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Kuxtal Academy #1
Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning
In the shadowed corridors of Kuxtal Academy, ancient whispers echo through the hallways. Mira Canek finds herself pulled back into the grasp of her family’s political influence when she's called to attend Kuxtal Academy—Inecha’s school for the elite. However, the reunion with her older brother Koa is far from simple. As the owner of a notorious club entwined in the clandestine dealings of the city, Koa leads a life shrouded in secrecy and danger.
When the veil of secrecy is lifted, revelations emerge, threatening to fracture their already fragile bonds. Ancient prophecies intertwine with their destinies, weaving a complex web of fate and forbidden desires.
As Mira holds tight to the image of the brother she once knew, fated connections leave Koa grappling with the weight of his own secrets. In this spellbinding Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance, the Canek siblings are thrust into a reality where the boundaries between light and shadow blur. Will they unravel the mysteries that bind them, or will they succumb to the darkness that lurks within?
When the veil of secrecy is lifted, revelations emerge, threatening to fracture their already fragile bonds. Ancient prophecies intertwine with their destinies, weaving a complex web of fate and forbidden desires.
As Mira holds tight to the image of the brother she once knew, fated connections leave Koa grappling with the weight of his own secrets. In this spellbinding Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance, the Canek siblings are thrust into a reality where the boundaries between light and shadow blur. Will they unravel the mysteries that bind them, or will they succumb to the darkness that lurks within?
611 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2024
115 people are currently reading
2843 people want to read
About the author
Nelle Nikole
8 books161 followersNelle Nikole, a California native now based in Atlanta, has been writing thrilling stories since her early days in elementary school. With a background in Anthropology, Nelle’s passion for understanding diverse cultures took her on research journeys to Rio de Janeiro and Cuba. Her love for knowledge didn’t stop there—she later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy, which fuels the complex societal themes in her writing. Nelle is the author of two gripping series: the Kuxtal Academy series and a separate dystopian fantasy romance series, featuring Rising, Echoes of War, and Before Their After, Ashes of Honor. Through powerful themes of survival, morality, and human resilience, her work resonates deeply with readers from all walks of life. Nelle finds herself inspired by all things fantasy, apocalyptic and anything in between. When she’s not writing, Nelle enjoys life with her husband Ben.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
September 5, 2024
OBSESSED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
If you’re looking for another academy setting fantasy romance full of magic, shifters, and amazing characters to lose yourself in, let it be this one.
I fell in love with the characters, and the magical setting was an added bonus. I can totally see the world expanding leaps and bounds as the books progress, not only in world building but also lore, magic, and politics, I CANNOT WAIT. Book 1 is pretty character focused, but honestly i have no complaints because i trust these authors so much.
Mira and Sienna’s best friendship is everything to me. Their relationship was so genuine and felt like my best friend and I 🥹. they’re truly ride or die’s who would burn the world for each other.
THE ROMANCE?! i feel like i could write a dissertation about the two romance arcs in this book. both had amazing banter, sweet moments, and STEAMMM. i wont be naming names for the sake of remaining spoiler free, but one boy is SO incredibly down bad i have no choice but to fall head over heels in love with him. the ending of this book nearly took me out but besties we made it 😩
Kuxtal Academy stole my heart and i haven’t been able to stop thinking of it since- here are some of my highlights:
✨ mayan inspired mythology
🐍 shifters & magic
✨ old gods vs new gods
🐍 anxiety representation
✨ best friends brother trope
🐍 slow burn romance
✨ mystery & suspence
🐍 underground club / gang vibes
If you’re looking for another academy setting fantasy romance full of magic, shifters, and amazing characters to lose yourself in, let it be this one.
I fell in love with the characters, and the magical setting was an added bonus. I can totally see the world expanding leaps and bounds as the books progress, not only in world building but also lore, magic, and politics, I CANNOT WAIT. Book 1 is pretty character focused, but honestly i have no complaints because i trust these authors so much.
Mira and Sienna’s best friendship is everything to me. Their relationship was so genuine and felt like my best friend and I 🥹. they’re truly ride or die’s who would burn the world for each other.
THE ROMANCE?! i feel like i could write a dissertation about the two romance arcs in this book. both had amazing banter, sweet moments, and STEAMMM. i wont be naming names for the sake of remaining spoiler free, but one boy is SO incredibly down bad i have no choice but to fall head over heels in love with him. the ending of this book nearly took me out but besties we made it 😩
Kuxtal Academy stole my heart and i haven’t been able to stop thinking of it since- here are some of my highlights:
✨ mayan inspired mythology
🐍 shifters & magic
✨ old gods vs new gods
🐍 anxiety representation
✨ best friends brother trope
🐍 slow burn romance
✨ mystery & suspence
🐍 underground club / gang vibes
September 4, 2024
Obviously i think the book is great LOL i want to thank all of you for reading, adding, and overall supporting! There’s a link to the content warnings within the ebook, and on my website! For any questions be sure to reach out to my team via email🖤
October 3, 2024
I need therapy!!! Sending you both my bill!!
First of all, a playlist!? Sign me UP!!! I also love how the books starts off phonetically telling you how to say the names of all nouns - so that there’s no confusion on pronunciation. There’s also a brief break down in the beginning explaining the different types and levels of magic in this book.
Second, I admire Nikole & Hornedo’s ability to world build. They brought more than just an academy and characters to life - they found a way to incorporate Mayan Culture and magic into a people. Mira’s anxiety, Sienna’s dyslexia and their shared grief.
This book was the perfect mix of sex, love, secrets and family drama. It’s a slow burn the first half, the build up, the plot..
It’s worth it. So worth it.
Koa & Wren take book boyfriends to a new level. 😭
I need time to process this book because wtf!!! I can’t wait for the next one.
First of all, a playlist!? Sign me UP!!! I also love how the books starts off phonetically telling you how to say the names of all nouns - so that there’s no confusion on pronunciation. There’s also a brief break down in the beginning explaining the different types and levels of magic in this book.
Second, I admire Nikole & Hornedo’s ability to world build. They brought more than just an academy and characters to life - they found a way to incorporate Mayan Culture and magic into a people. Mira’s anxiety, Sienna’s dyslexia and their shared grief.
This book was the perfect mix of sex, love, secrets and family drama. It’s a slow burn the first half, the build up, the plot..
It’s worth it. So worth it.
Koa & Wren take book boyfriends to a new level. 😭
I need time to process this book because wtf!!! I can’t wait for the next one.
August 14, 2024
3.5 rounded up!
first of allllll i got an arc of this and i am so grateful 🫰🏻
that being said…. i have thoughts that will possibly get spoilery so be warned 😂
OKAY SO! we have sibling Mira and Koa who grew up apart because Mira lived with her aunt since her parents SUCKKKKKKK. Sienna is Mira’s best friend and Koa’s love interest. Wren is Mira’s love interest and works with Koa on some secret shady stuff.
let’s start with what i liked!
✅ Koa and his relationship with Sienna
✅ Koa and his love for his sister Mira
✅ The povs being the siblings (Koa and Mira) instead of their love interests
✅ Koa 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣
✅ The writing. i loved the magic system and the world building (there was just a lot of info)
but what i didn’t like was also:
❌ Koa’s first scene being a threesome blowjob where he was late for his aunt’s funeral and literally RIGHT BEFORE meeting Sienna. 🤢
SIDE NOTE: he is obsessed with Sienna from the second he sees her and she also has had a great sex life and there is a jealousy scene because of one of the guys she’s hooked up with and it was great but it was still imbalanced and i didn’t love it. there were also a lot of mentions of his reputation and it was just like okay we get ittttttttt
❌ the length of the book. i feel like this was SO long and not a whole lot happened. it ends on a cliffy and is 600 something pages long but it felt like it was 1000 pages long. it didn’t start picking up (for me) until like 54% and then everything went so fast and nothing really happens.
❌ I hate to say it but MIRA 🫣 her pov chapters didn’t really capture me. and tbh she was kind of boring. i DO love seeing characters go to therapy and be depressed and in grief but i didn’t really GET and of that from her.
now i have a lot of theories about the next book because something about Wren and the ending rubbed me the wrong way but it made me so excited for the next book 😂😂😂😂
can i also just say that i hate a manwhore but Koa is literally the best brother ever and did everything for his sister and then when he set sights on Sienna he was just a simpy simp begging for a crumb of attention and it was delicious.
first of allllll i got an arc of this and i am so grateful 🫰🏻
that being said…. i have thoughts that will possibly get spoilery so be warned 😂
OKAY SO! we have sibling Mira and Koa who grew up apart because Mira lived with her aunt since her parents SUCKKKKKKK. Sienna is Mira’s best friend and Koa’s love interest. Wren is Mira’s love interest and works with Koa on some secret shady stuff.
let’s start with what i liked!
✅ Koa and his relationship with Sienna
✅ Koa and his love for his sister Mira
✅ The povs being the siblings (Koa and Mira) instead of their love interests
✅ Koa 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣
✅ The writing. i loved the magic system and the world building (there was just a lot of info)
but what i didn’t like was also:
❌ Koa’s first scene being a threesome blowjob where he was late for his aunt’s funeral and literally RIGHT BEFORE meeting Sienna. 🤢
SIDE NOTE: he is obsessed with Sienna from the second he sees her and she also has had a great sex life and there is a jealousy scene because of one of the guys she’s hooked up with and it was great but it was still imbalanced and i didn’t love it. there were also a lot of mentions of his reputation and it was just like okay we get ittttttttt
❌ the length of the book. i feel like this was SO long and not a whole lot happened. it ends on a cliffy and is 600 something pages long but it felt like it was 1000 pages long. it didn’t start picking up (for me) until like 54% and then everything went so fast and nothing really happens.
❌ I hate to say it but MIRA 🫣 her pov chapters didn’t really capture me. and tbh she was kind of boring. i DO love seeing characters go to therapy and be depressed and in grief but i didn’t really GET and of that from her.
now i have a lot of theories about the next book because something about Wren and the ending rubbed me the wrong way but it made me so excited for the next book 😂😂😂😂
can i also just say that i hate a manwhore but Koa is literally the best brother ever and did everything for his sister and then when he set sights on Sienna he was just a simpy simp begging for a crumb of attention and it was delicious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
Okay I have been sitting on this for a while and finally feel like I can review it. This book is definitely a 4.5 star read for me. The magic system for this world was so complex and a different I loved it - but I also had to consistently reference the key because I hard a hard time remembering what was what.
The elemental magic is such a cool concept though, and each fae has some magic that will present itself when they graduated their undergrad. The magic is based by power level where 1 is the highest and 3 is the lowest.
Nelle and Mikayala did such a great job writing this together and I loved that they each took a perspective of the siblings! This story is focused on Mira and Koa Canek siblings who come from powerful parents. Koa is involved in a world that Mira doesn't know about and he wants to keep her away from, but he is so amazing to her and her best friend. I love the relationships that we see unfold with Koa and Sienna and Mira and Wren even though you will 100% be upset in the end because you will get a cliffhanger! Koa is my absolute favorite which shocked me because I thought it would be Wren, but wow he is just something else and there is a *moment* where you will just be obsessed with him for sure!
I had SO much fun with this ARC and was non stop messaging the authors while reading because I just had so many reactions! If you love fantasy and want to try a different magical world I highly recommend this one! I cannot wait for the rest of this series to continue because we still have so many unanswered questions with the mystery of the pills, the cynods, WREN, the old gods, and of course Mira's power!
🐦🔥Urban Fantasy
🐉Mayan Mythology
🎒Academy setting
❤️🔥Forbidden love
💞Dyslexia/anxiety rep
FAVEEEEES
"I'm cute and all, but I've got some heavy baggage" "I'm pretty strong I can lift it" 😍
"Why is everyone staring?" "Because Koa Canek is on his knees" 🫡
The elemental magic is such a cool concept though, and each fae has some magic that will present itself when they graduated their undergrad. The magic is based by power level where 1 is the highest and 3 is the lowest.
Nelle and Mikayala did such a great job writing this together and I loved that they each took a perspective of the siblings! This story is focused on Mira and Koa Canek siblings who come from powerful parents. Koa is involved in a world that Mira doesn't know about and he wants to keep her away from, but he is so amazing to her and her best friend. I love the relationships that we see unfold with Koa and Sienna and Mira and Wren even though you will 100% be upset in the end because you will get a cliffhanger! Koa is my absolute favorite which shocked me because I thought it would be Wren, but wow he is just something else and there is a *moment* where you will just be obsessed with him for sure!
I had SO much fun with this ARC and was non stop messaging the authors while reading because I just had so many reactions! If you love fantasy and want to try a different magical world I highly recommend this one! I cannot wait for the rest of this series to continue because we still have so many unanswered questions with the mystery of the pills, the cynods, WREN, the old gods, and of course Mira's power!
🐦🔥Urban Fantasy
🐉Mayan Mythology
🎒Academy setting
❤️🔥Forbidden love
💞Dyslexia/anxiety rep
FAVEEEEES
"I'm cute and all, but I've got some heavy baggage" "I'm pretty strong I can lift it" 😍
"Why is everyone staring?" "Because Koa Canek is on his knees" 🫡
September 26, 2024
wanted more fantasy elements. 3.5 stars. Characters are wonderful but romances are predictable and sort of instant.
December 7, 2024
I am obsessed with this book!!!! I don’t even know what to say. The ending was actually insane. I loved all of the characters so much. It scratched a zodiac itch but in a super fresh and original way. I loved the mesoamerican vibes. Seriously one of my top reads this year!
10/5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
10/5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
August 31, 2024
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC), but this review is voluntary and honest.
Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning has all of the back to school vibes I wanted, and it was also a more adult setting, with the characters ages around 23-25 years old. I loved the academic setting, and the Mayan magic was so cool. All of the magic and the lore was so rich and stunning. I can already see how this is just the beginning, and I can't wait for more from this series.
I really loved the mental health representation with anxiety and dyslexia. I loved seeing the ways that the characters helped one another and understood their differences. And they found partners who didn't belittle their mental health struggles but adapted for them? It was perfect.
Kuxtal Academy has magic, female friendships, sibling dynamics, secret rebellions, and so so so much more. This book flew by, and I can't wait to go back and visit these characters again and again.
Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning has all of the back to school vibes I wanted, and it was also a more adult setting, with the characters ages around 23-25 years old. I loved the academic setting, and the Mayan magic was so cool. All of the magic and the lore was so rich and stunning. I can already see how this is just the beginning, and I can't wait for more from this series.
I really loved the mental health representation with anxiety and dyslexia. I loved seeing the ways that the characters helped one another and understood their differences. And they found partners who didn't belittle their mental health struggles but adapted for them? It was perfect.
Kuxtal Academy has magic, female friendships, sibling dynamics, secret rebellions, and so so so much more. This book flew by, and I can't wait to go back and visit these characters again and again.
August 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The magic system was unique and well described. I found myself flipping back and forth to review the different magical abilities. The world building was also fully developed. It's parallel to our world with technology, just adds magic! I found it refreshing to have a academy setting without bullying or excessive darkness. The main characters respected each other and didn't play emotional games. Having them be graduate age students in their mid-20s made it all much more realistic. Nice balance of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue. Ends in a cliffhanger that makes me want the next book ASAP.
September 5, 2024
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for approving me for this ARC and to Nelle Nikole and Mikayla D. Hornedo for such a wonderful twist on Fantasy Academies and bringing in great diverse characters!
4.75 ★’s
“𝖠𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗒, 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗐𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝖼𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗌. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝖼𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖻𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗌𝗉𝖺𝖼𝖾, 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗋𝗀𝗒 𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝖼𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽.”
WREN IKARI!!!! KOA CANEK!!!! Hello I’m so obsessed!!! THE ENDING?? NELLE, MIKAYLA EXCUSE ME WDYM!!
Seriously, I enjoyed this so much. The Mayan Mythology was everything and more, I loved learning about the lore of it, the different levels of power and of course the dual POV at a fantasy academy!!! Who doesn’t love reading about a fantasy academy that’s a little unhinged with shifters, fae, elementals and a few morally grey mmc’s!! 😮💨
I will note that this isn’t super heavily based around the academy itself imo but it is still present!
The anxiety representation was so wonderfully done in my opinion. I related so much to Mira’s anxieties and the way she processed her emotions. Mira’s therapy sessions were my therapy sessions, OKAY😭 when Dr. Puebla gave her the tools to break down her anxious thoughts and replace them with positive or neutral thoughts it really stuck with me. Also Wren being a therapy KING, I love him so much ok.
And our girl Sienna being the dyslexic queen she is!!! The plot twist she brought in I cannot wait to see where the story goes 👀 And her and Koa??? 😭 I’m dead, I’m sick I’m so obsessed with them.
I cannot wait for book two!!
4.75 ★’s
“𝖠𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗒, 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗐𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝖼𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗌. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝗈 𝖼𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖻𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗌𝗉𝖺𝖼𝖾, 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗋𝗀𝗒 𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝖼𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽.”
WREN IKARI!!!! KOA CANEK!!!! Hello I’m so obsessed!!! THE ENDING?? NELLE, MIKAYLA EXCUSE ME WDYM!!
Seriously, I enjoyed this so much. The Mayan Mythology was everything and more, I loved learning about the lore of it, the different levels of power and of course the dual POV at a fantasy academy!!! Who doesn’t love reading about a fantasy academy that’s a little unhinged with shifters, fae, elementals and a few morally grey mmc’s!! 😮💨
I will note that this isn’t super heavily based around the academy itself imo but it is still present!
The anxiety representation was so wonderfully done in my opinion. I related so much to Mira’s anxieties and the way she processed her emotions. Mira’s therapy sessions were my therapy sessions, OKAY😭 when Dr. Puebla gave her the tools to break down her anxious thoughts and replace them with positive or neutral thoughts it really stuck with me. Also Wren being a therapy KING, I love him so much ok.
And our girl Sienna being the dyslexic queen she is!!! The plot twist she brought in I cannot wait to see where the story goes 👀 And her and Koa??? 😭 I’m dead, I’m sick I’m so obsessed with them.
I cannot wait for book two!!
September 7, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
🖤Mayan Mythology
🖤 Bipoc characters
🖤 Mafia/Dark Academia Romantasy
🖤forbidden romance
🖤mental health rep
🖤dyslexia rep
3.5/5⭐️ I received an e-arc of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I love the exploration of Mayan mythology. This was unique and refreshing. This book has a anxiety and dyslexia rep. I like how the authors not only make an effort to normalize Anxiety Disorders, but they show us what it LOOKS like: physical reactions, intrusive thoughts, etc.
I loved Sienna and Koa’s storyline more than Wren and Mira. I just felt their chemistry more, and the banter and flirtation was fun to “witness.” The sisterhood between Sienna and Mira was great. They were true ride or die bffs.
While there were things I enjoyed, there were things that didn’t work for me. The book was long, for no reason. There wasn’t alot going on at times. It just felt like we were on a ride watching some college kids and college kid drama. Also it read more like a dark academia, mafia story than a fantasy. I needed more action, less glitz and glam. I found myself having to take breaks bc there just wasn’t enough happening. It was cool at first but then it just felt like it was on repeat.
I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the spotify playlist the author created to accompany the book. It really enhanced the reading experience.
The book ended on a cliffhanger and it was a pretty good one. I hope book two has more action because I really look forward to seeing where this story goes now that we hopefully got all the feet dragging/“world-building” out of the way.
🖤Mayan Mythology
🖤 Bipoc characters
🖤 Mafia/Dark Academia Romantasy
🖤forbidden romance
🖤mental health rep
🖤dyslexia rep
3.5/5⭐️ I received an e-arc of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I love the exploration of Mayan mythology. This was unique and refreshing. This book has a anxiety and dyslexia rep. I like how the authors not only make an effort to normalize Anxiety Disorders, but they show us what it LOOKS like: physical reactions, intrusive thoughts, etc.
I loved Sienna and Koa’s storyline more than Wren and Mira. I just felt their chemistry more, and the banter and flirtation was fun to “witness.” The sisterhood between Sienna and Mira was great. They were true ride or die bffs.
While there were things I enjoyed, there were things that didn’t work for me. The book was long, for no reason. There wasn’t alot going on at times. It just felt like we were on a ride watching some college kids and college kid drama. Also it read more like a dark academia, mafia story than a fantasy. I needed more action, less glitz and glam. I found myself having to take breaks bc there just wasn’t enough happening. It was cool at first but then it just felt like it was on repeat.
I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the spotify playlist the author created to accompany the book. It really enhanced the reading experience.
The book ended on a cliffhanger and it was a pretty good one. I hope book two has more action because I really look forward to seeing where this story goes now that we hopefully got all the feet dragging/“world-building” out of the way.
September 17, 2024
✔️I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Okay WOW! All I have to say is Nelle and Mikayla did not come to play! I loved this book so much and couldn't put it down! So first impressions, this jumps right into getting to know who these beautiful characters are. The world building is at a nice pace and what the authors were able to create in this Mayan world is truly unique and unlike others. I am so excited that this is a series because I can't wait to go on this journey with Mira and Sienna as they navigate this new school and emerging into Fae. I loved the brother-sister relationship and how protective and caring they were of each other. The spice level was the right amount of steamy and the couples are super dope together. I can’t wait to see where the relationships go. The storyline stayed interesting and keeping me coming back but this cliff-hanger ending?! I NEED book #2 asap! Holy smokes we are in for a crazy ride with this one and I'm here for it!
✨Themes:
-Mayan mythology
-All diverse characters
-Dyslexia and anxiety rep
-Power struggles with government
-Fae & Mayan gods
-Shifters and elemental magic
-Brother/sister duo
5⭐️
Okay WOW! All I have to say is Nelle and Mikayla did not come to play! I loved this book so much and couldn't put it down! So first impressions, this jumps right into getting to know who these beautiful characters are. The world building is at a nice pace and what the authors were able to create in this Mayan world is truly unique and unlike others. I am so excited that this is a series because I can't wait to go on this journey with Mira and Sienna as they navigate this new school and emerging into Fae. I loved the brother-sister relationship and how protective and caring they were of each other. The spice level was the right amount of steamy and the couples are super dope together. I can’t wait to see where the relationships go. The storyline stayed interesting and keeping me coming back but this cliff-hanger ending?! I NEED book #2 asap! Holy smokes we are in for a crazy ride with this one and I'm here for it!
✨Themes:
-Mayan mythology
-All diverse characters
-Dyslexia and anxiety rep
-Power struggles with government
-Fae & Mayan gods
-Shifters and elemental magic
-Brother/sister duo
5⭐️
September 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
First and foremost, I want to extend my thanks to Mikayla D. Hornedo and Nelle Nikole for writing this fresh take on fantasy academia. Additional thanks to NetGalley and GXLD Page | Primal Instinct Publishing for the amazing opportunity to read Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning as an ARC. I was drawn to this title after finishing another title by Hornedo and was particularly interested in the concept of Mayan-inspired, fae fantasy.
The dual POV story itself focuses on Mira and Koa Canek, siblings born to politically powerful parents who treat them like an inconvenience at the best of times. After losing her maternal role-model, Mira finds herself and her best friend forced to attend Kuxtal Academy which is the elite post-grad school where Koa attends. The start of the school year opens Mira up to new friends, new love interests, and new information about her family, her world, and the history of her people. This book is full of slow-burn tension (multiple couples), murder and mystery, political turmoil, and lots of questions left open to wonder about until the next one is released.
At times, it was hard to remember that these characters were in a school setting. Understanding that it is post-grad (early/mid 20s), the situations that they find themselves in are significantly involved, so having them also attend classes, it's a little tough to wrap my mind around and disrupts the view of the characters. I loved that they included a detailed outline of the magic roles and pronunciations to refer back to. I am also a glutton for punishment and adored that it was a 600+ page story because it let's you really delve into the details. I will absolutely be waiting for the second book to continue diving into the web of this world!
First and foremost, I want to extend my thanks to Mikayla D. Hornedo and Nelle Nikole for writing this fresh take on fantasy academia. Additional thanks to NetGalley and GXLD Page | Primal Instinct Publishing for the amazing opportunity to read Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning as an ARC. I was drawn to this title after finishing another title by Hornedo and was particularly interested in the concept of Mayan-inspired, fae fantasy.
The dual POV story itself focuses on Mira and Koa Canek, siblings born to politically powerful parents who treat them like an inconvenience at the best of times. After losing her maternal role-model, Mira finds herself and her best friend forced to attend Kuxtal Academy which is the elite post-grad school where Koa attends. The start of the school year opens Mira up to new friends, new love interests, and new information about her family, her world, and the history of her people. This book is full of slow-burn tension (multiple couples), murder and mystery, political turmoil, and lots of questions left open to wonder about until the next one is released.
At times, it was hard to remember that these characters were in a school setting. Understanding that it is post-grad (early/mid 20s), the situations that they find themselves in are significantly involved, so having them also attend classes, it's a little tough to wrap my mind around and disrupts the view of the characters. I loved that they included a detailed outline of the magic roles and pronunciations to refer back to. I am also a glutton for punishment and adored that it was a 600+ page story because it let's you really delve into the details. I will absolutely be waiting for the second book to continue diving into the web of this world!
August 29, 2024
Kuxtal Academy
Nelle Nikole & Mikayla D. Hornedo
If I could give this infinity stars I would. It was full of mystery, unique magic, and amazing characters. This urban fantasy follows brother and sister duo, Koa and Mira, while they attend Kuxtal Academy for the elites. They work to uncover the mysteries of things going on in their lives as well as face dangers that seem to be lurking around every corner. It’s an urban fantasy so you get all the things that go along with the modern world. Absolutely loved the unbreakable friendship between Mira and Sienna. Very faced paced book so you won’t want to put it down. You get lots of morally grey characters and there is no shortage of romance. The tension and angst between Koa and Sienna was my favorite part of the book. These two were giving me such Tory and Darius from Zodiac Academy vibes , I ate it up. I’m not usually one for nicknames in books but I am here for “Venom” for sure. Love Koa’s “burn the world for her” intensity. The authors will make you fall in love with all of the characters in the book. Full of both strong male and female characters. The ending is super intense and will leave you on a big cliffhanger. Book one does a great job of setting the stage for what’s to come by building the backbone of the characters relationships. You get a teaser for Mira discovering what her magic is going to be and I can’t wait to learn more. I can tell that this series is going to be one of my top favorites, so excuse my fan girl energy while I write this. I AM OBSESSED.
✨Urban Fantasy
✨Academy Setting
✨Fae Shifters
✨Anxiety/ Dyslexia Rep
✨Morally Grey Characters
✨Mystery
✨Unique Magic
✨Banter/Tension
"Because I think you're the only one who can take me out with something as simple as your mouth."
“Most girls dreamed of the knight in shining armor, the good prince that comes and swipes you off your feet. Not many little girls dreamed about the dark knight, the one your parents warned you about. The one you weren't sure if you should run away from or run toward. I hadn't grown up the same as most girls, though. I'd been shown young the true darkness of the fae.”
Nelle Nikole & Mikayla D. Hornedo
If I could give this infinity stars I would. It was full of mystery, unique magic, and amazing characters. This urban fantasy follows brother and sister duo, Koa and Mira, while they attend Kuxtal Academy for the elites. They work to uncover the mysteries of things going on in their lives as well as face dangers that seem to be lurking around every corner. It’s an urban fantasy so you get all the things that go along with the modern world. Absolutely loved the unbreakable friendship between Mira and Sienna. Very faced paced book so you won’t want to put it down. You get lots of morally grey characters and there is no shortage of romance. The tension and angst between Koa and Sienna was my favorite part of the book. These two were giving me such Tory and Darius from Zodiac Academy vibes , I ate it up. I’m not usually one for nicknames in books but I am here for “Venom” for sure. Love Koa’s “burn the world for her” intensity. The authors will make you fall in love with all of the characters in the book. Full of both strong male and female characters. The ending is super intense and will leave you on a big cliffhanger. Book one does a great job of setting the stage for what’s to come by building the backbone of the characters relationships. You get a teaser for Mira discovering what her magic is going to be and I can’t wait to learn more. I can tell that this series is going to be one of my top favorites, so excuse my fan girl energy while I write this. I AM OBSESSED.
✨Urban Fantasy
✨Academy Setting
✨Fae Shifters
✨Anxiety/ Dyslexia Rep
✨Morally Grey Characters
✨Mystery
✨Unique Magic
✨Banter/Tension
"Because I think you're the only one who can take me out with something as simple as your mouth."
“Most girls dreamed of the knight in shining armor, the good prince that comes and swipes you off your feet. Not many little girls dreamed about the dark knight, the one your parents warned you about. The one you weren't sure if you should run away from or run toward. I hadn't grown up the same as most girls, though. I'd been shown young the true darkness of the fae.”
September 5, 2024
I’m so feral right now after finishing this book, you don’t understand😭 I need the next book RIGHT NEOWWW🤌 The characters were AMAZING and so three dimensional, even the side ones! The world building and mythology/lore were so captivating I was legit so locked into the story I would lose track of time😂 The romances were so beautiful and raw in their own ways that had me SWOONING for both my girls🥹🫶 The crazy part is, I usually avoid academia themed books, but I was actually so excited to read the parts where they were in classes because the material was so interesting! 10 out of 10, will recommend to EVERYONE because this right here? THIS book is what I want when I read about the fae in a romantasy👏
September 27, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. It’s a beast but so worth it!
Great plot, the writing was amazing, & the spice was spicing 🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great plot, the writing was amazing, & the spice was spicing 🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 12, 2024
I don't know HOW Nikole and Horendo did it, but they did the whole damn thing and then put some extra secret sauce on it just to make sure I can't get enough 👏🏿.
If it matters to you, I was an ARC reader. I signed up for this opportunity because I've read both of their individual books, and I wanted to see how their minds and talents came together.
Because of that, I should have been ready, but clearly, I was NOT. All the main characters showed layers and growth. Mira and Sienna's friendship is the stuff of goals. The Mira and Koa siblings' relationship was so passionate and freakn adorable that I started missing my little bro. And to think the authors each tackled one of the siblings because it worked so well as if the two of them share one master brain.
Mira/Wren had an instant connection that was still filled with patience and understanding. They didn't rush to get spicy, and I liked that a lot. Wren gave me more layers than a girl could need in winter. And Mira found her voice in so many ways. Horendo did so well!
Koa/Sienna was an interesting kind of slow burn that started off hooot, then got lukewarm, kinda chilly ASF, and then turned into something magical. Nikole could have skimmed on their relationship building (you'll see why), but she didn't. She served, and I was well fed!
The writing was amazing. The supporting characters did their thing. The plot twists nearly broke my darn neck and back. The ending has me wishing I had a damn parachute 'cause I'm falling! The only issue I had was remembering all the powers, and that's it, lmao.
Overall, I loved it through and through!
If it matters to you, I was an ARC reader. I signed up for this opportunity because I've read both of their individual books, and I wanted to see how their minds and talents came together.
Because of that, I should have been ready, but clearly, I was NOT. All the main characters showed layers and growth. Mira and Sienna's friendship is the stuff of goals. The Mira and Koa siblings' relationship was so passionate and freakn adorable that I started missing my little bro. And to think the authors each tackled one of the siblings because it worked so well as if the two of them share one master brain.
Mira/Wren had an instant connection that was still filled with patience and understanding. They didn't rush to get spicy, and I liked that a lot. Wren gave me more layers than a girl could need in winter. And Mira found her voice in so many ways. Horendo did so well!
Koa/Sienna was an interesting kind of slow burn that started off hooot, then got lukewarm, kinda chilly ASF, and then turned into something magical. Nikole could have skimmed on their relationship building (you'll see why), but she didn't. She served, and I was well fed!
The writing was amazing. The supporting characters did their thing. The plot twists nearly broke my darn neck and back. The ending has me wishing I had a damn parachute 'cause I'm falling! The only issue I had was remembering all the powers, and that's it, lmao.
Overall, I loved it through and through!
September 14, 2024
I really wanted to like the book because I loved the characters. Wren, Koa and Sienna held it down. But for me overall, it wasnt really an enjoyable experience. 1. Except for the first 25% and last 25&, nothing really happened. The pacing was excruciating. The plot was non existent. The fact that Mira is in this new world, Kuxtal Academy, and nothing really happens there. We don't get to really explore the school with her. Outside of the situation with the research thing. The school is just a background factor. It would have been cool to see her face some challenges adjusting to the new environment or some hostility being that it was forced on her.
Problem #2. There was waay too much telling vs showing. Most of the book was us being told about the lore in the most random situations. I think because there was not much happening to move the plot forward they relied too heavily on exposition. It was irritating because at times when tension was building and things were finally happening it would get interrupted by a page and a half of exposition. This happened a few times and I ended up just skimming alot out of impatience.
Lastly, maybe this is just my personal gripe, but outside of emerging and getting these badass powers. Mira (and Koa although he changed a bit bc of Sienna) is still the same person she was in the beginning. Nothing really shifted or changed and I think this is because there was no plot. Nothing to challenge any of her beliefs or sense of self.
I very much enjoyed the lore and world building, info dumps aside. The lore is amazing and I love the mythology and representation. This review is just my opinion I know several people that have enjoyed it.
Problem #2. There was waay too much telling vs showing. Most of the book was us being told about the lore in the most random situations. I think because there was not much happening to move the plot forward they relied too heavily on exposition. It was irritating because at times when tension was building and things were finally happening it would get interrupted by a page and a half of exposition. This happened a few times and I ended up just skimming alot out of impatience.
Lastly, maybe this is just my personal gripe, but outside of emerging and getting these badass powers. Mira (and Koa although he changed a bit bc of Sienna) is still the same person she was in the beginning. Nothing really shifted or changed and I think this is because there was no plot. Nothing to challenge any of her beliefs or sense of self.
I very much enjoyed the lore and world building, info dumps aside. The lore is amazing and I love the mythology and representation. This review is just my opinion I know several people that have enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
The ending- I need answers besties! Patiently awaiting book two. 😩🧡
November 14, 2025
Mira and Koa Canek might be born into power, but their parents treat them like they’re overdue library books—tolerated, barely. After losing the woman who shaped her entire heart, Mira gets shipped off (with her bestie in tow) to Kuxtal Academy—the elite post-grad pressure cooker where Koa already goes.
And whew… the school year does not come to play. Mira falls into new friendships, new crushes, and some seriously juicy revelations about her family, her world, and the history she thought she knew.
Expect: slow-burn tension (yes, multiple couples 👀), murder, mystery, messy politics, and just enough unanswered questions to have you dramatically staring at the ceiling waiting for the next book.
The mental-health rep? Chef’s kiss. Thoughtful, real, and beautifully portrayed—especially anxiety and dyslexia. Watching these characters show up for each other hit me right in the feels.
It’s the perfect cocktail of heat, heart, secrets, and family drama. The first half simmers… then the plot says “let’s boogie.”
Was it worth it? Oh absolutely. Painfully, deliciously worth it.
Things to know
Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance, Adult themes & language, graphic sexual content, on page violence & gore, abusive parents (emotional & physical,) on & off page death, alcohol & drug use, religious commentary (not linked to any real world religion), fantasy academy, forbidden love, corrupted government, sister’s best friend, shifters, elemental magic, diverse characters, morally grey characters, old gods vs new gods, anxiety representation, best friends brother, slow burn romance, mystery & suspence, underground club / gang vibes, fated mates
And whew… the school year does not come to play. Mira falls into new friendships, new crushes, and some seriously juicy revelations about her family, her world, and the history she thought she knew.
Expect: slow-burn tension (yes, multiple couples 👀), murder, mystery, messy politics, and just enough unanswered questions to have you dramatically staring at the ceiling waiting for the next book.
The mental-health rep? Chef’s kiss. Thoughtful, real, and beautifully portrayed—especially anxiety and dyslexia. Watching these characters show up for each other hit me right in the feels.
It’s the perfect cocktail of heat, heart, secrets, and family drama. The first half simmers… then the plot says “let’s boogie.”
Was it worth it? Oh absolutely. Painfully, deliciously worth it.
Things to know
Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance, Adult themes & language, graphic sexual content, on page violence & gore, abusive parents (emotional & physical,) on & off page death, alcohol & drug use, religious commentary (not linked to any real world religion), fantasy academy, forbidden love, corrupted government, sister’s best friend, shifters, elemental magic, diverse characters, morally grey characters, old gods vs new gods, anxiety representation, best friends brother, slow burn romance, mystery & suspence, underground club / gang vibes, fated mates
September 20, 2024
3.5 🌟
I truly enjoyed the book. It was quite different from the books I'd read before. A good type of different book I might add. I loved the mental health representation. How they were all helping each other. And the way they all understood each other and had each other's backs. Koa is my absolute favorite among all of them. 🤭And of course, I love all of them, but I like his character more. The way he was obsessed with Sienna from the start was so enchanting. And the banter between them was amazing. Mira and Sienna's bond was everything and more. And Mira and Wren were so adorable. Their dates, their banter. Everything was perfect. All the characters were amazing.🥹😭
The world-building was amazing. The unexpected twists and turns in the story kept me completely absorbed in the story. The magical world of this book was a bit complex but amazing. This book ends on a cliffhanger. And I literally got goosebumps while reading the last few chapters.😭
If you like reading fantasy books set in an academy full of magic, hidden truths, power levels, shifters, and powerful characters, you'll love this book.❤️
Tropes:
🖤Morally Grey Mmc's
🖤Fantasy Academy
🖤Diverse Characters
🖤Shifters, Elemental Magic & more
🖤Brother/Sister Duo
🖤Anxiety & Dyslexia Rep
🖤Sister's Best Friend
🖤Mayan Mythology
I truly enjoyed the book. It was quite different from the books I'd read before. A good type of different book I might add. I loved the mental health representation. How they were all helping each other. And the way they all understood each other and had each other's backs. Koa is my absolute favorite among all of them. 🤭And of course, I love all of them, but I like his character more. The way he was obsessed with Sienna from the start was so enchanting. And the banter between them was amazing. Mira and Sienna's bond was everything and more. And Mira and Wren were so adorable. Their dates, their banter. Everything was perfect. All the characters were amazing.🥹😭
The world-building was amazing. The unexpected twists and turns in the story kept me completely absorbed in the story. The magical world of this book was a bit complex but amazing. This book ends on a cliffhanger. And I literally got goosebumps while reading the last few chapters.😭
If you like reading fantasy books set in an academy full of magic, hidden truths, power levels, shifters, and powerful characters, you'll love this book.❤️
Tropes:
🖤Morally Grey Mmc's
🖤Fantasy Academy
🖤Diverse Characters
🖤Shifters, Elemental Magic & more
🖤Brother/Sister Duo
🖤Anxiety & Dyslexia Rep
🖤Sister's Best Friend
🖤Mayan Mythology
August 4, 2024
I CANNOT BELIVE THIS BOOK IS OVER like why did it end like that?!?!
OMFG god need book 2 now
This is an urban fantasy set in modern times but everyone is fae. After college the fae go to “Grad School” or in this case Kuxtal Academy. To come into and hone their powers. There is fae, gods, Mayan mythology, elemental magic, shifters, and of course romance. We follow two siblings Koa and Mira, Koa is already at the academy and runs an underground night club Mira who just graduated college just started attending. She is grieving the death of her aunt and now having to face her parents who clearly don’t care about her and her brother the only thing they care about is their image and learning. The more she learns at Kuxtal and the underground world she starts suspecting her aunts death may have been a murder with the help of her brother, best friend Sienna and Wren her brother co worked and a member of another powerful family they start uncovering things about the ancient gods and magical artifacts that are lost.
I ate this book the fuck up!!!! I loved how there is diverse characters, how they authors weaved both magic and the modern world together and the Mayan mythology. The romance is so so so good. I honestly don’t know what the two authors put in this book but it scratch an itch in my brain and right when I was gonna give up on fantasy romance this book came swinging at the gates.
Thank you to both the authors Mikayla Hornedo and Nelle Nikole for this arc I can’t wait for the sequel.
Tropes:
Found family
Mayan mythology
Dual PoV
Diverse characters
Shifts
Fae
Old gods
Elemental magic
Tatted MMC’s
OMFG god need book 2 now
This is an urban fantasy set in modern times but everyone is fae. After college the fae go to “Grad School” or in this case Kuxtal Academy. To come into and hone their powers. There is fae, gods, Mayan mythology, elemental magic, shifters, and of course romance. We follow two siblings Koa and Mira, Koa is already at the academy and runs an underground night club Mira who just graduated college just started attending. She is grieving the death of her aunt and now having to face her parents who clearly don’t care about her and her brother the only thing they care about is their image and learning. The more she learns at Kuxtal and the underground world she starts suspecting her aunts death may have been a murder with the help of her brother, best friend Sienna and Wren her brother co worked and a member of another powerful family they start uncovering things about the ancient gods and magical artifacts that are lost.
I ate this book the fuck up!!!! I loved how there is diverse characters, how they authors weaved both magic and the modern world together and the Mayan mythology. The romance is so so so good. I honestly don’t know what the two authors put in this book but it scratch an itch in my brain and right when I was gonna give up on fantasy romance this book came swinging at the gates.
Thank you to both the authors Mikayla Hornedo and Nelle Nikole for this arc I can’t wait for the sequel.
Tropes:
Found family
Mayan mythology
Dual PoV
Diverse characters
Shifts
Fae
Old gods
Elemental magic
Tatted MMC’s
August 16, 2024
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve never picked up a book quite like this one. The incorporation of Myan mythology made it unique and stand out in comparison to other fantasy books. It was refreshing to experience a new magic system and I was intrigued by how it fit into this world. I also appreciated that the book was an urban fantasy; it allowed me to focus more on the magic and plot rather than the world-building.
Some other things that I loved:
- Koa (who reminded me of Ruhn Danaan)
- The underlying mystery aspect
- The bond between Koa, Mira and Sienna
- Kuxtal Academy and its magic levels
- The ending!!!! I need to know what happens next
While I enjoyed these elements, I felt like the length of the book and the plot’s progression was not always balanced. Although a lot happened, it sometimes felt like not much was occurring too. I would have loved more exploration of the academy as the exclusivity of it and how it determined the world was such a big thing! I also wished that the relationships between Koa/Sienna and Wren/Mira had developed more slowly as they seemed to escalate quite quickly. However, as this is a series, I’m excited to see how the story continues to unfolds.
I’ve never picked up a book quite like this one. The incorporation of Myan mythology made it unique and stand out in comparison to other fantasy books. It was refreshing to experience a new magic system and I was intrigued by how it fit into this world. I also appreciated that the book was an urban fantasy; it allowed me to focus more on the magic and plot rather than the world-building.
Some other things that I loved:
- Koa (who reminded me of Ruhn Danaan)
- The underlying mystery aspect
- The bond between Koa, Mira and Sienna
- Kuxtal Academy and its magic levels
- The ending!!!! I need to know what happens next
While I enjoyed these elements, I felt like the length of the book and the plot’s progression was not always balanced. Although a lot happened, it sometimes felt like not much was occurring too. I would have loved more exploration of the academy as the exclusivity of it and how it determined the world was such a big thing! I also wished that the relationships between Koa/Sienna and Wren/Mira had developed more slowly as they seemed to escalate quite quickly. However, as this is a series, I’m excited to see how the story continues to unfolds.
September 9, 2024
Thank you to Mikayla D. Hornedo and Nelle Nikole for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-This is kind of the type of book that is no plot just vibes. I did rate it this high because I felt the vibes and the world was great. I love books set in schools, academies or just dark academia vibes. There’s something about it that just works well for me. I was kind of disappointed that we didn’t see more of the magical classes. The story itself had interesting elements but as a whole it kind of felt like we were just following these characters’ lives without really having a set story. But I assume that it’s the baseline of this series which I believe will be 5 books.
-There may not have been much plot but the characters were great. I liked all of them and they each had elements that were unique to them and made me like them in their own way. Although, they are all quite kick ass which brings them together more. The only issue I had was that the romances all felt quite fast burn. Both couples kinda happened from the start and I wished that at least one of them would have been a slow burn throughout the entirety of the series. It does make me question whether these couples are both endgame or not.
-I didn’t feel like the ending really got to a twist or a turn that I’d hoped. I still really want to continue this series and sees where everything goes. I have to admit that it still went with a bang leaving me yearning for more even though, with my high expectations, I expected more.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-This is kind of the type of book that is no plot just vibes. I did rate it this high because I felt the vibes and the world was great. I love books set in schools, academies or just dark academia vibes. There’s something about it that just works well for me. I was kind of disappointed that we didn’t see more of the magical classes. The story itself had interesting elements but as a whole it kind of felt like we were just following these characters’ lives without really having a set story. But I assume that it’s the baseline of this series which I believe will be 5 books.
-There may not have been much plot but the characters were great. I liked all of them and they each had elements that were unique to them and made me like them in their own way. Although, they are all quite kick ass which brings them together more. The only issue I had was that the romances all felt quite fast burn. Both couples kinda happened from the start and I wished that at least one of them would have been a slow burn throughout the entirety of the series. It does make me question whether these couples are both endgame or not.
-I didn’t feel like the ending really got to a twist or a turn that I’d hoped. I still really want to continue this series and sees where everything goes. I have to admit that it still went with a bang leaving me yearning for more even though, with my high expectations, I expected more.
July 14, 2025
4.5 stars - this is different from what I’ve read before in a great way! It’s an urban fantasy with faes, shifters, and elemental magic, but there’s also modern twists with current technology, a corrupt government, and underground crime woven in the story! I was grateful for the guide at the beginning so I could reference it throughout the book, but I did enjoy the world building and Mayan elements included it felt very fresh! This was mostly character driven which I loved because I mostly read for vibes, and I learned a lot about the characters — the mental health representation with anxiety was great and I loved the dyslexia representation as well. I also loved the communication between all four main characters and found I was never frustrated with their dynamics. I enjoyed the bond between Mira and Koa as siblings, the two romantic couples, and the best friend bond between Sienna and Mira. I feel like this book does a good job setting up the world but now I’m excited for more plot and I have questions as to what happens next I’m SEATED!
September 2, 2024
All I have to say is HOLY SHIT! I did not see that ending coming whatsoever! 😅
The characters, the world building, the academy and magic just fit together perfectly. I liked how age related the academy was such as graduation from high school and being in your early 20’s for college it was just easy to connect with. I really like the history/ gods that the book portrays. It has been very very I treating to learn about the gods and magic throughout the book. It kept me wanting to read and learn more about this world’s ways and the importance of the gods. It took be a bit to get into, but once I was fully emersed in the kuxtal world I just couldn’t put the book down. The last few chapters were literally mind blowing I’m still trying to process. WTF! Damn this book was absolutely amazing. The only downside I have is that I can’t read the next one yet. The cliffhanger, REALLY?? WHY??? 😫😫😫
I will definitely recommend this book!
The characters, the world building, the academy and magic just fit together perfectly. I liked how age related the academy was such as graduation from high school and being in your early 20’s for college it was just easy to connect with. I really like the history/ gods that the book portrays. It has been very very I treating to learn about the gods and magic throughout the book. It kept me wanting to read and learn more about this world’s ways and the importance of the gods. It took be a bit to get into, but once I was fully emersed in the kuxtal world I just couldn’t put the book down. The last few chapters were literally mind blowing I’m still trying to process. WTF! Damn this book was absolutely amazing. The only downside I have is that I can’t read the next one yet. The cliffhanger, REALLY?? WHY??? 😫😫😫
I will definitely recommend this book!
August 20, 2024
I AM GAGGED.
Mikayla and Nelle, babes.. please send me your address for my therapy bill 🥲
The way this book made me fall in love with EVERY SINGLE MAIN CHARACTER?! And for that ending?! WOW 😭
Summary:
Kuxtal Academy is a school for the rich and powerful. You don’t apply, you get chosen and well it’s not Mira and Sienna’s time to shine.
There are secrets, there’s love, there’s plot.. you literally don’t know who to trust. Past and present everyone has something that they aren’t revealing. And because this is fantasy.. there’s magic…. And…. I JUST…. IM FOAMING AT THE MOUTH!!!!
Book two should be released right now. I can’t handle this.
HOW DID YALL MAKE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH FOUR CHARACTERS?!?!?! 😭
Mikayla and Nelle, babes.. please send me your address for my therapy bill 🥲
The way this book made me fall in love with EVERY SINGLE MAIN CHARACTER?! And for that ending?! WOW 😭
Summary:
Kuxtal Academy is a school for the rich and powerful. You don’t apply, you get chosen and well it’s not Mira and Sienna’s time to shine.
There are secrets, there’s love, there’s plot.. you literally don’t know who to trust. Past and present everyone has something that they aren’t revealing. And because this is fantasy.. there’s magic…. And…. I JUST…. IM FOAMING AT THE MOUTH!!!!
Book two should be released right now. I can’t handle this.
HOW DID YALL MAKE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH FOUR CHARACTERS?!?!?! 😭
August 15, 2024
A fantastic start to a series I'm ready to gobble up!!! Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance
This book follows a Mira and her older brother Koa at the elite Kuxtal Academy. Mira has been living with her aunt to escape her family's political drama and pressure but the death of her aunt and the appearance of a mark that means she must attend Kuxtal Academy, bring her right back into the mess of things. Koa is already a student at Kuxtal and has begun to make a name for himself with a secret club and some secret business dealings.
*note from me- Kuxtal is a college so everyone is adults and I'd say while the academy is the setting, not much time is actually spent in class (not a bad thing!)
Some things I love:
- A unique magic system inspired by Mayan mythology (please someone let me talk about how cool it is for hours)
- we get two romance plot lines!!! one for each sibling
- representation of characters with dyslexia and anxiety
- mystery and secrets
- spicy spicy spice
Thank you to the authors for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
This book follows a Mira and her older brother Koa at the elite Kuxtal Academy. Mira has been living with her aunt to escape her family's political drama and pressure but the death of her aunt and the appearance of a mark that means she must attend Kuxtal Academy, bring her right back into the mess of things. Koa is already a student at Kuxtal and has begun to make a name for himself with a secret club and some secret business dealings.
*note from me- Kuxtal is a college so everyone is adults and I'd say while the academy is the setting, not much time is actually spent in class (not a bad thing!)
Some things I love:
- A unique magic system inspired by Mayan mythology (please someone let me talk about how cool it is for hours)
- we get two romance plot lines!!! one for each sibling
- representation of characters with dyslexia and anxiety
- mystery and secrets
- spicy spicy spice
Thank you to the authors for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
September 16, 2024
I need book 2 nowww. This is a multi pov character driven story, so not much happens in terms of plot. For most of the story we are following characters, learning who they are, their motivations, their relationships, and watching them grow and discover their powers. There are secrets and lies, mafia vibes, found family(best trope ever), spice, sibling relationships, mates, and more. The world building and magic system is so cool. It’s Mayan mythology based. The powers of the characters are so interesting and I loved each character. The last 30% of this book had me on my knees scared for the characters I’ve spend hundreds of pages falling for.
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