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Firstborn Academy: The Complete Trilogy: Firstborn Academy, Book 1, 2, 3
Humans are prey. Holding off the hunters will require falling in with the enemy.
The invaders didn’t come in spaceships. They stepped through a glowing portal and brought death and magic to humankind…
Fifty years later, the surviving humans are little more than prey. Prey that huddles in their ruined cities, dependent on the mercy of unseen benefactors.
But the price for that mercy—for survival—is surrendering every firstborn to a fate unknown. And today is Nova’s turn.
Once a firstborn steps through the portal, all anyone is sure of is that they’re never seen again. But Nova is determined not to fail in her duty—either the one assigned to her at birth, or the one she assigned herself. Because in the deepest, darkest chamber of her heart, she’s sworn to do whatever is necessary to survive, observe, and play the game until she can show these supposed benefactors the same brand of mercy they’ve offered her people.
Yet what she discovers on the other side is unlike any of the hundreds of scenarios she’s had seventeen years to conjure up. And by the time the pieces begin to make sense, she realizes the truth is far darker than anyone back home comprehends.
And worse, that the ruthless enemies she’s grown up hating might just be the key to saving what remains of her world.
A fresh and gripping fantasy world packed with thrilling intrigue and adventure, heart-pounding action, clean romance, new and ancient monsters, and characters you’ll fall for.
The invaders didn’t come in spaceships. They stepped through a glowing portal and brought death and magic to humankind…
Fifty years later, the surviving humans are little more than prey. Prey that huddles in their ruined cities, dependent on the mercy of unseen benefactors.
But the price for that mercy—for survival—is surrendering every firstborn to a fate unknown. And today is Nova’s turn.
Once a firstborn steps through the portal, all anyone is sure of is that they’re never seen again. But Nova is determined not to fail in her duty—either the one assigned to her at birth, or the one she assigned herself. Because in the deepest, darkest chamber of her heart, she’s sworn to do whatever is necessary to survive, observe, and play the game until she can show these supposed benefactors the same brand of mercy they’ve offered her people.
Yet what she discovers on the other side is unlike any of the hundreds of scenarios she’s had seventeen years to conjure up. And by the time the pieces begin to make sense, she realizes the truth is far darker than anyone back home comprehends.
And worse, that the ruthless enemies she’s grown up hating might just be the key to saving what remains of her world.
A fresh and gripping fantasy world packed with thrilling intrigue and adventure, heart-pounding action, clean romance, new and ancient monsters, and characters you’ll fall for.
Audible Audio
Published July 14, 2020
1608 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Isla Frost
11 books183 followersIsla Frost is a bestselling fantasy author who loves apple pie. She writes about strong heroines in fast-paced stories full of danger, magic, and adventure that leave you feeling warm and satisfied...
Kind of like eating apple pie.
Kind of like eating apple pie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 22, 2025
A fun, adventure from starting a mysterious school to fighting the ultimate big bad. I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. 4 Stars!
July 19, 2023
YA, first book much better developed and written than 2 and 3. Writing in book 3 was VERY clumsy but I still got sucked in to the plot and read all 3 books. Kinda like junk food - not great quality but I enjoyed it a lot anyway
dnf
December 20, 2022DNF at page 101
February 27, 2023
4.5 stars
This book had a similar feel of Harry Potter and Mazerunner IMO. I really enjoyed all the characters personalities. I found the sword, Gus, and the old cranky walker funny and entertaining and i chuckled a lot during the entire book.
It felt like new things were constantly going on and not just one climax in the middle and then it's over, so that was nice.
I didn't like that the author felt she had to thrown in the sentence about the gay lovers in the 3rd book, which will keep me from ever buying this for my kid to read.
It's a moral issue for a lot of people so never adding that in would've been fine for everyone but adding it limits your readers/buyers and it felt like she just threw it in there anyways because it's the popular thing to do these days....so why not just..not.
Also, the book seemed a little rushed in the end, like everything started happening with the Malus 90% in and i wish it would've started sooner so we could have a little more "life after" story. She did tie it all up really well in the end, just a little sudden IMO.
This book had a similar feel of Harry Potter and Mazerunner IMO. I really enjoyed all the characters personalities. I found the sword, Gus, and the old cranky walker funny and entertaining and i chuckled a lot during the entire book.
It felt like new things were constantly going on and not just one climax in the middle and then it's over, so that was nice.
I didn't like that the author felt she had to thrown in the sentence about the gay lovers in the 3rd book, which will keep me from ever buying this for my kid to read.
It's a moral issue for a lot of people so never adding that in would've been fine for everyone but adding it limits your readers/buyers and it felt like she just threw it in there anyways because it's the popular thing to do these days....so why not just..not.
Also, the book seemed a little rushed in the end, like everything started happening with the Malus 90% in and i wish it would've started sooner so we could have a little more "life after" story. She did tie it all up really well in the end, just a little sudden IMO.
November 19, 2023
3.5 Stars
I did enjoy this series but there were several really slow spots that I ended up skimming through. The ending was rather anticlimactic as well.
I did enjoy this series but there were several really slow spots that I ended up skimming through. The ending was rather anticlimactic as well.
November 19, 2022
I stayed up way too late to finish this.
I love a story of the battle between good and evil. I even loved the unclear part of what was the evil initially.
The characters, the world building despite being based on earth….all well done.
I loved the growth of the characters throughout the stories. Nova and her friends were amazing. I cried at the climax of the battles. I adored the manor and the way things wrapped up.
So glad I stumbled upon this gem.
I love a story of the battle between good and evil. I even loved the unclear part of what was the evil initially.
The characters, the world building despite being based on earth….all well done.
I loved the growth of the characters throughout the stories. Nova and her friends were amazing. I cried at the climax of the battles. I adored the manor and the way things wrapped up.
So glad I stumbled upon this gem.
March 8, 2023
Okay
It was an adventure and I appreciate the writing style. My 2 main problems- one, there was almost zero romantic tension. None until over 500 pages in (I read the compiled series in one book). My second and main problem- Nova’s description of Ameline’s “warmth” a ridiculous amount of times. I got so sick of it and it became so weird and uncomfortable. I’ve never described my best friend like that. To the point I began to wonder if this was turning into a different sort of romantic plot line.If Fletcher has been in the story longer, the amount of times she described him would’ve equaled Ameline’s.
It was an adventure and I appreciate the writing style. My 2 main problems- one, there was almost zero romantic tension. None until over 500 pages in (I read the compiled series in one book). My second and main problem- Nova’s description of Ameline’s “warmth” a ridiculous amount of times. I got so sick of it and it became so weird and uncomfortable. I’ve never described my best friend like that. To the point I began to wonder if this was turning into a different sort of romantic plot line.If Fletcher has been in the story longer, the amount of times she described him would’ve equaled Ameline’s.
September 24, 2022
YA af
Gave up after the first day at hogwar—Firstborn Academy. In that one day, the narrator info dumped a bunch about post-apocalyptic life vs the Before times (for all she was at least fifty years removed from that world), showed herself competent at everything she did (including lockpicking), and made enemies of a sentient house.
While I would like to unravel the mystery of Firstborns, I can’t suspend disbelief enough to believe the character, her motivations or her reactions to the unknown.
Gave up after the first day at hogwar—Firstborn Academy. In that one day, the narrator info dumped a bunch about post-apocalyptic life vs the Before times (for all she was at least fifty years removed from that world), showed herself competent at everything she did (including lockpicking), and made enemies of a sentient house.
While I would like to unravel the mystery of Firstborns, I can’t suspend disbelief enough to believe the character, her motivations or her reactions to the unknown.
September 18, 2022
Very Good
I almost passed this up. I am Very Glad I didn't. The characters, situations, and world building are phenomenal. Millicent is my fav.
These books are profound and touch the reader. You can imagine it, feel what the characters do.
