Monster Academy [Year Two]

by Holly Hook

As I start my second year at the monster academy, my biggest danger lies within…

Navigating my second year at the academy will be complicated, all thanks to the growing darkness inside me. I’ll do anything to avoid going dark, and my best chance of that is to cure monsters of their conditions.

The good news? I just might have the ability, however hard it is to access.

But the bad news? To unlock it, we’ll need the help of one staff member determined to mold me into a force of terror.

And that might not even be the most terrifying part. Our enemies on the outside are preparing for something big, and if I don’t slip into darkness before I face them again, they’ll push me there for sure.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year two begins

After Halloween is over and things settle into their normal level of weirdness the first semester of second year for Ali and her friends start. Ali wants to learn how to control her inner darkness and how to help others be free from infections. The group decides to seek out the help of a scientist and see if they can get Ali to that point. Tensions are running high on campus and it seems like the calm before the next storm, but when will it come and what will it be?
I’ve never been a huge Halloween person but I have such a greater appreciation for it now. These books make Halloween seem much more fun. I mean yes there are downsides but everyone has different powers and abilities and a cool school with a spooky town to haunt on weekends. There’s a great overall plot and I love hove each book reveals something new and surprising. This book was no exception. I mean woah what an ending!! These books are just spooky fun!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my sincere and honest review.

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

Book Four of the Monster Academy series, "Year Two, Part 1" brings the friend circle a little more into danger as they try to learn more about Ali's powers and what that means for the monster community. Some of their teachers see her as a weapon and others as a student to be protected, and sometimes they experience conflicting emotions by seeing her as both. Her relationships with those around her are evolving into a found family who will do anything to protect one another. The dynamics of life on the reserve are being further revealed as we experience more of their lives, and we watch as newcomers try to adjust to their new reality. I still hold out hope that Ali's family will love her just how she is and that we see a glimpse of the mother we saw in her memories a few books back. I also hope to see more information on the gods and their children and how, exactly, the dark corruption came into being. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book four of the Monster Academy series, "Year Two, Part 1," the circle of friends faces increased danger as they delve deeper into understanding Ali's powers and their implications for the monster community. Some teachers view her as a weapon, while others see her as a student to be protected, often feeling torn between these perspectives. Ali's relationships with those around her are evolving into a close-knit found family, determined to protect each other at all costs. The intricacies of life on the reserve are further unveiled as we glimpse more of their daily lives, and newcomers strive to adapt to their new reality. I remain hopeful that Ali's family will accept her for who she is and that we will see the loving mother from her memories a few books back. I'm also eager to learn more about the gods, their children, and the origins of the dark corruption. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali and her friends are back and of course things are not smooth and easy. Ali must deal with the darkness growing in her, school, and everything else. A fun and entertaining book and series that I still enjoy. Had to see what Ali and co must face this time, plus the drama and intrigue that is never far in this series. Made me laugh and groan as usual. And had to see what surprises and reveals would show up.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Ali is trying very heard not to go dark, but with the help from her friends, she is barely managing it. She discovers a new ability that could be a real game changer, but needs the help of people that she is unsure that she can trust. Meantime, The Society is planning something big and the Academy needs to stop them. Can Ali do this, or will the darkness take over completely?

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns have you cautiously optimistic for Ali learning to control the dark corruption. Not knowing who they can trust, the gang go to the village Dr. thinking him the better alternative to Mrs. Morgan when Ali decides she wants to try and help the other monsters who are not happy. Fry pan meet fire and Ali not only has to work harder to not turn dark but they stumble into a new Society threat that leaves them reeling.
I loved the book.

[LaWanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali is a total bada*s and shows alot of growth since the beginning. Even though her friends try to protect her, they have to go into battle once again against the society.
This is definitely not a standalone, and it will be best enjoyed having read the previous three books. I can't wait to see where this series is leading to.
I did receive an ARC from the author, but in no way did that sway my opinions.

[Donna Brattain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation of monster Academy

Very good continuation of the series. I just love Allie..the most.

I did find a few tiny mistakes. They bothered my ocd, but didn't distract too much from the story. Ex.. He was sitting across from her. Then.. she stared at him down the table.. Just little stuff. And very few of them

This was a very good book. If you are into the series.. It is simple yet strong YA book. I would recommend

[Véronique Laplante Grenier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali his at her second years at Monster Academy. Trying very hard to keep her powers in check and trying not to turn dark. And she discover a new powers that might help with that. Helping to others to turn back normal.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story to make you want it never to end. Ali ‘s life would be so much better if she could only control her darkness. She needs to figure out how she can accomplish this. As always, impossible to not enjoy.

[Dawn Filler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Lots of action and drama! The ending was surprising. Glad romance and friendships are developing. New twists was interesting. I can’t wait to read next book!

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

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.