Overwhelmed by Magic

Academy of Rejects #1

by N. Slater

I, Skye Bardot, have been assigned as counselor #1 to the Academy of Rejects. One of the worst magical academies to exist. They house the darkest, most ruthless creatures that failed regular training. And they thought I’d be the best choice to deal with this unruly bunch of monsters?

There’s just a few problems.

I’m human. I can’t seem to keep from fantasizing about a few of these creatures in positions other than seated in my office. And the worst part? I seem to be irresistible to every single body that walks in those doors.

Between wicked smiles, chaste kisses, and growing bonds from not just one but five creatures that should only be found in nightmares, I’m starting to crave the darkness they're offering in exchange for my heart. Add in the secrets revolving around why the Academy exists in the first place and I might not survive.
Five creatures.

Five chances to get this wrong.

And one heart that’s not sure whether to let them in or let them go.

Did I mention that this is only year one?

Goddess, save me.

Welcome to the Academy of Rejects.

Overwhelmed by Magic is the first installment and is an 18+ MMMMMM Dark Magical Academy series that involves uncommon species, magic, and a whole bunch of secrets waiting to be unleashed. CW/TW can be found in the Author’s Note.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, M M M, Dark, Romance, Dark Academia

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

African American. Indie Author. Chaos Writer.
Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life.
From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.

Current Taboo Romance ~ Vows and Venom Links:
Preorder here ~ https://tinyurl.com/vowsandvenom
Buy here (Releasing April 1st) ~ https://books2read.com/u/bwleNy

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this SO much! I want to know everything immediately 😂

Skye, Harlow, Ambrose, Stellan, Jade and Rumi are all so different, but I love how they're developing relationships with each other.

Very intrigued to see how the group relationships progress, and I can't wait to find out what everyone is.

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HRCYED2: BIPOC

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this world and these 6 beings. First we have beautiful, wonderful, sweet Skye, a human that has a near death experience that tortures and haunts him years later, it left him with physical and emotional scars, plus some powers that a human shouldn’t have. The near death experience did take his stepbrother and lover, Harlow, turning him into a spirit. That day changed the trajectory of their lives, Harlow is sent to Astral Academy before ultimately being sent to Grimrose Academy. At Grimrose, we meet Rumi (who we meet briefly in the prologue), Ambrose, and Jade. Another addition to the group is Stellan who was in the same graduating/failing class as Harlow. Rumi is ancient, protective, fierce and sweet. Ambrose is broody, dark and mysterious. Jade is shy and adorable. Stellan is tormented and so adorable. Together these six form the polycule for this series. But we aren’t immediately just thrown into a polycule. It forms organically and beautifully. This world is amazing and dark, full of essence (magic) and creatures and beings from all sorts of different walks of life. It is so creative and fanatical. I was sucked into the dark mystery and wanted to seek that same knowledge they all do, to know what they are and to understand their essence. In this first book we are getting to know our guys and slowly learn about them and the academy and how this world works. There’s lots of dangers and dark grittiness. There’s love and connection, bonding and intimacy and sexy times. It is truly a wonderful world full of magic. It was written so amazingly, it never felt like too much or too outrageous, which can happen with so many guys in the relationship but it was beautifully done. I can’t wait to read more about Skye and his Magila’s. This book is a medium burn, but the scenes are spicy. There are dark themes but for the most part, it isn’t overly so, there’s a lot of love. This story does end on a cliffhanger, but I was okay where it left off. It has me craving more and utterly curious. All the elements tie into together. It is such an amazing, creative world.

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of moving parts in this story, and I have to admit that the first part was a bit confusing as I was getting used to all the different pov.
But overall, I enjoyed this twist on magical (dark) academia.

My biggest question was: Why would someone put all the rejects in one school without actually trying to help them? Why do they keep trying to put everyone on the same 7 boxes instead of figuring out what their divergent magic actually is?

Well, that's what Skye and the other men are trying to find out. By the end of this book, we have a few answers and many more questions. But I'm hooked!
I'm very curious to see how Skye and Co further develop their magic and how all their powers will connect.
All the men were cute together. Lots of instant attraction. For the next instalment, I'm hoping to see more relational development between all the members of the polycule as individuals and together.

•••

I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my goodness

This book was so good! Finished it in one day cause I couldn’t put it down. Out of all 6 guys Jade is my favorite one. But if you like MMM+ this is definitely your kind of book. I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings in next. I’m so glad I found this book!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, i was skeptical about this one at first. After the first 4 pages i wasn’t sure if i was going to be able to get into it. Between the over usage of the word “essence” (371 times thought the book…. Yes i looked) and how some people had designations, some were elementals, and on top of earth, air, water and fire, you also had blood, spirit, and metal (which never actually had an example of given) it just seemed so far fetched from most other fantasy books. HOWEVER, after reading more of the story and getting to know the main characters, you totally get sucked into the book and the world that N. Slater has created. Skye, Harlow, Ambrose, Rumi, Stellan, and Jade all bring something so different and diverse to the story that you can’t help but fall in love with. And even though the spiciness is very mild compared to some of her other work, it takes nothing away from the story and connection the characters have. This is honestly one of my favorite stories I’ve read from this author!!!

[Lumie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to N. Slater for the ARC.

The plot was really intriguing, I really enjoyed the academia aspects with the school of rejects and all of those elements. I, however, am not that into sex scenes and the fact that there was a sudden orgy surprised me. I probably should have done more research to be aware that some of the sexual content involved that. Other than that, the characters were quite nice and the plot, for me, was definitely the best aspect of this book.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this new series. There are so many mysteries, secrets and abilities, the worldbuilding is fantastic and I adore all 6 of the main characters. Sometimes it can be easy to lose track of who's who, but they all have such distinct personalities it was easy to follow along, even with the switch up in POV and mix up of 'couples'.
The emotions feel so real, and I loved how each of their bonds and desires is being explored. Although there's essentially 6 males all lusting after one another, it's such a loving and protective group, especially against the violence of the world, risks to the human, and all their individual powers being volatile and dangerous.
It's so intriguing and I can't wait to read more of this series and see Skye uncover more secrets at the academy, and as all their relationships develop.

✨ Dark Academia
✨ Paranormal
✨ Magic
✨ RH - M/M - Poly
✨ Slow burn - 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
✨ Chosen One
✨ Mystery

✨"There's desire and need but there's also an obsession starting to build, one that i'm not sure if I'll squash just yet"

✨ "You can't expect me to watch that shit and not devour the both of you. I will at some point. Neither of you are ready for that"

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible dive into the world’s societal and family divides. We were continuously brought back to the many issues surrounding those in power and how the general population was being conditioned mentally. I loved the undercurrent of breaking down boundaries and finding the truth. It made for a truly empowering read if I’m honest.

The storyline regarding Skye and their powers gets a little confusing for me personally. There’s a lot of moving parts and not a lot of answers in the first book which can cause it to become a little muddled. This was a really strong building block to grow off of, and I’m confident that we’ll learn more and get more answers in the second book.

The group dynamic though? I’m kicking my feet and giggling over here. I honestly liked that there was a semblance of a group already. Each of the guys brought their own powers and personalities into the group which created a unique and personal dynamic. It’s going to be really interesting to see how they evolve. The spice is there however it’s more of a slow burn with a few scenes so I’m very excited to see more of it in the second book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Alexandra Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yupp I need more! I need book 2 asap. I love n slater and loved every book of hers that I've read. This one has quickly moved to one of my favorite reads this year. Skye, sweet and pure, has his life mapped out for himself. Until one fateful day he almost dies and instead his stepbrother, Harlow, sacrifices himself in his place. Then everything changes. Harlow, so protective and possessive, returns from the dead to be a spirit. Ambrose, ancient and powerful. Jade, what a total sweetheart. Rumi, sent to the Academy of rejects by his own uncle, fierce and protective. Stellan, another total sweetheart. I can't even pick a favorite, I love them all so much. I absolutely can not wait to see what the next book in their story holds. Especially after that ending. I loved this book and completely devoured it in a day. The world building and suspense kept me turning page after page. I need book 2 now. Definitely recommend!

[BookishEchoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꪑꪗ ᥅ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑦 𝑁. 𝑆𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
📖Pages 240
🗓️ 𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 06/06/24
✍️ ℕ. 𝕊𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣
✨ MMMMMMCs: Skye,Harlow.Rumi,Ambrose,Jade,Stellan

This story was written so well. I truly loved every character and what each of them brought to the story as a whole. I especially loved how the author showed the connections between the main characters in their own individual ways, through the ups and downs and the trials and tribulations they had to face. Once again, the author proved she is the queen of cliffhangers, but I wasn’t even mad. The story is set up so beautifully that it leaves you eager to find out what happens next, how the characters continue to grow, and where the story goes from here. Overall, this book exceeded my expectations.
#paranormal #indieauthor #slatersbookishteams
#slatersbookishteam #romance #mm

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This was quite something! I found this as a rec in a FB group & of course would give it a shot as I love MM+ poly books.

Despite Skye sorta being a catalyst, I liked that there are intricate relationships formed/forming, it's polycule & not harem. I loved that!

Honestly, so much was happening that it felt like a fever dream. Like damn, bruh. But I'm intrigued! I think slowing down in some parts would have helped, but oh well.

Everyone's different & got a quirk to define them too, I liked the dynamics. The relationships themselves are pretty low angst, the situation isn't tho. This world has got me so many questions.

I did skim & skip through, but as I read this for 3 & a half hour, I got how things are & definitely am checking next book out. Hopefully I'll binge this when all books are out haha. (Edit: So after thought, I've added this to my reading challenge, as I've read it's majority to completion.)

P.s. Read book 2's starting chapters, Skye's throat may be an obsession 😅.

Short bursts/skim read: 2025 Sept 28

[Alexandra Kjær · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted! When is the next one out?
I really loved this book, read it in two days.
The Boys are very well written and it's easy to fall in love with them. The dynamic between them is so intriguing, and I cant wait to see how it develops further.
I have read a lot of books, and I find many of them predictable, but N. Slater has a way of surprising me in a way that keeps my mind going hours after reading, to figure out what the answers are.

[Kellys.bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean where do i even start there was so much going on mysteries, secrets, abilities with no end to more questions than answers.


And boy do you get caught up in the immersive world and wonderfully developing characters, so caught up reading i was unaware i was near the end of the book until I was left on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see how the relationships, characters and plot build and unfold throughout the series.

[Jess Michalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slater never ceases to amaze me with her writing and this one is no different. N. Slater takes us on a journey with the 6 MMCs and their relationship dynamic through this magic/fantasy world. This book is dark, magical, mysterious, and of course has the spice we want and need from a Slater book. Overall I was happy to devour it and can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you for the prepublication copy! All opinions expressed here are my own!

[Sheila Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️.5

First off I love N Slater because her MMMM books are 🌶️💥🔥 This book is different from her other stuff I’ve read. This has lots of Fantasy, mystery, world building, student/counselor. Spicy scene are spicy. The first part of the book for me was a little confusing. Loved me some Harlow! Does leave on cliff Hanger. Be sure to check trigger warnings! I’m ready to read the next one.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it captivating from start to finish. The world-building, magic, and characters are incredibly intriguing, and I couldn't stop reading as I shared Skye's curiosity. The characters and their relationships were wonderfully developed, and the cliffhanger ending has left me eagerly anticipating the next installment for more answers.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a lot of books with magic & PNR as one of the main themes. But this was a great book to start with it. I did think it started out a little slow but I did end up getting hooked to it.

I love Slater’s MMM+ writing so much. I wish every author wrote MM as well as she does.

I’m super intrigued on what’s going to happen next!

[Amy McIntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abracadabra!

What do you get when Nic Slater puts her own spin on magic and throws 6 different designations of beings into a polycule? A spicy PNR that you can't put down and have to read with one hand 🔥

The world building and character development is is amazing and I am excited to see where we are headed next.........especially after that cliffy!!

[Brittany Posey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overwhelmed by Magic is so different from everything I have read so far by N. Slater. The only reason this one ends with a 4 star rating is because it was a slow start for me. Then the mother of all cliffhangers like why. Now I have to wait for the next book to answer such a huge question. 😫😫 Overall, the book is really good, and I understand why she went in a different direction with this one. It's very much needed when you are building a world with so many main characters. Now, I will try to patiently wait for book two.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous story made so good by amazing world building that draws you in. A world full of mystery, magic, and secrets. I adored each of the main characters and the dynamics between them. An exciting story. Can't wait to read more.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I was absolutely blown away by this story, this is an MMMMMM romance and I absolutely adored each of these characters, the world crafted in this story piqued my interest from the beginning and I was absolutely obsessed from start to finish. I cannot wait to see how this continues.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much mystery surrounding these men but I’m definitely intrigued! I’m loving the dynamic between Skye, Harlow, and Ambrose. It took me a lil minute to really get into the groove of the story but once all of the men met and became acquainted with each other I was hooked! Super excited to learn about each man’s magic and see the story progress!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a little bit to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. It's magical, and mysterious, with various supernatural creatures and spice.

Skye, a human, was sent to a magical academy to tutor students. The academy is where all the 'rejects' are sent, with no real way to leave again.

The MMCs in the story meshed well together. All different personalities with different abilities, but the attraction between them was obvious.

This story was intriguing and I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book goes.

[Sam Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of the Academy of Rejects series. Excellent world building and character development. Fell in love with Skye, Harlow and Jade. Look forward to book 2 (and beyond) of this series. So far have enjoyed all books I have read by N. Slater.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters and world building in this. A creative magic system and dark academia setting really held my interest. Spice was great and not distracting from the story. It was well paced and left me wanting more from this world! Looking forward to the next installment as well as checking out the rest of N. Slater’s catalog!

[Nikki Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hooked from the start, I love the world building, love the mystery elements, love the characters , love the fact that there’s no conflict between the polycule and the instant need to protect one another rather than push back on these unknown feelings. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series pans out.

Skye is human but finds himself assigned to the academy as a counsellor, following his stepbrother and lover who happens to be a spirit and was sent there as a reject. They quickly find things aren’t as they were led to believe and Skye is at the centre of all trouble, good job he quickly finds himself with four more powerful protectors.

Sometimes with so many new characters to meet, the story can get a little lost or the reader can feel like they don’t know enough about one of the MCs but this was absolutely not the case here, I adore Slater’s world building and ability to keep the reader in the story.

[Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... this book had me in a chokehold from page 1 to the very last word. I've never read a Why Choose, Academia, Paranormal, MMM+ (6 men) which makes this story unique, different and refreshing. The story has elements of darkness, magic, creatures, love, desire, trauma, discovery, mystery, violence, and death. Skye and his men are delicious together and separately. The plot in enthralling, the world building is magical, and I kept wanting to jump into the book and be part of this story. The spice is a slow burn but when it hits... it scorches. N. Slater did an amazing job at bringing these characters to life and I can't wait to see what happens next in their story. Overwhelmed By Magic does end in a cliffhanger so be aware that, according to the author, the story spans over 5 books, getting darker as it goes. Cannot recommend enough for those magic lovers like myself!

[Morana Bylur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE the spice!!! This is my first book I've read featuring 6 men in the spicy scenes. Why choose/rh is one of my favorite genres, it's just so fun seeing all of the different personalities and how they complement each other in both relationship and the bedroom. I'm usually iffy on academy based stories, but this one is written SO well and doesn't feel immature at all. If you're a fan of magic schools and all things paranormal romance (plus ✨️spice✨️) then you have to give it a read!! I'm reviewing before completely finishing (I'm at 75%) because I don't want it to end. I'll update if the ending changes my mind but I don't think there's anything that could turn me away from these guys!

[Monika Ndum · Rating 5 out of 5]

• What an amazing book! Devoured it!
Heartbreaking in the beggining, preparing you for the worst, but everything slowly works out eventually.

“His lips descend on my neck as I hold onto him, my fingers digging into his shoulders hard enough to draw blood. He feels so fucking real.
Like he never died.
Like he never left.”

• Very unique magic system, dark academy themes and found family. Such a compelling characters and their magic, foreshadowing their true empowering talents.

• Deep and secret knowledge of what lies within, fight for power and keeping control with iron fist. Banished and outcast ones trying to find out the true knowledge of their essence.

Cant wait to find out everything else!

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Don’t hold back on the essence

Alrighty so when you are aimlessly scrolling through social media and one of the book groups makes a recommendation STOP everything you are doing because it may just be the book you never knew you needed.

I barely skimmed the blurb if I’m truly honest and dived in blind and I’m so glad I did, usually when a queer series has a harem type poly situation all you get is sex yes? Wrong while you will get steamy moments at its heart this book is a mystery that sucks you into a beautifully magical world and I cannot wait to dive into book two and continue Skye’s journey to the truth.

This book truly has it all with multiple points of view spanning generations of knowledge and building a series that I hope will end happily.