This would make a fantastic movie or a series. Although, I am partial to a movie because, I hate waiting. 😂
I almost passed this up. I am Very Glad I didn't. The characters, situations, and world building are phenomenal. Millicent is my fav.
These books are profound and touch the reader. You can imagine it, feel what the characters do.
This would make a fantastic movie or a series. Although, I am partial to a movie because, I hate waiting. 😂
April 1, 2023
I don’t know how this has so many 5 star reviews… full of plot holes, weird characters, and just.. not good. The first part of book one had me hooked. The plot was intriguing and I couldn’t wait to see how it went. But it was downhill. The end was decent but I think I might have been glad it was over. Gus was the worst.
January 1, 2023
too many
This book was too wordy, to many repetitive descriptions of the sane things. Did the author have a certain word count. Some good story line ideas and I did read all of it, skimming lots,but would not read this author again.
This book was too wordy, to many repetitive descriptions of the sane things. Did the author have a certain word count. Some good story line ideas and I did read all of it, skimming lots,but would not read this author again.
Read
November 12, 2022Got to 37% and lost interest - nothing wrong with the story, just didn't hold me. I will try again later.
November 30, 2022
meh
Poorly written and badly constructed story. Poor world building, flat characters, and even skimming couldn’t tolerate to read more than 1/3. If food, it’d be gas station food.
Poorly written and badly constructed story. Poor world building, flat characters, and even skimming couldn’t tolerate to read more than 1/3. If food, it’d be gas station food.
March 20, 2023
Good, but predictable. Not bad but not mindblowing, not addictive but not hard to read. A bit of a comfort read although it's not necessarily a feel-good story.
July 13, 2023
Hogwarts meets Hunger Games
Nice entertaining read that keeps interest throughout. Enjoyed the well crafted world and characters. Who doesn’t love a sentient house.
Nice entertaining read that keeps interest throughout. Enjoyed the well crafted world and characters. Who doesn’t love a sentient house.
October 14, 2023
Really enjoyed the dystopian story.
A monster the likes of which earth has never seen before threatens to destroy it. It was brought here by beings called walkers. Now every firstborn child is ordered to go with the walkers at age 17. No one knows what happens to them. They never come back home. Of course, the humans don't know everything that is going on. They are only told what they need to know when they need to know it. Nova leaves her family to honor the Firstborn Agreement. She has an ulterior motive though. She wants to bring down the walkers so that no more firstborns have to go through this. What she learns though once she gets there changes everything! She is transported to a school to learn magic & how to fight. She also has to learn how to fight alongside the walkers. Nova & her best friend go there together. They meet another girl & become fast friends. Along the way these girls fiercely protect each other. They also befriend 2 walkers Lirielle & Theus. The girl comes from a long line of prophets. Theus is not liked by his kind. He is supposed to be part of the prophecy but many don't believe it. When Nova goes through the transformation to enhance her own magic they soon realize she is part of the prophecy too. The one whose supposed to save earth.
A monster the likes of which earth has never seen before threatens to destroy it. It was brought here by beings called walkers. Now every firstborn child is ordered to go with the walkers at age 17. No one knows what happens to them. They never come back home. Of course, the humans don't know everything that is going on. They are only told what they need to know when they need to know it. Nova leaves her family to honor the Firstborn Agreement. She has an ulterior motive though. She wants to bring down the walkers so that no more firstborns have to go through this. What she learns though once she gets there changes everything! She is transported to a school to learn magic & how to fight. She also has to learn how to fight alongside the walkers. Nova & her best friend go there together. They meet another girl & become fast friends. Along the way these girls fiercely protect each other. They also befriend 2 walkers Lirielle & Theus. The girl comes from a long line of prophets. Theus is not liked by his kind. He is supposed to be part of the prophecy but many don't believe it. When Nova goes through the transformation to enhance her own magic they soon realize she is part of the prophecy too. The one whose supposed to save earth.
March 8, 2024
Interesting read
Intriguing read with lots of action. The author has some interesting insights about the characters in this series that are very detailed and deep. The story line was written with careful consideration and history, dry humor, detailed descriptions of the characters and their lives and motivations as the story develops into an emotional experience that will make you feel like you’re there for the ride. Your rooting for the hero in this series and it has more than one, so you will have to read this one for yourself and make your decision accordingly based upon your own experience. However, this series will have a lot of depth and will have many interesting elements that will make you feel deeply connected with the characters.
Intriguing read with lots of action. The author has some interesting insights about the characters in this series that are very detailed and deep. The story line was written with careful consideration and history, dry humor, detailed descriptions of the characters and their lives and motivations as the story develops into an emotional experience that will make you feel like you’re there for the ride. Your rooting for the hero in this series and it has more than one, so you will have to read this one for yourself and make your decision accordingly based upon your own experience. However, this series will have a lot of depth and will have many interesting elements that will make you feel deeply connected with the characters.
August 14, 2025
Brilliantly imaginative. A great series
In a desolate Los Angeles on a devastated Earth the first born child of each family must be sent on their seventeenth birthday to the walkers, none ever return, now it is Nova's turn. This is a brilliant series, imaginative and emotional, action packed with a great mix of strong characters, a little intrigue and political manoeuvring and some romance. Loved the quirky touches, the school building that bears a grudge, Gus the snarky sword and the fantastical creatures and with an epic climax. I could not put this one down. Narration is superb. I recommend this to older teens, young adults and fans of the Hunger games and Harry Potter but will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a great read.
In a desolate Los Angeles on a devastated Earth the first born child of each family must be sent on their seventeenth birthday to the walkers, none ever return, now it is Nova's turn. This is a brilliant series, imaginative and emotional, action packed with a great mix of strong characters, a little intrigue and political manoeuvring and some romance. Loved the quirky touches, the school building that bears a grudge, Gus the snarky sword and the fantastical creatures and with an epic climax. I could not put this one down. Narration is superb. I recommend this to older teens, young adults and fans of the Hunger games and Harry Potter but will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a great read.
August 22, 2023
Wonderful
I have just finished the complete series of ‘Firstborn’ by Isla Frost, what can I say? I am both sad and happy at the same time. A little sad because the story is finished and happy because this is definitely one of the most enjoyable books I have read for ages (and I read a lot of books). It is fantasy/science fiction at its best. There is adventure, exciting battles, monsters, magic and a sliver of romance. The characters are so well written you can’t help but like them. I can’t praise this series enough. I will certainly reread it and I look forward to reading other books by the same author. Thank you Ms Frost.
I have just finished the complete series of ‘Firstborn’ by Isla Frost, what can I say? I am both sad and happy at the same time. A little sad because the story is finished and happy because this is definitely one of the most enjoyable books I have read for ages (and I read a lot of books). It is fantasy/science fiction at its best. There is adventure, exciting battles, monsters, magic and a sliver of romance. The characters are so well written you can’t help but like them. I can’t praise this series enough. I will certainly reread it and I look forward to reading other books by the same author. Thank you Ms Frost.
October 21, 2023
A Great Series for Teens and an YA Readers
A great introductory series for teens to fantasy/sci fi fiction books. The first book had a bit of a Harry Potter vibe to it, with some magic and mystical creatures thrown into the mix. There’s also a very finicky sentient house and an alien race called ‘walkers’ that have been living on earth for a while. The storyline is pretty good and well thought out. It’s also quite faced paced and action packed and very exciting to read. There’s a cute slow burn romance between two of the characters in the third book that finishes the series off nicely.
A great introductory series for teens to fantasy/sci fi fiction books. The first book had a bit of a Harry Potter vibe to it, with some magic and mystical creatures thrown into the mix. There’s also a very finicky sentient house and an alien race called ‘walkers’ that have been living on earth for a while. The storyline is pretty good and well thought out. It’s also quite faced paced and action packed and very exciting to read. There’s a cute slow burn romance between two of the characters in the third book that finishes the series off nicely.
December 19, 2023
3 stars - enjoyed while reading but no staying power
This was very interesting world building but it felt very urban-fantasy-for-beginners. I really enjoyed the character development for not just the FMC but the side characters as well.
Controversial take: Is this harry potter fanfiction coded? Ameline could be Neville, Theus could be Harry or Theo Nott, Lirielle could be Luna, Bryn could be Seamus, Cricklewood could be Mad-eye Moody, Millicent could be Hogwarts....and of course Nova could be Harry as the "prophesied one."
Or maybe I've just read too much fanfiction and rotted my brain haha.
This was very interesting world building but it felt very urban-fantasy-for-beginners. I really enjoyed the character development for not just the FMC but the side characters as well.
Controversial take: Is this harry potter fanfiction coded? Ameline could be Neville, Theus could be Harry or Theo Nott, Lirielle could be Luna, Bryn could be Seamus, Cricklewood could be Mad-eye Moody, Millicent could be Hogwarts....and of course Nova could be Harry as the "prophesied one."
Or maybe I've just read too much fanfiction and rotted my brain haha.
November 18, 2025
Already hoping for more! 3 books were not enough!
I loved this series and am hoping that this is just the beginning of this world because I love the characters and want to know more about each one of them!
I would love to see more of this world and hear about the main characters and their back stories.
It would also be cool to read about new adventures and see the characters grow into adulthood and embrace their unique and incredible powers.
I'm rating this a very rare 5 stars and hope it's not the last I get to read about the past and see all the potential trouble the characters could find in their future.
I loved this series and am hoping that this is just the beginning of this world because I love the characters and want to know more about each one of them!
I would love to see more of this world and hear about the main characters and their back stories.
It would also be cool to read about new adventures and see the characters grow into adulthood and embrace their unique and incredible powers.
I'm rating this a very rare 5 stars and hope it's not the last I get to read about the past and see all the potential trouble the characters could find in their future.
Read
October 15, 2022Not your typical fantasy
I pretty much read this straight through. It has elements of fantasy in it. There are the World Walkers who have witch like powers and wands! However the setting is in the modern world that has been devastated by an amorphous blob creature that sucks the life out of all living things to sustain itself. I urge you to try this book to meet the human heroine of the story who is the stellar hopping World Walkers prophesied one that can save them and both planets. Mikey try it you'll like it
I pretty much read this straight through. It has elements of fantasy in it. There are the World Walkers who have witch like powers and wands! However the setting is in the modern world that has been devastated by an amorphous blob creature that sucks the life out of all living things to sustain itself. I urge you to try this book to meet the human heroine of the story who is the stellar hopping World Walkers prophesied one that can save them and both planets. Mikey try it you'll like it
May 8, 2023
So DARN GOOOD!!!
I was desperate to read something different. This was such a fantastic find! Binge read all the way through! Wonderful work building. Masterful writing. Only one or two grammar errors! Beautiful characters and awesome storytelling. I am most impressed by the imagination of the author! Where does that come from? So very impressive. Anyway, this is great read for any age... So young readers -- dive in and imagine! This is a 10 out of 10! But... Sadly limited to 5 stars. Happy reading!
I was desperate to read something different. This was such a fantastic find! Binge read all the way through! Wonderful work building. Masterful writing. Only one or two grammar errors! Beautiful characters and awesome storytelling. I am most impressed by the imagination of the author! Where does that come from? So very impressive. Anyway, this is great read for any age... So young readers -- dive in and imagine! This is a 10 out of 10! But... Sadly limited to 5 stars. Happy reading!
November 3, 2023
A+++
This fantasy series has it all. Magic, death, monsters, friendship, love, and all the feels. Great character growth. Quirky moments. Heart wrenching times. Pulse pounding adrenaline rush scenes. Sprinkles of suspense and major mystery vibes in this read. A book with wonderful world building. Even a home base with plenty of character that doesn’t appreciate being referred to as a building and a snarky sword sidekick. Post apocalyptic like you have never seen before. Read it. Or else.
This fantasy series has it all. Magic, death, monsters, friendship, love, and all the feels. Great character growth. Quirky moments. Heart wrenching times. Pulse pounding adrenaline rush scenes. Sprinkles of suspense and major mystery vibes in this read. A book with wonderful world building. Even a home base with plenty of character that doesn’t appreciate being referred to as a building and a snarky sword sidekick. Post apocalyptic like you have never seen before. Read it. Or else.
February 21, 2024
I don’t have words
I found this gem in Amazon prime reading. The blurb was intriguing and now that I have read the book, it was just the tip of the iceberg. So much was in this book, there was not any wasted prose and it felt like a stone rolling down the hill until the resulting climax of the story. I highly recommend this book for any fantasy readers, fantasy romance readers will enjoy the slow burn. Plenty of action, magic, creatures and a little political drama too. Enjoy!
I found this gem in Amazon prime reading. The blurb was intriguing and now that I have read the book, it was just the tip of the iceberg. So much was in this book, there was not any wasted prose and it felt like a stone rolling down the hill until the resulting climax of the story. I highly recommend this book for any fantasy readers, fantasy romance readers will enjoy the slow burn. Plenty of action, magic, creatures and a little political drama too. Enjoy!
December 23, 2022
Good series
Nova is a human who is called on to sacrifice her future to serve the Firstborn agreement ( a bargain where the otherworldly Walkers care for the remnants of human society in return for the firstborn of every family when they turn 17). Watching Nova grow and change from being single mindedly driven by hatred and revenge against the Walkers, to realizing that she needed to work and ally with them against a greater enemy was interesting and compelling.
Nova is a human who is called on to sacrifice her future to serve the Firstborn agreement ( a bargain where the otherworldly Walkers care for the remnants of human society in return for the firstborn of every family when they turn 17). Watching Nova grow and change from being single mindedly driven by hatred and revenge against the Walkers, to realizing that she needed to work and ally with them against a greater enemy was interesting and compelling.
January 4, 2023
Not a usual read for me. Glad I stepped out of my, Zone, and went for it!
An unexpected joy. I saw the book a month ago, tossed it on my pile to read, happy I did. Great story line, very interesting characters.
I really enjoyed the pace and the fact that the author was able to end the book in a solid, satisfying manner. I have grown tired of authors
who can't stop writing.
Highly recommend!
An unexpected joy. I saw the book a month ago, tossed it on my pile to read, happy I did. Great story line, very interesting characters.
I really enjoyed the pace and the fact that the author was able to end the book in a solid, satisfying manner. I have grown tired of authors
who can't stop writing.
Highly recommend!
March 26, 2023
Absolutely brilliant
The story of Nova the Wildcard and her friends and enemies was a marvellous fantasy yarn over a three book span. The characters are brilliant, the relationships and storyline between the characters and plot interweave to form a fantastical read, coming of age, bonds of friendship, life, death, war it's got the lot! If you love fantasy, these books are definitely for you, highly recommend!
The story of Nova the Wildcard and her friends and enemies was a marvellous fantasy yarn over a three book span. The characters are brilliant, the relationships and storyline between the characters and plot interweave to form a fantastical read, coming of age, bonds of friendship, life, death, war it's got the lot! If you love fantasy, these books are definitely for you, highly recommend!
April 17, 2023
I love complete series!
No cliffhangers, no waiting months for the next in series (and forgetting a lot of story while waiting). But the best thing about this series is the writing!! Nova has a mission against the Walkers, but eventually discovers she had everything wrong. Great world building, unstoppable foe, lots of strange, adorable and terrifying animals. I couldn't put it down and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
No cliffhangers, no waiting months for the next in series (and forgetting a lot of story while waiting). But the best thing about this series is the writing!! Nova has a mission against the Walkers, but eventually discovers she had everything wrong. Great world building, unstoppable foe, lots of strange, adorable and terrifying animals. I couldn't put it down and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews