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Apex Elite Academy: Year 3
Welcome to year three of Apex Elite Academy, where real missions begin, and survival isn’t guaranteed.
Getting captured by humans wasn’t just bad. It was humiliating, and being betrayed by someone I trusted made it even worse. They pumped me full of tourmalyke, and it changed everything.
Usually, missing events or classes, reasons aside, would’ve gotten me expelled. Instead, I was thrown back into deadly simulations and shadowed missions with a mentor. Being top of the class had its perks.
My fated mates and I were finally on the same squad, which meant we should’ve been unstoppable. That was, until the humans escalated. What began as capture for our DNA had turned into experiments.
And now?
Execution.
Getting captured by humans wasn’t just bad. It was humiliating, and being betrayed by someone I trusted made it even worse. They pumped me full of tourmalyke, and it changed everything.
Usually, missing events or classes, reasons aside, would’ve gotten me expelled. Instead, I was thrown back into deadly simulations and shadowed missions with a mentor. Being top of the class had its perks.
My fated mates and I were finally on the same squad, which meant we should’ve been unstoppable. That was, until the humans escalated. What began as capture for our DNA had turned into experiments.
And now?
Execution.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 4, 2026
Lyra Winters delivers another engaging installment in Apex Elite Academy: Term 3, raising the excitement while also making the emotional parts of the story even stronger in all the right ways.
This book really stands out in showing how the relationships grow. Watching these connections become more trusting, stronger, and more united feels very rewarding. The way each character's bond feels more real than before, and how they learn to work together as a team, adds both warmth and excitement to the story. If you’ve been rooting for these characters from the start, Term 3 gives you plenty to enjoy.
The story grabs your attention from beginning to end. The ongoing tension between humans and supernatural creatures continues to develop, adding layers of mystery and making you curious about what will happen next. Meeting each character’s family brings more depth, helping you learn about their backgrounds and raising the emotional stakes. These scenes ground the story and help expand the world in meaningful ways.
One of the best parts of this book is how well it balances everything. The scenes showing the characters’ relationships are just as interesting as the spy missions and council politics, creating a good mix of emotion, action, and suspense. Neither part feels rushed or ignored—everything works together smoothly to keep the story exciting and moving forward.
Overall, Term 3 is a great continuation that strengthens both the friendships and the main conflicts. With so many storylines happening at once, it leaves you eager (and a little impatient) to find out what happens next.
I can’t wait for Term 4—I’m excited to see where Lyra Winters takes us next.
This book really stands out in showing how the relationships grow. Watching these connections become more trusting, stronger, and more united feels very rewarding. The way each character's bond feels more real than before, and how they learn to work together as a team, adds both warmth and excitement to the story. If you’ve been rooting for these characters from the start, Term 3 gives you plenty to enjoy.
The story grabs your attention from beginning to end. The ongoing tension between humans and supernatural creatures continues to develop, adding layers of mystery and making you curious about what will happen next. Meeting each character’s family brings more depth, helping you learn about their backgrounds and raising the emotional stakes. These scenes ground the story and help expand the world in meaningful ways.
One of the best parts of this book is how well it balances everything. The scenes showing the characters’ relationships are just as interesting as the spy missions and council politics, creating a good mix of emotion, action, and suspense. Neither part feels rushed or ignored—everything works together smoothly to keep the story exciting and moving forward.
Overall, Term 3 is a great continuation that strengthens both the friendships and the main conflicts. With so many storylines happening at once, it leaves you eager (and a little impatient) to find out what happens next.
I can’t wait for Term 4—I’m excited to see where Lyra Winters takes us next.
May 16, 2026
Year 3 baby! We are getting to find out who is who and what is what. Now the question becomes can we survive? Rue and her guys are about to find out if they can when everything is pointing to them failing. This series keeps getting better and better. Between the world building and character growth I have fallen in love with all the MC. I can’t wait to see how this ends.
May 2, 2026
I seriously cannot believe it took this long for everyone to finally figure out who Aura was, but the payoff was absolutely worth it. This book had me hooked from start to finish, and so many long-awaited moments finally delivered.
All of the mate bonds snapping into place? Exactly what I’ve been waiting for. It was so satisfying to see everything finally coming together. Darian finally getting what was coming to him was another major win, and honestly, it felt deserved after everything.
The stakes in this book were incredible. The human and supernatural treaty hanging by a thread added so much tension, and the growing threat from the human resistance network made everything feel even more intense. Every reveal and political shift kept raising the stakes.
And Brynn finally being gone for good? Rune being the one to do it made that moment even better. It felt powerful, fitting, and incredibly satisfying.
Overall, this installment delivered on action, emotional payoff, relationship progression, and major plot development. The banter, bonds, and chaos were everything I wanted, and now I’m desperate for the next book. This series just keeps getting better.
All of the mate bonds snapping into place? Exactly what I’ve been waiting for. It was so satisfying to see everything finally coming together. Darian finally getting what was coming to him was another major win, and honestly, it felt deserved after everything.
The stakes in this book were incredible. The human and supernatural treaty hanging by a thread added so much tension, and the growing threat from the human resistance network made everything feel even more intense. Every reveal and political shift kept raising the stakes.
And Brynn finally being gone for good? Rune being the one to do it made that moment even better. It felt powerful, fitting, and incredibly satisfying.
Overall, this installment delivered on action, emotional payoff, relationship progression, and major plot development. The banter, bonds, and chaos were everything I wanted, and now I’m desperate for the next book. This series just keeps getting better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
**Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 — Lyra Winters** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lyra Winters has done it again — and honestly, Year 3 might be my favourite instalment yet.
The little extras that made me fall in love with this series from the start are all still here. The letter and reference map at the beginning are such a lovely touch, and the house details continue to make this world feel genuinely rich and lived-in. It's the kind of worldbuilding that makes you feel like a student yourself before you've even reached chapter one.
Rune continues to be an absolute joy to follow, and there's a stretch in this book that had me completely gripped — the tension was real and I was on the edge of my seat. We also get introduced to Aspen, who is seriously cool, and I really hope we see more of her in the final book.
The missions remain a highlight, and there's an in-world game called Faeweaver that sounds genuinely brilliant — I want it to be real. But the standout moment of pure entertainment has to be Koa. His death stories are absolutely hilarious, and his sister Sora is an immediate favourite. The nickname Rune has for him fits him perfectly and had me grinning every time.
The relationship dynamics have been one of the best slow burns of the series, and Year 3 delivers some deeply satisfying progression on that front. There's also a letter in this book that absolutely wrecked me — in the best possible way.
The House Gauntlet at the end is an incredibly gripping sequence, and as for that ending... I need the final book immediately. There are threads I am *desperate* to see resolved — justice is coming for certain characters and I cannot wait.
A brilliant penultimate chapter to the series. Roll on Year 4.
Lyra Winters has done it again — and honestly, Year 3 might be my favourite instalment yet.
The little extras that made me fall in love with this series from the start are all still here. The letter and reference map at the beginning are such a lovely touch, and the house details continue to make this world feel genuinely rich and lived-in. It's the kind of worldbuilding that makes you feel like a student yourself before you've even reached chapter one.
Rune continues to be an absolute joy to follow, and there's a stretch in this book that had me completely gripped — the tension was real and I was on the edge of my seat. We also get introduced to Aspen, who is seriously cool, and I really hope we see more of her in the final book.
The missions remain a highlight, and there's an in-world game called Faeweaver that sounds genuinely brilliant — I want it to be real. But the standout moment of pure entertainment has to be Koa. His death stories are absolutely hilarious, and his sister Sora is an immediate favourite. The nickname Rune has for him fits him perfectly and had me grinning every time.
The relationship dynamics have been one of the best slow burns of the series, and Year 3 delivers some deeply satisfying progression on that front. There's also a letter in this book that absolutely wrecked me — in the best possible way.
The House Gauntlet at the end is an incredibly gripping sequence, and as for that ending... I need the final book immediately. There are threads I am *desperate* to see resolved — justice is coming for certain characters and I cannot wait.
A brilliant penultimate chapter to the series. Roll on Year 4.
May 15, 2026
Term 3 picks up right where the last book left off, with Rune captured by the humans while her mates desperately search for her. And honestly? This book had me hooked from chapter one and never let me breathe for a second afterward.
Rune goes through absolute hell in this one. Betrayal, horrifying human experiments, getting pumped full of nightmare-fuel science, and somehow the academy’s response is basically, “Glad you survived, now get back to class.”
The stakes are so much higher now. The early academy drama and training exercises are long gone, replaced with deadly missions, brutal executions, terrifying experiments, betrayals that genuinely hurt, and enough emotional trauma to keep therapists employed for generations.
One of my favorite parts was finally getting the completed mate bond with all six of her mates. I absolutely loved seeing Rune have meaningful moments with each of them individually and watching their relationships deepen despite all the chaos surrounding them. Seeing their families interact with Rune was surprisingly heartwarming and gave the story some much-needed softer moments in between all the destruction and emotional damage.
And the mates being together on the same squad? It should have been smooth, powerful, and perfect.
The pacing was relentless in the best possible way. Every time I thought I could finally relax, Lyra Winters threw another disaster into the mix like she personally wanted to raise my blood pressure. The action scenes were intense, the emotional moments hit hard, and the ending left me staring into space questioning my life choices because now I have to wait for the next book.
Rune goes through absolute hell in this one. Betrayal, horrifying human experiments, getting pumped full of nightmare-fuel science, and somehow the academy’s response is basically, “Glad you survived, now get back to class.”
The stakes are so much higher now. The early academy drama and training exercises are long gone, replaced with deadly missions, brutal executions, terrifying experiments, betrayals that genuinely hurt, and enough emotional trauma to keep therapists employed for generations.
One of my favorite parts was finally getting the completed mate bond with all six of her mates. I absolutely loved seeing Rune have meaningful moments with each of them individually and watching their relationships deepen despite all the chaos surrounding them. Seeing their families interact with Rune was surprisingly heartwarming and gave the story some much-needed softer moments in between all the destruction and emotional damage.
And the mates being together on the same squad? It should have been smooth, powerful, and perfect.
The pacing was relentless in the best possible way. Every time I thought I could finally relax, Lyra Winters threw another disaster into the mix like she personally wanted to raise my blood pressure. The action scenes were intense, the emotional moments hit hard, and the ending left me staring into space questioning my life choices because now I have to wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lyra knows what to do to draw me in, every single time and I just love all her beautiful characters.
We dive right back in a AEA Year 2 concludes. Wren has been captured by the humans and all her mates will stop at nothing to get her back. A certain mate will have to expose things that he didn't really want to just yet. Wren is just a total baddie and saves not only herself but her mate. It was really sweet when all bonds, yes, you heard that right, ALL bonds clicked into place and it was beautiful. I loved that Wren and her guys grew so much closer and were able to just be with each other, family and friends even just for a little bit. Things at the academy become more intense in year 3 which i would think is common and i loved that we got to see Wren and all her mates being their true powerful selves. A few of my questions were answered but there's still a few things that I am questioning...
Be prepared for an interesting ending. I know book 4 is going to be insane, I can feel it. Thank goodness Lyra isn't going to make me wait long because I need to know now 🩷
Love this installment. I think it's setting the tone for Year 4.
Thank you Lyra and your beautiful team for the opportunity to read this story and to be a part of your ARC team. I am forever grateful 💚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶
💚 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
💚 bada$$ fmc
🖤 fated mates
💚 elite agent training academy
🖤 unhinged mmc's
💚 supernaturals
🖤 touch them and ☠️
💚 forced proximity
🖤 age gap
💚 student x teacher
🖤 spicy
💚 so much more...
We dive right back in a AEA Year 2 concludes. Wren has been captured by the humans and all her mates will stop at nothing to get her back. A certain mate will have to expose things that he didn't really want to just yet. Wren is just a total baddie and saves not only herself but her mate. It was really sweet when all bonds, yes, you heard that right, ALL bonds clicked into place and it was beautiful. I loved that Wren and her guys grew so much closer and were able to just be with each other, family and friends even just for a little bit. Things at the academy become more intense in year 3 which i would think is common and i loved that we got to see Wren and all her mates being their true powerful selves. A few of my questions were answered but there's still a few things that I am questioning...
Be prepared for an interesting ending. I know book 4 is going to be insane, I can feel it. Thank goodness Lyra isn't going to make me wait long because I need to know now 🩷
Love this installment. I think it's setting the tone for Year 4.
Thank you Lyra and your beautiful team for the opportunity to read this story and to be a part of your ARC team. I am forever grateful 💚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶
💚 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
💚 bada$$ fmc
🖤 fated mates
💚 elite agent training academy
🖤 unhinged mmc's
💚 supernaturals
🖤 touch them and ☠️
💚 forced proximity
🖤 age gap
💚 student x teacher
🖤 spicy
💚 so much more...
May 17, 2026
Lyra has delivered yet another thrilling installment in a series that continues to have me in a chokehold. This book delivers in banter, bonds and Chaos, exactly as I’d hoped.
Year 3 continues to explore and grow the bonds in such a wholesomly chaotic manner, showing their strength as a team as well as their absolute devotion to each other. Rune’s strength in regards to her trauma is another thing to note as well as the love and support she receives from both her mates and her family.
This year also progresses the tensions between the humans and supernaturals fleshing out that plot as academy training continues to tests the students. The missions are as always fascinating and fun for both characters and readers.
The House Gauntlet Cup was such a thrilling and detailed event and it was intresting to see Rune against so many different characters be it mates, foes and family.
Overall this book delivers, once again developing plots, relationships and rivalries in AEA’s signature chaotic style. I am once again on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment.
Also shoutout to Lyra for making me fall so hard for her writing that even a diabolical cliffhanger like this one could never make me hate her.
🐍 As Always, your mental heath matters so please check triggers warnings before any dark read 🐍
Year 3 continues to explore and grow the bonds in such a wholesomly chaotic manner, showing their strength as a team as well as their absolute devotion to each other. Rune’s strength in regards to her trauma is another thing to note as well as the love and support she receives from both her mates and her family.
This year also progresses the tensions between the humans and supernaturals fleshing out that plot as academy training continues to tests the students. The missions are as always fascinating and fun for both characters and readers.
The House Gauntlet Cup was such a thrilling and detailed event and it was intresting to see Rune against so many different characters be it mates, foes and family.
Overall this book delivers, once again developing plots, relationships and rivalries in AEA’s signature chaotic style. I am once again on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment.
Also shoutout to Lyra for making me fall so hard for her writing that even a diabolical cliffhanger like this one could never make me hate her.
🐍 As Always, your mental heath matters so please check triggers warnings before any dark read 🐍
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝐌𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞—𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐱 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝.”
i am really loving this series from Lyra Winters. the book picks up right away from where book 2 ended. and after the last cliffhanger, i am once again glad this series is a rapid release.
i loved that this book focused a lot on Rune’s relationships with her mates. you get a lot of 1:1 dates as well as her meeting their families. it definitely felt like that connection/relationship building was needed since Year 2 they were all separated into their different houses and didn’t spend a lot of time together. and i appreciated the acknowledgement that Rune hasn’t been able to spend the most time with Koa and how his undercover mission was affecting that also.
while there was relationship development, you get even more of them all going on missions and learning how to be better agents. and you learned more about the different areas in Kalista and potential future books 👀
i can’t wait to read Year 4 and how this upcoming potential war with the Humans might turn out. and let’s hope for more unhinged Rune 😈🐍🖤💚
thank you Lyra Winters for an e-ARC of 𝑨𝒑𝒆𝒙 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚: 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 3
i am really loving this series from Lyra Winters. the book picks up right away from where book 2 ended. and after the last cliffhanger, i am once again glad this series is a rapid release.
i loved that this book focused a lot on Rune’s relationships with her mates. you get a lot of 1:1 dates as well as her meeting their families. it definitely felt like that connection/relationship building was needed since Year 2 they were all separated into their different houses and didn’t spend a lot of time together. and i appreciated the acknowledgement that Rune hasn’t been able to spend the most time with Koa and how his undercover mission was affecting that also.
while there was relationship development, you get even more of them all going on missions and learning how to be better agents. and you learned more about the different areas in Kalista and potential future books 👀
i can’t wait to read Year 4 and how this upcoming potential war with the Humans might turn out. and let’s hope for more unhinged Rune 😈🐍🖤💚
thank you Lyra Winters for an e-ARC of 𝑨𝒑𝒆𝒙 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚: 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
All the mate bonds - Slater too!!!
Finally all the bonds for Rune and her men have snapped into place. Remember in the last book, Rune was taken away by the humans. Now Koa has to go in since he's under cover and try to make contact. In the meantime, Rune's parents aren't waiting around for the council, so they contract Aspen Drakonus to rescue Rune too. Only Rune is already in the middle of her own rescue, after the bond snapping in place with Koa. And as soon as they are out, and she hugs her last unbonded mate, their bond snaps into place too. Slater has been waiting so long for the bond and I absolutely love that it finally happened. There is a lot that happens in Year 3, they are investigating missing dragon scales, negotiating with a fae, scoping out a blood gala, competing in the house gauntlet, having a full family dinner with the parents, final exams, and carrying out justice where it's needed. I'm excited for the 4th book and looking forward to the new series I can already anticipate in the future. As always, mind the trigger warnings, and I would say this one is medium spicy, which is of course, an opinion-based scale.
Finally all the bonds for Rune and her men have snapped into place. Remember in the last book, Rune was taken away by the humans. Now Koa has to go in since he's under cover and try to make contact. In the meantime, Rune's parents aren't waiting around for the council, so they contract Aspen Drakonus to rescue Rune too. Only Rune is already in the middle of her own rescue, after the bond snapping in place with Koa. And as soon as they are out, and she hugs her last unbonded mate, their bond snaps into place too. Slater has been waiting so long for the bond and I absolutely love that it finally happened. There is a lot that happens in Year 3, they are investigating missing dragon scales, negotiating with a fae, scoping out a blood gala, competing in the house gauntlet, having a full family dinner with the parents, final exams, and carrying out justice where it's needed. I'm excited for the 4th book and looking forward to the new series I can already anticipate in the future. As always, mind the trigger warnings, and I would say this one is medium spicy, which is of course, an opinion-based scale.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review*
Lyra Winters has done it once again. Book 3 in the Apex Elite Series was just as good as the rest.
We pick back up at the cliffhanger of book 2 and right away Rune is back in action, kicking *** and showing the evil humans why she is their #1 target. Poor Koa hated what happens but quickly proves why he deserves to be at the academy and one of her mates.
We also see so many of her mates and other agents really grow into the rolls they have been given. Of course some of the triggers should be read as there is quite a bit of violence in some sections of the book. But as someone who’s triggers are not included in this book it just really added to not only the characters growth but the storyline, I was okay.
I have read so many of her books over the years and she has yet to make a book I haven’t loved. As the stage is set not only for the final book but possibly her next series, Rune has become yet another FMC I love and yet hate to see her story end.
Hopefully book 4, which is right around the corner, not only shows the end of the war but also gives closure on the 2 cults we see shown here.
Lyra Winters has done it once again. Book 3 in the Apex Elite Series was just as good as the rest.
We pick back up at the cliffhanger of book 2 and right away Rune is back in action, kicking *** and showing the evil humans why she is their #1 target. Poor Koa hated what happens but quickly proves why he deserves to be at the academy and one of her mates.
We also see so many of her mates and other agents really grow into the rolls they have been given. Of course some of the triggers should be read as there is quite a bit of violence in some sections of the book. But as someone who’s triggers are not included in this book it just really added to not only the characters growth but the storyline, I was okay.
I have read so many of her books over the years and she has yet to make a book I haven’t loved. As the stage is set not only for the final book but possibly her next series, Rune has become yet another FMC I love and yet hate to see her story end.
Hopefully book 4, which is right around the corner, not only shows the end of the war but also gives closure on the 2 cults we see shown here.
May 16, 2026
Apex Elite Academy Year 3 kept me hooked from the beginning. Even though I haven’t had as much time to read lately, this series is one I always end up wanting to come back to because the world and characters are so interesting.
One of my favorite things about this series is how much the characters continue to grow. The relationships feel more real with every book, and seeing the trust and connections between everyone develop makes the emotional moments hit even harder. I also really enjoyed learning more about different characters and their backgrounds throughout the story.
The missions, tension, and mystery kept the story exciting, but the emotional moments were what stood out the most to me. There were definitely scenes that had me stressed, emotional, or completely invested in what was happening next.
I also love how detailed the world feels without being overwhelming. It’s easy to get pulled into everything happening at the academy and feel connected to the story. I love the maps that are in the book.
Overall, Year 3 made me even more excited for the next book, and I can’t wait to read what happens next in year 4.
One of my favorite things about this series is how much the characters continue to grow. The relationships feel more real with every book, and seeing the trust and connections between everyone develop makes the emotional moments hit even harder. I also really enjoyed learning more about different characters and their backgrounds throughout the story.
The missions, tension, and mystery kept the story exciting, but the emotional moments were what stood out the most to me. There were definitely scenes that had me stressed, emotional, or completely invested in what was happening next.
I also love how detailed the world feels without being overwhelming. It’s easy to get pulled into everything happening at the academy and feel connected to the story. I love the maps that are in the book.
Overall, Year 3 made me even more excited for the next book, and I can’t wait to read what happens next in year 4.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book in 24 hours. It was so good! I was not at all surprised by the traitor reveal though I was surprised that it was as easy as it was for Rune and Koa to get out of that holding facility. I am very curious about this assassin that we've met twice now. She seems really cool. I liked how this book progressed the relationships between her and each of her guys, meeting their families and bonding with them. So many cute moments in those including with Koa and Zuko's families. That moment with her ex was long overdue so go Draven for dealing with that piece of flaming garbage. Her fight with her brother was also epic and seemed like a lot of fun. That ending though... I need book 4 ASAP to get over that ending.
In terms of critiques, I will say I'm getting a bit confused by the number of named characters. They're on a squad currently but also characters from past squads pop up again. Just feels like a lot of semi relevant side characters. Also getting a bit confused by the human factions. Are there 2? or 3?
In terms of critiques, I will say I'm getting a bit confused by the number of named characters. They're on a squad currently but also characters from past squads pop up again. Just feels like a lot of semi relevant side characters. Also getting a bit confused by the human factions. Are there 2? or 3?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2026
✧ ✧ ✧
Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 did not disappoint!
Rune is such a badass character. She is seriously my top favorite since book one, and it's definitely not going to change anytime soon. I am glad all of her mate bonds snapped into place. They just all fit together pretty great. I love how well they work together as a team too. I looked forward to every time they worked as a team or were just together. The story continued to have me hooked the entire time. I literally binged the book in about a day. So now I am super excited for the final book. I need to know what happens next with Rune, her mates, and everything going on.
I highly recommend reading it if you haven't yet. It is an amazing supernatural world that will leave you hooked for more!
✧ ✧ ✧
Thank you Lyra Winters for the ARC!
✧ ✧ ✧
Cecy's Book Blog: Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 Review
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Cecy's Book Blog IG
✧ ✧ ✧
Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 did not disappoint!
Rune is such a badass character. She is seriously my top favorite since book one, and it's definitely not going to change anytime soon. I am glad all of her mate bonds snapped into place. They just all fit together pretty great. I love how well they work together as a team too. I looked forward to every time they worked as a team or were just together. The story continued to have me hooked the entire time. I literally binged the book in about a day. So now I am super excited for the final book. I need to know what happens next with Rune, her mates, and everything going on.
I highly recommend reading it if you haven't yet. It is an amazing supernatural world that will leave you hooked for more!
✧ ✧ ✧
Thank you Lyra Winters for the ARC!
✧ ✧ ✧
Cecy's Book Blog: Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 Review
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Cecy's Book Blog IG
✧ ✧ ✧
May 18, 2026
Apex Elite Academy: Year 3 completely blew me away! I honestly didn’t think it was possible to fall even more in love with these characters, but Rune and her mates have officially become my favorite group Lyra has ever written. Their bond, loyalty, chemistry, and growth throughout this book were incredible to read, and I found myself completely attached to every single one of them.
One of my favorite things about this series is how different this academy feels compared to Lyra’s previous books. It has its own unique atmosphere, darker edge, and intensity that keeps me hooked from beginning to end. The action scenes were amazing, the pacing was perfect, and the mystery surrounding what the humans are planning has me desperate for answers. Every reveal just made me want to keep reading “one more chapter.”
This series keeps getting better with every book, and now I’m counting down the days until the final installment releases. If you love academy romance, action, suspense, and characters you become emotionally invested in, this series is an absolute must-read!
One of my favorite things about this series is how different this academy feels compared to Lyra’s previous books. It has its own unique atmosphere, darker edge, and intensity that keeps me hooked from beginning to end. The action scenes were amazing, the pacing was perfect, and the mystery surrounding what the humans are planning has me desperate for answers. Every reveal just made me want to keep reading “one more chapter.”
This series keeps getting better with every book, and now I’m counting down the days until the final installment releases. If you love academy romance, action, suspense, and characters you become emotionally invested in, this series is an absolute must-read!
May 4, 2026
We are back with Rune and the guys pretty much immediately after the events a book 2. I will say I really enjoyed the shenanigans of year three I enjoyed seeing the mate bonds grow, mate bonds click into place… finally. And also interactions of characters we’ve all met, but haven’t met each other yet. I will say that it was really nice seeing certain things that happened closer to the beginning of this book really come full circle. I was wondering if we would see that in this one or have to wait and we do see some of it in this I still very much and curious exactly what is going to happen in book 4, which is year four and the final book in this series. As always, it’s so great to hear about the other couples/groups. We have met in the other series in this world. I really hope I’m picking up especially in this book. What Lyra is putting down for her next series if so, I’m excited! I cannot wait to get my hands on this last book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally ALL the mate bonds have snapped! I was waiting for that! And Aura!!!! I always got a weird vibe from her as I was reading.
Lyra Winters delivered with Apex Elite Academy 3, with ALL her books really! This book took everything that made the first two books addictive. Tension, chaos, dark secrets, emotional damage, and drama. She managed somehow raised the stakes even higher. The emotional pull between everyone felt raw, toxic, complicated, and impossible to look away from in the best way. I could not put the book down!
I also LOVED the crossover from her other books! Pandora has ALWAYS been one of my favorite characters she has written, so having her make appearances throughout the book was even better 😁👏
If you love academy romances with dark vibes, obsessive tension, betrayal, found family, and characters that completely consume your thoughts, this series is perfect! It may be fated mates and fantasy, but I can promise you, it’s worth it!
Lyra Winters delivered with Apex Elite Academy 3, with ALL her books really! This book took everything that made the first two books addictive. Tension, chaos, dark secrets, emotional damage, and drama. She managed somehow raised the stakes even higher. The emotional pull between everyone felt raw, toxic, complicated, and impossible to look away from in the best way. I could not put the book down!
I also LOVED the crossover from her other books! Pandora has ALWAYS been one of my favorite characters she has written, so having her make appearances throughout the book was even better 😁👏
If you love academy romances with dark vibes, obsessive tension, betrayal, found family, and characters that completely consume your thoughts, this series is perfect! It may be fated mates and fantasy, but I can promise you, it’s worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Apex Elite Academy Year 3 kept everything I’ve loved about this series the characters, their personalities, and the chemistry between them are still the strongest part for me. Rune and the others continue to make this world so fun to read about.
That said, this book definitely felt more like a filler/setup book compared to the first two. It starts strong with Rune being captured by the humans, escaping, and helping shut down the camp where supernaturals were being experimented on, but after that a lot of the story feels like normal academy life leading up to the house gauntlet. The gauntlet itself was exciting, especially with Rune pulling out the win, but the ending was honestly the biggest moment of the book. During the livestream, the human resistance declares war on the human council and reveals they created a bioweapon using Rune’s DNA that can kill both humans and supernaturals on contact. That cliffhanger definitely has me wanting the next book immediately.
That said, this book definitely felt more like a filler/setup book compared to the first two. It starts strong with Rune being captured by the humans, escaping, and helping shut down the camp where supernaturals were being experimented on, but after that a lot of the story feels like normal academy life leading up to the house gauntlet. The gauntlet itself was exciting, especially with Rune pulling out the win, but the ending was honestly the biggest moment of the book. During the livestream, the human resistance declares war on the human council and reveals they created a bioweapon using Rune’s DNA that can kill both humans and supernaturals on contact. That cliffhanger definitely has me wanting the next book immediately.
May 14, 2026
Unimpressed
I don’t even know where to start. I really liked to the original story in this universe and that made me want to continue. The second series in this universe was harder to get through but I did. I was excited to see where this series would go when Rune was mentioned at the end of the last series. I hate to say this but this series just isn’t for me.
I had to force myself to finish this third book. This series reads like a YA story with absurd and cringy sex scenes thrown in. The different subplots were interesting but having them all be solved in this book so simply was anticlimactic to say the least.
Again, the main characters, at least the males, are all way older than the female. NONE of them act like adults. Even the supporting characters treat them like kids.
This story has the potential to be so much more. I honestly doubt I’ll be finishing the series.
I don’t even know where to start. I really liked to the original story in this universe and that made me want to continue. The second series in this universe was harder to get through but I did. I was excited to see where this series would go when Rune was mentioned at the end of the last series. I hate to say this but this series just isn’t for me.
I had to force myself to finish this third book. This series reads like a YA story with absurd and cringy sex scenes thrown in. The different subplots were interesting but having them all be solved in this book so simply was anticlimactic to say the least.
Again, the main characters, at least the males, are all way older than the female. NONE of them act like adults. Even the supporting characters treat them like kids.
This story has the potential to be so much more. I honestly doubt I’ll be finishing the series.
May 14, 2026
Lyra has done it yet again! Year 3 is an amazing book, like the others in the series. It had me entranced from the moment I started to read it. It starts where year 2 concluded, where Rune was injected with something and passed out, and is taken from her mates. One of her mates, who was undercover, had to tell Rune about it when he did not want to. Rune, the awesome bada** she is, saves herself and her mate. I'm happy all of her bonds have clicked into place, and Rune's bond with each of her mates is adorable. I loved how there was one on one dates and how she met each of their families. We get more into everyone going on missions and learning how each can be better agents, and also the different areas within Kalista. The ending is very interesting and I can guarantee that Year 4 is going to be just as amazing and we will have some insane things going on. I can't wait to read the next book!!!!!
I am loving this series! Thank you Lyra for the amazing books you write!
I am loving this series! Thank you Lyra for the amazing books you write!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE Rune!!
I feel like my review for this series is repetitive with just how much I love her but damn do I love her! Rune is probably my favorite FMC out of the books I’ve read by Lyra Winters and it doesn’t hurt that her group of guys are amazing as well.
There is so much that happens and I know we are just SO close to the conclusion and their HEA and all this turmoil will be worth it
I won’t lie after the ending of the 2nd book I’ve been on pens and needles wanting to know what happens next and thankfully this takes place right after and Rune’s men don’t let me down!!
Honestly there is so much that happens trying to leave a spoiler free review is almost impossible but I will say this Rune is so strong and her men are strong and so supportive and the way they are there for her while dealing with all the chaos and pain the humans are causing it’s amazing!
I feel like my review for this series is repetitive with just how much I love her but damn do I love her! Rune is probably my favorite FMC out of the books I’ve read by Lyra Winters and it doesn’t hurt that her group of guys are amazing as well.
There is so much that happens and I know we are just SO close to the conclusion and their HEA and all this turmoil will be worth it
I won’t lie after the ending of the 2nd book I’ve been on pens and needles wanting to know what happens next and thankfully this takes place right after and Rune’s men don’t let me down!!
Honestly there is so much that happens trying to leave a spoiler free review is almost impossible but I will say this Rune is so strong and her men are strong and so supportive and the way they are there for her while dealing with all the chaos and pain the humans are causing it’s amazing!
May 14, 2026
I loved the third book, so excited for the next one but sad it will all be over. I really enjoyed the amount of time we got with each of her men and their families - some families are better than others if you know what I mean. There were so many chapters I was finally happy to get. I’d been waiting so long or what felt like a long time for justice. Honestly if you’ve read lyras other books you need to read this series too! I love the way the characters overlap and you get people popping back in from the other series and you’ve also got family of characters appearing. It makes it feel like a universe as they are mentioned throughout and have connections to each other. Especially interesting with the ideas of what previous people can do and why it’s so different to current characters - you’ll understand what I mean when you read it.
May 14, 2026
I love this series! I love the world building thats been made throughout each book. I loved getting more in depth with each characters families and seeing into their lives. Rune is amazing and has some amazing men standing with her. I love how supportive and loving they are with her. Each book goes so quick. I have so many questions that I am so excited to get answers for in book 4. Meeting some new characters and how amazing they are makes me so excited for possible books.
I love seeing the connection each of her mates has with her. There is no one more important than the other. Since book 1 they have all been about her- even if they were denying it and it shows how she is able to care for them all. I also like the connections and bonds the guys are making with each other as brother-mates.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love seeing the connection each of her mates has with her. There is no one more important than the other. Since book 1 they have all been about her- even if they were denying it and it shows how she is able to care for them all. I also like the connections and bonds the guys are making with each other as brother-mates.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Year 3!
The third book of this series was pretty decent. It may have just been me and my life right now, but I struggled a bit to finish this one. The writing was good, the plot lines were decent. If I had any criticism for it, id say that the antagonists were a little all over the place lol
I also wish we got more intimate scenes with her mates as a group and a couple of them individually. (Maybe that will come in year 4?)
I do love love LOVE this series as a whole. I also love that its connected to previous series as well. I cant wait for book 4 to see how it ends!
Spoiler
I hope rune gets the chance to face off with aura! Im glad she get her justice with Darian tho!
Overall - 4 ⭐️
Spice - 3.5 🌶
The third book of this series was pretty decent. It may have just been me and my life right now, but I struggled a bit to finish this one. The writing was good, the plot lines were decent. If I had any criticism for it, id say that the antagonists were a little all over the place lol
I also wish we got more intimate scenes with her mates as a group and a couple of them individually. (Maybe that will come in year 4?)
I do love love LOVE this series as a whole. I also love that its connected to previous series as well. I cant wait for book 4 to see how it ends!
Spoiler
I hope rune gets the chance to face off with aura! Im glad she get her justice with Darian tho!
Overall - 4 ⭐️
Spice - 3.5 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
I was so glad to be back with Rune and her men. After bonding with one of her mates, Rune is taken by the human faction that they’ve been working to bring down. With her men losing their minds they get her back and all the mate bonds snap into place. I loved that Rune was back with her men in the same squad for the third term, they all work well together even when she is making them panic with her nature of running into danger to save her squad mates. The relationship with Rune and her mates was great, I especially liked the scene in Koa’s room, iykyk. The announcement at the end of the book and to end it there, I need the next book asap. I’m loving this series and definitely recommend it.
May 8, 2026
What can I say! WOW just wow. Her final two mate bonds click into place heck yes but her being taken by humans not a bonus. Her basically rescuing herself but with the help of her mate and the council. The whole time I’m scream yes burn it down koa burn it down. Sadly no lol. Koa really grew in this book as well with his dad out of prison and runes and his mate bond clicking. Drecken finally perfected the love potion. Slater finally got caught stalking rune lol. Zuko was so delicious. Jesper was so loving and generous. Lastly Dimitri wow he got his wish. To be un-associated his parents who got their karma. He got the family he really deserved. Rune getting her justice. The happiness was well deserved. The ending got me tripping. I need more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Another amazing book, it just keeps getting better and better and a bit more crazy, but man do I love it.
The storyline continues exactly where book 2 ends so rescue mission here we come and finally all the mates bonds clicks into place. Mystery identities are revealed. So if your looking for tension, dark secrets, drama, a bit of spice and emotional damage this is the book for you.
You get to finally read about the House gauntlet and we get to see our girl kick some major butt. Some sibling rivalry.
Loving all the crossovers in this series it always makes me want to do a reread of previous series again.
I can't wait for book 4 and can only imagine the ending and future books is giving me some siren vibes who is with me on that one???!!
The storyline continues exactly where book 2 ends so rescue mission here we come and finally all the mates bonds clicks into place. Mystery identities are revealed. So if your looking for tension, dark secrets, drama, a bit of spice and emotional damage this is the book for you.
You get to finally read about the House gauntlet and we get to see our girl kick some major butt. Some sibling rivalry.
Loving all the crossovers in this series it always makes me want to do a reread of previous series again.
I can't wait for book 4 and can only imagine the ending and future books is giving me some siren vibes who is with me on that one???!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of the three so far this one felt the slowest. Looking back on her other series i dont find this to be a pattern so this time was a little... frustrating. I am very excited for havoc baby (i still claim him as mine to the end of days) and the fact that all her bonds snap into place. I loved how she made it impossible for Koa to betray Rune and that one character who goes bye bye (iykyk)? Woop! So glad that is over with (though i have a feeling it may have some other ramifications that we just dont know about yet). I love the Aspen cameo and would SUPER love her own story.
Though it did feel slow, i do feel that the story needed it to eventually be complete and if it hadnt been there the story would either be lacking or year 4 would have been way too long.
All in all, good job Lyra.
Though it did feel slow, i do feel that the story needed it to eventually be complete and if it hadnt been there the story would either be lacking or year 4 would have been way too long.
All in all, good job Lyra.
May 14, 2026
as soon as it was announced who the secret human was I just screamed “I knew it!”. What a fantastic book, I’ve loved seeing the characters relationships develop. And the justice for Koa made me so happy. Seeing drecken have that inner psycho was amazing. And the ending was finally a cliffhanger that I could get on board with, nobody got kidnapped and I didn’t feel the need to tear my hair out waiting for the next book. I love the MMC’s so much and their obsession for Rune who is just such a badass. Where can I sign up to be her?? I cannot wait for the final book but will be so sad when it’s over. Lyra has just such a talent for writing books and characters that have you hooked from the very first page🩷
May 14, 2026
I can’t believe term 3 if finally here! I loved that we get right into it from where we left off in book 2! Rune continues to be such a badass, I want to be her when I grow up ! The way she picks herself up and endures is so amazing. The world of Kalista should fear her!! I love that we get to see how great of an agent Rune is shaping out to be!
Rune and her mates are perfect as always! They’re all her perfect match and I love to see how all their relationships progress. It’s so crazy how I’m constantly forgetting they’re having issues with humans bc Rune has so much going on with missions and her mates. Slater and Zuko are my favorites and I’m not exactly sure what that says about me but I said what I said!!
Rune and her mates are perfect as always! They’re all her perfect match and I love to see how all their relationships progress. It’s so crazy how I’m constantly forgetting they’re having issues with humans bc Rune has so much going on with missions and her mates. Slater and Zuko are my favorites and I’m not exactly sure what that says about me but I said what I said!!
May 15, 2026
Goodness book 3 leads us straight off from our cliffhanger from book 2 with some devastating betrayals and our female lead and her mates are still trying to continue to throughout the the evils and the villains of this book and I love this Academy series is full of romantic love scenes, thrilling suspense. Story plot that really draws you in and keeps you wanting to read and I am in love with this book series and I cannot wait to read book for and see how the whole story ties app I'm going to miss this world once the the series ends but again, the author continues to surprise me with her. Genius, writing and her ability to really tell a good story, plot and make you fall in love with the characters even hate some of the characters fall in good way.
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