Stormbringer

Tracthesian Academy #1

by Hazel Rockwood

She is the storm they never saw coming.

Wayla Spinwell is just another student on paper, a storm spirit with a pretty face and minor magic. She's a carefully crafted lie, because if anyone learns that she’s really Wave—half siren, half stormbringer—she won’t survive long enough to graduate.

At Tracthesian Academy, power and status are the only currencies that count. Wave has plenty of both, but hiding is her only option to learn how to balance her powers before they tear her apart.

But her powers aren't the only danger walking around.

There’s the jaguar shifter who pushes her buttons in and out of class. The battle mage with a wicked smile and a fake-dating plan. A demon prince with enough family baggage to rival her own. And the cherry on top of her disaster sundae—the ice elemental prince with an attitude and eyes that make her melt.

She shouldn’t trust them, but she’s starting to anyway. And in a school ruled by legacy and power, trust is a dangerous game.

When the Academy gets pulled into the Hell Realm’s power struggles, things turn deadly and Wave has to protect herself or stand with them, no matter the cost.

Stormbringer is a spicy, paranormal, why choose romance with hidden identity, supernatural royalty, deadly secrets, and protective MMCs. Book one of the Tracthesian Academy trilogy.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Why Choose, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

453 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2025

About the author

Hazel Rockwood is a romance author, and all her stories come with HEA (Happily Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now) guaranteed. She loves writing spicy stories with wide-open doors—and sometimes windows. Occasionally, her characters even do it outdoors. Most of Hazel's books feature more than one love interest, though sometimes she tries to save her sanity by writing just one.
When Hazel isn't writing, she's probably reading. If, for some reason, she’s not doing that, she’s very likely watching Gilmore Girls and eating pizza, snacking on dried mangoes, or munching chocolate.

Reviews

[theswooncollector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, flirty, and magical why choose academy romance that ends with a nasty cliffhanger

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 stars

Stormbringer revolves around Wave, a third-year transfer student to Tracthesian Academy who wanted to learn how to control her magic (while suppressing her real powers) and try to uncover the suspicious death of her father ten years ago. She hoped to stay unknown, but her encounters with the Powerhouses—the group of 12 powerful males in the academy—destroyed that quickly.

~The Characters~

Wave/Wayla - I am a sucker for a smartass, overpowered FMC with a hidden identity (and/or powers) and a sad backstory. Wave is all that and more. I loved how she didn't care about other people's opinions and unapologetically did what she wanted. She never whined about her background and what she's going through. And most of all, I loved how she handled the guys. Their earlier conversations especially had me laughing and feeling butterflies in my stomach in anticipation.

The MMCs - I'm not going to name the men (it was fun guessing who they were out of the 12), but I liked all of them so far, even though I wanted to smack a few of them at some point in the book. Their personalities were distinct to me, and I really appreciate that since there are four of them to keep track of. There's the loyal one, the jealous one, the suspicious (of her) one, and the knight in shining armor. One of them is still a holdout, which is pretty common in RH. There's also a hint of MM relationship between a couple of the MMCs, and while I usually avoid that, I feel I wouldn't mind it as much here. Plus, they know how to apologize!!! (YAY)

I was happily surprised that Wave's roommates welcomed her to their fold and became an amazing support group instead of being the typical mean girls. There's also Salis, who became her platonic guy best friend, and was a source of jealousy for the men quite a few times.

~The Writing/Plot~

There have been several ARCs I struggled to finish and even DNFed this year. I've been in a book slump for a while now, and only rereading my favorites saved me from a complete hiatus. So tbh, I dreaded reading this book, thinking I might not be able to appreciate it properly or like it.

👏🏻 BUT I ABSOLUTELY ATE THIS UP 👏🏻. As in, I pushed the things I was supposed to be doing aside just so I could curl up and read this book in one sitting!

The story hooked me early, the banter/flirting had me smiling, a scene even made me hit my table in giddiness, and I loved the DRAMAAA. This just hit 🎯 all my sweet spots with my favorite tropes combined and how the author weaved them into the story. She also kept surprising me whenever I thought something would go a certain way. 🙌🏻

The focus is more on Wave and her relationship with the guys, which went fast and furious. I wish they had formed deeper individual connections with her before things happened, but I'll settle for seeing more of that in the next book.

That last 20% had my heart pounding and had me flying through the pages in anticipation. My heart was in my throat when I finished (or maybe it was just the coffee?). The cliffhanger ending? About killed me! What a way to end the first book! When I say I need to read the next one ASAP, I am not even joking. 😭

The spice 🌶️? Plenty. Dirty. Toys were involved 👀. AND THERE'S A GROUP SCENE ALREADY. 🥵

DO I RECOMMEND THIS?
ABSOLUTELY YES. I highly recommend it if you love:
♡ why choose, paranormal romance, new girl, hidden identity, underestimated-but-overpowered FMC, elemental magic
♡ academy dramas/tv shows (and don't mind multiple love interests) or reverse harem anime
♡ Jane Washington or J Bree

WILL I REREAD IN THE FUTURE?
YES! I have a feeling I will enjoy rereading and going through this journey all over again. 😊


~Thank you to the author for the eARC! Sorry I'm late to the party. 🙏🏻 And is it too early to ask when Book 2 will come out? 😭~

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this book: reverse harem, dark fantasy, academia. Sign me up!! I was hesitant due to the third person POV since I prefer first person, but the POV wasn’t my issue with the book.

I wanted to love this one but there was a lot I wish was fleshed out better. For example, the world building felt lacking and made me feel confused about the world, modern language, and technology. Additionally, I’m FINE with a fast burn but the fast burn here felt off. For example, the FMC would have a convo with an MMC and it would immediately turn into “woah you like me,” when it seemed like a huge jump in the conversation.

I finished this one feeling slightly confused and just had a lot of mixed feelings. I would reread it if there were more edits to give it another try, but I wouldn’t continue the series the way it currently stands.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[SnooRegrets · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

This one was rough.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hazel Rockwood for an early copy!
Release date: October 3, 2025

5 🌟 3.5 🌶

🤯🫠🤯🫠 That CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!

Didn't realize how sucked in I was until I had to stop for dinner and realized I only had 45 pages to go! Wayla's a half breed essentially, but one side of her is hunted down. She is constantly keeping shields up so she isn't found out. She accepts a scholarship to Tracthesian Academy knowing the risks that are posed. Without trying she becomes involved with 3 of the Powerhouses, and it begins to unravel her. Unraveled in good ways, and bad. The chaos that follows Wayla is insane but oh so good! Would love/can't wait to see more development with Hellion and his background.

Jared, the jaguar pet.
Marc, the fake boyfriend
Hellion, the heir apparent to Hell.
Irishen, the heir apparent to an Ice Clan.

This ending is insane and I am now very very patiently going to wait for Book 2! Really can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Definitely pick this up if you get a chance.

[Jenny P · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
I really enjoyed this one and once again did some major damage to my sleep schedule because of it. It was more character-driven than fantasy plot-focused. While I prefer the latter, I did thoroughly enjoy the interpersonal relationships in this story. I especially liked the relationships with her friends/roommates.

That one argument was super gross, though. I do not like the way those two boys treated her, no matter how insecure they were feeling. It was unacceptable. There better be groveling like no groveling I've seen before. There's just no excuse to treat someone like that. Especially someone you care about.

Reverse harem
Unspecified number of mans 3-4ish so far
Magical academy
Royalty
Magic hierarchy
Storm magic
Hidden identity
Girly buddies/roomies
Salis, the hot, voyeristic bestie
Femdom (Actual, femdom, not just flirting with it)
Independent and strong MC
Threats of lava dildos
Political strife
Murdered dad
PTSD sprinkled in
Magical battles

Can't wait for the next book!!

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to a 2

[Amy Neuhs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

LOVED this book! Seriously, devoured it in less than a day. Combines unique magical system, academy setting, and why choose. Can’t wait until book 2.

[Regina Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and steamy read. I thoroughly enjoyed Rockwood's worldbuilding. Very spicy and fun.

THAT ENDING THOUGH!

[rainsbookreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: This is an ARC review. Thank you to Ms. Hazel Rockwood for giving me a copy of her book 🙇‍♀️

2.5⭐️

I really like the premise of the book. A powerful being hiding her powers, wanting to have a normal school life, and then meeting people who make that experience much more fun. The Stormbringer-siren concept is actually pretty unique to me. The last 3 chapters actually had me engaged, and the ending has you wanting to read the next book IMMEDIATELY.

However, I feel like the premise and concept were not given justice. I wish the worldbuilding was established much better instead of focusing on the characters. I do get that we are trying to build that connection with 4 guys, but it still fell short to me. Reading the book, it felt like the messy relationship dynamics between the characters overpowered the majority of the book, except for the last 2 or 3 chapters. There was so much going on, like it was barely fmc's first week in the school, and she promised herself not to garner attention, and the next second, she's kissing the mmcs. The lust part of her siren was too emphasized that it felt like she was just trying to jump every guy who was interested in her. This is also why I felt a bit disconnected whenever the fmc and mmcs have an emotional argument—other than the fact that they go from 0 to 100 real quick. The characters didn't really have a solid foundation to go off of because it was built pretty quickly and with lust. There were dialogues in the book that felt very clanky and borderline cringy with how it just kept on going (This is before and during a spicy scene). Lastly, I do think that their relationship was very fast paced, given thay this is only the first book 😅.

Overall, I'm still glad I gave this book a chance! I hope we get more from the actual plot and slightly chill with the overly messy relationship between Wave and the others 😭. Hoping for book 2!!

[Medallio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐: The plot reminds me of The Bonds That Tie series by J. Bree but with a more elemental twist. The superpower aspect locks your attention especially with Rockwood alluding to Wave’s powers and we finally get to see them in all their glory by the end of the book. Though this version of the book had a lot of errors that did make me pause and mentally edit; I gave this 4 stars because I read an advanced reader copy and sometimes those have errors that are fixed prior to publication.

Introduction:
This is my book review of Stormbringer by Hazel Rockwood. This is my first time reading a book by Rockwood and it won’t be my last especially if more books like this are churned out.

Summary:
Wave Stormbringer is attending Tracthesian Academy with a purpose. She’s investigating the death of her father; she needs to find out if he was murdered and by who. To stay under the radar, she needs to keep her powers hidden as well as her name. Armed with the alias, Wayla Spinwell, she attends the academy like all the other students.

She catches the eyes of the Powerhouses: Hellion, Marc and Jarred, and ice clan heir Irishen. After a power surge from an attack from the fire clan’s heir apparent, Wave is juiced up with power in desperate need to expel it. Her men help her out in some carnal ways; this also alerts them to her not just being a storm spirit.

Though Wave tries her hardest to stifle her powers, Tracthesian brings out her worst nightmares: unleashing her abilities to their full heights, and destroying lives and property.

Character Analysis:
Wave is a badass. She doesn’t care what others think of her and she walks to the beat of her own drum. She’s on a mission and has constant inner turmoil when it comes to her siren side. Being a siren could mean a death sentence and for her it could have been if her mother didn’t save her.

Hellion is the heir to hell (not sure if he’s related to Lucifer). He’s very powerful and can handle hellfire. He doesn’t spend a lot of time with Wave in this book, but he does develop feelings for her that he can’t decipher are out of suspicion or genuine.

Marc comes from a family of assassins. I’m not completely sure what his powers are, but he’s really good at combat and shielding internally.

Jarred is a jaguar shifter. He’s spent the most time and developed intimacy with Wave. He yearns for her to dominate him and submit to her like his animal side identifies that she’s royalty.

Irishen is the heir to the ice clan. He was betrothed to Elena, the heir to the fire clan. When he meets Wave for the first time, she puts him in his place and this may have solidified his curiosity of her early on.

Conflict:
What conflict didn’t happen? Here’s what I observed: Wave’s identity being found out; her father’s murderer being an instructor or a student at the academy.

Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️🌶️: Tension, kissing and open door sex scenes, but they are very short and very few; we do get a group scene in the first book though.

Conclusion:
Stormbringer by Hazel Rockwood is a story that harbors the artistic and world-building of fantasy with elements of drama that feel realistic and cut the deepest. This story is packed with action and sets the story up for the second book nicely.

Warning to the Readers:
Bullying, eight-packs, violence

Recommendation:
I recommend that you read Stormbringer by Hazel Rockwood.

[bersabea giudice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forse è stata la trama, forse la copertina, forse alcune recensioni, fatto sta che io da questo libro mi aspettavo molto di più, invece non mi è piaciuto niente di quello che ho letto.

- Il libro è scritto in terza persona, non mi piace, io preferisco di gran lunga la prima persona, la trovo più coinvolgente e rende la lettura più fluida.

- Spesso mi è capitato di pensare che una protagonista fosse antipatica, ma ora mi rendo conto che la maggior parte di loro era solo fastidiosa, questa invece è antipatica, veramente, veramente antipatica.

- Gli MMC non mi sono piaciuti, non mi è piaciuto Jarred l'animaletto sottomesso, non mi è piaciuto Hellion il lunatico, non mi è piaciuto Marc descritto come basso e molto muscoloso che ogni volta mi faceva pensare ad Asta di Black Clover, e non mi è piaciuto il quarto di cui non m ricordo neanche il nome e che è stato presentato come un viscidone che molti detestano.

- La trama, non c'è niente che vada per il verso giusto.
La protagonista dovrebbe e sottolineo dovrebbe essere in incognito, dovrebbe mantenere un profilo basso e non attirare l'attenzione, quindi è assolutamente logico per lei baciare uno dei ragazzi più in vista dell'università in mensa davanti a tutti, il giorno dopo baciarne un altro sempre alla mensa e sempre davanti a tutti, e baciarne un altro e strusciarsi su di lui, il giorno dopo e sempre davanti a tutti.
Il motivo per cui Wave decide di frequentare l'accademia sono due:
Indagare sulla morte del padre, avvenuta proprio in quell'accademia e fatta passare per un incidente, mentre la protagonista è convinta che si sia trattato di un omicidio e che sia stato insabbiato tutto.
Imparare a contenere i suoi poteri, che se emergessero potrebbero costarle la libertà o la vita.

Per quanto riguarda il padre lo sentiremo nominare solo una manciata di volte e solo una volta Wave indagherà attivamente. Il suo metodo di investigazione è semplice quanto inutile: cercherà notizie su internet nel portale dell'accademia, come se chi avesse ucciso suo padre e insabbiato l'omicidio dell'erede di una famiglia molto importante e potente poi lo scrivesse sulla bacheca degli annunci.

Per quanto riguarda il controllo dei suoi poteri, questa è la parte, forse più ridicola di tutta la storia, Wave ha degli scudi che impediscono ai suoi poteri di emergere e non può imparare a controllare i suoi poteri se questi non emergono. Fine della storia triste.

Quello che in sostanza vedremo per tutto il libro è Wave scopare e fare la scema con gli MMC, per poi pentirsi perché deve restare in incognito.

Se vi piace l'Insta-Lust, le scene di sesso imbarazzanti, una trama senza senso e una protagonista che vorreste vedere investita da un autobus questo è il libro che fa per voi.

[Reading.With.Flo📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy, we need to talk.
You gave me giggles, banter, and spice so delicious I was licking the pages. Then—boom 💥—you ripped my heart out, stomped on it, and told me to wait until 2026 for book two? That’s criminal. I’m emotionally compromised and you expect patience? Not fair. Not okay. I’m filing a formal complaint with the Book Gods. 😉

Now that I’ve gotten my dramatic meltdown out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff.

I went in skeptical—third person and multi-POV? I thought I’d struggle. Instead, I was completely swept away. The writing is magnetic, the pacing addictive, and the emotional rollercoaster? Brutal in the best way.

Wave, our fierce FMC, is everything. She’s powerful, unapologetic, and refuses to dim herself for anyone. Watching her navigate Tracthesia Academy while hiding her magic and standing her ground was pure fire. And then enters the MMC—intense, powerful, and utterly captivated by her. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The banter and spice? Chef’s kiss. I was giggling, blushing, and then sobbing all within a few chapters.

😂 The dinner scene with Marc’s family? I was crying actual tears.
😤 Marc and Hellion are firmly on my “shit” list. I expect groveling. Epic groveling.

And that ending… WHY would you do that to us? Cliffhanger of doom. Now I’m stuck waiting until 2026 for book two and I’m not okay.

⚠️ Heads up: this book ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare your heart.
If you love strong heroines, sizzling tension, and stories that grip you by the soul—this one’s for you.

[Lucy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review.

Phanominal story.

Wave is a character who is so strong, confident, formidable, and witty. You can not go into this book and have any expectations on what wave will say or do next, she will knock you on your butt emotionally, whether that be making you laugh, cry, vexed or plane old wholesome.
Dispite her being a strong character she holds onto her secrets while also trying to keep poeple away when they are unconscious to her, getting under her skin and making room in her heart for them.

Hazel has made a inspiring academic/fantasy world, not just by discribing it in a scene setting kind of way, but by snippets of context through diologue, witty monologue and action. She gives small amounts of backstory that keep you holding on wanting to know and understand more about the characters, she makes you fall for the characters and pushes emotions into them that really draw you in.

Now the spice level of this book you will have to brace for and definitely was not expecting that, i mean i expected spice but that was a whole new level in a weirdly curious good way.

Ps. Loved the marcie bear era of the book, absolutely halarious.

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the world created was really interesting, and I liked the characters too. Whilst the characters fall very fast, the plot itself is a little more slow burn. Definitely wanting more, as it seems really intriguing what we learn about it so far! Hopefully book 2 will have more delving into the world, and having the PNR aspect more prominent.
This is written in 3rd person, so I did struggle with that, as personally I avoid 3rd and prefer 1st person as it flows better and helps me get to know the characters more.
With the FMC being a siren, I had hoped for a bit more of this during the spicy scenes...like her struggles to keep herself in check and not get carried away or drop her shields etc. Or even more of the MMCs to have some of their paranormal traits come out.
I received an early copy of this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Cyndel Finnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book. Hazel Rockwood writing style was different from what I have been reading recently, so I was a little unsure it I was going to be able to be captured by the story. After the first few pages, I was sucked in and could not put it down. There is banter between the characters that will have you laughing out loud, and the romance pulls you in. The emotions come poring off the pages. Hazel cab paint a picture with her words that pulls you right along with the characters. This book has a little bit of everything and leaves on a cliffhanger. I am now champing at the bits to know what is going to happen next...

[The Literature Lizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

▪️Stormbringer by Hazel Rockwood
▪️Tracthesian Academy Book 1 | 453 Pages
▪️Releases October 3, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Hazel for providing me with an advanced copy of Stormbringer. As always, my opinions are my own!

This book is an absolute must read. I think this is another 6 ⭐️ read for me! Wave must hide her Stormbringer and Siren lineage and power or risk imprisonment and/or death?! This poor girl just wants to attend Tracthesian Academy to learn about what happened to her father and end up gaining some new friends… and some who are a little more than friends 🥵 I love me a good why choose and this book does not disappoint!! The heat is smoking. If this book doesn’t go viral istg I’ll have words 🤺

[Luisa Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… I don’t even know what to say.
Wayla is such a strong fmc. She is a real badass!
And the MMCs? Can we talk about them?
Jarred: I really want him to be my pet too.
Hellion: I’m a sucker for demons
Marc: oh, Daddy Marc
Risha: he is the hottest of all of them, but I might be bias because he is kind of “the villain” and he is an ice prince.
Hazel Rockwood is an amazing writer. The story is amazing and it keeps you hooked until the end!
I couldn’t recommend this book enough!

[Syn Daye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic!! Well worth the 5 stars! Wave is a powerhouse (see what I did there 😏) FMC and I loved her.
This was a read that you really sink into as it is well written. The spicy scenes are a hopping, and I needed to cool myself off to continue reading. My ereader even had steam rising off of it they were so hot. 🥵

The story itself was intense and fast paced and evolving quickly. The layers starting to unravel more and more as the ending drew nigh.

The ending was not what I was expecting, and I seriously want book 2 to arrive in my inbox like yesterday.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup I read this book in less than a day. Couldn’t put it down. Hazel gave us an amazing story. It was full of fun banter, magic, fantasy, supernatural beings, smut, secrets. This was a fun read from beginning to end. I was sad that it ended that I yelled at my kindle for one more chapter. And now we have to wait until 2026 sometime??? I loved all the main characters and quite a few supporting ones too. I can’t wait to see what happens next. This book is definitely worth the read!

[Jenita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such a wonderful why choose romance with a great plot and character development... kept me up all night in the last few chapters and I can't wait for the next one to come, if you are up for a why choose? with hot guys and a fantasy romance that's worth the very time!! I just can't stop recommending this to you, ps the spicy scenes are something to note for though!!

[Loredana Livadariu · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Hazel for this ARC.
Omg this book deserves so much more than 5 stars. It has been a bit of time since I have read a book in which I love all the MCs and the side characters. Even the villains make sense. I love to hate them.
Wave/Wayla - my girl, she is amazing. Also I wish that I would have her power
Jarred - baby boy, I love him and his attention to details
Hellion - smash
Marc - smash again
Irishen - I am in love

Also her girlfriends and her bestie. This is one of the best well rounded books I have read. I am gonna go and not sleep until the next book comes out.

Yes, please read this book.

[Makepeace · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, no spoilers.

WHEN I TELL YOU SHE FED US WITH THIS BOOK I MEAN IT. I was super lucky to get an ARC copy but that will not stop me from purchasing a physical copy because I neeeeeed it. It was everything you’d want from the first book in a series. Run now. Run now and read it. You will not be disappointed.

IM KEEPING IT VAGUE AS HELL BECAUSE GOING IN BLIND IS THE BEST FUCKING WAY. GO READ IT NOW.

[Hila Jonker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I woke up way too early this morning, like a kid on the weekend, so I could continue reading Stormbringer. Only when I was fully awake did I remember that I finished the book last night already, and I wanted to cry.

This book took my by surprise in so many many ways. It was utterly delicious and devastating all at once. I had a very hard time putting it down and really had to work on my deadpan face as I read this book all over and prayed no one was reading over my shoulder.

Hazel managed to keep a very intriguing and interesting story going and mix in all the Scoville points. I knew this was going to be a why-choose, but I was not ready for what I was reading, in a very good way.

If you are into overpowered Supernaturals, Why-Choose, Dark Academia, a little mystery, and a loooot of spice, then this book is for you.

I was given this book as an ARC, but it definitely on my list for physical purchase once the series is complete.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Hazel for the ARC!

I love the world this book takes me to. Hazel does a great job of world-building for us but still moving the story forward. I was immediately drawn into Wave's world and her story. Wave came to the academy looking for answers - I can't wait to keep reading her journey to find them. BUT I also need to find out what happens after that last page! I screamed internally when I tapped the screen and realized it was over 🤣 I am excited for book 2.

[Azalea Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this book after the first chapter or so. But oh am I glad I stuck with it! It was a slow start for me - but then I became hooked! I couldn’t put it down.

The characters - I’m in love with all of them. But I especially adore Marc. The spice- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. The plot- 9 out of 10.

I absolutely can’t wait for the next book to be released.

I received an ARC of this book. (And I’m so glad I did because OMG it is good!)

[Sabrina Lightsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. While trying to find answers to her father’s death at a school for the elite, the FMC attracts the attention of the Powerhouses. There is magic, fae, shifters, demons, etc. There is banter that will have you kicking your feet, spice that will have your temperature rising and a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[M Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book, there were parts that I though could've given more details. overall a really good book! The thing that bothered me most was that the chapters were labeled in a way that makes you think 1st person POV but it was in 3rd person. This doesn't take away from the book at all it was just something that bothered me personally.

[manon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start this off by saying a big thank you to Hazel for sending me an ARC copy of this book. I was really intrigued by the book and the concept and I was really excited to dive in but honestly the third person POV which began on page 1 already had me questioning why I was reading this. And then overall the story didn’t make much sense? I was really confused didn’t see any point apart from her having s e x with all these guys … the donut in class sent me over the top. Unfortunately I just didn’t click with the characters, the world or anything else. What had me really confused was the fact that this was a “fantasy world” (with no apparent world building in my opinion) but I felt like I was in a modern school ? The language was too modern for this to feel like romantasy …

[Sam Wase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly that was a wild ride. I read this book in the than 12 hours. I’m already ready for the next and can’t wait to see what it brings.

⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[India (ChaptersAfterDark) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars)

Ohhh this one was such an interesting read! ✨ You know when a book hooks you more with its plot than its romance? That’s exactly how Stormbringer felt for me. The magical academia setting instantly had me curious (because really, add “why choose” and I’m there 👀💫). Wave, our FMC, completely charmed me by not letting rumours or mean girls get under her skin—such a refreshing touch! She just… does her own thing and I loved that about her.

What I Loved About This Book 💖
• The plot were what kept me turning pages. Secret powers, mysterious histories, power levels… it all gave me that “I need to know more” feeling. 🔮
• Wave’s friendship with Silas was actually my favourite relationship. The way it developed felt genuine, fun, and just natural in the middle of all the chaos. 🌸
• The sense of mystery tucked into the storyline is great—it makes you keep flipping, always wanting the next reveal.

So, here’s my little quibble… the romance. 💔 One minute the love interests were these untouchable powerhouse types Wave was meant to avoid, and the next she was suddenly kissing them. It all felt a little too quick for me—I craved more information about each one, tension, and build-up. I think it’s because we had no worlds building and information before and it just didn’t drive it home. I have no issues with instalove or insta lust but the intial world building just wasn’t there. The connections didn’t feel as deep as I wanted, so emotionally I wasn’t as invested in the romance side of things. But! The plot itself more than made up for it in terms of intrigue.

The Tropes 🌟
• Magical academia 🎓✨
• Why choose romance 💋
• Secret powers / hidden abilities 🔮
• Strong FMC
• Hidden Identity


So yes—while the romance didn’t sweep me off my feet, the story itself absolutely kept me hooked. I wasn’t deeply emotional about it, but I was constantly intrigued, and honestly, that’s its own kind of win. Would I keep reading this series? Absolutely, because now I need answers! 🔥📚