Sang Sorenson and the Academy boys return to Ashley Waters High School but before they get a chance to even settle in, Sang’s life is threatened by an anonymous caller.
They retreat to the protective walls of the Morgan estate, a safe house for when the boys are under fire. But when new threats can break through those barriers that once kept them secure, it leaves Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North rushing to figure out who is hunting them.
But when you’re fighting a ghost who seems to know all your secrets, retreating is no longer an option.
I am so baffled by the high ratings of this book, and frankly of this series in general. Granted, yes, I read them all and couldn't put them down, but it was more akin to being captivated a very slow car crash that happened on a thruway that resulted in a 200 car pile up.
It is full-on teenage polygamy involving nine, NINE, boys/men and one girl. She's an idiot (I'm sure her defenders would say she is just naive and innocent,) and they are all in love with her and want to share her. WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE. THAT IS GROSS. THE WHOLE PREMISE IS DISGUSTING AND ABSURD. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE.
I was literally laughing out loud to myself like a crazy person by the end of this book. Imagine the stalkery devotion of Twilight's Edward Cullen, and now multiply it by nine, and you have this book, except without glittery vampires or werewolves (at least not yet, god only knows what this author is going to do next.)
I'm assuming there will be another of these books coming out since they once again left it on a cliffhanger with nothing resolved (FYI- this is Book Five, and I still don't know what the eponymous "Academy" actually is.) When the next book comes out, I will be forced to read it, because I'm fairly certain that this car wreck of a series is going to escalate from a just a large pile up to finding out that there is an 18 wheeler carrying gasoline in the middle of it that is about to explode. When that happens, I want to watch.
He turned back to me. The fire in his eyes unleashed into an inferno that could have swallowed me where I stood. His thumb returned to my mouth, this time touching both lips and at dead center, as if encouraging me to kiss his finger. “All you have to do is ask.” He tucked his head toward mine.
My heart raced. I’d seen this same look on Kota and North and some of the others. My instincts had told me before they had wanted to kiss me and I’d been wrong. I felt that same instinct again, more powerful than before.
His eyes half closed as he hovered over me. “I’d do anything for you, Princess.”
5 brilliant stars for Drop of Doubt, the 5th book of the Academy series.
I am really happy that I stumbled on the Academy a few months ago because it has been my favorite series since that !
Each time I read a new book in this series I fall a bit more in love with the characters. Thank you CL Stone for allowing me to be in love with Luke, Gabriel, Owen, Victor, Sean, Nathan, Silas, North and Kota !
I was very pleasantly surprised by Sang, learning to trust the guys like she did, getting stronger and starting to voice her thoughts and feelings ...
HOLY...?!?!? Poor Gabe... Who IS that masked man? (;-)).... Was he really...?.... Awwww Victor!!!!.... I LOVE YOU, SEAN!!!!!.... Fingernail painting, zombies and cupcakes!!!!... The most silent one... I fall in love with these books more and more. CL, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
Maybe he's a bit misguided on how the Academy works, but he's on the right track with Sang and her harem. It's disgusting how they handle her and the series is passing it off as romantic.
Sang is still an idiot. Drop of Doubt tries hard to push Sang's undiscovered genius, but most of it is either common sense or so stupid and passed off as brilliant. All the guys are treating her like a girlfriend and she thinks they're all just being friends. They put an idea in her head and back off, then she initiates it because she's curious. It's how they get around Blackbourne's rules. Silas forces her to make out with him through her fingers like she did with North a book or so ago. Someone (I forget who) touches her below the navel, a little too close to her nether regions, and she gets so turned on. Apparently that's "friendship".
The guys: -Gabriel is a whiny bitch near the end to create drama. He pings my gaydar way harder than a certain someone does in The Scarab Beetle, so I can't take his love and want for Sang seriously. -Victor is shown as doing "smart stuff" that seems made up to appear smart. -Mr. Blackbourne is a teenager trying to play dress up, and he's pretending to be an adult. He's nineteen. Every time it's mentioned how he's acting vice principal, I roll my eyes and snort. He's written like he's thirty, but made nineteen so that he can screw Sang when the series goes into New Adult territory. All of the guys are like that, adult men in teenage bodies. (Sang is written like a six year old.) -Dr. Green. His medical license is his name written in crayon on a piece of paper that a toddler scribbled on. What a joke. That imaginary license should be revoked for the crap he pulled this book.
This series is starting to reek of gynophobia. Other than Karen (who I think Stone confirmed to be a lesbian in love with Sang), all women are treated as the enemy, the obstacle between Sang and her happily ever after with her nine brother husbands. First Mommy Dearest, then Marie, then Danielle, then Jade, and now Muriel. The polyandry is even justified by the guys saying all girlfriends would get jealous and the other Academy girls aren't good enough for them. Sometimes I think we're dipping down a little too hard into misogyny in this series and its sister series, The Scarab Beetle.
Speaking of, Kayli's brother Wil makes an appearance, and so does Marc. Hooray crossovers?
I don't have a problem with the polyandry. What I have a problem with is how it's being handled. A socially inept girl being coaxed into it because she doesn't know any better is disgusting and awful. I want to read about a woman who willingly engages in a relationship with multiple guys, knows what she's doing, is confident, and not a doormat. I should have received that in The Scarab Beetle, but, well, we know how that turned out.
Really, I only continue reading this series because it's quick, easy, and I want to know what other stupid situations Sang gets herself into while acting clueless.
First off, I seriously suck at keeping up with my reviews. I don't know how I haven't written a single review for any of the books in this series.. but I am more than happy to redeem myself now.
Drop of Doubt is the first installment of The Ghost Bird Series. The first time around - I was completely in love with these books and I'm more than happy to state that my feelings haven't changed one bit. Sang and the gang are still going through some wicked shit. It definitely feels like someone outside the group always has the upper hand. Of course, this frustrated everyone involved (including me).
At this point, North and Mr. Blackbourne have come to the conclusion that everyone in the group is slowly (but surely) falling in love with Sang. Or they might be down that road already. Of course they are waiting to see the little signs or cues from these guys before they approach them with the whole everyone loves everyone or nothing happens. That situation doesn't always come out correctly because it seems to be a tug of war with all the hearts involved. However, after the ending with Victor admitting his feelings for her - well, how could I not root for them??
The villain(s) in this book were so freaking mysterious. I definitely kept flip-flopping as to who I thought Volto was.. and I'm still sort of doing that while writing this. I have a creepy feeling I know who it is.. and I also have a feeling that this is going to shake some people to the core (mainly myself).
Besides all of that, I still have no idea how the cops haven't been called on Sang or her sister. People have got to realize that no car has been in the driveway or that the neighbors haven't seen either of their parents. The entire time I'm wondering what kind of neighborhood they are in.. because these neighbors seem to be nonexistent or just all up in everyone's grill. It's weird and I want to dive further into that..
If I could give this book 10 stars or more I would. C.L. has done it again with another amazing addition to her Academy world. I fell in love with the guys all over again..or maybe I just fell deeper in love with them.
Once upon a time there was this book series you just had to read over and over again. The pain of having to say goodbye to your beloved heroine or hero, the friends, and the amazing stories they lived thourgh. The majority of many would say something like LOTR, Twilight, and books that are splashed thourgh the media, and then the movies and sometimes they even squize out a not so good tv series as well... but then.. you just buy a randome book out there. From a pretty unknown author, maybe its his / hers debut. Maybe you just think, its cheap, and well.. im out of good stuff to read anyway.
I just happened to randomly pick up The Academy - Introductions. There were no recommendations, It were suddenly there. And well, It was chep.
And never imagined The Academy to become one of my number one book series. At the "tender" age of 25, there is sometimes a pretty annoying wall to climb when reading young adult books. The story and people sometimes feeling silly, and shallow.
But oh.. when the release of book 5 trailer were released, I had my first "fan-girl" moment ever. I giggled, sucked in my breath, and sat paitiently ("cough") by my computer for the clock to tip over to the release day.
