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Nexus Academy #1
Nexus Academy: First Blood
Four immortal warriors. One human girl. A prophecy that will either unite Heaven and Hell... or destroy them both.
When Celine's moment of compassion triggers ancient symbols to burn into her palms, the worldwide blackout that follows isn't an accident—it's an awakening. Suddenly, the museum clerk who sends every spare dollar to her disabled father becomes the most hunted human on Earth.
Four immortal warriors felt her awaken across dimensions. Four bonds that will either claim her... or destroy them all.
Dominion - The ruthless angel commander whose military precision crumbles the moment he sees her. He failed to protect someone once before. He'd rather die than fail her.
Zorrander - The ancient demon lord who's waited millennia for this moment. He planned to guard her from a distance. Instead, he can't breathe when she's not near.
Gideon - The brutal half-angel who despises his human blood—until training her to survive means accepting the humanity he's spent lifetimes trying to kill.
Lynx - The predatory young demon who came to corrupt her soul. Now he'd slaughter armies to keep her safe, and he doesn't understand why.
Dragged to the gothic Nexus Academy where angels and demons coexist in barely controlled hostility, Celine wants nothing more than to return to her quiet life. She never asked to be anyone's prophesied savior. But the bonds won't let her leave—and neither will her four guardians, who are bound by cosmic law to protect her whether she wants their protection or not.
The problem? Something older than Heaven and Hell is hunting her with ancient patience and unlimited power.
The First Shepherd has been dormant for millennia, waiting for the prophesied key to awaken. Now he's rising, and he'll burn down the entire world to reclaim what he believes belongs to him. Every human who falls to his stone armies, every soul he strips of free will—it's all to flush out one terrified girl who just wants to go home.
Some prophecies are written in starlight. Others are carved in blood and desperation.
A dark academy why choose paranormal romance where four dangerous immortals discover that protecting their human might be the most terrifying battle they've ever fought—and the only one that matters.
When Celine's moment of compassion triggers ancient symbols to burn into her palms, the worldwide blackout that follows isn't an accident—it's an awakening. Suddenly, the museum clerk who sends every spare dollar to her disabled father becomes the most hunted human on Earth.
Four immortal warriors felt her awaken across dimensions. Four bonds that will either claim her... or destroy them all.
Dominion - The ruthless angel commander whose military precision crumbles the moment he sees her. He failed to protect someone once before. He'd rather die than fail her.
Zorrander - The ancient demon lord who's waited millennia for this moment. He planned to guard her from a distance. Instead, he can't breathe when she's not near.
Gideon - The brutal half-angel who despises his human blood—until training her to survive means accepting the humanity he's spent lifetimes trying to kill.
Lynx - The predatory young demon who came to corrupt her soul. Now he'd slaughter armies to keep her safe, and he doesn't understand why.
Dragged to the gothic Nexus Academy where angels and demons coexist in barely controlled hostility, Celine wants nothing more than to return to her quiet life. She never asked to be anyone's prophesied savior. But the bonds won't let her leave—and neither will her four guardians, who are bound by cosmic law to protect her whether she wants their protection or not.
The problem? Something older than Heaven and Hell is hunting her with ancient patience and unlimited power.
The First Shepherd has been dormant for millennia, waiting for the prophesied key to awaken. Now he's rising, and he'll burn down the entire world to reclaim what he believes belongs to him. Every human who falls to his stone armies, every soul he strips of free will—it's all to flush out one terrified girl who just wants to go home.
Some prophecies are written in starlight. Others are carved in blood and desperation.
A dark academy why choose paranormal romance where four dangerous immortals discover that protecting their human might be the most terrifying battle they've ever fought—and the only one that matters.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 28, 2025DNF at 45%
Typically I don't write a review for DNFs because I don't think it's really fair. How can I have an opinion on something I don't have full knowledge on? But honestly this book made me angry. Part of it due to plot holes, part of it due to errors (vocabulary, grammar, and of course the plot holes previously mentioned), and part of it due to personal preference.
The way Celine gets her powers makes absolutely no sense at all to me. Nor do the events that happen because of it. The power goes out, and that part hasn't been explained at the point I got to. Nor has Celine questioned it. Also how did it come back on? Even her car wasn't working. So how did the cops even get there?
She somehow knows Zorrander's name before he ever introduces himself (first error I came across). The first time it's mentioned is page 26, but the first time she hears it is page 28.
Blood right vs blood rite. The author uses the words 'blood right' in regards to a moment where Celine needs to make a magical contract. A blood right is a claim based on lineage/bloodline. A blood rite is a symbolic act or ceremony.
There are some things that I don't think an author should take personal liberties with. Rai is a character who is referred to as a hybrid. My first immediate thought was that they were half angel/half demon. No, they are half human. Their mother is human. There is already a word for a half human half angel. It's called a Nephilim. Another part of lore I am used to is that human women don't survive the birth of a Nephilim. Although, I don't really mind that part being different.
My biggest problem is a personal one, and that's the fact that only one of the MMCs seems to even be on her side at face value. I can handle one MMC being a thorn in the FMC's side, perhaps even two if the harem is 5 or more. But when the FMC is drastically outnumbered I'm anything but happy about it.
Typically I don't write a review for DNFs because I don't think it's really fair. How can I have an opinion on something I don't have full knowledge on? But honestly this book made me angry. Part of it due to plot holes, part of it due to errors (vocabulary, grammar, and of course the plot holes previously mentioned), and part of it due to personal preference.
The way Celine gets her powers makes absolutely no sense at all to me. Nor do the events that happen because of it. The power goes out, and that part hasn't been explained at the point I got to. Nor has Celine questioned it. Also how did it come back on? Even her car wasn't working. So how did the cops even get there?
She somehow knows Zorrander's name before he ever introduces himself (first error I came across). The first time it's mentioned is page 26, but the first time she hears it is page 28.
Blood right vs blood rite. The author uses the words 'blood right' in regards to a moment where Celine needs to make a magical contract. A blood right is a claim based on lineage/bloodline. A blood rite is a symbolic act or ceremony.
There are some things that I don't think an author should take personal liberties with. Rai is a character who is referred to as a hybrid. My first immediate thought was that they were half angel/half demon. No, they are half human. Their mother is human. There is already a word for a half human half angel. It's called a Nephilim. Another part of lore I am used to is that human women don't survive the birth of a Nephilim. Although, I don't really mind that part being different.
My biggest problem is a personal one, and that's the fact that only one of the MMCs seems to even be on her side at face value. I can handle one MMC being a thorn in the FMC's side, perhaps even two if the harem is 5 or more. But when the FMC is drastically outnumbered I'm anything but happy about it.
September 29, 2025
**Review complete**
DNF 38%
Currently 14% in -
So far the FMC is a broken record, just saying "I don't understand" and "I want to go home" over and over again.
Also, FMC showed signs of a backbone, but refused to follow up on it. She told the guardians to stop talking about her like she isn't there amongst other things and the guardians, of course, mocked her by calling her feisty. *rolls eyes*
19% -
Jesus christ, she is a whiny baby. Plus, she parrots everything back to her guardians.
Pretend example:
Guardian: *Will explain why putting milk in a bowl before the cereal is important*
Celine: "So, milk first is important? But why?"
G: *explains again why milk first is important*
C: "But I don't understand what's happening. Why is the milk important?"
You get it.
38% -
She is still acting like a whiny baby and being obtuse on purpose. For example: "The Academy has never had to educate a Key before," Zorrander says quietly, studying the schedule with ancient eyes. "They're making it up as they go along." Ice slides down my spine. "What do you mean?"
Like, why doesn't that land in her thick skull the first time.
No spine detected in the FMC. She asks everyone to stop talking around her, they don't and she doesn't do anything about it.
All she does is whine and complain about everything and it got too bothersome to continue.
Nicknames for the FMC:
Little one (almost DNF'd for that one alone), child, pet (these nicknames are getting predictable and irksome).
DNF 38%
Currently 14% in -
So far the FMC is a broken record, just saying "I don't understand" and "I want to go home" over and over again.
Also, FMC showed signs of a backbone, but refused to follow up on it. She told the guardians to stop talking about her like she isn't there amongst other things and the guardians, of course, mocked her by calling her feisty. *rolls eyes*
19% -
Jesus christ, she is a whiny baby. Plus, she parrots everything back to her guardians.
Pretend example:
Guardian: *Will explain why putting milk in a bowl before the cereal is important*
Celine: "So, milk first is important? But why?"
G: *explains again why milk first is important*
C: "But I don't understand what's happening. Why is the milk important?"
You get it.
38% -
She is still acting like a whiny baby and being obtuse on purpose. For example: "The Academy has never had to educate a Key before," Zorrander says quietly, studying the schedule with ancient eyes. "They're making it up as they go along." Ice slides down my spine. "What do you mean?"
Like, why doesn't that land in her thick skull the first time.
No spine detected in the FMC. She asks everyone to stop talking around her, they don't and she doesn't do anything about it.
All she does is whine and complain about everything and it got too bothersome to continue.
Nicknames for the FMC:
Little one (almost DNF'd for that one alone), child, pet (these nicknames are getting predictable and irksome).
October 8, 2025
I personally loved this book it had me hooked from the first page to the last. 🖤
If you crave fated bonds, fallen angels, and that kind of tension that crackles , this slow burn will pull you straight in.
The story kept me entertained the whole way throughthe only flaw was a few minor spelling slips, but nothing that dulled the magic. Im excited to dive into book two and see how Celine survives everything that’s been unleashed. 🔥
April 19, 2026
This review will contain spoilers, because no one should waste their time reading this landfill of a book.
The FMC starts off being stupid and, unfortunately, remains so throughout the entire book. Celine is one of the WORST fmc I've read. I'm estimating her IQ at a generous 22. This bitch has 4 guardians, a headmaster, books, EVERYONE telling her what's happening and why, but she JUST can't understand. She crying and whining at 7%, 22%, 55% and 98% (you get the idea) that she doesn't understand, she didn't ask for this, it's all her fault, she doesn't need protecting and can do it all herself. Meanwhile, she couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper bag. With scissors. And every new piece of information sent shivers, ice, chills, ice water, etc down her spine. With all that, you'd think she would be pretty chill-but sis had NONE. Half her guardians(mates?) don't even like her. We can't tell if they're mates since there is ZERO spice aside from, like, 2 kisses. I've seen more romance at my work Christmas party.
Bottom line-Celine is a pansy moron, Zorrander (gets a makeout sesh but then randomly stops because he wants to protect her[?!])is sweet, Dominion is kinda indifferent, Gideon seems to actively dislike her (relatable, bro) and Lynx (also gets a smooch) just wants to bone. Everything this FMC does is dumb. The book ended on a cliff (that I will be throwing myself off of in an effort to escape this book) bc the stone guys take her dad, so of course she demands to go "save" him (GURL, you couldn't save money at a free sale) and Zorrander ends up getting beat the eff up, taken and maybe dead. Her other guys fly away with her because, SURPRISE! she didn't save anyone and made everything worse.
I finished the book because I was hoping it would get better but NOPE. I won't be reading the other two.
The FMC starts off being stupid and, unfortunately, remains so throughout the entire book. Celine is one of the WORST fmc I've read. I'm estimating her IQ at a generous 22. This bitch has 4 guardians, a headmaster, books, EVERYONE telling her what's happening and why, but she JUST can't understand. She crying and whining at 7%, 22%, 55% and 98% (you get the idea) that she doesn't understand, she didn't ask for this, it's all her fault, she doesn't need protecting and can do it all herself. Meanwhile, she couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper bag. With scissors. And every new piece of information sent shivers, ice, chills, ice water, etc down her spine. With all that, you'd think she would be pretty chill-but sis had NONE. Half her guardians(mates?) don't even like her. We can't tell if they're mates since there is ZERO spice aside from, like, 2 kisses. I've seen more romance at my work Christmas party.
Bottom line-Celine is a pansy moron, Zorrander (gets a makeout sesh but then randomly stops because he wants to protect her[?!])is sweet, Dominion is kinda indifferent, Gideon seems to actively dislike her (relatable, bro) and Lynx (also gets a smooch) just wants to bone. Everything this FMC does is dumb. The book ended on a cliff (that I will be throwing myself off of in an effort to escape this book) bc the stone guys take her dad, so of course she demands to go "save" him (GURL, you couldn't save money at a free sale) and Zorrander ends up getting beat the eff up, taken and maybe dead. Her other guys fly away with her because, SURPRISE! she didn't save anyone and made everything worse.
I finished the book because I was hoping it would get better but NOPE. I won't be reading the other two.
September 28, 2025
I haven’t finished yet, but I had to leave this review
This book is the exact type of story. I have been looking for. The getaway from reality many of us hope for. I hope the romance is as good as the writing ❤️❤️ I’m so happy I came across this book I’m going back to reading now. I’ll edit more later. ✌️
This book is the exact type of story. I have been looking for. The getaway from reality many of us hope for. I hope the romance is as good as the writing ❤️❤️ I’m so happy I came across this book I’m going back to reading now. I’ll edit more later. ✌️
December 9, 2025
Fantastic. Fast paced and an emotional rollercoaster. Looking forward to the second installment.
March 27, 2026
RH/Angels & Demons/Mainly Single PoV
SYNOPSIS (of Book 1): The story is set in a world where Demons and Angels exist without human knowledge. The FC, Celine, is a human with a crippled war veteran father who she supports working a dead-end job just to make ends meet. One night she stops at a roadside memorial and finds herself chosen as "the Key", a divine being who will either be the world's salvation or ending. With the role come 4 guardians, two demons and two angels, each thousands of years old. She is taken to Nexus Academy, an academy for angels and demons, where she is to be protected and taught about her new life whilst an ancient evil, the First Shepherd, seeks to find her and to end humanity.
Heat Level: 🌶️/🍆 There's some light interactions between a couple of the main characters but nothing heavy
In summary I cannot believe this series apparently stretches over 6 books. This first book is in need of editing and ticks every trope box you can think of - "chosen one" heroine, powerful monosyllabic MCs, a dark evil wanting to end the world etc. I gave up at the end of the first book and was majorly skimming from 50%. The writing is lacklustre with an unappealing, pathetic and weak FC and an ending that didn't even seem to try. It just evidenced how stupid the FC was. Honestly, this is one of those books where you just want the heroine to die and move on 😁
For whatever reason I could not connect with the FC, as mentioned, she was just irritating. There's alot of crying and woe is me and it just gets wearing with nothing likeable. The author seems to do little to try to establish any depth of character or to build relationships between the characters. The MCs are all beautify and god like angels or demons who have lived for hundreds if not thousands of years. This results in an odd dynamic as the author insists on an insta attraction from all of them which makes no sense. The FC has shown absolutely nothing to particularly like with no strength of character and these men have centuries of experience under their belt. Why would they even give her the time of day? Their constant infantilisation of the FC by calling her child, pet and little one is simply derogatory and emphasizes the lack of chemistry and yet the FC does nothing to push back. This also seem very shallow with no real world building or substantive secondary characters to build the narrative.
Overall this was not a book for me or a series I will be continuing. The writing is poor and I found the story unengaging and unoriginal.
SYNOPSIS (of Book 1): The story is set in a world where Demons and Angels exist without human knowledge. The FC, Celine, is a human with a crippled war veteran father who she supports working a dead-end job just to make ends meet. One night she stops at a roadside memorial and finds herself chosen as "the Key", a divine being who will either be the world's salvation or ending. With the role come 4 guardians, two demons and two angels, each thousands of years old. She is taken to Nexus Academy, an academy for angels and demons, where she is to be protected and taught about her new life whilst an ancient evil, the First Shepherd, seeks to find her and to end humanity.
Heat Level: 🌶️/🍆 There's some light interactions between a couple of the main characters but nothing heavy
In summary I cannot believe this series apparently stretches over 6 books. This first book is in need of editing and ticks every trope box you can think of - "chosen one" heroine, powerful monosyllabic MCs, a dark evil wanting to end the world etc. I gave up at the end of the first book and was majorly skimming from 50%. The writing is lacklustre with an unappealing, pathetic and weak FC and an ending that didn't even seem to try. It just evidenced how stupid the FC was. Honestly, this is one of those books where you just want the heroine to die and move on 😁
For whatever reason I could not connect with the FC, as mentioned, she was just irritating. There's alot of crying and woe is me and it just gets wearing with nothing likeable. The author seems to do little to try to establish any depth of character or to build relationships between the characters. The MCs are all beautify and god like angels or demons who have lived for hundreds if not thousands of years. This results in an odd dynamic as the author insists on an insta attraction from all of them which makes no sense. The FC has shown absolutely nothing to particularly like with no strength of character and these men have centuries of experience under their belt. Why would they even give her the time of day? Their constant infantilisation of the FC by calling her child, pet and little one is simply derogatory and emphasizes the lack of chemistry and yet the FC does nothing to push back. This also seem very shallow with no real world building or substantive secondary characters to build the narrative.
Overall this was not a book for me or a series I will be continuing. The writing is poor and I found the story unengaging and unoriginal.
January 28, 2026
DNF’d at 72%
Paranormal/ chosen one/ why choose/ slow burn/ bullying/ forced proximity/ age gap
Trigger warning: violence/ death of a loved one/ suicide/ kidnapping/ trauma/ bullying
The FMC is supposed to be “the chosen one” bound to 4 powerful MMCs but they all kind of suck. Only one of the guys treats her with any sort of respect. Another tries to demand trust while actively hiding things from her. Then there’s the emotionally stunted warrior dude who reminds the FMC that she’s weak constantly and then acts like her lack of confidence is annoying. Lastly there’s the obnoxious demon who spends more time hitting on the FMC than actually trying to help her understand her purpose.
She gets thrust into a world she doesn’t understand and instead of giving her some grace, the guys all act like she’s a dramatic inconvenience. They don’t even stand up for her when the other students treat her like crap. It’s written off as them trying to give her strength to stand up for herself but it’s bullshit. You can’t expect someone who is consistently torn down to be able to build themselves up without a bit of help. If someone is repeatedly told they’re not good enough, they’re going to believe it. Does the FMC cry a lot? Yeah. Are her tears justified? Hell yeah.
In conclusion, each of the MMCs are overbearing assholes and I feel like I need to reiterate that I think all of them suck.
#DNF
Paranormal/ chosen one/ why choose/ slow burn/ bullying/ forced proximity/ age gap
Trigger warning: violence/ death of a loved one/ suicide/ kidnapping/ trauma/ bullying
The FMC is supposed to be “the chosen one” bound to 4 powerful MMCs but they all kind of suck. Only one of the guys treats her with any sort of respect. Another tries to demand trust while actively hiding things from her. Then there’s the emotionally stunted warrior dude who reminds the FMC that she’s weak constantly and then acts like her lack of confidence is annoying. Lastly there’s the obnoxious demon who spends more time hitting on the FMC than actually trying to help her understand her purpose.
She gets thrust into a world she doesn’t understand and instead of giving her some grace, the guys all act like she’s a dramatic inconvenience. They don’t even stand up for her when the other students treat her like crap. It’s written off as them trying to give her strength to stand up for herself but it’s bullshit. You can’t expect someone who is consistently torn down to be able to build themselves up without a bit of help. If someone is repeatedly told they’re not good enough, they’re going to believe it. Does the FMC cry a lot? Yeah. Are her tears justified? Hell yeah.
In conclusion, each of the MMCs are overbearing assholes and I feel like I need to reiterate that I think all of them suck.
#DNF
October 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Review: Nexus Academy : First Blood By Callie Madden.
This book is a dark academy, paranormal romance that delivers on tension, emotional chaos, and four morally grey immortals guardians. While the romance escalates quickly—which might feel rushed for readers who prefer a slow burn—I personally found myself wanting more of the dynamic between Dominion and Celine. Their chemistry was magnetic, and I would’ve loved to see them take center stage as the main couple.
The “why choose” element adds layers of complexity and spice, but if you're someone who prefers a single romantic arc, this might not be your cup of tea. That said, if you love dark academy vibes, protective chaos, and multiple love interests wrapped in a supernatural setting, this book is absolutely for you.
A solid 3.5 stars from me—entertaining, intense, and full of potential for what’s to come in the series.
#NexusAcademy #CallieMadden #DarkAcademy #ParanormalRomance #WhyChoose #GoodreadsReview #SpicyReads #ImmortalGuardians #BookLover #MustRead
This book is a dark academy, paranormal romance that delivers on tension, emotional chaos, and four morally grey immortals guardians. While the romance escalates quickly—which might feel rushed for readers who prefer a slow burn—I personally found myself wanting more of the dynamic between Dominion and Celine. Their chemistry was magnetic, and I would’ve loved to see them take center stage as the main couple.
The “why choose” element adds layers of complexity and spice, but if you're someone who prefers a single romantic arc, this might not be your cup of tea. That said, if you love dark academy vibes, protective chaos, and multiple love interests wrapped in a supernatural setting, this book is absolutely for you.
A solid 3.5 stars from me—entertaining, intense, and full of potential for what’s to come in the series.
#NexusAcademy #CallieMadden #DarkAcademy #ParanormalRomance #WhyChoose #GoodreadsReview #SpicyReads #ImmortalGuardians #BookLover #MustRead
February 28, 2026
The world feels dangerous in a way that actually matters. Every challenge has weight, every secret feels like it’s building toward something bigger. It’s not just romance thrown into a school setting. There’s a real plot unfolding beneath the tension, and I’m genuinely invested in where it’s heading.
Celine isn’t perfect, and I actually appreciated that. She reacts like someone thrown into chaos without a manual. She’s stubborn, emotional, sometimes frustrating, but never unrealistic. Watching her struggle between fear and strength made her growth feel earned instead of forced. I’m really hoping to see her fully step into her power in the next book.
And the guardians? Each one stands out with a distinct personality, which makes their dynamic with Celine feel layered instead of repetitive. The tension is definitely there, but it’s the slow build and underlying loyalty that hooked me most.
The pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love academy settings with high stakes, complex relationships, and a looming war in the background, this one is worth the read.
Celine isn’t perfect, and I actually appreciated that. She reacts like someone thrown into chaos without a manual. She’s stubborn, emotional, sometimes frustrating, but never unrealistic. Watching her struggle between fear and strength made her growth feel earned instead of forced. I’m really hoping to see her fully step into her power in the next book.
And the guardians? Each one stands out with a distinct personality, which makes their dynamic with Celine feel layered instead of repetitive. The tension is definitely there, but it’s the slow build and underlying loyalty that hooked me most.
The pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love academy settings with high stakes, complex relationships, and a looming war in the background, this one is worth the read.
April 6, 2026
Oh what a read!
I don't know how to explain but this series made feel like I'm a teenager again (in the best way) reading fantasy romance with pure excitement and joy. It just felt like coming home? Considering my teenage years were over a decade ago.
I read this book like I was dying from thirst and it is the water of life. I didn't even realize I finished it before I came to the last page.
I love the MMCs so far. I can't wait to see more of Gideon.
And I can't stress this enough, there is actually a plot in this book. I can't wait to see how it will all turn out.
FMC is a bit annoying at times but she is a human. So I can't say I dislike her. Nothing she did and said was over the top and exaggerated. It was understandable even when I did not agree with her impulsive and stubborn decisions.
Can't wait to read the next books. So far I love it.
I don't know how to explain but this series made feel like I'm a teenager again (in the best way) reading fantasy romance with pure excitement and joy. It just felt like coming home? Considering my teenage years were over a decade ago.
I read this book like I was dying from thirst and it is the water of life. I didn't even realize I finished it before I came to the last page.
I love the MMCs so far. I can't wait to see more of Gideon.
And I can't stress this enough, there is actually a plot in this book. I can't wait to see how it will all turn out.
FMC is a bit annoying at times but she is a human. So I can't say I dislike her. Nothing she did and said was over the top and exaggerated. It was understandable even when I did not agree with her impulsive and stubborn decisions.
Can't wait to read the next books. So far I love it.
October 29, 2025
DNF 60%
I did not like Celina at all, her characterisation didn't match all the "good" things we kept hearing about her.
Is she a mouse or a shark??? No this has nothing to do with light and dark. It's purely a weak heroine. If she spent less time drooling over the MMCs and womaned up this could have been interesting. Up to my reading, the relationships were just not believable.
"Dad thinks I'm dead. I missed Marissa's anniversary, I want to go home" Dear Writer, why did we have to read this a thousand times? Isn't that what editors are for?
60% and the plot was still in the air........
Is it really any wonder the MMC are telling her to step up. I would have chucked her out the academy, got some popcorn and watched how fast she'd try come running back and..... Not Helped.
She keeps saying she's not a child, are we sure????
Bottom line, this book annoyed me.
I did not like Celina at all, her characterisation didn't match all the "good" things we kept hearing about her.
Is she a mouse or a shark??? No this has nothing to do with light and dark. It's purely a weak heroine. If she spent less time drooling over the MMCs and womaned up this could have been interesting. Up to my reading, the relationships were just not believable.
"Dad thinks I'm dead. I missed Marissa's anniversary, I want to go home" Dear Writer, why did we have to read this a thousand times? Isn't that what editors are for?
60% and the plot was still in the air........
Is it really any wonder the MMC are telling her to step up. I would have chucked her out the academy, got some popcorn and watched how fast she'd try come running back and..... Not Helped.
She keeps saying she's not a child, are we sure????
Bottom line, this book annoyed me.
October 8, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
I received a free copy of this book and I'm so happy I had a chance to read this. Let me just say that academy-setting books are some of my absolute favorites, and this one did not disappoint. Add in four hot guardians and I was completely hooked. The reason I didn't rate it a 5 star read was because the main character, Celine (FMC) was a bit annoying at times. I expected her to get on board with her "destiny" but found her excuses and whining a bit irritating. She didn’t seem interested in developing her potential abilities and often looked for sympathy when things got tough. I'm hoping I see more character growth for her in book 2. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm so happy I had a chance to read this. Let me just say that academy-setting books are some of my absolute favorites, and this one did not disappoint. Add in four hot guardians and I was completely hooked. The reason I didn't rate it a 5 star read was because the main character, Celine (FMC) was a bit annoying at times. I expected her to get on board with her "destiny" but found her excuses and whining a bit irritating. She didn’t seem interested in developing her potential abilities and often looked for sympathy when things got tough. I'm hoping I see more character growth for her in book 2. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
January 1, 2026
Dando 2 estrelas mas querendo dar 1,5. Porque???
Por que essa garota é uma TONHA, coitada. Se eu um dia convivesse com a taylor swift, é isso aqui que eu encontraria, EU N TENHO DUVIDAS, NADA me convence que ela seria EXATAMENTE como essa coitada.
Meu deus coitadismo completo. Vai se fuderrrr, Celine vc não CANSA de ser a mulher mais chata desse calçadão????????????????????????
Irei continuar porque to intrigada mas porra que inferno de mulher, chata para um caralho, “aiiiii pq eu n dou conta” e chora 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 “aiii pq eu sou fraquinha” e ai chora mais, “aiiiiii mas eu n pedi issoooooo” e chora. “Ai eu sou muito burrinha” e faz merda.
Sinceramente, vai pra porra
Por que essa garota é uma TONHA, coitada. Se eu um dia convivesse com a taylor swift, é isso aqui que eu encontraria, EU N TENHO DUVIDAS, NADA me convence que ela seria EXATAMENTE como essa coitada.
Meu deus coitadismo completo. Vai se fuderrrr, Celine vc não CANSA de ser a mulher mais chata desse calçadão????????????????????????
Irei continuar porque to intrigada mas porra que inferno de mulher, chata para um caralho, “aiiiii pq eu n dou conta” e chora 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 “aiii pq eu sou fraquinha” e ai chora mais, “aiiiiii mas eu n pedi issoooooo” e chora. “Ai eu sou muito burrinha” e faz merda.
Sinceramente, vai pra porra
January 11, 2026
I was surprised I didn’t DNF this book. The writing and premise were addictive, but I really struggled with the characters. I strongly disliked the female main character. She constantly felt sorry for herself and rarely stood up to anyone, whether it was her four guardians or the bullies at the academy. That lack of strength made it hard for me to stay invested.
The male characters were not very memorable either. One of them includes a bully trope, which I did not enjoy, especially alongside such a passive main character. I like stories where the heroine is scared at first but grows stronger. That growth never fully happened here.
The worldbuilding and backstory were the strongest parts of the book and the main reason I kept reading. Unless the main character becomes much stronger in the next book, I do not plan to continue the series. Still, the premise is interesting, and readers curious about the world may want to try it for themselves.
The male characters were not very memorable either. One of them includes a bully trope, which I did not enjoy, especially alongside such a passive main character. I like stories where the heroine is scared at first but grows stronger. That growth never fully happened here.
The worldbuilding and backstory were the strongest parts of the book and the main reason I kept reading. Unless the main character becomes much stronger in the next book, I do not plan to continue the series. Still, the premise is interesting, and readers curious about the world may want to try it for themselves.
March 25, 2026
It was okay. I wish FMC had more of a backstory told and I think realistically she would have broke down more when first thrown into the academy. Why is there no ‘why me God? You made a mistake.’ That would have been a natural response but the story kind of ignores God for the most part and doesn’t touch base with her even questioning or trying to understand religion at all. I get that this is her personality but I wish she would have fought harder to be heard, fought harder to understand instead of just accepting that they weren’t telling her things.
September 26, 2025
The book was an absolute joy to read for me! I found myself drawn to two of the MMCs immediately and kept that throughout the book. Triggers were not bad for me at all, but do check them before you read. Book is fast placed in my opinion which is great, easy to read, and it had me wanting to read even when tired, which says a lot for me! Personally I’ll be getting me a physical copy asap!!!! Give this book a try!!!
November 15, 2025
the fmc was really immature for her age, and kept making bad decisions and felt regret and self loathing that was most of the book. but I gotta say I really hate Dominion he hurt her, made sure she was gonna fail in class by giving her a harder class, yelled and humiliate her in her first class too, and worst of all he never apologized and still felt jealous that she didn't wanna kiss him, he's really pathetic I hope he becomes better because he's the worst male lead
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
First Blood
A good start to this series. Love all the MMC’s and their different personalities and how they react to and interact with the FMC Celine. I’m still on the fence about her. She has a good heart, but she comes off weak and selfish at times.
The story flows well and I get a good picture of the story that Ms. Madden is telling. Definitely will continue on with the series and hopefully see what Celine has to do in fighting this war along side her guardians.
A good start to this series. Love all the MMC’s and their different personalities and how they react to and interact with the FMC Celine. I’m still on the fence about her. She has a good heart, but she comes off weak and selfish at times.
The story flows well and I get a good picture of the story that Ms. Madden is telling. Definitely will continue on with the series and hopefully see what Celine has to do in fighting this war along side her guardians.
October 8, 2025
Good enough to read book 2
I loved this book. It was a bit confusing in parts for a short while but it always straightened out. Love the guys, I wish we could get more of their pov. Celine let’s be honest is annoying as heck. She’s whiny, and you want to reach through the book and choke her. With that being said I did enjoy the book. I’m hoping the next one is better.
I loved this book. It was a bit confusing in parts for a short while but it always straightened out. Love the guys, I wish we could get more of their pov. Celine let’s be honest is annoying as heck. She’s whiny, and you want to reach through the book and choke her. With that being said I did enjoy the book. I’m hoping the next one is better.
November 21, 2025
too much repetition
Really liked the idea of the story, but the use of the same sentences over and over got really annoying. The main FMC was whiney and hard to like. Don’t think I’ll read the rest of the books. I just wasn’t invested enough at the end. Too many issues to look past.
Really liked the idea of the story, but the use of the same sentences over and over got really annoying. The main FMC was whiney and hard to like. Don’t think I’ll read the rest of the books. I just wasn’t invested enough at the end. Too many issues to look past.
December 3, 2025
another insufferable fmc
I get that she is supposed to be a good soul but why does she have to be so weak??? The whole point of her being a key should’ve come with powers to save the world not this lame ahh bummer attitude. I like the plot but character depth execution is majorly lacking.
I get that she is supposed to be a good soul but why does she have to be so weak??? The whole point of her being a key should’ve come with powers to save the world not this lame ahh bummer attitude. I like the plot but character depth execution is majorly lacking.
March 29, 2026
You will need to give up everything
Celine is an ordinary young woman but that all changes one night. Now she is surrounded by four guardians that will do anything to keep her alive. Will she be strong enough to face what is coming? Her old life is gone and now she has to learn about her role in saving all of humanity.
A good read
Celine is an ordinary young woman but that all changes one night. Now she is surrounded by four guardians that will do anything to keep her alive. Will she be strong enough to face what is coming? Her old life is gone and now she has to learn about her role in saving all of humanity.
A good read
November 27, 2025
Reading time: 5 hours and 51 minutes
Storyline: 3 stars, okay
-1 star because so so many things were repeated as if the author knew she wanted to include, put it in a few places to see where it fit best and then just didn’t remove it?
+ 1 star for making me cry
So back to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: 3 stars, okay
-1 star because so so many things were repeated as if the author knew she wanted to include, put it in a few places to see where it fit best and then just didn’t remove it?
+ 1 star for making me cry
So back to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 6, 2025
Such and amazing read. It was very interesting and captivating, the plot was amazing and the characters were awesome and the world building was incredible absolutely loved it
October 6, 2025
loved it!
This was amazing! I really should have waited until the series was complete because I can’t wait for book two. I was hooked after the first chapter.
This was amazing! I really should have waited until the series was complete because I can’t wait for book two. I was hooked after the first chapter.
October 9, 2025
Loved this book. It has great fmc and her 4mmc. It has a great plot and story line. It left me ready for book 2!
January 21, 2026
Unity
She's a nobody who has emerged to save or change magic. With four guardians bond to her how could it go wrong. I enjoyed this first book.
She's a nobody who has emerged to save or change magic. With four guardians bond to her how could it go wrong. I enjoyed this first book.
January 26, 2026
i had a lot of issues with this book but my main one is Celine. i really don’t like her as a fmc, i feel like all she did was cry and complain.
March 23, 2026
Before bed read for me
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