good LitRPG
This is a standard bully academy urban fantasy with a kitchen sink of paranormals, including aliens called Elusussians. Growing up human and taking on a restaurant job has not helped Lora when she gets attacked and then ‘saved’....only to be given a choice between prison (hey, she was the victim here!) and a military academy for paranormals.
The writing is not outstandingly beautiful, but the plain prose style works for this kind of story. What really elevates the novel is how polite Lora can be; it’s so refreshing! While under duress to complete a set of trials to decide who can actually attend the academy:
“I thought an introduction was in order, though time was ticking away, and I’d wasted loads of it already. “Saffron, this is Vil – Vil, Saffron.”
What holds this book back:
⁃ The story doesn’t really start for me until 33% or more.
⁃ I felt unengaged until 50% of the book because it feels like this is just a setup.
⁃ The trials themselves don’t promote character development, at least for any secondary characters. None of the secondary characters breached the realm of 3 dimensionality.
The Romance:
I hesitate to call it a paranormal romance. It seems like every guy she meets is hawt with a capital H, which is a teaser, but you would think she would become immune to their looks over time. The plot overshadows any attraction, though.
💘 There is the telepathic Sebastian, a Hulk-like mage, who rivals her.
💘 Or Vil, the gorgeous Elusussian...he lacks any kind of description for me
💘 Or the teaching assistant, another Elusussian, Art
-- and so on.
It does remind me of a favorite, unfinished series by A&A Kirk. At the time, I loved the formulaic chapters and strange take on Snow White surrounded by her superheroes...and I see possibilities here.
The world:
Magic is used to replace technology. For example, there is a flying drone that Lori names Maximus. Food at the cafeteria is ordered through a virtual menu. It should seem familiar even as new supernaturals are introduced.
There is so much emphasis upon the trials, I realized this is a long evolution into overcoming one’s fears. It’s plot-heavy and not a romance.