And I think to myself.. There just are not enough stars to give. I gave book 1 - 4 , 5 stars, but in reality, the stars should rice in numbers for each book, because the truth is, the series keeps getting better and better.
If you just randomly fall over book five, and you have not heard or read about the 4 other books, pick them up, and you'll get to experience a mountain climbing like no other. How is it even possible to keep the pace so steady, but still get the feeling that there are so much more to learn. Not to mention the growth of our heroine. How different she is from book one, but still keeps her essence that makes her "Sang".
I do have a sad moment as well... now I have to try my patience...again with waiting for book 6. And I'm getting worried about the length of the series. Maybe hoping for 20 books may be a bit too much... but.... heres to hoping.
An absolutely stunning book 5 in the truly breathtaking series The Academy. Hats off to C.L Stone.
Synopsis: Sang Sorenson and the Academy boys return to Ashley Waters High School but before they get a chance to even settle in, Sang’s life is threatened by an anonymous caller.
They retreat to the protective walls of the Morgan estate, a safe house for when the boys are under fire. But when new threats can break through those barriers that once kept them secure, it leaves Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North rushing to figure out who is hunting them.
But when you’re fighting a ghost who seems to know all your secrets, retreating is no longer an option.
The Academy, Deceptively Strategic.
Ever since I was into Manga and Anime, I had a "thing" for Reverse Harems. Reading this series was as if my dream came true. I rarely took breaks from reading the books, but when I did, I start to do something like this:
I would be getting a cup of water in the kitchen and breakdown dancing, thinking about a scene in the book that I love!
And the details!
it was so descriptive, that I imagined it in my head what the scenes would be like...
March 27, 2017 Even after reading it a second time, I still absolutely, totally enjoyed this book. The writing was amazing, and the relationship between Sang and the boys were beautiful too. I think one of the major reason I really enjoyed this book is because there is a lot of Victor! And that scene with Luck? Got me so pumped up! Loved it! And she also get to know more about Dr. Green in this book too! Which I found was great. Definitely one of my favorite read of all time. ------------------------------------------------ August 27, 2016 Out of all the books in this series, this one is probably my favorite so far, since there is a lot of Victor! Plus, the storyline was really interesting and intense too. Love all the action and adventure and chemistry in it. Can't wait to read the next book. So excited. The boys are all so cool.
P.S. We also get to know a lot more about Gabriel in this book. And I have a feeling that Sang will be spending more time with him since something happened in this book. Can't wait to get to know this character better.
These books are so crazy. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I feel like when I read these I am reading fan fiction. Like some girl is writing herself into a story where 9 guys all love her and she can't choose between them. The Academy is sort of a subplot almost, there's a lot of things happening there although I'm not sure how important all of it is. It's like I can't stop reading these books though. The writing isn't really that great and Sang isn't the best character. She's weak and strong at the same time and it's weird and some other things she knows how to do don't make sense. I don't really understand why 9 guys would all love her, but I just have to keep reading. I have to know what happens and I have to see them all fall in love with her. Is this what Stockholm Syndrome feels like?
I've been a big fan of The Academy series from the beginning. I enjoyed Drop of Doubt and find the entire premise of this series to be quite riveting. In each installment, Sang grows closure to an individual or individuals of the group, she is faced with an unknown threat and must rise above the chaos that has become her life and together with the boys unravel the mystery and defeat the “bad guy/girl”. I really do find each story individually fascinating BUT I would really like a little more meat to the mystery behind the academy, its been 5 installments and we are still in the dark. I'd also like a little more into the back ground of the school leadership so I might find their actions plausible. I'm having a hard time reconciling some of the characters continued actions without more background. Please don't get me wrong, there is something about these books that have captured my attention...but if we don't get some sort of direction, I'm afraid I will loose that connection.
There is something inherently fun watching all these boys/men vying for the attention of Sang. It has the same draw as an Anita Blake story less the copious amounts sex and paranormal tendencies...leaving us with a much cleaner, contemporary, romance, mystery wrapped into a young adult storyline.
Written by: C. L. Stone Series: The Academy Sequence in Series: 5 Page count: 396 pages Publisher: Arcato Publishing Publication Date: January 19, 2014 Rating: 3.5 Stars Genre: Teen Contemporary Romance Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
As if Sang doesn't have enough to worry about after her close call with McCoy and Principal Hendrick's interest in her, now there appears to be someone else threatening her. When her phone number gets leaked to the school, mysterious warnings and photos demand the guys stay away from her. Of course, that's the last thing they are willing to do! When the new bad guy finally gets his hands on Sang, he Sang is slowly learning more about the Academy, and the guys are slowly developing more feelings for Sang.
This series is great. It's a slow burn in the romance department, but the rest of what goes on at school is full of action. It looks like each book going forward will allow Sang to get to know one guy in the group a little more than the others. The last book featured North, this one focuses on Victor, but not to the exclusion of the others - they are still involved too. As Sang learns more about each guy and his past, so do we. Victor's life of luxury has its own cost, and the vulnerability it exposes just makes him more attractive.
I loved this book!!! Not exactly my favorite in the series......but I still couldn't put it down. I loved how she got close to Dr. Green or excuse me "Sean". I can't wait until their romance starts to flourish. I also can't wait for Sang to get close the Mr. Blackbourne!!! Book 6 hurry up!!!
I can see why people are so addicted to this series. It is charming. It is witty. You want to take all of the boys home with you. I mean, I really wish that guys like this actually existed. There would be a lot fewer broken hearts in this world.
I love that Sang is getting involved with the boys' actions now. She is taking an active role in her future and you can see her growing into a personality that isn't based on fear. Sang is embracing her talents and the guys are finally starting to appreciate her skills and not just treat her like some fragile darling they have to take care of.
Adore Victor in this. He is one of my favorites. (Hell, they're all my favorites) There is something beautiful about a piano player. Especially on that can play Vivaldi.
Yep I still hate these books. It's just a bunch of testosterone junkies taking advantage of a naive abused little girl. I have no problem with the concept of polyamorous relationships but only when all parties are consenting adults. This is seven horny teens and two predatory adult men secretly planning the sex life of a sixteen year old girl. She literally can't say no to them because she's so damaged from an abusive mother. She only does what she thinks they want her to do so how could she possibly properly consent to any form of relationship physical or emotional. It's just super creepy and not to mention more than a little sexist.
This book have more suspense and mystery than the previous books. I have to say that I actually miss some of the guys since they'll only be mentioned a few times. However . . . There will be more in depth meeting with one of the boys *wink wink*. A new character will pop out along with old friends.
I know it sucks, but you'll have to wait to find out what happens. I guarantee though that once you get you're copy, you will not be able to put it down once you start reading.
A sexy and seductive, strategically perfect addition to the Academy series. C.L. Stone was just warming up with the first four books in this series. Sang is turning out to be quite the fearless protagonist. You can check out my official review here: http://wp.me/p47EpU-1Dv
Just OMG. I love this series! And oh my #TeamVictor, #TeamGabriel....I'm so at a loss. I've always been a die-hard North girl, but I don't know even Dr. Green is sneaking in there with such ease.
The story keeps getting more intense with each book, and I found Drop of Doubt to be edge-of-your-seat great. I HATED having to put it down to you know...work, take care of the kiddos, all those real world things that totally get in the way. I needed to know what happened and waiting nearly killed me.
I won't go into any details because doing so just ruins the fun. But I will say there are some fantabulous Victor moments, some OMG Gabriel moments, and even a few Wha...hahahawt Dr. Green moments. My #TeamNorth self is jumping on board several teams at this point.
I can't forget our leading lady Sang. She is just Ah-MAZ-ing! This girl has spunk and is loyal to the end. For someone so damaged, so confused, and so alone (although not anymore), this girl has got fight in her. I'm going to have to say the word failure is not in her dictionary because the girl never gives up and never gives in. You will be cheering her on in this book.
So, since I can't spoil my favorite moments that I SO want to talk about...I will gif them instead (well, a few anyway. There are too many to count)! Check out my gif review here: Meredith & Jennifer's Musings
First, thank you to the author for writing PTSD properly. People keep saying Stockholm syndrome. No! She has PTSD and I actually think Mr. Blackbourne is handling this very well. I believe they all put Sang in a bubble because of what she's gone through. I expect Sang to have set backs, anyone reading this and expecting her to just evolve into a marvel super hero is just being flat out unreasonable, even for a fiction series. I think all the boys are becoming more well known. As each one develops as characters, you find you like a few more than the others. I have NO ISSUE with the set up of the 9 of them and her. The author said this was the story arc she was doing based on an anime concept, if you kept reading the books after she revealed that, you shouldn't complain-- she warned readers. I am finding I like the pace. It moves like real time and I don't miss a thing. I can't wait to read the next in the series and I want more North!! GIMMIE! GIMMIE!
Can't Fucking wait for this book!!!! I saw the video teaser and I had a fan girl moment!!!!!! Need this book!!!! Got an alert and it said 90 more hours!!!!!!! uggghhh can't wait!!!!
As you can see, I have dropped my stars down to two instead of three. Reason? Simple. I'm sick and goddamn tired of the fmc being so weak! Sure, she has her moments of proving she has a brain but come on!
The author destroys her own heroine.
Give her a backbone only to tear her down right after? Each and every time?
And I'm sorry but no female is going to wait around while her friends take who knows how long to work out their FEEL mgs while pulling away from her. Females...actually no, HUMANS, want to be told how people feel about them.
Also, she was closed off from the world, how exactly is it Mr blackbourne expects her to make the first move when she doesn't understand what it IS to make the first move!? She needs GUIDANCE. Ok, so you want it to be HER choice, then TELL her it's an option. Put the idea in her head that kissing or whatever is acceptable! Right now, she doesn't know that!
Ok, ppl reading this series right now... Do you see what a train wreck this series is? You hate it, and want to get rid of it but that train is about to hit a car and you are compelled to watch it happened.
A little first told me she's getting her first kiss in the next book, so I'm here for that. BOOK FUCKING SIX!!!!!!
This book was a bit different from the previous in the series, more thrilling with a suspense and got me hooked! Sang met a person that makes her question if she is "choosing" the right side, is the Academy this good? How the boys can be bad if they do everything for her? Also here we see more development on the group attempt to add a bird to the dogs group - and I'm so living for it, oh my god! The tension here was everything to me, and I loved how Sang is getting less insecure and finding her place, literally like a little bird learning how to fly :)
I really don't know what to say, they are all falling in love with her. Nine guys, nice guys can't like one girl. Now the mystery of the academy is annoying me so much, what are they really? Spies? thieves? Now I CAN'T wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A Drop of Doubt is a great continuation to the Academy Ghost Bird Series. There were a couple typos that I noticed but other than that it was a great read. In this book Sang turns sixteen. The boys want to do something special for her but things turn bad when Sang and Mr. Blackbourne are threatened. The book kept me flipping pages trying to figure out who Volto is and why he warns Sang to not trust the boys. The book ends at a cliffhanger with the identity of Volto still a mystery. You also do not find out what the Academy really is yet. My favorite scene in the book was Sang's zombie fingernail painting cupcake party. I thought it was cute how all the guys let her paint their nails. Each of the boys would do anything for her. I also really liked that Sang grows up in this book. She doesn't let the boys treat her as a helpless little girl. She isn't so afraid to speak up about what is bothering her anymore. Fans of Victor and Dr. Green will love this book. They got most scenes in this book. I enjoyed reading Dr. Green's scenes. He really is a tease! I'm hoping the next book has more Kota scenes, since he is my favorite. Favorite quotes: "I have to share you with the guys," he said. "I don't want to share you with the world." "I'll never regret having bumped into you," he said, "but some days I wished I'd kept yo to myself." "Love her or lose her," North said. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am excited for book six. I also can't wait to read C.L. Stone's new NA Academy series book titled Thief coming out in February.