot as his results and test scores are amazing. The thing is that it's been his sister doing his work for him all along, so that he could practice more for the orchestra. So, th twins organise a plan that Kristine will disguise herself as a boy and take her brothers place. So the story begins and Kristine arrives on campus as Kris. She is then allocated a room with North and thus begins their friendships, but Kris has a secret as she is slowly developing feelings for North and North is now wondering if he is gay as he feels attracted to Kris as well. What will happen though when the truth is revealed ? What consequences and actions will await them when they are found out ?
Find out all this and more in this switched twin identity boarding school novel "The Academy"
Find out all this and more in this switched twin identity boarding school novel "The Academy"
August 7, 2012
Loved, loved, loved!!
Okay, where do I start? I was quite happy to have decided on this one for my next read, and half way through I knew there was no "putting it down". I read this one straight through and didnt look back! The story line is constantly changing and the further you read into the book the more you get emotionally invested in the story. Well, okay...you just fall in love with the characters! There are interesting character backgrounds, lots of action, twists and turns, secrets, turmoil and most of all LOVE!
Honestly, read it! You'll thoroughly enjoy it! I hope there is more to come!
Okay, where do I start? I was quite happy to have decided on this one for my next read, and half way through I knew there was no "putting it down". I read this one straight through and didnt look back! The story line is constantly changing and the further you read into the book the more you get emotionally invested in the story. Well, okay...you just fall in love with the characters! There are interesting character backgrounds, lots of action, twists and turns, secrets, turmoil and most of all LOVE!
Honestly, read it! You'll thoroughly enjoy it! I hope there is more to come!
January 6, 2017
This book was one of the best if not the best book I have ever read
I read it in one go and could not stop reading it
I hope emmaline Andrews writes another novel
Really loved this book
I would give it 10 stars if I could
Merged review:
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
I read it in one go and could not stop reading it
I hope emmaline Andrews writes another novel
Really loved this book
I would give it 10 stars if I could
Merged review:
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
August 23, 2015
fun read, but horribly predictable.
January 13, 2026
At First Sight: For many years, Kristina Jameson has enjoyed her life in the company of her sickly twin brother Kristopher, helping him with his studies and encouraging him to practice his violin, happy to remain off their father's radar.
But now that Kristopher is healthy again, their father Admiral Jameson wants him to go to the Royal Academy, excel in all his classes and promptly join the Space Corps upon graduation. To Kristopher this is like a death sentence, but for Kristina there is nothing she would like more.
Oh, she knows that as a female she has no chance of getting into the Corps, but she would love to learn to fly and navigate, and get out of from under her father's thumb once and for all. In a split second, Kristina convinces Kristopher to let her take his place at the Academy (while he goes off and tries to get into a prestigious orchestra).
It reeks of a bad plan, and no one is more surprised than Kris when she fools the headmaster and gets admitted but, as she realizes, that's only the beginning of her troubles. On the first day she caught the school's bully in a compromising situation, she's too small and not very strong and her roommate, North, keeps having to come to her rescue.
Second Glance: *deep sigh* I so wanted to like the Academy!! It was as if someone had wanted to make a book and make sure I would be all over it as it combined three of my ALL TIME FAVORITE tropes: a) Girl has to disguise as a boy, b) Space Academy, c) Boarding school. Yet, The Academy never quite works.
At the beginning we are quickly explained some of the rules of the world where the story takes place, but the explanation was a bit flimsy, and only trotted out when it served to remind us really-big-trouble Kris would get into if she got caught, but it was never really explored.
Kris is an awkward narrator and we are constantly told she's very 'modest', that in her hometown people just Don't Do That (like kissing until your married, piercing your ears, and a whole host of other things), and it quite frankly just sounds like whining after a while. She'seems like a very naive person - to the point that almost every other character she interacts with comments on it - and even her speak patterns are awkward because they are so formal and her sensibilities so victorian and then she just lets out a world of expression that is jarringly modern.
North was nice but he's also kind of too perfect, he fits his role of savior/love interest to a T and that makes him seem bland and cartoonish more often than not. That is, in fact the big problem with the book: everyone is both bland and cartoonish at the same time, particularly the villains of the story.
Bottom Line: The Academy was like a big, epic fanfic, I'm sad to say. It just lacked certain amount of polish to seem like truly profesional work. The idea of it is terrific - like I said, it appeals to some of my favorite plots and devices - but I didn't care for the execution. Did my soul die a little each time I read the book? Not at all, it was engaging, even if it irritated me from time to time, but I've seen these tropes been done successfully quite often, and this wasn't it.
But now that Kristopher is healthy again, their father Admiral Jameson wants him to go to the Royal Academy, excel in all his classes and promptly join the Space Corps upon graduation. To Kristopher this is like a death sentence, but for Kristina there is nothing she would like more.
Oh, she knows that as a female she has no chance of getting into the Corps, but she would love to learn to fly and navigate, and get out of from under her father's thumb once and for all. In a split second, Kristina convinces Kristopher to let her take his place at the Academy (while he goes off and tries to get into a prestigious orchestra).
It reeks of a bad plan, and no one is more surprised than Kris when she fools the headmaster and gets admitted but, as she realizes, that's only the beginning of her troubles. On the first day she caught the school's bully in a compromising situation, she's too small and not very strong and her roommate, North, keeps having to come to her rescue.
Second Glance: *deep sigh* I so wanted to like the Academy!! It was as if someone had wanted to make a book and make sure I would be all over it as it combined three of my ALL TIME FAVORITE tropes: a) Girl has to disguise as a boy, b) Space Academy, c) Boarding school. Yet, The Academy never quite works.
