Crimson Academy

by Brianna Trader

In a world where duty means legacy, Crimson Academy stands as a formidable institution —a military school where children are forged into elite soldiers, promised a life of purpose serving their country. But for Astrid Pierce, and her brother Roman, this future was never a choice; their lives were bound to its rigorous program from a young age, forced into a system with no say in the matter.

Within its unforgiving walls, every lesson is a brutal test of survival, and failure means immediate termination. Yet, Astrid faces a different kind of a fierce, unspoken rivalry with a naturally gifted peer. He excels in nearly everything he does, effortlessly outshining her and mocking her ambition with ease.

As deadly evaluations intensify and the academy’s true intentions begin to unravel behind its gleaming facade, Astrid must fight not only for her place but for her very survival. Can she rise above her formidable rival and expose the dark truths hidden within Crimson Academy, or will their escalating competition seal both their fates?

Genres: Fantasy

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Lover of history, romance, and anything dystopian/fantasy, Brianna spends most of her spare time with her husband or two older sisters. When she isn’t emerged in her writing of softer female leads, or broody love interests, Brianna enjoys dancing and watching movies. Crimson Academy is Brianna’s debut novel, set in a dystopian society, where we follow Astrid as she is forced into military service to continue her family’s legacy.

Follow along on her socials as she continues writing this series:

Tiktok: @b.t.delrosario
IG: bt.delrosarioauthor
Discord for all Crimson Academy fans to connect linked in her IG bio

Reviews

[Madi Veit · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending?? omg i’m not okay and need the next book asap!!!
so much happened throughout this book and i loved every second of it. i was so invested in the story and i’m dying to see what happens next. i really loved the found family and relationships between all the characters. and ugh, theo. i love him and need to know moreeee. the world building was so good, i loved all the dystopian aspects. truly couldn’t put this down and i know i’ll be thinking about until i get the next book.

[sophie🤍🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this read!!! I would say it’s a YA dystopian novel that had a sort of Divergent feel to it. I really loved the characters and the connections between them in the book. There’s tastes of brothers-best-friend and enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope. i finished this a few days ago and im honestly still thinking about it. i am so sad that the next book is a ways away because THAT ENDING. something is up, i know it. but oh my, what a plot twist. Such a great debut novel by Brianna Trader! Such a fun YA read, especially if you loved Divergent.

[Heather Altundağ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4.5 ⭐️

The last chapter of this book had my jaw on the floor and I still haven’t picked it up! 🤯 I was literally spiraling while reading and didn’t know what to do with all this new information that is given. This book was nice refresh as it is more dystopian. I will say that the dystopian part of this series is only mildly prevalent in this book, but I am sure it will become a stronger topic within the next books. I feel that this book was more focused on the FMC understanding her emotions and the intimate relationships that she strives for. This seemed to be one of the more major plots of the book. I also wish that there was more of an academy setting and more information in regard to the academy, but I have a feeling with the way that this book ends that we will find out so much about it in book two. This book does move fairly quickly through time, but I think that it works well with the story line, and hopefully we can see more of the relationships between characters blossom in upcoming books. Overall, if you enjoy an academy setting, more dystopian with enhancements (similar to magic), and the students learning to become assassins starting at age 13, then this book will be for you. The latter half of the book is engaging and keeps you on your toes as you begin to discover all the secrets that the academy and wardens are holding captive. All I can say is that I am in need of that second book like now, and now I have to agonizingly wait for it. 😩 Be sure to check out this new series by a new author as it will sure become a favorite of yours.

[Jada Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book scratched that itch I was having after Onyx Storm. The war, school, found family aspects of this book kept me hooked. Astrid and Theo were just so well written. I could feel their emotions through the book. The adrenaline, the terror, the sadness and longing. Very YA with graphic scenes of death. The ending did me in, I can’t believe there isn’t a second book because WHY?! I need it like yesterday 😭

[Gabby Trader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, the little details, the world building and the ending *chefs kiss* would recommend and will read again.

[Lanie Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal journey from start to finish! The training sequences are gripping and skillfully written, the relationships are deep and compelling, and the world-building is absolutely stellar. Every page pulls you further into the story’s rich setting and layered characters. It leaves you eager for more, with lingering questions that make you crave the next book. I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here!

[Alexandra Orta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’m gonna need the next book ASAP because the ending killed me

[Jaylyn Sedziol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to meet the characters in this book and see some of the world-building begin. I just love Astrid and her whole team.

I will say I struggled to make it through the book as there seemed to be some gaps especially at the beginning. But other than that it was awesome.

All I can really say is I hope that there is a sequel because I really need to see where the cliffhanger takes us and for Theo and Astrid to end up together!

[Yiyi (Gigi) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF at 70%. The pacing just didn’t work for me. Months would pass without much happening, and even big moments like the crush’s confession or the capture/rescue felt rushed and anticlimactic. The FMC stayed pretty naïve and passive, leaning more on others than stepping into her own strength, and by halfway she was still just training. Some missions either failed without explanation or happened off-page, which left me feeling disconnected. I think the story had potential, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

[Abbie Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok but literally one of new favorite books!!!

🗡️ dystopian military + powers
🗡️ rivals to friends?
🗡️ ptsd, panic attacks, grief
🗡️caretaking
🗡️mysteries
🗡️plot twists

I absolutely love the main and side characters in this book! The FMC Atstrid Pierce is such a relatble character (for me personally) she wants to do everything right and not overstep, especially for pleasing here parents who are incharge of crimson academy. However her brother Roman Pierce is the complete opposite of her. Roman who is older, sees the world differently and does not expect anymore for his parents to be caring and loving. His only focuses are his sister, his bestfriend Net (who Astrid has had a fat crush on since day-1), and his team. He comes across of a easy-going guy, but is there more underneath the mask?

Astrid team include her closest and only friends Enzo, Charlie, and sadly the MMC Theo Steele. Theo is all for pushing her buttons and wins more than she cares to admit. Yet, when things becomes life-threatening or she having a panic attack he is the first one to step and take as much of her burdens off of her. Could their be more to Pretty Boy, what is he not telling us? and why does he always know where she is?

favorite scenes:
🗡️Astrid and Theo being captured, and Theo literally stayed because he didn't want her to go through torture alone!?!?
🗡️Roman holding Astrid when saving her and Theo from captivity
🗡️Astrid feeling for Theo's heart beat to make sure he is alive and that it is not a illusion
🗡️ ALL THE BANTER
🗡️caretaking from Theo, Astrid, and Charile (best friend)
🗡️Roman can sing???
🗡️Astrid realizing she can feel Theo's emotions whe they are both in contact with water
🗡️Theo always knowing when Astrid is lying

[Dakota]

6 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book had me from page one I absolutely loved it. It was exactly what I needed right now, and I know it’s going to be living rent-free in my head for a long time.

The banter between Astrid and Theo had me smiling the entire time. I also loved the team dynamic every single character felt interesting and worth knowing. I’m completely invested in this world and didn’t want to put the book down.

Astrid and Roman’s relationship meant so much to me. I love seeing siblings who are that close and who care so deeply for one another it’s something really special. The friendships within the team were just as meaningful; they’re all so close-knit, and you can really feel that bond.

And Astrid and Theo… my heart is entirely theirs. The way they take care of each other is so beautiful. I don’t even have the right words I just adore them. They made my heart melt and ache all at once. The scene where she washes his hair had me in tears. I loved how it showed true vulnerability and trust—how you can let someone see you at your most fragile, knowing they’ll care for you and never use it against you.

Chapter 34 was my favorite (if you couldn’t tell), and that ending… I’m not okay.

I read this on Kindle, and I’m already buying the paperback. If you haven’t read this yet
please do. Truly. I’m utterly obsessed.

[Quinn Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Ok I have some thoughts!! I really enjoyed this book but it definitely felt like it needed a little bit more work. The premise of it hooked me in and I really loved the characters. But the writing almost felt a little juvenile? Like there were so many moments where I was really enjoying it but then the moment just kind of ended and next thing you know it’s days later.

I also wish Astrid would’ve had more character growth. Her whole main thing was fear of intimacy but it’s also something she craved and it really felt like everyone obviously knew that but the only person who ever even sort of touched on the subject with her was Felix. And they never even talked again after that. And the break up with Net honestly made no sense to me but I’m hoping the next book will maybe touch on that? It def felt like a lot of secrets and she didn’t dig into any of it.

Also I’m like so sure I’ve got the twist at the end figured out but I’m super excited for book 2! I think this author has so much potential!

[Suri (mamas_cozyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great debut novel! It reminded me of the vibes from Divergent, but as someone who did not really like Divergent, this story I loved. I’m not normally a fan of dystopian novels but this one hooked me in from the start. Keep in mind that it is a YA story and the characters are all around 16-20. This didn’t bother me at all and still enjoyed the story thoroughly.

There is so much detail in the world building and magic system in this story, that you won't be bored for one second. I couldn't put my kindle down! I was so engrossed in the plot and was so nervous at what would happen next. There were a few plot twists that threw me for a loop and I did not see that ending coming.

I loved Astrid and Roman's sibling relationship. The side characters were fantastic and I can't wait to see more of each one in the next book. Theo and Astrid are perfect for each other and I hope to see their relationship and chemistry develop even more. I loved what each character brought to the story and the group.

I am in awe at Brianna's ability to draw you in from the get-go. I can't recommend this book enough and can't wait to read the next book.

[Tyler Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read of 2026

Coming off a major reading slump I struggled to find a book to hold my interest. 10/10 loved crimson academy. You can’t help but to fall in love with the characters. The FMC gives Violet vibes and the MMC gives Peeta vibes. Loved the magic aspect and super interesting in learning more how the world works in book two. While the book has no spice you can definitely feel the chemistry between the FMC and MMC I am literally on the edge of my seat over them! The ending makes me want to scream! Can’t wait for the second book.

[Ava P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay listen, it wasn’t a book that was well written. It wasn’t a book with incredible character depth. It wasn’t a book with amazing world building. But it was a book I finished. It was a book I was entertained by. Do I love the characters?? I don’t know because they’re not super deep. But did I enjoy the characters?? Heck yeah. The story line was interesting and there was never a point where I knew what was happening and when it was in the timeline, but I finished it, which I can’t do with books that suck. Therefore, this doesn’t suck. The end.

[Amanda Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved!

This book was so.much more than I ever expected! It reminded me of Divergent in a way but different at the same time!

I had the hardest time putting the book down! I definitely recommend if you are in a book slump!

I don't want to give spoilers, but I'm excited for book 2!

[Brittany chacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This book had me in a chokehold, I could not put it down. It’s fast paced and easy to follow. The characters were relatable. I loved every second and can’t wait for the next.