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The Academy
When high school dropout Ashur Yonan receives an unexpected invitation to join a shadowy organization known as the Academy, he is plunged into an ancient conspiracy that threatens the entire world.
Ashur Yonan is going nowhere an eighteen-year-old college dropout living with a mom who doesn’t understand him, mourning the death of his father five years earlier and working a dead-end food service job. The only good thing he has going for him is his girlfriend Kiki, but she’s leaving soon for college on the East Coast. It’s getting harder for Ashur to believe he still has the potential to make something great out of his life.
But after meeting with a mysterious stranger at his father’s gravesite, strange things begin to happen. A representative from a shadowy organization known as the Academy comes to Ashur with an offer to join their latest recruiting class. Wary, but out of options, Ashur accepts—and enters a world of incredible new technology, cutthroat competition, and secrets that slowly begin to reveal themselves as he navigates his place at the Academy.
As Ashur pushes to learn more about the Academy, he also begins to uncover secrets about his own past, including a family history that traces back to the fall of the Shah during the Iranian Revolution, and a host of strange circumstances surrounding his father’s death. Will he be able to learn the truth in time to save himself…and the world?
Ashur Yonan is going nowhere an eighteen-year-old college dropout living with a mom who doesn’t understand him, mourning the death of his father five years earlier and working a dead-end food service job. The only good thing he has going for him is his girlfriend Kiki, but she’s leaving soon for college on the East Coast. It’s getting harder for Ashur to believe he still has the potential to make something great out of his life.
But after meeting with a mysterious stranger at his father’s gravesite, strange things begin to happen. A representative from a shadowy organization known as the Academy comes to Ashur with an offer to join their latest recruiting class. Wary, but out of options, Ashur accepts—and enters a world of incredible new technology, cutthroat competition, and secrets that slowly begin to reveal themselves as he navigates his place at the Academy.
As Ashur pushes to learn more about the Academy, he also begins to uncover secrets about his own past, including a family history that traces back to the fall of the Shah during the Iranian Revolution, and a host of strange circumstances surrounding his father’s death. Will he be able to learn the truth in time to save himself…and the world?
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
62 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 12, 2024
Ashir has been getting into trouble and has lost his direction in life since his father passed away. After getting into a bit of trouble with the police, a mysterious man offers Ashur an alternative to the life he has been living. If nothing else, he wants to know what is the Academy?
I really enjoyed this book. The main character Ashur was a very believable character and left me wanting to know more about him. It is unique that I have come away from reading a book where I have liked most of the characters (once you read the book, you’ll understand the one who didn’t make that list!). The history of Iran was very interesting to read as it is not a period of history that I have ever read before and gave the book a unique feel.
However, I struggled to see why so much time was given to the retelling of the unrest in Iran at the end of each chapter in flashbacks, as it was only brought into the main story near the end of the book and even then, was only briefly discussed. I also didn’t understand why they were graduating so quickly either!
Overall, it was fast paced with twists and turns kept me guessing right up to the end.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character Ashur was a very believable character and left me wanting to know more about him. It is unique that I have come away from reading a book where I have liked most of the characters (once you read the book, you’ll understand the one who didn’t make that list!). The history of Iran was very interesting to read as it is not a period of history that I have ever read before and gave the book a unique feel.
However, I struggled to see why so much time was given to the retelling of the unrest in Iran at the end of each chapter in flashbacks, as it was only brought into the main story near the end of the book and even then, was only briefly discussed. I also didn’t understand why they were graduating so quickly either!
Overall, it was fast paced with twists and turns kept me guessing right up to the end.
May 31, 2025
A quote from the author of this book that I really liked "It's important to be reminded that none of us walk on water and we need redemption and grace at certain seasons of our lives" This was a pick for my book club. This novel tells you that good still exists, even among chaos. I enjoyed it.
December 6, 2024
As this is PBD's first fiction book—love his podcast btw!—I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I expected some stilted moments or some unpolished prose, but I didn't see many instances. Further, I typically don't read stories set in our world, urban fantasy, or something similar, but I read this just because I like the guy and his podcast. I give the book 3.5 or 3.75. I am hard to please, so it's high praise indeed. As a writer myself, who spent seventeen years on his first book, I can relate a lot to the long grind of making this book possible, and I commend him for it. Further, PBD introduces a whole section of our world that I know little about, and that, in itself, is intriguing. Wrap it up in a story, plus places that he's lived or been near, and you've got an interesting parallel tale. I will say the biggest weakness—which isn't much of one—is a little more depth to the characters that surround the MC. What are their motivations, their desires, personality quirks, etc., but I honestly don't have much to complain about. Well done, PBD.
November 27, 2024
The plot was fast-paced and I really liked Ashir's relationship with his father and the exploration of the fall of the Shah in Iran. However, I found the rest of the book to be shallow and problematic at best and sexist, racist, and pedantic at worst. Whether it was dealing with the tense relationship between Ashir and his mother or the depiction of Cassandra, I was unconvinced and even offended at the women's portrayals (which isn't to say I wasn't also offended on Ashir's behalf at the way his relationship with his mother was resolved). The plot, too, felt full of holes that made it impossible to believe that the characters were as intelligent as they were meant to be or that the Academy was as challenging as it was supposed to appear.
August 15, 2024
A very interesting and compelling read. I enjoyed the flashbacks and the present time intertwining and it wasn't hard to follow. I have issue with the some of the sci-fi pieces and how they were displayed as always a good thing. There were some good points made by a character later in the book against it. There were a few points too where the description of women rubbed me the wrong way.
I stayed up reading this one though for sure! Very creative!
I stayed up reading this one though for sure! Very creative!
January 17, 2025
The Academy by Patrick Bet-David follows an 18 year old high school dropout named Ashur Yonan who lost his father he was very close to at a young age. Ashur encountered a robbery at Big Boy, the restaurant he had worked at, which he ended up saving and almost got arrested for an unlicensed gun his late father illegally owned if Zaya, an agent of the Academy, didn’t offer him the alternative to join the Academy instead. Ashur took the offer which led him to an unknown factor of secrets and mysteries about his family. The Academy, to advance for its time with holograms of important and deceased people, was a powerful program training those who have a bright future, as enemies approach the line. It was up to Ashur to take them down, though dealing with betrayal, with very little knowledge and trust he had. The key take away the author shows readers is history is an important factor of the world in order to achieve your fullest potential.
The Academy throughout had some characters that were, in my opinion, equal in terms of favorites. Though he is the main character, Ashur has some flaws that I particularly liked, becoming my overall favorite character. I believe Patrick Bet-David’s intention was to make the reader acknowledge how strong of a character Ashur is. After his father died, life became dull. His mother had been tough to deal with, but he dealt with more than the average person can take. Ashur is all about honesty, which he draws to the next level. During a game at the Academy called traitorball, a girl from his team named Naomi, betrays him and his other teammate Jahi. Even though the game is called traitorball, Ashur takes this action by heart screaming, “‘That’s not fair’”(Bet-David 130). Ashur is known for not lying and at this point it is very hard for him to do so. Someone like Ashur is one of a kind because there are many points in life where lying is a big issue that causes more than enough problems. The way Ashur grows as a character throughout the book gave me goosebumps. It is fascinating, but also terrifying to compare what a person can do with so much knowledge with a person with slim to none. Credit to the author because this thought really got to me when trust and honesty played a major role in Ashur’s life that had me checking behind my closet to see if there was someone there.
For the most part, the Academy was a story that gave me many emotions to deal with. The author really took his time to create the imagery and importance of each character. The Academy at times was a secret keeping book that I couldn’t wait to get to the end because of the secrets I needed it to reveal. The way the book switched to present to Ashur’s past definitely gave me more of an understanding of the background information of the plot. I would most definitely recommend this to teenagers that are interested in mystery and action. Some content in the book did include romance, which may not be for all. For teenagers this book can show and in a way give advice to how the world is in their hands. Like the director of the Academy said, “‘Let yourself be mentored. Make sound choices’”(Bet-David 273). The education enlisted in the writing can also guide readers into thinking and choosing fairly and honestly, which the world needs more of.
The Academy throughout had some characters that were, in my opinion, equal in terms of favorites. Though he is the main character, Ashur has some flaws that I particularly liked, becoming my overall favorite character. I believe Patrick Bet-David’s intention was to make the reader acknowledge how strong of a character Ashur is. After his father died, life became dull. His mother had been tough to deal with, but he dealt with more than the average person can take. Ashur is all about honesty, which he draws to the next level. During a game at the Academy called traitorball, a girl from his team named Naomi, betrays him and his other teammate Jahi. Even though the game is called traitorball, Ashur takes this action by heart screaming, “‘That’s not fair’”(Bet-David 130). Ashur is known for not lying and at this point it is very hard for him to do so. Someone like Ashur is one of a kind because there are many points in life where lying is a big issue that causes more than enough problems. The way Ashur grows as a character throughout the book gave me goosebumps. It is fascinating, but also terrifying to compare what a person can do with so much knowledge with a person with slim to none. Credit to the author because this thought really got to me when trust and honesty played a major role in Ashur’s life that had me checking behind my closet to see if there was someone there.
For the most part, the Academy was a story that gave me many emotions to deal with. The author really took his time to create the imagery and importance of each character. The Academy at times was a secret keeping book that I couldn’t wait to get to the end because of the secrets I needed it to reveal. The way the book switched to present to Ashur’s past definitely gave me more of an understanding of the background information of the plot. I would most definitely recommend this to teenagers that are interested in mystery and action. Some content in the book did include romance, which may not be for all. For teenagers this book can show and in a way give advice to how the world is in their hands. Like the director of the Academy said, “‘Let yourself be mentored. Make sound choices’”(Bet-David 273). The education enlisted in the writing can also guide readers into thinking and choosing fairly and honestly, which the world needs more of.
April 2, 2025
Overall, I liked this book. I have read books that take FOREVER to get to the main action in the story; however, while this book DOES take forever and a day to get to the action, it actually kept me engaged. The lead up events felt purposeful so I didn’t feel as though I was wasting my time reading this.
My main issue is Ashur’s relationship with Kiki. Kiki is set up as such an important presence in his life, but the second Ashur runs into a breathtakingly beautiful woman, he just…drops her. At the end of the book Kiki is mentioned as a good friend, but I wish there was a more formal point where he decides to break up with Kiki rather than it getting glossed over. I think Kiki was too important for him to just move on from without a specific moment for that to happen.
Another issue for me was that the sexual content felt gratuitous in nature. At first, the book describes Ashur using sex as an escape from his life’s problems and I was hoping for a character arc where Ashur realizes that’s not going to give him lasting satisfaction and happiness, but that didn’t happen and left me feeling disappointed. And I’m saying this because that seemed to be the character direction hinted at in the beginning.
I know I dwelled a lot on what I didn’t like, but all in all I’d say read this if you want to, but you’re not really missing anything if you don’t. In general, it’s a better than average book.
My main issue is Ashur’s relationship with Kiki. Kiki is set up as such an important presence in his life, but the second Ashur runs into a breathtakingly beautiful woman, he just…drops her. At the end of the book Kiki is mentioned as a good friend, but I wish there was a more formal point where he decides to break up with Kiki rather than it getting glossed over. I think Kiki was too important for him to just move on from without a specific moment for that to happen.
Another issue for me was that the sexual content felt gratuitous in nature. At first, the book describes Ashur using sex as an escape from his life’s problems and I was hoping for a character arc where Ashur realizes that’s not going to give him lasting satisfaction and happiness, but that didn’t happen and left me feeling disappointed. And I’m saying this because that seemed to be the character direction hinted at in the beginning.
I know I dwelled a lot on what I didn’t like, but all in all I’d say read this if you want to, but you’re not really missing anything if you don’t. In general, it’s a better than average book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
While the writing was good (the reason I gave it two stars instead of one) I could just not focus on the story. My mind was everywhere but on the plot and I dont mean that I was trying to dissect anything related to the story, I was just aimlessly thinking about stuff I need to do next week. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and they all seemed pretty one dimensional and unlikable. I wanted to give a fair chance because it's a Netgalley book and not just something I picked up from the library but I wanted to put it down from about 20% in. I feel like everything I read in the beginning up until that point really didn't matter after Ashur went to the academy. Characters and events from the start of the book never made a return and I felt like it was a waste of time to even write the beginning like that in the first place. It's categorized as a young adult book or ages 7-13 on Google but I truly do not think any 7-13 year old is going to finish this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Post Hill Press for this eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Post Hill Press for this eARC.
July 6, 2025
The Academy is a book full of varied characters that teaches you different points of view: some that you might not agree of while others you may identify with. The main character of this story represents the people who exist today searching for a meaning in their lives while being surrounded by pain and limitations through their loved ones and even from themselves. When I started reading this book, I felt very lost myself because I have so many dreams I want to accomplish but also felt overwhelmed by the challenges waiting for me ahead. Ashur, the main character of this story, taught me the importance of listening to others even if you don’t agree with their beliefs, the importance of being brave especially when it costs you everything, and the importance of not letting your feelings and emotions take control of your actions. After all, there’s no worst liar to rely from than your own heart. If you are starting a new chapter in your life or maybe you are on your lowest point of it; read this book and maybe you will be able to find your own identity as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
The Academy
A nice little synopsis, of how the world works. PBD has the concept, the ideas of what education should be like bringing the thoughts of long gone individuals who have shaped history to bear on young minds. The final speech from the Director should be part of a valedictory message to each young individuals leaving higher leaning.
I think with patience and time on PBD’s hand he could have made this book his Magnus opus. Overall, based on its concept, it will be a nice book to give to a young teenage life to understand the value of education, finding life purposes and its impact on family.
A nice little synopsis, of how the world works. PBD has the concept, the ideas of what education should be like bringing the thoughts of long gone individuals who have shaped history to bear on young minds. The final speech from the Director should be part of a valedictory message to each young individuals leaving higher leaning.
I think with patience and time on PBD’s hand he could have made this book his Magnus opus. Overall, based on its concept, it will be a nice book to give to a young teenage life to understand the value of education, finding life purposes and its impact on family.
December 29, 2024
I'd like to thank the author for not concluding the book on a dramatic cliffhanger; that would have made the wait for a sequel excruciatingly painful.
Mr Patrick, if you can see this, i know you're a very busy person but PLEASE do not make us wait another decade for the second book. Lol
I've enjoyed this book a lot, especially the brief history of the fall of Iran.
Can't wait to read more about Ashur's journey.
Mr Patrick, if you can see this, i know you're a very busy person but PLEASE do not make us wait another decade for the second book. Lol
I've enjoyed this book a lot, especially the brief history of the fall of Iran.
Can't wait to read more about Ashur's journey.
July 5, 2025
Riveting.
I found it quite good story. I found that there was a lot of truth in the family life. The Academy was very fantastic yet quite scary. I should think more on this before I give my opinion but this is how I feel and think right at this minute. I would love to read a book 2.
I will read this again only much slower.
I found it quite good story. I found that there was a lot of truth in the family life. The Academy was very fantastic yet quite scary. I should think more on this before I give my opinion but this is how I feel and think right at this minute. I would love to read a book 2.
I will read this again only much slower.
October 2, 2024
This book started out strong for me, but my interest faded as it went on and I ended up skimming a bit. There were definitely some interesting parts though and I can see how other readers would like it better than I did.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
November 19, 2024
Interesting and Fun!!!
Characters were well developed. Emotional responses were realistic. Characters and cultures were fun to learn about. Looking for a Prequel but would suffer through a sequel…
Characters were well developed. Emotional responses were realistic. Characters and cultures were fun to learn about. Looking for a Prequel but would suffer through a sequel…
October 4, 2025
Riveting
This book was fantastic from start to finish. I wasn’t very sure if I would like a book written by a very talented podcaster but I was pleasantly surprised. Job well done PBD
This book was fantastic from start to finish. I wasn’t very sure if I would like a book written by a very talented podcaster but I was pleasantly surprised. Job well done PBD
December 2, 2025
When you buy a superhero story from Temu.
A story with big unused potential. The characters have absolutely nothing Assyrian or Christian in them except their name. They're Iranian nationals eating Iranian food, listening to Iranian music and involving in Iranian politics.
A story with big unused potential. The characters have absolutely nothing Assyrian or Christian in them except their name. They're Iranian nationals eating Iranian food, listening to Iranian music and involving in Iranian politics.
November 14, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC for an honest review. Unfortunately had to DNF, I couldn’t find myself relating or connecting with the main character enough to want to continue with the story.
November 26, 2024
Mentally stimulating
Action packed historical reference spy thriller with relatable characters and a plot twisting reading. Tear jerking moments of trust and family
Action packed historical reference spy thriller with relatable characters and a plot twisting reading. Tear jerking moments of trust and family
December 23, 2024
I am a fan! I hope one of Patrick Bet David's next 5 moves is writing another fictional masterpiece. Extremely entertaining. I fell in love with your characters. The premise is chefs kiss 💋
December 26, 2024
Outstanding
This was an OUTSTANDING read. Thank you Patrick for the education this has brought me. Can't wait for your next book.
This was an OUTSTANDING read. Thank you Patrick for the education this has brought me. Can't wait for your next book.
January 4, 2025
I was a bit concerned, given the author's political presence. But this was surprisingly nuanced and great story telling.
March 21, 2025
PBD inserts himself as the protagonist in a conservative Narnia, and put Kingsman and Ayn Rands in a blender. Vióla. You have The Academy.
March 30, 2025
A surprisingly good book! Slight let down was the very rushed finale and a bit of a downside being the high tec was limited to such little creativity, but overall very interesting!
April 7, 2025
The fantasy of a narcissist. Lazy & derivative.
October 30, 2025
Least subtle book of all time ? 2/5
December 4, 2025
It’s difficult to read due to the foul language.
August 19, 2025
Probably the best fan fic ever written
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews