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Heretical: A YA Fantasy
Ignatia Heretical isn’t shaping up to be much of a Hero.
The daughter of the most famous Villain in the country, Ig is finding that no matter how hard she tries, no one at her illustrious Hero academy seems to trust her. Or, you know. Like her. At all. Her only friend is Pisces – the beautiful, popular girl she’s been hopelessly in love with since she started school at the Lunalist Academy For The Gifted and Talented.
However, Ig’s chance to prove herself comes when she’s signed up for a secret reconnaissance mission; infiltrate Shackleton School for Villains and work out their nefarious plans.
Pretend to be a Villain.
Make friends with an unhinged botanist, a mad scientist, and his insufferable clone/lab assistant.
Find out their secrets.
Go home a Hero.
What could possibly go wrong?
The daughter of the most famous Villain in the country, Ig is finding that no matter how hard she tries, no one at her illustrious Hero academy seems to trust her. Or, you know. Like her. At all. Her only friend is Pisces – the beautiful, popular girl she’s been hopelessly in love with since she started school at the Lunalist Academy For The Gifted and Talented.
However, Ig’s chance to prove herself comes when she’s signed up for a secret reconnaissance mission; infiltrate Shackleton School for Villains and work out their nefarious plans.
Pretend to be a Villain.
Make friends with an unhinged botanist, a mad scientist, and his insufferable clone/lab assistant.
Find out their secrets.
Go home a Hero.
What could possibly go wrong?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 26, 2024
I'd like to extend a huge thank you to 'Pride book tours' for providing a copy of 'Heretical.' as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-I found this story to be exceptionally well-crafted, with a writing style that truly resonated with me. The author provided rich details about both the characters and the settings, which made it easy to visualize the scenes within the book. The world-building was particularly impressive, offering a clear understanding of how the narrative universe operates. I appreciated how the text conveyed Ig’s emotions and thoughts at pivotal moments, presented in a way that distinguished them from the main narrative, thereby enhancing their impact.
I truly appreciated the way the story began in the book. As readers, we gain insight into Ig’s life, including her family dynamics, school experiences, friendships, and her time at Lunalist Academy. The narrative effectively portrays how Ig navigates the transition to becoming a student at Shackleton School. I found the introduction of the characters engaging and enjoyed getting to know them.
The book evokes memories of television series such as “The Worst Witch” (1998–2001 and its 2017 remake), along with the show “Wednesday” (2022) and the film “Monster High” (2022).
-Ig, resonated deeply with my younger self during my school years as someone who has autism (undiagnosed at the time). I found myself relating significantly to her character. I believe that had this came out and I read this book in my youth, it would have provided me with a sense of companionship and understanding, alleviating the feelings of isolation I often experienced. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book now.
-I found this story to be exceptionally well-crafted, with a writing style that truly resonated with me. The author provided rich details about both the characters and the settings, which made it easy to visualize the scenes within the book. The world-building was particularly impressive, offering a clear understanding of how the narrative universe operates. I appreciated how the text conveyed Ig’s emotions and thoughts at pivotal moments, presented in a way that distinguished them from the main narrative, thereby enhancing their impact.
I truly appreciated the way the story began in the book. As readers, we gain insight into Ig’s life, including her family dynamics, school experiences, friendships, and her time at Lunalist Academy. The narrative effectively portrays how Ig navigates the transition to becoming a student at Shackleton School. I found the introduction of the characters engaging and enjoyed getting to know them.
The book evokes memories of television series such as “The Worst Witch” (1998–2001 and its 2017 remake), along with the show “Wednesday” (2022) and the film “Monster High” (2022).
-Ig, resonated deeply with my younger self during my school years as someone who has autism (undiagnosed at the time). I found myself relating significantly to her character. I believe that had this came out and I read this book in my youth, it would have provided me with a sense of companionship and understanding, alleviating the feelings of isolation I often experienced. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book now.
August 4, 2024
Don't be fooled by the cover looking nothing like The School for Good and Evil or the Descendants films — this is a fantastic "superhero" story and now one of my favorite reads of the year! It reminded me of Megamind too, which I also really enjoyed.
Ig is an interesting character to follow, being the daughter of a villain and a hero who so desperately wants to be a hero. But she works best with her team of chaotic misfits: unhinged botanist Vivi, mad scientist Mercutio, and Pietro, Mercutio's clone/lab assistant. (Plus Onslaught, undead bunny and emotional support animal.) It's been a while since I've read a book whose main cast endeared themselves to me (The Great Library series by Rachel Caine comes to mind, from a few years back) and I'm really glad to have discovered another one.
I found the villain school setup really fun too. They have a Monologue class, which I thought was hilarious given that, you know, villains go on those monologues. They have also subjects like Minion Husbandry, Torture Management, Costume and Mask Design... it's just so fun??
I could go on, but I really don't want to give the whole book away, so if you like the superhero genre, you might want to give this a shot?
Ig is an interesting character to follow, being the daughter of a villain and a hero who so desperately wants to be a hero. But she works best with her team of chaotic misfits: unhinged botanist Vivi, mad scientist Mercutio, and Pietro, Mercutio's clone/lab assistant. (Plus Onslaught, undead bunny and emotional support animal.) It's been a while since I've read a book whose main cast endeared themselves to me (The Great Library series by Rachel Caine comes to mind, from a few years back) and I'm really glad to have discovered another one.
I found the villain school setup really fun too. They have a Monologue class, which I thought was hilarious given that, you know, villains go on those monologues. They have also subjects like Minion Husbandry, Torture Management, Costume and Mask Design... it's just so fun??
I could go on, but I really don't want to give the whole book away, so if you like the superhero genre, you might want to give this a shot?
September 14, 2024
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Pride Book Tours.
Heretical is a fun and thought-provoking YA fantasy about Ignatia Heretical (Ig), who is the daughter of the most notorious villain in the country. Ig longs to be a Hero, but nobody at the Hero Academy she attends trusts nor likes her. She has one friend, Pisces, who she's been head over heels for since forever. When Ig gets a chance to prove herself, she grasps it with both hands and finds not only her people but a place she belongs, acceptance, and much about herself along the way.
The humour and banter in this book was fantastic and helped endeer many of the main characters to me. I'd love to read more of the characters and adventures set at the schools featured in this book.
Heretical is a fun and thought-provoking YA fantasy about Ignatia Heretical (Ig), who is the daughter of the most notorious villain in the country. Ig longs to be a Hero, but nobody at the Hero Academy she attends trusts nor likes her. She has one friend, Pisces, who she's been head over heels for since forever. When Ig gets a chance to prove herself, she grasps it with both hands and finds not only her people but a place she belongs, acceptance, and much about herself along the way.
The humour and banter in this book was fantastic and helped endeer many of the main characters to me. I'd love to read more of the characters and adventures set at the schools featured in this book.
August 29, 2024
I was provided with this book via an instagram tour, for which I'm grateful.
Imagine a 90s saturday morning cartoon set in a world where children are sent to either a Heroes and a Villains boarding school, that’s how it worked in my head. Now add to it that you have a young confused girl who is delightful awkward who does not fit in with the Heroes, and is sent to the Villain’s School, and hijinks ensuies!
The characters were wonderful, and I came to care for each of these amazingly diverse characters. I loved how they accepted each other’s quirks and supported each other when that was needed. There were some truly heartfelt moments, when I’ll admit, I ugly cried. Like when Merc explained all the steps of what he was going to do to Ig, like “I’m going to touch you, pull you up under your armpits”, or when Pietro gave Ig a pencil to use as a fidget toy to calm down. This is truly a ‘Found Family’ done well.
It’s very clear that the majority of the kids at the Villian school likely is neurodivergent to some degree, and the way Emma approaches this by not pointing it out to the reader as such, but building it into the character - like Merc clearly being hyper focused on one particular subject, Ig struggling to emotional self-regulate. It’s beautifully done.
I may be overanalysing here far beyond the author’s intended. But while reading this, it did very much feel like it could have been sat in a regular school and a school for ‘additional needs’ children. Often neurodivergent kids are villainised for not being able to sit still, zoning out, hyper focusing on one topic, not being great socially etc, and instead of meeting their needs, they’re told off or worse mocked and bullied. This book challenges that by giving the kids a balance of structure and flexibility to be who they are. I think Emma put it quite nicely at the start, ‘True chaos can only come from a base of organistion, otherwise it’s just messiness” and I love that so much.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and if you’ve got a kid around 12-15 or someone who just loves reading YA, this is a really great and entertaining book with some very special moments.
Imagine a 90s saturday morning cartoon set in a world where children are sent to either a Heroes and a Villains boarding school, that’s how it worked in my head. Now add to it that you have a young confused girl who is delightful awkward who does not fit in with the Heroes, and is sent to the Villain’s School, and hijinks ensuies!
The characters were wonderful, and I came to care for each of these amazingly diverse characters. I loved how they accepted each other’s quirks and supported each other when that was needed. There were some truly heartfelt moments, when I’ll admit, I ugly cried. Like when Merc explained all the steps of what he was going to do to Ig, like “I’m going to touch you, pull you up under your armpits”, or when Pietro gave Ig a pencil to use as a fidget toy to calm down. This is truly a ‘Found Family’ done well.
It’s very clear that the majority of the kids at the Villian school likely is neurodivergent to some degree, and the way Emma approaches this by not pointing it out to the reader as such, but building it into the character - like Merc clearly being hyper focused on one particular subject, Ig struggling to emotional self-regulate. It’s beautifully done.
I may be overanalysing here far beyond the author’s intended. But while reading this, it did very much feel like it could have been sat in a regular school and a school for ‘additional needs’ children. Often neurodivergent kids are villainised for not being able to sit still, zoning out, hyper focusing on one topic, not being great socially etc, and instead of meeting their needs, they’re told off or worse mocked and bullied. This book challenges that by giving the kids a balance of structure and flexibility to be who they are. I think Emma put it quite nicely at the start, ‘True chaos can only come from a base of organistion, otherwise it’s just messiness” and I love that so much.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and if you’ve got a kid around 12-15 or someone who just loves reading YA, this is a really great and entertaining book with some very special moments.
August 15, 2024
Title: Heretical
Author: Emma Whitehall
Rating: 4.5/5
Representation: LGBTQ+ and Autism
In Emma Whitehall's captivating follow-up novel, we meet Ignatia Heretical, a young woman caught between two worlds. As the daughter of the nation's most beloved hero and its most infamous villain, Ignatia struggles to find her place at Hero Academy. Despite her best efforts, she fails to excel in her classes, make friends, or live up to the legacy of her heroic father. Yet, driven by a deep-seated desire to prove herself and make her family proud, Ignatia perseveres through her challenges.
Just when it seems Ignatia's dreams of becoming a hero are slipping away, an unexpected opportunity arises. Summoned to the headmistress's office, she learns she's been chosen for a covert mission. Her task? To infiltrate Shackleton, the notorious school for villains, by posing as one of their own. Her objective is to uncover the villains' secrets, aid the heroes in maintaining peace, and ultimately return home as a celebrated hero herself.
However, as any seasoned reader knows, such plans rarely unfold without complications. Ignatia's journey takes unexpected turns, challenging her preconceptions about heroism, villainy, and her own identity.
Whitehall's novel is a tour de force in the young adult fantasy genre and gives off similar vibes to that of Megamind, Spy Kids, and Wednesday. The result is a fresh, engaging narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the often blurry line between good and evil.
The character development in this novel is particularly noteworthy. Ignatia, or "Ig" as she's affectionately known, is a masterfully crafted protagonist. Her flaws and insecurities make her relatable, while her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring. Whitehall's portrayal of Ig's journey of self-discovery and the realisation of her true potential is nothing short of exceptional.
The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each bringing their own unique flavour to the story. They inject humour and emotional depth into the narrative, emphasising the importance of friendship and loyalty. A standout character is Ig's mother, who defies expectations at every turn. Despite her reputation as a villain, she demonstrates that even the most notorious individuals can possess deep maternal love and unwavering support for their children.
Whitehall's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into Ig's world from the first page. The pacing is well-balanced, alternating between moments of introspection, action-packed sequences, and humorous interludes. The author's ability to weave complex themes into an entertaining narrative is commendable, making this book accessible to young adults while still offering depth for more mature readers.
In conclusion, this novel is a standout in the YA fantasy genre, offering a fresh perspective on the classic hero's journey. It's a story about finding one's place in the world, challenging societal expectations, and the power of self-acceptance. Whether you're a long-time fan of YA fantasy or new to the genre, this book is sure to captivate and inspire. It's a testament to Whitehall's storytelling prowess and cements her place as a rising star in the world of young adult literature.
Author: Emma Whitehall
Rating: 4.5/5
Representation: LGBTQ+ and Autism
In Emma Whitehall's captivating follow-up novel, we meet Ignatia Heretical, a young woman caught between two worlds. As the daughter of the nation's most beloved hero and its most infamous villain, Ignatia struggles to find her place at Hero Academy. Despite her best efforts, she fails to excel in her classes, make friends, or live up to the legacy of her heroic father. Yet, driven by a deep-seated desire to prove herself and make her family proud, Ignatia perseveres through her challenges.
Just when it seems Ignatia's dreams of becoming a hero are slipping away, an unexpected opportunity arises. Summoned to the headmistress's office, she learns she's been chosen for a covert mission. Her task? To infiltrate Shackleton, the notorious school for villains, by posing as one of their own. Her objective is to uncover the villains' secrets, aid the heroes in maintaining peace, and ultimately return home as a celebrated hero herself.
However, as any seasoned reader knows, such plans rarely unfold without complications. Ignatia's journey takes unexpected turns, challenging her preconceptions about heroism, villainy, and her own identity.
Whitehall's novel is a tour de force in the young adult fantasy genre and gives off similar vibes to that of Megamind, Spy Kids, and Wednesday. The result is a fresh, engaging narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the often blurry line between good and evil.
The character development in this novel is particularly noteworthy. Ignatia, or "Ig" as she's affectionately known, is a masterfully crafted protagonist. Her flaws and insecurities make her relatable, while her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring. Whitehall's portrayal of Ig's journey of self-discovery and the realisation of her true potential is nothing short of exceptional.
The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each bringing their own unique flavour to the story. They inject humour and emotional depth into the narrative, emphasising the importance of friendship and loyalty. A standout character is Ig's mother, who defies expectations at every turn. Despite her reputation as a villain, she demonstrates that even the most notorious individuals can possess deep maternal love and unwavering support for their children.
Whitehall's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into Ig's world from the first page. The pacing is well-balanced, alternating between moments of introspection, action-packed sequences, and humorous interludes. The author's ability to weave complex themes into an entertaining narrative is commendable, making this book accessible to young adults while still offering depth for more mature readers.
In conclusion, this novel is a standout in the YA fantasy genre, offering a fresh perspective on the classic hero's journey. It's a story about finding one's place in the world, challenging societal expectations, and the power of self-acceptance. Whether you're a long-time fan of YA fantasy or new to the genre, this book is sure to captivate and inspire. It's a testament to Whitehall's storytelling prowess and cements her place as a rising star in the world of young adult literature.
August 24, 2025
Star rating for the vibes. Enjoyed it 😊
October 13, 2024
Heretical by Emma Whitehall - Good
I had the pleasure of meeting Emma when she was one of the authors that came to speak at the Durham Bookcrossing Unconvention in September 2024 and she very kindly gave me a copy of Heretical for a bookray. Of course, I had to read it first.
Now I think that everyone that knows me is aware that YA is not something I actively choose to read, but I have to say that on the rare occasions I do read one, I thoroughly enjoy them. Makes me wish that there had been such a thing around when I was the right age.
Heretical is a YA novel set in an alternate reality/fantasy world where heroes and villains live amongst us.... and go to school to train, prior to coming into their superpowers.
Ignatia Heretical is the daughter of a hero and a villain and is attending hero academy but somehow just doesn't fit in. Chosen for a special mission, will she finally find her place in the world?
It's a lovely tale of discovery - finding out who you really are inside, who you can trust and where you fit in the world. I can see it helping many young folk who need a little encouragement....and for those that don't, they'll love the adventures just as much.
A couple of quotes that resonated with me:
"True chaos can only come from a base of organisation, otherwise it's just messiness."
"I was a career girl, but I always knew I wanted to have children and settle down. But if that isn't in your fate, that's fine too. We need all types to make the world a darker place, don't we?"
#review
I had the pleasure of meeting Emma when she was one of the authors that came to speak at the Durham Bookcrossing Unconvention in September 2024 and she very kindly gave me a copy of Heretical for a bookray. Of course, I had to read it first.
Now I think that everyone that knows me is aware that YA is not something I actively choose to read, but I have to say that on the rare occasions I do read one, I thoroughly enjoy them. Makes me wish that there had been such a thing around when I was the right age.
Heretical is a YA novel set in an alternate reality/fantasy world where heroes and villains live amongst us.... and go to school to train, prior to coming into their superpowers.
Ignatia Heretical is the daughter of a hero and a villain and is attending hero academy but somehow just doesn't fit in. Chosen for a special mission, will she finally find her place in the world?
It's a lovely tale of discovery - finding out who you really are inside, who you can trust and where you fit in the world. I can see it helping many young folk who need a little encouragement....and for those that don't, they'll love the adventures just as much.
A couple of quotes that resonated with me:
"True chaos can only come from a base of organisation, otherwise it's just messiness."
"I was a career girl, but I always knew I wanted to have children and settle down. But if that isn't in your fate, that's fine too. We need all types to make the world a darker place, don't we?"
#review
September 3, 2024
This story was beautifully written and so rich. I adored getting to know the characters, especially the MC Ig, and very much enjoyed the character development throughout. The world-building was solid, and it felt easy to visualise the story as I read. As always, I loved the queer & ND rep within this & the representation felt authentic which is always good! I got really stuck into this book, Heretical is one I have to highly recommend!
September 1, 2024
I seriously enjoyed reading Heretical!
It really gave me a mix of My Hero Academia, Monster High, and School For Good And Evil vibes and I am here for it!
I adored the character development of Ig (our MC)! Trying so hard to be someone that her fellow Hero classmates would accept, finding others who accepted her for her as she is, realising that those are the people for her and the place for her to be, and really accepting herself! It was all written so well and the emotions were spot on and easily felt by the reader. Whitehall’s writing is wonderfully descriptive and bro by a life into the story!
Also one of the main themes/tropes is Found Family and if you know me at all, you know this is one of my absolute favourite tropes to read!
I enjoyed this and would love, love to read more about Ig and her new family
It really gave me a mix of My Hero Academia, Monster High, and School For Good And Evil vibes and I am here for it!
I adored the character development of Ig (our MC)! Trying so hard to be someone that her fellow Hero classmates would accept, finding others who accepted her for her as she is, realising that those are the people for her and the place for her to be, and really accepting herself! It was all written so well and the emotions were spot on and easily felt by the reader. Whitehall’s writing is wonderfully descriptive and bro by a life into the story!
Also one of the main themes/tropes is Found Family and if you know me at all, you know this is one of my absolute favourite tropes to read!
I enjoyed this and would love, love to read more about Ig and her new family
August 22, 2024
This was AMAZING!! I loved the autism and LGBTQIA+ representation.
Such a great and loveable bunch of villains. I really hope there's a sequel!
Such a great and loveable bunch of villains. I really hope there's a sequel!
November 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this novel and as others I'm not normally a YA fantasy reader but Emma was so engaging and enthusiastic at the Durham Uncon that I really wanted to meet Ignatia Heretical. The book deals with a lot of tough subjects when you're a 15 year old girl who is trying to figure out who she is
She doesn't really fit in at school, she gets bullied, she likes girls, she's clever but shy and she's probably autistic. What struck with me from Emma's author talk was that she had wished when she was that age , there were books like that for her to perhaps guide her in finding out who she is and that being different is okay
Once Ig has moved to Shackleton school, she makes new friends with the alleged " badies" who accept her for who she is and she finally comes out of her shell.
I loved the whole setting at Shackleton and her circle of friends, a fairy, a mad genius and his cloned brother and of course, how could you not love the undead bunny Onslaught.
The book was extremely well written and while dealing with these subjects, also very funny and witty. I think Emma is a very talented writer and I hope to read more of hers
She doesn't really fit in at school, she gets bullied, she likes girls, she's clever but shy and she's probably autistic. What struck with me from Emma's author talk was that she had wished when she was that age , there were books like that for her to perhaps guide her in finding out who she is and that being different is okay
Once Ig has moved to Shackleton school, she makes new friends with the alleged " badies" who accept her for who she is and she finally comes out of her shell.
I loved the whole setting at Shackleton and her circle of friends, a fairy, a mad genius and his cloned brother and of course, how could you not love the undead bunny Onslaught.
The book was extremely well written and while dealing with these subjects, also very funny and witty. I think Emma is a very talented writer and I hope to read more of hers
December 11, 2024
thank you so much to pride book tours for a copy!
i really enjoyed this read from the writing style to the plot to the characters. i could easily immerse myself in this story and get completely lost in it.
i loved following IG throughout the story and watching her interact with her team of misfits. it was so fun and chaotic, and had a great time throughout it. i really enjoyed reading Ig's character development as it was done in a nice gradual manner where you could see the changes happening.
this was such a fun book and i LOVE me a good found family with great humour and depth to it.
i really enjoyed this read from the writing style to the plot to the characters. i could easily immerse myself in this story and get completely lost in it.
i loved following IG throughout the story and watching her interact with her team of misfits. it was so fun and chaotic, and had a great time throughout it. i really enjoyed reading Ig's character development as it was done in a nice gradual manner where you could see the changes happening.
this was such a fun book and i LOVE me a good found family with great humour and depth to it.
September 28, 2024
With some books, you want to race to the end and find out what happens, with others, you fight that urge, take your time a little and and just enjoy the world. Heretical was the latter for me, for sure.
This is the first cosy superhero fiction I’ve read outside of graphic novels and I’m here for it!
Ignatia Heretical, is a student at the Lunalist Academy- a shiny, elite school, which nurtures the next generation of heroes. The only problem is the Ignatia’s talents and polished social graces are a little more latent than those of her remarkable peers.
As it turns out, Ignatia’s lack of obvious heroism marks her out for a secretive mission to infiltrate rival school, Shackleton School for Villains, and gather intel.
In Shackleton, Ignatia is plunged into a twisted world of madcap experiments and villainy that will test her resilve like nothing before and make her question everything in her past, present and future.
Funny- wickedly in parts- charming and well paced. I loved reading about an alternate North East, where sparring heroes and villains live amongst us! Glorified and villified in turn by a public, who think they know the script.
I loved the nomenclature- so playful and witty. I loved the varied cast of characters and the message that heroism looks different for everyone. A brill read that I’m going to introduce to my KS3 pupils!
This is the first cosy superhero fiction I’ve read outside of graphic novels and I’m here for it!
Ignatia Heretical, is a student at the Lunalist Academy- a shiny, elite school, which nurtures the next generation of heroes. The only problem is the Ignatia’s talents and polished social graces are a little more latent than those of her remarkable peers.
As it turns out, Ignatia’s lack of obvious heroism marks her out for a secretive mission to infiltrate rival school, Shackleton School for Villains, and gather intel.
In Shackleton, Ignatia is plunged into a twisted world of madcap experiments and villainy that will test her resilve like nothing before and make her question everything in her past, present and future.
Funny- wickedly in parts- charming and well paced. I loved reading about an alternate North East, where sparring heroes and villains live amongst us! Glorified and villified in turn by a public, who think they know the script.
I loved the nomenclature- so playful and witty. I loved the varied cast of characters and the message that heroism looks different for everyone. A brill read that I’m going to introduce to my KS3 pupils!
April 13, 2025
Absolutely adored this! Good vibes and characters I loved. Will be hoping for a sequel!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews