Monster Academy [Halloween Break]

by Holly Hook

As I approach my first-year anniversary in Monstreuse, I'm wishing that my fellow students were the only danger...

But when you're secretly the reason everyone in the monster reserve is no longer normal, and you can't help it, life is more complicated. I still don't know our admin's plans for me, and worse, the Society wants revenge on me. Rumblings from the normal world tell us we could all be in grave danger soon.

Me, Byron, and our group of friends--one of whom I infected by mistake--must figure out what's going on during our school's Halloween break. I just might have more potential than I thought, and it could be up to me to save everyone on the reserve. But to do so, I'll start down a dark path that I'm not sure I can come back from.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

Holly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters...literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist.

Reviews

[Susan]

Monster Academy [Halloween Break] by Holly Hook is a snark-sprinkled supernatural romp that delivers Halloween chaos with a side of sentient pumpkin. Yes, you read that right.
🎃 Plot Vibes
Ali’s first-year anniversary in Monstreuse is anything but celebratory. Between a museum heist, a mysterious class only she and Byron must attend, and a lovable pumpkin she accidentally brings to life, the Halloween break spirals into a monster mash of secrets, danger, and dark magic. The Society wants revenge, the school staff are sketchy, and Ali might be the key to saving everyone—if she can survive her own powers and the path they’re dragging her down.
🧛 What Works
• The magical reserve setting is still delightfully eerie and full of quirky twists.
• Byron and Ali’s dynamic keeps the emotional stakes grounded amid the chaos.
• The sentient pumpkin? A scene-stealer. Someone give it a spin-off.
😬 What Doesn’t
• The series is starting to feel a bit stretched. Inner monologues are on repeat, and if you took a shot every time someone “gulped,” you’d be unconscious by chapter five.
• Some plot threads feel recycled from earlier books, though the Halloween theme adds fresh flair.
👻 Final Snark
Monster Academy [Halloween Break] is like a haunted house ride: slightly bumpy, occasionally repetitive, but still fun enough to keep your arms inside the cart. If you’re already invested in Ali’s monster-infested misadventures, this installment won’t disappoint. Just brace yourself for more gulping than a vampire at a blood bank.

[Karen Tankersley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween break at the academy is supposed to be all fun and games, but of course nothing ever goes according to plan! Between the special class that only Ali and Byron need to take, a heist at a museum of magical artifacts, a lovable sentient pumpkin that Ali accidentally created, werewolf drama, and teachers who cannot be trusted, and it’s a recipe for one heck of a Halloween break.

I plan to keep reading this series, although it is starting to feel like it’s being dragged out. Not boring, exactly, but just a little repetitive with the characters’ inner monologues. And there is wayyyyy to much gulping going on. Pretty much every other page one of the characters is described as “I gulped,” or “Byron gulped” and it’s just a bit much. Still a cute story though.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s supposed to be a happy Halloween break and time to relax and celebrate takes a sinister turn at monster academy. Things are getting dangerous and the staff aren’t all on the same page with some drastic actions. Ali is under extreme pressure to harness her gifts and suffers such guilt because she can’t cure her friends. Halloween break brings turmoil and trouble to the academy and Ali. Buckle up it’s gonna be a bumpy break lol.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, keeping the reader engrossed from the beginning to the end.

Ali and her friends have to find out what is going on with those in charge within the academy and what they have planned for Ali herself. At the same time, The Society is trying to pass new laws which would endanger all in the monster reserves. Ali and friends use the Halloween break to see what they can do about both problems.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leave this review.

[LaWanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series. I like the growth of the main character. She turns into a bada** at the end, and I love that. I just love it when they finally take that stand and fight back, especially the ones that are quiet and are used to sitting back. Alot of questions were answered in this one, and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up with the next book.
I did receive this as an ARC from the author, but these opinions are my own.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Halloween break and of course things are not calm for poor Ali and her friends. Trouble abounds and danger and intrigue is high. Had to see what she must face and if secrets are discovered this time. Just another fun story that kept me reading and glued to the end to see what mayhem would be found.

[Alejandra Martin ~ Lexi Likes to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book in this series pulls me in more than the one before it. Book 1 I wasn't a huge fan of, but I read 2 because I was curious - and it in turn caused me to look forward to the next book in the series. This 3rd book has done the same - causing me to like it more than the 2nd. I'm not sure if it's an evolution of the author's writing, or my own investment in the characters and their growth, but whatever the cause, I'm here for it.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for younger readers.

This is a unique academy series. It's perfect for younger readers lacking the spice level of many others. The magical system is amazing as is the world building.

[Janet L Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!

Really enjoying this series, ready to see what happens next! Very well written and keeps me up way too late!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story, impossible to not love everything about the characters and what happens. Fantasy at its finest.

[Dawn Filler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome fun read!

I love this series! Great friends, adventures, lots of action and very fast pacing. A few mysteries and clues add to the ongoing drama.