At the beginning we are quickly explained some of the rules of the world where the story takes place, but the explanation was a bit flimsy, and only trotted out when it served to remind us really-big-trouble Kris would get into if she got caught, but it was never really explored.
Kris is an awkward narrator and we are constantly told she's very 'modest', that in her hometown people just Don't Do That (like kissing until your married, piercing your ears, and a whole host of other things), and it quite frankly just sounds like whining after a while. She'seems like a very naive person - to the point that almost every other character she interacts with comments on it - and even her speak patterns are awkward because they are so formal and her sensibilities so victorian and then she just lets out a world of expression that is jarringly modern.
North was nice but he's also kind of too perfect, he fits his role of savior/love interest to a T and that makes him seem bland and cartoonish more often than not. That is, in fact the big problem with the book: everyone is both bland and cartoonish at the same time, particularly the villains of the story.
Bottom Line: The Academy was like a big, epic fanfic, I'm sad to say. It just lacked certain amount of polish to seem like truly profesional work. The idea of it is terrific - like I said, it appeals to some of my favorite plots and devices - but I didn't care for the execution. Did my soul die a little each time I read the book? Not at all, it was engaging, even if it irritated me from time to time, but I've seen these tropes been done successfully quite often, and this wasn't it.
October 25, 2014
There was so much promise here. I was so excited to read this book because I absolutely love the "girl disguised as a guy" plot. I sit on the edge of my seat waiting for the ultimate reveal of gender, the excitement of hiding one's identity, while usually falling in love.
The Academy was a somewhat disappointing read, probably because my expectations were so high. The first few chapters had a very stilted tone, although I understand that part of that was that their homeland is socially formal and that the author was conveying that through her writing.
I was also a little let down by the romance. I usually love that part. The girl falling in love but being unable to show her feelings without revealing herself. The guy feeling a friendship and then discovering love once the secret is out. Did that actually just happen? That was such a weird twist.
The ending also left me a little disappointed. I wanted her to be strong. To save herself. To fight her own battles. But once again she played the damsel in distress. Not that we don't all want a dashing knight to save us every once in a while. But I'd like to at least put up a fight or contribute to my own salvation.
Overall, I didn't dislike the book. I just didn't love it either. It had too many odd twists and didn't live up to my expectations. But it was still an easy, light read and was enjoyable.
The Academy was a somewhat disappointing read, probably because my expectations were so high. The first few chapters had a very stilted tone, although I understand that part of that was that their homeland is socially formal and that the author was conveying that through her writing.
I was also a little let down by the romance. I usually love that part. The girl falling in love but being unable to show her feelings without revealing herself. The guy feeling a friendship and then discovering love once the secret is out. Did that actually just happen? That was such a weird twist.
The ending also left me a little disappointed. I wanted her to be strong. To save herself. To fight her own battles. But once again she played the damsel in distress. Not that we don't all want a dashing knight to save us every once in a while. But I'd like to at least put up a fight or contribute to my own salvation.
Overall, I didn't dislike the book. I just didn't love it either. It had too many odd twists and didn't live up to my expectations. But it was still an easy, light read and was enjoyable.
February 27, 2013
This is straight up, brain-candy. Sugary, saturated fluffy yummy stuff. It's basically 'She's the Man' taking place in a misogynistic future. Seriously, One tomboyish heroine, check, one musically inclined twin brother, check, one sexy hot male roommate, check, and one forbidden, but not, love story, double check.
I'm not writing a summary for this...it's too blatantly obvious what's it's about. But, despite my high rating (which is coming purely from the fact that I'm a sucker about stories like this), there are some serious flaws. For one, the heroine was waaay too pure and sheltered for me. I guess I'm at the time in my life when naive and innocent heroines just make me want to slap them silly. There were also, too many situations that the author wrote as black and white...like the bully being evil, and the father for that matter. Whenever I read stories with such absolutes, I can't help but think that the author is too immature to portray human characters. And, lastly, what the hell was that ending!?! It's like a fanfiction wrap-up. The author clearly couldn't think of a way to conclude in a clean, timely manner and decided to just poop a whole lot of glop that randomly became a happy ending...*facepalm*
My contradictory review/rating, may have confused many of ya'll. It's not all that confusng. This was a fun book, but it's a whole lot of stupid too. The enjoyment factor makes this worth the 5 stars, but anyone who isn't fond of the premise, should avoid this like the plague.
I'm not writing a summary for this...it's too blatantly obvious what's it's about. But, despite my high rating (which is coming purely from the fact that I'm a sucker about stories like this), there are some serious flaws. For one, the heroine was waaay too pure and sheltered for me. I guess I'm at the time in my life when naive and innocent heroines just make me want to slap them silly. There were also, too many situations that the author wrote as black and white...like the bully being evil, and the father for that matter. Whenever I read stories with such absolutes, I can't help but think that the author is too immature to portray human characters. And, lastly, what the hell was that ending!?! It's like a fanfiction wrap-up. The author clearly couldn't think of a way to conclude in a clean, timely manner and decided to just poop a whole lot of glop that randomly became a happy ending...*facepalm*
My contradictory review/rating, may have confused many of ya'll. It's not all that confusng. This was a fun book, but it's a whole lot of stupid too. The enjoyment factor makes this worth the 5 stars, but anyone who isn't fond of the premise, should avoid this like the plague.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews