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Welcome to Aurelith Academy—where magic is destiny, power is dangerous, and love might be the most lethal weapon of all.

Ava Ashvale has spent her life in the shadow of her family’s legacy. But when she steps through the iron gates of Aurelith Academy—the most elite fae academy in Aurenvale—nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Here, gifted fae are divided by the goddess’s blessing—Elemental, Nature, Shapeshifter, or Divination—and trained to wield magic powerful enough to change the realm forever.

For Ava, whose powers are unpredictable and dangerously unique, Aurelith is both a sanctuary… and a trial by fire.

Thrown into a world of fierce rivalries, ancient traditions, and intoxicating temptation, Ava finds herself caught between two
one golden and charming… the other dark, brooding, and impossible to resist.
As friendships deepen and passions ignite, secrets rise to the surface—and some are deadly enough to destroy kingdoms.

But nothing at Aurelith is as it seems.
When Ava’s powers awaken and a forbidden prophecy surfaces, she must decide who to trust, who to fight, and who she’s willing to burn the world for.

Magic is awakening. Hearts are breaking. And destiny is about to demand its price.

Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and Zodiac Academy, Aurelith Academy is a spellbinding romantasy filled with elemental magic, irresistible tension, found family, prophecy, betrayal, and the intoxicating pull of first love.

If you
✔️ Fae academies & immersive worlds
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers tension
✔️ Brooding morally grey love interests
✔️ Slow-burn passion + emotional stakes
✔️ Found family, destiny, and dangerous magic

…you’ll fall in love with Aurelith Academy.

The realm is watching. The prophecy has begun. And Ava’s choice could save the world… or end it.



Read the back cover...


Welcome to Aurelith Academy, where magic is destiny and love is the most dangerous power of all.
Ava Ashvale has always lived in the shadow of her family’s legacy, but nothing can prepare her for the world that awaits behind the gates of Aurelith Academy. Here, the most gifted fae of the realm are sorted by their source of power a birthright given to them by the goddess of either elemental, nature, shapeshifting or divination. They’re trained to wield powers that could shape the future of Aurenvale. For Ava, whose magic is as unpredictable as her past, the academy is both a sanctuary and a crucible.
Thrown into a whirlwind of fierce rivalries, ancient traditions, and intoxicating temptations, Ava soon finds herself torn between two enigmatic brothers one golden and charming, the other dark and brooding. As friendships deepen and passions ignite, Ava must navigate the tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and forbidden desires that threaten to unravel everything she’s ever known.
But at Aurelith, nothing is as it seems. As Ava’s powers awaken and her heart is pulled in impossible directions, she discovers that her fate and the fate of those she loves, may be bound to a prophecy as old as the realm itself.
Full of elemental magic, slow-burn romance, and the thrill of first love, Aurelith Academy is a sweeping fantasy about found family, self-discovery, and the courage to choose your own destiny, even when the world wants to decide for you.

484 pages, Hardcover

Published February 14, 2026

103 people are currently reading
395 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Louise

3 books22 followers

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5 stars
76 (44%)
4 stars
50 (29%)
3 stars
30 (17%)
2 stars
12 (7%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Robert McGregor.
4 reviews
April 16, 2026
This was a fun and easy read, fast pace. The character building pace was set just right. I didn't expect it to be as good as I thought it was going to be the story overall was very well written this will be a series that I will continue as future books gets released as I want to find out what happens as the series progress
Profile Image for ani harding.
17 reviews
April 28, 2026
Omg, spice, spice and more spice from all angles!!! There was a story in there but I found it was overpowered with all the spice. I do like a bit of spice but for me this was too much (I am old though 😄),and I feel, for me, the story took a back stage, which is a shame as its a great story. The best part for me was the immersiveness of the author's writing, the minute details in this book from the characters, emotions experienced, the action (🥵) to the physical environment are just incredible. I do want to read the next book to see where it goes. Great start Samantha, you naughty girl.
Profile Image for Charlotte Stephens.
43 reviews
March 2, 2026
Aurelith Academy by Samantha Louise

Ava Ashvale has spent her life in the shadow of her family’s legacy. But when she steps through the iron gates of Aurelith Academy—the most elite fae academy in Aurenvale—nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Gifted fae are divided by the goddess’s blessing—Elemental, Nature, Shapeshifter, or Divination and trained to wield magic powerful enough to change the realm forever.
Thrown into a world of fierce rivalries, ancient traditions, and intoxicating temptation, Ava finds herself caught between two brothers, one golden and charming… the other dark, brooding, and impossible to resist.
Nothing at Aurelith is as it seems.
When Ava’s powers awaken and a forbidden prophecy surfaces, she must decide who to trust, who to fight, and who she’s willing to burn the world for.

🔥"I don’t care if someone else chose this for us. I choose you, Ava. I will always choose you, and only you."

🍃“I need you to choose me. To choose to be mine. And until you do, I won’t touch you again. I don’t want to be your right now, Ava. I want to be your forever. And I’m willing to wait.”

WOW! What a read! I devoured this book in a sitting.
If you love Zodiac Academy mixed with Fourth Wing then this is definitely right up your street.
The world building, the characters and the story was so easy to follow and I was fully invested! Our main FMC, Ava is figuring out who she is and where she fits into the Academy. Along the way she makes some friends and falls for Cal - a golden retriever, but also gravitates towards his brother, Tobias who is dark and mysterious.
I was so immersed in this world that I could invision play out as a movie in my head. Now be prepared for the spice because oh my god 🥵 dahm it got HOT!!

If you love:

▪️ Found Family
▪️ Fae Academy
▪️ Banter
▪️ Elemental Magic System
▪️ Polyamory & LGB
▪️ Slow Burn Romance

Genre: Dark Acedemia Fantasy Romance
Pages: 486
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Series or Standalone: Series; Book 1
Tropes or Themes: Love triangle, Shape-shifting, Ancient Prophecy, Morally Grey MMC, Nature Magic, Self Discovery, Fated Destiny , Magical Training, Betrayal, Fated Mates, Cliffhanger, Zodiac Academy mixed with Fourth Wing.
43 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2026
Aurelith Academy
By Samantha Louise

📚  Fae Academy
📚  Why choose/ why not
📚  Touch her and ☠️
📚  Found Family
📚  High stakes magic
📚  Shhpicyy 🌶
📚  Prophecy

"Being an Elemental is tough, physically and mentally. In order to survive, we have to let off steam, so we don't lose it and turn all murderous and stuff. We work hard, and we party, play, and f£&k just as hard too."

For me this book was right up there with being possibly one of the best books I've read! It had all of my favorite things I love in a book rolled into one: magic, plot, smut beyond smut, banter and shock factor plus so much more. Samantha has done an amazing job.

As soon as Ava Ashvale steps through the gates of Aurelith Academy her world changes forever. Hoping to get closer to her mother but gets more than she bargains for. In the shape of 2 brothers Cal and Tobias, one is a golden retriever whilst the other is dark and mysterious, but unable to choose between them.

The smut scenes in this paticularly the beach scene had me rushing for a cold shower. So if smutty isn’t your thing probably give this a miss as it goes beyond the normal 2 person scenes. I however loved it and it just solidified their bonds for me and bought them closer together to build on that family unit.

I've fallen hard for all of the main characters, they all gave me something different so im definitely a why not girly now 😅 no real man will ever compare to these.

I cannot wait for read book 2 and considering hibernating to get it done asap 😅
Profile Image for Courtney.
7 reviews
March 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ *my first 5 star read since TOG*
I was lucky enough to receive a gifted copy from the author herself and boy what a ride this book was!

Ava is trying to find out who she is and where she fits in. She does not limit herself whatsoever. Her friends are there whenever she needs them and she falls for Cal, the golden retriever, charismatic, golden boy. However, Ava has unique powers and is drawn to his brother. The dark and mysterious, Tobias.

This book had me hooked from the prolouge right up until the final page and I did not want to put it down. I was blown away with the world development and characters in this book. There was spice from all angles and the author paid a lot of detail to the characters emotions. THE PLOT TWIST AT THE END HAD ME! I'm excited to see where the story will go in book 2 and thankfully I only need to wait a couple of weeks!
Profile Image for Brooke Easton.
41 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2026
Only rating this a 5 because you can’t give 6 on here!!!

This book was fantastic it completely altered by brain. If you can imagine all your favourite fantasy books in one place, this book is it!!!!

The FMC Ava goes to Aurelith Academy, she starts of quite in on herself, unsure of what will happen when she is there. Well what happens is she catches the eye of some very well known fae, now these aren’t your typical fae that is the unseelie relm, no no no the fae at Aurelith are very much like humans but better because you know they have magic. They also have phones 😲😲😲😲 I love a mixed media moment.

Anyway I went off track there 🤣 Ava meets cal and a big group of friends who turns out an enjoy a little fun 😉😉

Ava starts to learn who she is and starts to grow in so many ways, no longer sheltered she is thriving, she is getting to experience live and have fun. Again I absolutely love this book and will not be shutting up about it

Fae Academy
Found family
LGB representation
Polyamory representation
MAGIC
Banter
Profile Image for Leanne_x.
2 reviews
March 10, 2026
Aurelith Academy Book One

Wow what an amazing book, Sam has fully changed my view on reading, I absolutely love this book, before this I had never finished a book and got bored and distracted very easily, since reading Aurelith Academy I haven’t been able to put the book down , it’s kept me wanting to read more I love the characters init and all the dark academia fantasy romance, what a brilliant first novel Samantha has written I cannot wait for book 2 I’m actually gutted I’ve finished book 1 as I want to read more, what an ending I was not expecting that, incredible book i highly recommend giving it a read and I appreciate the level of spice 🤪
Roll on book 2 I’m so excited to know what’s coming next xxx
Profile Image for Vikki Joie.
11 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2026
perfect dark academia/romantasy hybrid

Imagine the Zodiac Academy series with the love triangle from Vampire Diaries. And then throw in a LOT more spice. This is that book.

It’s the standard format of a female teenager with incredible unknown powers, meets a blonde haired boyfriend but lusts after the dark haired baddie. With a sprinkle of “destiny” “prophecies” and “found family” thrown in. But that’s ok because that formula is comforting and oh so easy to read. Looking forward to devouring the next one ASAP
1 review
March 10, 2026
What a cliff hanger! This story gripped me right from the start, the world building, the characters and relationships that are built are amazing!

Balled my eyes out at the end, but in a good way obvs! So many questions and hopes for book 2 and beyond.

I was team Cal for the first 1/3 of the book, then Tobias stole my heart! The spice, the connexions, the family that has been built and experiences they share added to the already fantastic story line.

10/10 read, would 100% recommend!
Profile Image for Meg Williams.
143 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2026
Aurelith Academy: Wildfire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing. Very spicy, totally unpredictable, and just wow. This book had everything — tension, chaos, heat, and twists I never saw coming. I was completely hooked from start to finish and loved every second.
Profile Image for Claire.
52 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2026
I knew I was going to love this read from the very first page!
I’m an absolute sucker for dark academia and this one didn’t let me down!
It was dark, super spicy! And addictive as hell!
3 reviews
March 3, 2026
Amazing

Emotional Rollercoaster from start to finish!!! I could re-read again and again! Honestly well done Sam!!! Can’t wait for book 2!!!
16 reviews
March 3, 2026
amazing

Great storyline characters are top notch and loads of naughtiness Samantha said spicy and it is you won’t be disappointed
Profile Image for Julie.
10 reviews
March 7, 2026
Wow!

What a story! An absolute page turner from start to finish. Cant recommend it enough. Can’t wait for book two…
Profile Image for Louise McConnell.
24 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2026
First of all, the cover is absolutely beautiful. It instantly pulled me in. I am such a sucker for elemental magic so I already knew I needed to read this.

The writing style gave me very strong Zodiac Academy vibes. Honestly, if someone told me this was a rival school in that world, I would have believed it. And because I loved that series, this was a big win for me.

I really liked that it was not just elemental magic either. There was more going on, and throughout the whole book it felt like we were being given little breadcrumbs of the story. Like a trail to follow. Just enough clues to keep you hooked without giving too much away.

Also… the spice. Next level. I have genuinely never read spice like it before.

I really enjoyed the representation and the inclusion, but my absolute favourite part has to be the which brother trope. I was fully invested. And for the record, I am team Tobias all the way.

The ending really got me. I could feel that some kind of betrayal was coming, but I was completely convinced it would be Monty or Julian. I did not see Cal coming at all.

Such a fun and addictive read. Looking forward to book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leanne Marshall.
36 reviews
May 1, 2026
I honestly don’t know what I can say about this book that will give it justice.
This book altered my brain chemistry as I was reading it, it’s all my favourite tropes and genres in one book-you have dark academia, secret society, fae, dark romantasy and humour within these characters that is absolutely perfect!

The dynamics that build between all of these characters is amazing and I love the growth of every single one of them.

The FMC goes to Aurelith in search of answers for herself regarding her mother and kind of hoping she will discover more about herself…AND BOY DOES SHE 👀🥵
she meets the brothers Cal and Tobias along with some other brilliantly open minded fae who show her she can be who she wants to be without worry or judgement. Of course the story line takes a twist it always does but I refuse to take away anything from anyone’s experience of reading this book! You just have to read it! ✨
36 reviews
March 28, 2026
Omg this is an easy 5⭐️book this had me from the first page I loved this soo much and the spice was spicing I’m not going to stop thinking about this book and I’m going straight into book 2.
Profile Image for Natalie Harrison.
10 reviews
February 16, 2026
AURELITH ACADEMY – What a page turner!

AURELITH ACADEMY – What a page turner!
I genuinely could not put this book down. From the very first chapters, it completely pulled me in and refused to let go. Every twist had me needing “just one more page”… which quickly turned into several more!
I absolutely loved the characters. They felt vivid, complex, and full of life. The emotional energy throughout the story was intense in the best possible way — I was completely invested. At times my own emotions were in torment, desperately hoping certain things would (or wouldn’t!) happen. That’s when you know a story has truly captured you.
I felt totally immersed in the storyline, as if I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing every high and heartbreak with them.
If you’re looking for something gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down.
Tobias is my favourite character.
Profile Image for carolyn sim.
107 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2026
What a whirlwind

Thank you so much this was a fabulous read and I am so happy to have been a part of it. If you love fantasy, with moody characters and lots of tension and surprises then this is for you. Think a touch of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy vibes and you will enjoy the dynamics of these characters as they try to navigate through life.

Ava is trying to find out who she is and where she fits in and does not put limits on herself. Her friends are there at every turn and she falls for Cal who is charismatic indeed...but she also has unique powers and is drawn to his brother Tobias who is so dark and mysterious. What will happen to them all who know, but I look forward to finding out what develops and whether Ava makes the right choices in the end.
Profile Image for Maisy Grace.
18 reviews15 followers
April 23, 2026
Amazing!

One of the best stories I've read in a long time . An interesting storyline with amazing plot twists . Amazing !
2 reviews
February 21, 2026
This is my first time reading this genre and loved every minute of this book. Can’t wait for the next!
Profile Image for Megthebookgoblin.
99 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2026
If I could give this book 6 stars I would, I immediately shouted "THAT WAS SO GOOD" when I finished this.

This book is giving skins (UK TV show from early 2000s) meets fourth wing.

It's academy setting, Fae, mental magic, SO MUCH SPICE, why choose, forbidden love, found family. Omg the list could go on.

You would think with this many beloved troupes and spice the plot is lost, but it's not, it keeps you hooked.

You can picture yourself in the classes and the social activities and I think part of that is because it has modern day elementals, like tablets, and nightclubs.

I fell hard for so many characters, I'm 100% sure if Monty from this met Ridoc from fourth wing he'd teach him a thing or two 👀

I'm obsessed and might accidentally fall into a book hangover.
Profile Image for Zach.
1 review1 follower
February 15, 2026
This book had me hooked from the Prologue up until the final page. I am new to reading Romantasy and let me tell you, I was blown away by all of the different characteristics and world development this book had to offer. HIGHLY recommend!!! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 review
February 15, 2026
Couldn't put it down!

A mix of magic, action, tension, spice and humour makes for a fantastic read!
Plenty of attention is paid to the small descriptive details of both the physical characteristics and the emotions of characters. Very well written and highly recommend!
22 reviews
May 3, 2026
Woah! I needed a cold shower and a glass of milk after reading this book 🌶️. Very spicy throughout with a why chose theme amongst the main group of characters.

I loved the love/lust hexagon or however many sided shape it was! The fact that these characters come together and make their own family dynamic whilst navigating magical powers and the darkness which infiltrates the academy makes them relatable, especially Ava who is trying to figure out her way in the world after being left with a mysterious legacy by her mother.
The storyline was intriguing but dare I say at times did become overshadowed by the spice but maybe that’s just because I am getting old, who knows.
Can’t wait to see how the relationship between A & T develops.
Overall a great debut book which kept me hooked and I will definitely be moving onto book 2. 😁
Profile Image for A Novel Encounter.
28 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2026
"I literally cannot stay away from you, no matter how hard I’ve tried, and believe me, I’ve really fucking tried. So, when I told you that you were no Wildfire, it wasn’t an insult. It was because I’ve always known you were so much more than that, and I refuse to let anyone doubt how truly remarkable you are.”

What a fabulous read i really enjoyed it and what is also the first to many books in Aurelith Academy series!

It was fun, fasted paced, and sexy!

The spice is next level it was very much an eye opener for me, and also very enjoyable and written so well, so thanks Sam 😉

It was giving zodiac academy vibes in the way it was easy to read and lots of drama and diverse magic.

The magic system was interesting, and the found family was definitely strong in this book!

I am fully invested in Tobias, I can't say I'm a fan of Calvin. Maybe i can be convinced otherwise in book 2! 😉 Tobias, very much at the beginning, gave me Four vibes from Divergent brooding/complex and hidden traumas and fiercely loyal.

This book was about finding their paths and having fun (amongst the drama) and also a chance for our main FMC Ava to grow throughout. I'm expecting book two to be more plot driven by the way it's left I have plenty of theories for book 2!

I'm really excited to read Fates Fractured now!!!

Thank you for the ARC, Samantha!
Profile Image for Nicola Bainbridge.
33 reviews
March 21, 2026
I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I did. From the very start, I was completely hooked and fully invested the whole way through.
The world is dark, moody, and so easy to get lost in. It has strong dark academia vibes, with an underlying sense of mystery that keeps you wanting more.
The characters were such a highlight for me. I loved the banter it felt natural, sharp, and added so much personality to the story. There were definitely moments where I found myself side eyeing certain characters, while being completely drawn to others more than I expected, which made the reading experience even more addictive.

The chemistry in this book was unreal. The tension and mixed signals had me fully invested, and there was one character in particular that I was genuinely obsessed with. And yes… this book definitely brings the spice 🌶️ 🥵🔥

This was such an engaging and addictive read that I couldn’t stop thinking about, even when I wasn’t reading. If you enjoy dark academia vibes, fantasy romance, tension filled relationships, and a good amount of spice, I would definitely recommend giving this a read.
Profile Image for Katelyn Smyth.
Author 6 books18 followers
March 24, 2026
Review 😊


I’ll be honest—this one took me a little while to get into at the start. The chapters felt quite long, and it slowed the pacing for me initially. But once I settled into the story, I ended up really enjoying it.

I’m not usually a big fantasy reader, but this gave me strong Fate: The Winx Saga vibes, which I absolutely loved and was completely here for. It had that same magical academy feel with drama, tension, and character dynamics that kept things interesting.

Tobias and Ava were definitely highlights for me—I loved following them throughout the book and found myself really invested in their journey.

And that ending?! I genuinely didn’t see it coming. It completely caught me off guard in the best way and left me really excited to see where the story goes next.

Overall, this was a well-written and enjoyable read, especially once it got going. I’m really looking forward to picking up book two and continuing the series.

Rating for this is ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Shanny Marie.
114 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book but I'm not gonna Lie it took me awhile to get used to seeing one of the MMC's Names as my Sons name lol . And the way his part's are he's the dark and broody type I always learn towards when there's a love triangle going on. But once my brain got around that I had no issue's or struggles with this book it was absolutely amazing. The spice in thiis book is up there on the spice Level with Polyamory and LGB scenes. It follows the FMC AVA who start's her first year at Aurelith Academy which is a school for the fae. Where she uncovers hidden secrets, finds a group of friend that are extremely close in more Way's than one and also find's herself in a love triangle situation.

One of are love triangle MMC's is Callum and the other is called Tobias and that is all I'm going to say as you need to meet these MMC's for yourself along with the rest of the gang at Aurelith Academy.
Profile Image for Francesca.
161 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2026
🤭🤭🤭 Obsessed!

This book is a solid page turner!! I could not put it down!!! From the academy setting to the elemental magic, it felt like such a buzz of a setting and so magical at times that it's so easy to get wrapped up in.

Be warned... This book is ALL the chilli spices!! So if you aren't one for GOOD dosing of spice throughout maybe this won't be for you, but honestly - And judge me all you like - but this book has ingrained itself into my head and lives there rent free!!!

The Characters, the relationships, the tension... I'm a sucker for it all!!

I'm really excited to see where the story goes, so much so, that I'm starting the second book tonight!

A huge thank you goes to the Author Samantha for sending me a hardback copy of this book and hoping that I would love it... And love it I certainly did!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews