Fives Academy

by L. Wood

The academy holds dangerous secrets. My family has enemies. And dragons might be real…
After witnessing my mother’s murder at the hands of a powerful dark mage, my sister and I barely escape. Now we’re his next targets. The headmaster of Fives Academy, a prestigious school for elemental students, discovers us and offers refuge within its enchanted borders. I have no choice but to enroll in the magical academy my mother once attended, even if it’s the last place I want to be.
The plan is keep a low profile, bury our past, and pretend to be normal. That is, until the school’s elite singles me out as a magically weak outsider. And the infuriatingly charming senior who keeps showing up everywhere I go? He’s magnetic, mysterious, and exactly the kind of distraction I can’t afford.
But when the first of many attacks strikes, everything I thought I knew about Fives Academy—and my mother’s past—starts to unravel. My vow to stay invisible? Shattered. Now I must decide who to trust before the darkness I fled finally finds me.

Fives Academy is a dual POV heart-pounding, twist-filled tale of magic, soulmates, and betrayal where adorable familiars roam the halls. And danger is closer than you think. For fans of The Winx Saga and The Last Airbender.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 13, 2026

About the author

L. Wood is a YA Sci-Fi award-winning author. She enjoys living in the countryside of the Great Lakes Region. When she’s not writing or working with animals as a veterinary technician, she loves spending time with her family, swimming, playing volleyball, and hiking. And, of course, there’s always room for ice cream, no matter the time of day.

Reviews

[Tiffany Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read - Fives Academy was such a fun read! It had some twists and turns that I didn't expect and there were multiple times where I would audibly gasp. I love the academic setting and, of course, all of the super cute familiars. Chaos is probably my favorite and he lives up to his name for sure! Sal and Ender are great MC's and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from Booksirens.

We meet teenager sisters Selene and Vivian who are running for their lives as a dark mage killed their mother. Their mother had taught them to be leary of anyone who isnt family. The headmaster of the Fives Acadmey found them at thr safe house and are going to transport thr girls to safety. Both girls have been trained not to show all their magic and in class they show a lower level then they are. Ender is another student who lost his family when he was young and there is smtg about Selene that draws her to him. Truths are uncovered whrn a dark mage gets past thr security of the academy and tries to take Enders power. With more questions then answers, Selene and Ender embark on a quick adventure to find those answers. Things are never what they seem.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

I read this book as an ARC and I have to say I really liked it!

It felt fast paced enough and the chapters were short what made it quite easy and fast to read.
Selene and Vivian are sisters and after their mom is killed they go to fives academy. In this world there are different mage levels and mage types (the elements) and on fives academy they kinda learn how to wield it but it’s also a normal high school.

The book has some plot twists and I was really waiting for who would be a traitor. I kinda didn’t trust a lot of characters through the book because of that.

I liked the ending though it felt a little bit rushed in my opinion. But overall it was a really fun read!

[MrsBookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Fives Academy! It pulled me in straight away and kept me hooked the whole way through. The academy setting is fun and immersive, and the magic system is easy to follow without feeling overly complicated.

The characters were a big highlight for me — they felt relatable, flawed, and easy to get invested in. I especially liked watching our FMC Sal navigate academy life while dealing with secrets, danger, and emotions that definitely raised the stakes. The tension builds nicely, and there’s just the right amount of mystery and romance woven in.

The pacing was great and made this a quick, addictive read. I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was at the end. If you enjoy fantasy with magic schools, strong characters, and a bit of romantic tension, I’d definitely recommend this one.

I’m really looking forward to continuing the series! Bring on book 2!

Thank you to BookSirens and L. Wood for the opportunity to kick start 2026 with this book, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

0 stars language - i really don’t remember there being any
😘 - its there but not super descriptive
13+ kinda scary

Thank you Book Sirens for the copy! This review is my own facts and opinions

☆⛤♥⭑selene⭑♥⛤☆
Gorgeous name, absolutely love the name. I loved how she went by Sal (i don’t know I just like nicknames) . She was strong and tough. I loved whenever she used her magic and was excited to see what else she could do with it.

☆⛤♥⭑vivian⭑♥⛤☆
I don’t know if she was meant to be comic relief, but she kind of was. She played the part of little sister perfectly and was tough and strong in her own regard. She deserved so much more than what she got (iykyk)

☆⛤♥⭑the magic⭑♥⛤☆
The magic felt real and was unlike any type of magic I have seen before in books. I really appreciated the glossary in the beginning explaining all the types of magic and such and definitely went back to it a couple times. The levels confused me a little, (how do you level up, are you born with it?) but I figured it out and might have just missed where they explained it (kindle problems: the accidental double swipe)

☆⛤♥⭑action/fighting scenes⭑♥⛤☆
The fighting scenes felt a little off to me, but that could have been me. It just didn’t feel real or like I could understand what was happening

☆⛤♥⭑the romance⭑♥⛤☆
Perfect. No problems with it, just a wish that I could be Sal. The author did a good job writing Ender very hot and attractive. He might not be on the top of my book boyfriend list, but he’s definitely there.

☆⛤♥⭑the school⭑♥⛤☆
I want to go there immediately. The headmaster was interesting, all the roommates sounding intriguing (Sydney especially, and April) and it just sounded amazing!

☆⛤♥⭑the ending⭑♥⛤☆
I WANT ANOTHER BOOK IMMEDIATELY. Perfect cliffhanger, and leaves Sal’s world open for more stories.

☆⛤♥⭑the title⭑♥⛤☆
The title is so intriguing and half of the reason I wanted to read it. I loved how it tied in all the basis and rules about magic, in just that title.

In summary,
If you are looking for a dark academia book (I have been reading a lot of those lately), a book with magic unlike others, a romance, and awesome characters, read this book!
xoxo
emma

[Lilia Melisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those reads that pulled me in quickly and made it easy to keep turning pages. I genuinely enjoyed the magical academy atmosphere and the steady sense of tension running beneath everything. There was always a feeling that something was slightly off, which kept me engaged and curious to see how things would unfold.

Emotionally, I connected most with the themes of grief, resilience, and learning who to trust. I found myself rooting for the characters and feeling invested in their relationships, especially as bonds slowly formed and loyalties were tested. The slow burn elements worked well for me and added depth without overpowering the story. I also appreciated the touches of warmth and charm throughout, particularly from the familiars, which helped balance the darker moments.

That said, this did not quite reach five stars for me. While the pacing kept me engaged, a few moments felt a bit rushed, especially when emotional beats could have benefited from more space to breathe. I would have loved deeper development of some side characters, as well as more exploration of the academy itself. Expanding those elements would have made the world feel even richer and raised the emotional stakes.

Overall, Fives Academy was a fun, engaging, and immersive read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for from a magical academy story. With a bit more depth in character development and worldbuilding, this could easily be a five star read for me. I am very interested in continuing the series and seeing how the story grows from here.

I received an advance reader copy of Fives Academy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review❣️📚
Fives Academy by L. Wood 🧪
Release Date: Friday 13th March 2026 👻

As soon as I read that this book was for fans of Winx Club AND had an academic setting with an elemental magic system. I was instantly intrigued and knew I had to read this book.

This book was full of my favourite tropes. We had a Dual POV helping us get the yearning from both sides, he falls first, and damn the chemistry between Selene and Ender was off the charts. It reminded me of a YA/PG version of Darius & Tory from ZA and I loved seeing 2 equally strong MCs find each other.

The pacing and short chapters of this book made it impossible to put down… one more chapter led to 5 and before I knew it, I was up until early hours of the morning finishing the book 😅. The magic system throughout was complex yet very digestible and meant that I wasn’t having to flip back to the glossary to figure out what was happening at key moments.

And the twists?! I will admit there was a few which I saw, but others I was caught so off guard and had to take a moment to let it sink in before reading the next chapter. Also if you are a fan of books with animal companions - you will loveee these guys.

If you enjoy any of the following Tropes, I really recommend adding this book to your TRB for 2026. Thank you to BookSirens and L. Wood for the opportunity to read and review this book. 🫶

Tropes:
Academic Setting
He falls first
Yearning
“Who did this to you?”
Animal Sidekicks

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fives Academy is a captivating fantasy that weaves together elemental magic, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. After a tragic event upends her life, Selene finds herself at an elemental academy where she must navigate grief, growing powers, and secrets tied to her family’s past.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is Selene’s character development. Her struggles with loss and identity feel genuine, making her an easy protagonist to root for. The academy itself is richly described, creating an immersive magical setting that fantasy lovers will appreciate. The plot keeps a steady pace, delivering twists and emotional moments that maintain tension and curiosity throughout.

At its core, Fives Academy explores identity, personal growth, and the importance of family and friendship during times of upheaval. These themes add emotional depth and balance nicely with the magical elements.

Overall, this is a compelling read for fans of magical academies and young adult fantasy. If you enjoy stories centered on self-discovery, mystery, and elemental magic, Fives Academy is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelli Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reader and this review is my own opinion of this book.

After getting past the first chapter, I was hooked. I read the first 15 chapters in one night. The rest of the time, I just kept saying one more chapter. This book is so great for yourself or your teen.

You enter this fun magical world by following two sister after the death of their mother. They are found by the headmaster of Fives Academy and are quick to learn that the school isn’t as safe as they were lead to believe. A dark mage infiltrates the school and attacks begin to happen. The main female character and another student will ultimately leave the school to protect the other students embarking on a journey to find out the truth about her mother. She learns that family secrets run deep and when she returns to the school, more will come to light. The dark mage will underestimate her, the power of loyalty and love but the dark mage will not prevail.

This book is captivating, fun, and keeps you wanting more. I give it a 5 star rating. It will definitely be on my list of recommendations to anyone who has teens and adults who love a clean fantasy read.

[Ronne Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC Copy! Thankful for the opportunity to read.

After watching her mother die a brutal death at the hands of a dark mage, Sal goes on the run with her little sister Viv determined to protect her at all cost from the evil that haunts them. Tracked down to their safe house, Sal is faced with a choice continue to run or enroll in Fives Academy. Fives Academy offers a semblance of protection from those who killed her mother but can she trust those around her. Viv her carefree sister who enjoys being the life of the party is navigating her academic year too public for Sal's taste who tries to lay low and hide in the shadows. The more she tries to hide the more she is drawn into the open and everything she thought she knew is challenged. The world building in this story is vivid and draws you in. Fives Academy is dangerous in its own as a school for elementals, add in typical high school dynamics, romance, and a teacher who is rumored to eat his students, and you have one great story. The familiars are cute too!

[Mike Hrycyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fives Academy is a fast paced YA Fantasy set in a modern earth setting where magic is real but hidden underground from the normals. The story begins with the main character and her sister on the run from dark mages chasing them, already having slain their mother. Tension starts high and never really lets up. They are saved and taken to the secret Fives Academy where mages are taught how to safely use their magic.

They were supposed to be safe. Although Vivian, Selene’s sister, feels at ease enough to ease into the friendships and life at school, Selene is always wary, never settling in and always watching for the dark mages. Soon we learn that her diligence is not wasted. Vivian and Selene are not as alone as they originally thought and somehow Selene finds her soul bond at the school.

This book is perfect for someone who never wants a dull moment, who wants to follow a plot through to the end. The characters are very real and likable, the action sequences are well written. By the end, the reader really does care what happens to our characters.

[The Book and Bubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fives Academy: An Elemental Academy Novel by L. Wood

Selene and Vivian are on the run after their mother is killed by a dark mage. They’re found by the headmaster from Fives Academy and reluctantly agree to leave with him. The girls have been taught magic their entire lives, but also taught to hide it.

Selene is a force to be reckoned with, even if no one realizes her true power yet. She meets Ender while fighting rock creatures, and their magic seems to call to each other. They’re more powerful together and seem to have a real connection.

As they search for answers about Selene’s past, they find a small adult dragon named Chaos who refuses to leave her side. Someone very close to Selene holds all the answers, and Ender also discovers a lot about his own past. They’re being hunted, so get ready for the action!

This book is filled with action and discoveries. I loved the dragon Chaos and the other creatures that are familiars.


Arc: Booksirens 🩷

[Mel Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fives Academy was such a great story and completely hooked me from the very first chapter. The author does an amazing job pulling you into the world right away, making it nearly impossible to put down.

This book truly has it all, an engaging story, well-developed characters, found family, adventure, suspense, and a perfectly done slow-burn romance. Every element works together seamlessly, keeping the story moving while still giving space for meaningful character development and relationships.

One thing I especially loved is that this is a YA dual POV story, making it a great recommendation for teens as well. It’s exciting, emotional, and accessible without losing depth, which can be hard to do so well.

I sincerely hope there’s another book that continues this story because I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. I highly recommend Fives Academy to anyone looking for a compelling, well-rounded YA read that checks all the boxes.

[Tamara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fives Academy held my attention from beginning to end—and when I reached the final page, I genuinely wished the story would continue. The pacing is strong, the characters are engaging, and the plot keeps you turning pages late into the night.

The book hits all the right notes: drama, action, romance, and intrigue are woven together seamlessly, creating a story that feels both exciting and emotionally grounded. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the narrative pulls you in a new direction, keeping the suspense alive throughout.

This is the kind of book that’s easy to get lost in and hard to put down. If you enjoy stories that blend high-stakes action with compelling relationships and unexpected twists, Fives Academy is well worth the read.

I received this book as an ARC reader and this review is my own opinion of this book.

[Jerry Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the characters ...Selene and Ender are compelling, well-developed characters with relatable struggles—grief, protection, secrecy, and budding romance. The magic system is clear and interesting, with rules that make sense (mage levels, elements, dark mages, familiars, etc.).

The attack in the cafeteria was very intense and memorable. The sudden invasion of the dark mage, the students fighting back together, and the revelation about Ender’s grandmother all happening in one scene made it a standout moment.

The book explores themes of family, sacrifice, and trust in a fresh way. It made me think about how far someone might go to protect the people they love, even if it means lying or leaving them behind.

It’s a great blend of magic, mystery, and teen drama—perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Shadow and Bone, or Twilight.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐½
Fives Academy by L. Wood

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, but this review is entirely my own.

Fives Academy was an entertaining and enjoyable read overall. The story was good and kept me engaged, but it was also fairly predictable, so there weren’t many big surprises along the way. Still, it was fun to read and easy to get through.

I really liked the concept and the world, but I wish the side characters had been more developed. I also would have loved more page time with Aura and Chaos — who can resist fun animal familiars?

While this wasn’t a life-changing read, it was definitely an entertaining one, and I’m glad I picked it up. A solid choice if you’re looking for something fun and fast-paced to escape into for a bit.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book I will admit I was kind of bored it felt choppy (this happened, then bam this happened) and I was abit confused. I do love elemental mages though so the concept of the book interests me so I kept reading and mid way of the book it started to pick up. The magic and academy setting was well done, the twists had me hooked and I couldn’t put the book down. The slow burn between Sal and Ender, the yearning from Ender gripped my heart. There was a good unexpected twist at the end that had me like Whattttt. Also left on a cliffhanger so I’m excited to see what happens next and if it’s what I think the second book is going to be INSANE!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall. I liked the storyline and the characters. There were some slightly predictable but still enjoyable surprises. I liked the characters, their development throughout the book and the detailed descriptions while in a scene. They were stellar and quite pivotal in my imagining of what was happening. Sometimes the jump from one chapter to another could have been a bit smoother but it didn’t affect the book as a whole and seemed to improve the father into the book I read. There were some grammatical errors and one reference to a place that did not seem correct but that won’t deter me from recommending this book to friends. I look forward to the next book in the series to see how the story continues!

[Kayla]

While this was a book about witches it was definitely not the cliche or typical witch story. I was on an emotional rollercoaster with the characters, I loved them then hated them or vice versa since what I initially thought about them evolved as the story unraveled. I appreciate the timing of dropping hints and revealing the truth. Great amount of twists and turns throughout the entire novel that kept me turining the pages. When does the next book come out!?!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say I haven't been so in love with a book like this In quite a while.
As I mentioned to the author I have enjoyed every word and chapter, every part of the journey.
The last few chapters were so all encompassing I could hardly breath..
I don't do spoilers but it is literally a magical book, good magic and dark. There are sufficient twists in the plot to keep you interested . A magic academy
Sounds wonderful.
Now I'm sad it is finally finished but I wholeheartedly recommend this for your reading pleasure. I'd give it a hundred stars if I could.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Book Sirens for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It had an interesting premise - mother murdered by evil mages, magic boarding school in Alaska, some global travel… but, the characters were so flat. It was hard to tell Selene and Ender apart as they were so similar and Ender’s biggest defining feature was always being shirtless?! The locations were never fully developed either. If you are going to have characters travel to places, make them necessary to the story.

Sadly, it just didn’t work.

[Sam ✨️ Justamumandabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Zodiac Academy, then you will love this!

What a first read of 2026! This was such a fun easy read, and drew me straight in. I devoured this book, and found it hard to put down. It was predictable at times, which I dont mind in a book. The dragon kitchen scene had me laughing out loud and "who did this to you" had me kicking my feet.

Id love to see more of Sal and Ender in the future.

[Jenny Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid YA story with great characters whom you see grow and evolve through the book. Especially Ender and Sal.

There are sufficient twists and turns to keep you reading to the end. The use of well known myths to build a narrative helps to keep the pace without introducing too much new information. Is it the most inventive book I’ve read? No, but is it a fun read? Absolutely.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claire.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot had me sucked in. The story flowed well and the characters showed great growth throughout. The action parts weren’t long either which is great. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Miranda Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed exploring this YA paranormal fantasy world. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and I appreciated the rich world-building and intriguing characters. While it’s just the beginning of the series, it definitely left me looking forward to the next book. Overall, a solid read that promises more exciting developments ahead.

[Sonia O'brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academy setting, magic and a dark mage, with a plot twist. What’s not to like?
Strong characters and chapters that flowed and were not too lengthy, made this both enjoyable and easy to read.
This book is one of the few that I did not want to put down. I needed to see what the next chapter brought.
I was very fortunate to be able to read this before the book release, thanks to the author, L. Wood and Book Sirens, and happy to voluntarily give this review.

[Jeanette Sliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC through booksirens!

I really enjoyed this book! While it is definitely a teen/young adult book, it held my curiosity!! And the more I read, the more I couldn't put it down!

[Katrina Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It kind of gave me almost Zodiac Academy. I did enjoy it. It had me mostly the middle of the book. There was so many twists and turns. Plus some stuff I didn't see coming. Must

[May Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely loved this book. Could not put this book down. I would love to see this continue as that ending left me wanting to know what happens next. The dragon was so adorable and made me think of toothless. Would love to see art of when Sal entered the kitchen and seen Ender trying to contain the mess Chaos was causing. This book definitely gave me some emotions. I knew David was sketchy from the beginning, they should have trusted their instincts. Poor viv I really hope shes ok and hopefully if there is a next one, we can still follow along both sisters. Headmaster from the start definitely seemed to fatherly so I love that he actually was and I look forward to seeing more of all of their relationships growing. Please please keep this story going, though Im so impatient

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.