What do you think?
Rate this book
The Academy #1
The Academy
Darlia was born as a normal girl, but after being taken, and trained to be an assassin for the New World Order, in an underground government facility, named PX-3, she forgot what normal was.
The Academy taught Darlia to be cunning, merciless, and devoid of empathy. Kindness was seen as a 'weakness'. Attachments aren't permitted. Her job is to protect the citizens of the New Order.
When the Academy assigns her next target, Target 106, with strict orders to observe and not engage, it changes everything. Darlia starts asking questions she never had before. Questions that could get her killed.
But the Academy is always watching and there is only one rule that matters: Kill or be killed.
The Academy taught Darlia to be cunning, merciless, and devoid of empathy. Kindness was seen as a 'weakness'. Attachments aren't permitted. Her job is to protect the citizens of the New Order.
When the Academy assigns her next target, Target 106, with strict orders to observe and not engage, it changes everything. Darlia starts asking questions she never had before. Questions that could get her killed.
But the Academy is always watching and there is only one rule that matters: Kill or be killed.
- GenresDark Romance
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 11, 2026
Thank you to the author for this arc read!
I’ve been loving dystopian books lately, and this one did not disappoint! It was a fun, unique story where the main character, Darlia, has been lied to her entire life, and nothing is what she thought it would be. Watch as she navigates through love and betrayal!
The ending of this book made me want so much more, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
I’ve been loving dystopian books lately, and this one did not disappoint! It was a fun, unique story where the main character, Darlia, has been lied to her entire life, and nothing is what she thought it would be. Watch as she navigates through love and betrayal!
The ending of this book made me want so much more, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Thank you to Em for an ARC!
OMG! This was so freaking amazing! The world building, the character development, and the plot were all written to perfection. The way Cayden was hopelessly smitten with and devoted to Darlia was beautiful. He would truly burn the world for her. Despite her past and training, Cayden managed to break down her walls and get under her skin. She may not have any experience with love, but it was abundantly clear that Darlia felt it towards Cayden. My heart was breaking for Darlia and the other girls from The Academy. Just when I thought my heart was finally healing, that ending shattered me. I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this one!
*Check TWs if needed.*
🌶️
Thank you to Em for an ARC!
OMG! This was so freaking amazing! The world building, the character development, and the plot were all written to perfection. The way Cayden was hopelessly smitten with and devoted to Darlia was beautiful. He would truly burn the world for her. Despite her past and training, Cayden managed to break down her walls and get under her skin. She may not have any experience with love, but it was abundantly clear that Darlia felt it towards Cayden. My heart was breaking for Darlia and the other girls from The Academy. Just when I thought my heart was finally healing, that ending shattered me. I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this one!
*Check TWs if needed.*
May 18, 2026
*Arc Read*
Well what can I say about this book, I couldn't put it down and oh my cannot wait for the next book! 😍
Well what can I say about this book, I couldn't put it down and oh my cannot wait for the next book! 😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
A massive thank you to E.M. Andrews for this ARC. I absolutely loved this read, and it was a phenomenal debut novel. This story really reminded me of a sort of Black Widow-style dystopian world where little girls are stolen from their families and trained to become assassins, while propaganda is constantly being pushed to keep citizens obedient. There were so many elements of this world that I found really interesting, and I think the setup for the series was done incredibly well.
One of my favourite parts of the story was definitely Darlia. I loved watching her growth throughout the book because she starts off confident, dangerous, spontaneous and slowly turns naive and innocent. Seeing her begin to understand the world around her was really compelling. I also loved the flashbacks. Any book that does flashbacks well instantly wins points with me because they’re such an important literary tool when it comes to emotionally connecting the reader to a character. The first flashback was already pretty harsh, and overall I think the story balanced humour, emotional moments, and plot really well. I will say that I actually found the flashbacks even more interesting than the present timeline, but I also want to give grace to the author because this is clearly a setup book for a larger series. There’s a lot of worldbuilding happening, as well as establishing the relationship between Darlia and Cayden, and I can already tell the second book is going to expand on everything in a huge way.
Also, this book is absolutely for the girlies who have a praise kink because oh my god, Cayden has to be one of the most words of affirmation plus considerate MMCs ever. Everything he does is centred around helping Darlia regain a sense of control over her life, her choices, and her autonomy after everything she’s been through, and I really loved that aspect of their relationship. For a dark romance, this was honestly pretty low spice, maybe like half a chilli, but I actually think that worked really well because the story focuses more on the emotional slow burn and rebuilding trust. Although Cayden himself feels very insta-love coded, I do have a theory about why that is, but I won’t say it because I genuinely think it could be a spoiler.
I also really appreciated the more emotional and quieter moments in the story, especially when Darlia is dealing with the aftermath of the horrific torture and brainwashing she’s endured. There was one moment in particular where she thanks Cayden for not trying to fix her and for simply giving her the space to process things in her own way, and I thought that felt incredibly real. Moments like that made the story feel meaningful to me. I do think there’s room for the author to take even more risks emotionally in future books, especially when it comes to letting the reader fully sit in the horror and impact of what Darlia has gone through, because I think that would elevate the emotional depth even more.
I also loved the smaller, mundane moments throughout the book, like Darlia learning to cook and learning how to exist outside of the lens of the Academy. Those scenes added so much charm and humanity to the story. Also, when she was first rescued, I thought that would’ve been the perfect ending point, but the story kept going and ended on such a horrific and hopeless note that now I’m desperate to see what happens next. The momentum never really dropped for me, and by the end I was completely invested in where this series is heading.
Overall, this was such a strong dystopian debut and it’s definitely a story I’ll be thinking about for a while. I can already see the potential for this series to become something really special, and I genuinely think book two is going to be a five-star read for me because I can feel the depth of the story starting to blossom already. Solid 4.5 stars from me.
One of my favourite parts of the story was definitely Darlia. I loved watching her growth throughout the book because she starts off confident, dangerous, spontaneous and slowly turns naive and innocent. Seeing her begin to understand the world around her was really compelling. I also loved the flashbacks. Any book that does flashbacks well instantly wins points with me because they’re such an important literary tool when it comes to emotionally connecting the reader to a character. The first flashback was already pretty harsh, and overall I think the story balanced humour, emotional moments, and plot really well. I will say that I actually found the flashbacks even more interesting than the present timeline, but I also want to give grace to the author because this is clearly a setup book for a larger series. There’s a lot of worldbuilding happening, as well as establishing the relationship between Darlia and Cayden, and I can already tell the second book is going to expand on everything in a huge way.
Also, this book is absolutely for the girlies who have a praise kink because oh my god, Cayden has to be one of the most words of affirmation plus considerate MMCs ever. Everything he does is centred around helping Darlia regain a sense of control over her life, her choices, and her autonomy after everything she’s been through, and I really loved that aspect of their relationship. For a dark romance, this was honestly pretty low spice, maybe like half a chilli, but I actually think that worked really well because the story focuses more on the emotional slow burn and rebuilding trust. Although Cayden himself feels very insta-love coded, I do have a theory about why that is, but I won’t say it because I genuinely think it could be a spoiler.
I also really appreciated the more emotional and quieter moments in the story, especially when Darlia is dealing with the aftermath of the horrific torture and brainwashing she’s endured. There was one moment in particular where she thanks Cayden for not trying to fix her and for simply giving her the space to process things in her own way, and I thought that felt incredibly real. Moments like that made the story feel meaningful to me. I do think there’s room for the author to take even more risks emotionally in future books, especially when it comes to letting the reader fully sit in the horror and impact of what Darlia has gone through, because I think that would elevate the emotional depth even more.
I also loved the smaller, mundane moments throughout the book, like Darlia learning to cook and learning how to exist outside of the lens of the Academy. Those scenes added so much charm and humanity to the story. Also, when she was first rescued, I thought that would’ve been the perfect ending point, but the story kept going and ended on such a horrific and hopeless note that now I’m desperate to see what happens next. The momentum never really dropped for me, and by the end I was completely invested in where this series is heading.
Overall, this was such a strong dystopian debut and it’s definitely a story I’ll be thinking about for a while. I can already see the potential for this series to become something really special, and I genuinely think book two is going to be a five-star read for me because I can feel the depth of the story starting to blossom already. Solid 4.5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for trusting me to read an advanced reader copy of her book.
I loved this story. At first I was a bit skeptical, because there's a lot that happens seemingly without reason, or without a world behind, but as I kept reading the world kept opening up more. Reasons for why the world had become the way it did, reasons why this assassins school was required were revealed. Answers to all the questions I had were revealed at the perfect times, and as we move through Dahlia's, aka PX-3's story, we feel how she would feel having her world opened upa nd explained to her.
PX-3 is a girl of 19 who was "rescued" by the Academy, and trained to be an assassin. Given it was a life or death situation, PX-3 became the top assassin the academy had ever produced. Their most successful accomplishment. And therefore invaluable to them.
However, she is assigned to observe a man, Caedyn, one day and gather as much information as she can. This is unusual as she has only EVER been told to kill people, without the need to gather Intel. Because of this she finds herself questioning why this assignment is different. And Caedyn is only too happy to slowly reveal the truth of the academy and of how the world works to her.
This book was so many things. A romance, a coming of age, a thriller, and a dystopia (for sure). And it succeeded on all fronts.
I loved that this wasn't overly spicy. It definitely has intimate scenes, but we never go the whole way, and its classy. It shows Dahlia's growth. Her exploration of a world she was kept from. Heck, she didn't even know what a mountain was....
And she is trying to figure out who she can trust. What she can trust. While the academy is trying to torture her into submitting to returning to them. Forcing her to forget all that she had learnt and to return to loyalty to the academy.
This story leaves on a cliffhanger though. So be prepared to be frustrated that you need the next book now.
The author though did write this in four days (im assuming, excluding editing time). But you would never know. The world makes sense. The world is so plausible. And the story is so well written. I wish I could sit down and bust out a draft in four days. It'd make things so much easier. And maybe I'd actually finish writing my stories if I could.....
I loved this story. At first I was a bit skeptical, because there's a lot that happens seemingly without reason, or without a world behind, but as I kept reading the world kept opening up more. Reasons for why the world had become the way it did, reasons why this assassins school was required were revealed. Answers to all the questions I had were revealed at the perfect times, and as we move through Dahlia's, aka PX-3's story, we feel how she would feel having her world opened upa nd explained to her.
PX-3 is a girl of 19 who was "rescued" by the Academy, and trained to be an assassin. Given it was a life or death situation, PX-3 became the top assassin the academy had ever produced. Their most successful accomplishment. And therefore invaluable to them.
However, she is assigned to observe a man, Caedyn, one day and gather as much information as she can. This is unusual as she has only EVER been told to kill people, without the need to gather Intel. Because of this she finds herself questioning why this assignment is different. And Caedyn is only too happy to slowly reveal the truth of the academy and of how the world works to her.
This book was so many things. A romance, a coming of age, a thriller, and a dystopia (for sure). And it succeeded on all fronts.
I loved that this wasn't overly spicy. It definitely has intimate scenes, but we never go the whole way, and its classy. It shows Dahlia's growth. Her exploration of a world she was kept from. Heck, she didn't even know what a mountain was....
And she is trying to figure out who she can trust. What she can trust. While the academy is trying to torture her into submitting to returning to them. Forcing her to forget all that she had learnt and to return to loyalty to the academy.
This story leaves on a cliffhanger though. So be prepared to be frustrated that you need the next book now.
The author though did write this in four days (im assuming, excluding editing time). But you would never know. The world makes sense. The world is so plausible. And the story is so well written. I wish I could sit down and bust out a draft in four days. It'd make things so much easier. And maybe I'd actually finish writing my stories if I could.....
April 8, 2026
5 ⭐️ 1.5🌶️ ✨ARC REVIEW✨
Wow… I genuinely don’t even have the words to fully describe how I’m feeling after finishing this book other than how much I absolutely loved it. From the very beginning, it throws you straight into the action, and I was hooked instantly. The world-building was easy to follow, which I really appreciated, especially since dystopian isn’t usually my go to genre. But this book has honestly opened my eyes and made me want to explore more of it.
Darlia and Cayden completely stole my heart. Their chemistry and banter felt so natural and engaging, and I found myself loving every interaction between them. The side characters were also such a highlight, especially the group closer to the end.
I will say, this is a dark dystopian novel, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Lastly, a huge thank you to Em for trusting me with an early copy of The Academy. I’m so incredibly proud of her for achieving something so amazing, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her and how this series continues to unfold. 🖤🖤🖤
✨ Release date 21/4/26 ✨
Wow… I genuinely don’t even have the words to fully describe how I’m feeling after finishing this book other than how much I absolutely loved it. From the very beginning, it throws you straight into the action, and I was hooked instantly. The world-building was easy to follow, which I really appreciated, especially since dystopian isn’t usually my go to genre. But this book has honestly opened my eyes and made me want to explore more of it.
Darlia and Cayden completely stole my heart. Their chemistry and banter felt so natural and engaging, and I found myself loving every interaction between them. The side characters were also such a highlight, especially the group closer to the end.
I will say, this is a dark dystopian novel, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Lastly, a huge thank you to Em for trusting me with an early copy of The Academy. I’m so incredibly proud of her for achieving something so amazing, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her and how this series continues to unfold. 🖤🖤🖤
✨ Release date 21/4/26 ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m in my dystopian era! I just love dystopian books! And this book was no exception. Loved it!
I liked this world build, this kind of society, division in to ranks and zones. I especially appreciated that this assassin academy was all girls, that was special. It was heart breaking to read about them sneaking with friendships cause it’s forbidden as well as always keeping your emotions hidden. Darlia as an FMC is so fierce and brave, she doesn’t know anything else. She is brainwashed into thinking that she’s doing good, the academy is protecting her despite all torture and mind games.
The MMC Cayden is worth a gold star. Patient, protective and possessive in the best way. Loving the he falls first trope and the way he truly cares for her in a slightly irritating way.
The world, the weapons, the fightings, the wounds and torture is well described and feels authentic and realistic.
Prepare to have your heart crushed, empathy and love overflowing as well as being being horrified of the darkness and cruelty.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I liked this world build, this kind of society, division in to ranks and zones. I especially appreciated that this assassin academy was all girls, that was special. It was heart breaking to read about them sneaking with friendships cause it’s forbidden as well as always keeping your emotions hidden. Darlia as an FMC is so fierce and brave, she doesn’t know anything else. She is brainwashed into thinking that she’s doing good, the academy is protecting her despite all torture and mind games.
The MMC Cayden is worth a gold star. Patient, protective and possessive in the best way. Loving the he falls first trope and the way he truly cares for her in a slightly irritating way.
The world, the weapons, the fightings, the wounds and torture is well described and feels authentic and realistic.
Prepare to have your heart crushed, empathy and love overflowing as well as being being horrified of the darkness and cruelty.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚 by @e.m.andrewsauthor, first book of The Academy Series, is a dystopian dark romance that proves power is just an illusion. This was my first dive into the dystopian genre, and honestly? I’m hooked! 🖤
I expected to be thrown off, but the structured plot kept me totally immersed. Since its Book 1, there are still plenty of cliffhangers and unanswered questions that have me dying for a sequel. The world-building was so vivid I could practically feel the story.
(This is a ARC format issue so ignore this since in the final version IT WAS FIXED) 𝖬̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝗅̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗌̶𝗍̶𝗋̶𝗎̶𝗀̶𝗀̶𝗅̶𝖾̶ ̶𝗐̶𝖺̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗁̶𝖾̶ ̶𝖽̶𝗂̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗈̶𝗀̶𝗎̶𝖾̶—̶𝗌̶𝗈̶𝗆̶𝖾̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗆̶𝖾̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗁̶𝖾̶ ̶ ̶𝖼̶𝗁̶𝖺̶𝗋̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗍̶𝖾̶𝗋̶ ̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗈̶𝗏̶𝖾̶𝗋̶𝗅̶𝖺̶𝗉̶𝗉̶𝖾̶𝖽̶,̶ ̶𝗆̶𝖺̶𝗄̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗀̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗍̶ ̶𝖺̶ ̶𝖻̶𝗂̶𝗍̶ ̶𝖼̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝖿̶𝗎̶𝗌̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗀̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗈̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗋̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗄̶ ̶𝗐̶𝗁̶𝗈̶𝗌̶𝖾̶ ̶𝖽̶𝗂̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗈̶𝗀̶𝗎̶𝖾̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗍̶.̶ But overall, I loved and enjoyed this universe! Can’t wait for Book 2. ✨
5 ★ | 2 🌶️
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚 by @e.m.andrewsauthor, first book of The Academy Series, is a dystopian dark romance that proves power is just an illusion. This was my first dive into the dystopian genre, and honestly? I’m hooked! 🖤
I expected to be thrown off, but the structured plot kept me totally immersed. Since its Book 1, there are still plenty of cliffhangers and unanswered questions that have me dying for a sequel. The world-building was so vivid I could practically feel the story.
(This is a ARC format issue so ignore this since in the final version IT WAS FIXED) 𝖬̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝗅̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗒̶ ̶𝗌̶𝗍̶𝗋̶𝗎̶𝗀̶𝗀̶𝗅̶𝖾̶ ̶𝗐̶𝖺̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗁̶𝖾̶ ̶𝖽̶𝗂̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗈̶𝗀̶𝗎̶𝖾̶—̶𝗌̶𝗈̶𝗆̶𝖾̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗆̶𝖾̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗁̶𝖾̶ ̶ ̶𝖼̶𝗁̶𝖺̶𝗋̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗍̶𝖾̶𝗋̶ ̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗈̶𝗏̶𝖾̶𝗋̶𝗅̶𝖺̶𝗉̶𝗉̶𝖾̶𝖽̶,̶ ̶𝗆̶𝖺̶𝗄̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗀̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗍̶ ̶𝖺̶ ̶𝖻̶𝗂̶𝗍̶ ̶𝖼̶𝗈̶𝗇̶𝖿̶𝗎̶𝗌̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝗀̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗈̶ ̶𝗍̶𝗋̶𝖺̶𝖼̶𝗄̶ ̶𝗐̶𝗁̶𝗈̶𝗌̶𝖾̶ ̶𝖽̶𝗂̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗈̶𝗀̶𝗎̶𝖾̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗌̶ ̶𝗂̶𝗍̶.̶ But overall, I loved and enjoyed this universe! Can’t wait for Book 2. ✨
5 ★ | 2 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
(4.5 Stars rounded up)
Dark Dystopian? Yes, Please!
The Academy drops your right into the action from chapter one, and it just flows. E. M. Andrew’s writing style makes the setting vivid, yet bleak and cruel in this desperate new world.
Darlia was taken at a young age a trained to be an assassin for The New World Order. She knows how to kill her targets, and no one is gonna stop her. Kindness is a weakness. That is until her next assignment - Target 106, that she is given strict orders to observe and not engage. Her world is about to turn upside down, and to help with that is Cayden. Who is just the right amount of cocky yet protective. The yearning and bantering between these two will have you giddy, yet oh so frustrated! The Academy will keep you turning the page and leave you wanting more.
Thank you E.M. Andrews for this amazing opportunity to read your book early.
Dark Dystopian? Yes, Please!
The Academy drops your right into the action from chapter one, and it just flows. E. M. Andrew’s writing style makes the setting vivid, yet bleak and cruel in this desperate new world.
Darlia was taken at a young age a trained to be an assassin for The New World Order. She knows how to kill her targets, and no one is gonna stop her. Kindness is a weakness. That is until her next assignment - Target 106, that she is given strict orders to observe and not engage. Her world is about to turn upside down, and to help with that is Cayden. Who is just the right amount of cocky yet protective. The yearning and bantering between these two will have you giddy, yet oh so frustrated! The Academy will keep you turning the page and leave you wanting more.
Thank you E.M. Andrews for this amazing opportunity to read your book early.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review of The Academy by E. M. Andrews.
A dystopian slow-burn romance that hooked me from the first chapter. I finished it in two days — honestly the perfect escape while stuck at home sick.
Darlia is an absolute badass, and her best friend Bella is giving Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang bestie vibes, despite hiding their friendship. Cayden has that “boy next door” energy but also very much a touch her and you die kind of presence.
There’s still so much we don’t know about a lot of the characters, which kept me really interested and left me with plenty of questions. I’m keen to see where it all goes next. The slow burn builds really well without taking over the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
🌶 1 spice
Release date 18/05/26
A dystopian slow-burn romance that hooked me from the first chapter. I finished it in two days — honestly the perfect escape while stuck at home sick.
Darlia is an absolute badass, and her best friend Bella is giving Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang bestie vibes, despite hiding their friendship. Cayden has that “boy next door” energy but also very much a touch her and you die kind of presence.
There’s still so much we don’t know about a lot of the characters, which kept me really interested and left me with plenty of questions. I’m keen to see where it all goes next. The slow burn builds really well without taking over the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
🌶 1 spice
Release date 18/05/26
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to E. M. Andrews for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
My first thoughts going in were basically, “Wait, isn’t this kinda like Level 16 but with pew pews?” But NO— It’s Level 16 with pew pews and stabby stabs, and a hopelessly smitten Cayden trying to show the whole world to Darlia with lots of bonus silly banter.
I was a bit skeptical at first of the first-person POV choice since I don’t see it as much these days, but then I had a lightbulb moment and realized that this was the most subtle way of showing how Darlia believes she’s got everything figured out, not knowing just how much of the world she’s been missing out on.
And can we talk about that first line??? What happened to hello?? Also, the ending?? Please give me more😭
My first thoughts going in were basically, “Wait, isn’t this kinda like Level 16 but with pew pews?” But NO— It’s Level 16 with pew pews and stabby stabs, and a hopelessly smitten Cayden trying to show the whole world to Darlia with lots of bonus silly banter.
I was a bit skeptical at first of the first-person POV choice since I don’t see it as much these days, but then I had a lightbulb moment and realized that this was the most subtle way of showing how Darlia believes she’s got everything figured out, not knowing just how much of the world she’s been missing out on.
And can we talk about that first line??? What happened to hello?? Also, the ending?? Please give me more😭
May 19, 2026
i know it took me forever to finish this, i’m a horrible ARC reviewer/reader, but damn em put her heart into this book, i actually devoured it once my stupid reading slump disappeared, i instantly feel in love with the characters and plot,
that ending oml, how could you!😭😩 actually crushed i don’t have book 2 in my kindle waiting for me to open it (wink wink nudge nudge em)😏😭😂
🔫~ dark dystopian
😈~enemies to lovers
🏠~found family
🔥~ slow burn
❤️~he falls first
🧲~forced proximity
◻️~morally grey FMC x MMC
and im so incredibly proud of you writing a book is so much, and i actually can’t describe how amazing you are for making this become a reality for you of becoming a author, i remember how we were on a call and that was one of the things you wanted to make real😝😝
that ending oml, how could you!😭😩 actually crushed i don’t have book 2 in my kindle waiting for me to open it (wink wink nudge nudge em)😏😭😂
🔫~ dark dystopian
😈~enemies to lovers
🏠~found family
🔥~ slow burn
❤️~he falls first
🧲~forced proximity
◻️~morally grey FMC x MMC
and im so incredibly proud of you writing a book is so much, and i actually can’t describe how amazing you are for making this become a reality for you of becoming a author, i remember how we were on a call and that was one of the things you wanted to make real😝😝
May 11, 2026
The Academy is thought provoking, well paced and engaging from the first chapter.
When we first meet Darlia we are presented with a certain set of “truths” and a new way of life. It is cold, harsh and lonely.
Her next target definitely challenges her to question everything she knows. As she questions everything we are taken along for the ride and learn so many alternative truths.
I found myself trying to predict what was coming next but found most of the time I was blindsided, in such a good way. I cannot wait for the next installment.
The dystopian era has finally returned and I am here for it!! Thank you E M Andrews for the chance to ARC review.
When we first meet Darlia we are presented with a certain set of “truths” and a new way of life. It is cold, harsh and lonely.
Her next target definitely challenges her to question everything she knows. As she questions everything we are taken along for the ride and learn so many alternative truths.
I found myself trying to predict what was coming next but found most of the time I was blindsided, in such a good way. I cannot wait for the next installment.
The dystopian era has finally returned and I am here for it!! Thank you E M Andrews for the chance to ARC review.
Review of advance copy
A thrilling dystopian.
Can a lethal-trained assassin escape the Academy, live a normal life and find true love?
I was gripped from the first page. I loved the FMC and wanted nothing more than to see her find freedom from the Academy and hauntings of her life. I loved watching her experience new adventures away from the Academy.
The ending!!!! What!!?? I cannot wait for book 2 !!
This was an ARC read. I truly appreciate E.M. Andrews for entrusting this read to me. It was an honor.
Can a lethal-trained assassin escape the Academy, live a normal life and find true love?
I was gripped from the first page. I loved the FMC and wanted nothing more than to see her find freedom from the Academy and hauntings of her life. I loved watching her experience new adventures away from the Academy.
The ending!!!! What!!?? I cannot wait for book 2 !!
This was an ARC read. I truly appreciate E.M. Andrews for entrusting this read to me. It was an honor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
* I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC. Thank you E.M. Andrews *
I don’t typically reach for a dark dystopian read but this was such a great way to change it up for me. I’m so impressed with the world building and loved following Darlia’s character development over the pages.
I was hooked from the beginning and honestly thought I had some of it figured out but boy was I wrong! I didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming and it made it really hard to put down!
Can’t wait for book 2!
I don’t typically reach for a dark dystopian read but this was such a great way to change it up for me. I’m so impressed with the world building and loved following Darlia’s character development over the pages.
I was hooked from the beginning and honestly thought I had some of it figured out but boy was I wrong! I didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming and it made it really hard to put down!
Can’t wait for book 2!
May 21, 2026
an interesting idea with lots of potential
There were some things I really liked about this book and I liked the twist in the middle, but I found myself questioning and arguing with the book a lot while trying to read which didn’t leave it as immersive as I hoped. I liked how much the mmc cared for the fmc and the flashbacks were very strong. Sometimes the inner voice for the characters came off as explanatory vs immersive. Fans of darker romance will enjoy and the book ends on a decent cliffhanger that will bring readers back for book two.
There were some things I really liked about this book and I liked the twist in the middle, but I found myself questioning and arguing with the book a lot while trying to read which didn’t leave it as immersive as I hoped. I liked how much the mmc cared for the fmc and the flashbacks were very strong. Sometimes the inner voice for the characters came off as explanatory vs immersive. Fans of darker romance will enjoy and the book ends on a decent cliffhanger that will bring readers back for book two.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to E.M. Andrews for the ARC Reader privilege.
This book genuinely was so good and a breath of fresh air. You're dropped into the story from the start, and the dialogue, descriptions and story building all felt so natural.
I have a weakness for characters who are grasping at straws for their humanity, and Darlia satiated that want.
Fantastic work from E.M. Andrews, I cannot wait for book 2.
This book genuinely was so good and a breath of fresh air. You're dropped into the story from the start, and the dialogue, descriptions and story building all felt so natural.
I have a weakness for characters who are grasping at straws for their humanity, and Darlia satiated that want.
Fantastic work from E.M. Andrews, I cannot wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got this from the author and I devoured this book! This FMC is fierce and strong and can kick butt! I loved that she was sent on assignment to watch. Cayden is down back for her immediately! He’s so patient and lets her be soft. I also love that he embraces her baddie stats! This is a new adult dystopian slow burn that just keeps giving. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m not normally hooked from the first line, but I was with this one! There were a few nice twists that really kept me locked in wanting to know what happens next. I really enjoyed how much of a bass ass Darlia is and growing with her as the book progresses. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I absolutely cannot wait until the next one comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️If you’re after a dystopian adventure with reluctant allies-to-lovers tension… this book is for you. ✨️
I could not put this book down.
Every chapter had me desperate to know what happened next, and the tension just kept building.
And THAT cliffhanger?!
I need more immediately. 😭
✨️THE ACADEMY — Available May 18th✨️
I could not put this book down.
Every chapter had me desperate to know what happened next, and the tension just kept building.
And THAT cliffhanger?!
I need more immediately. 😭
✨️THE ACADEMY — Available May 18th✨️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tjankyou so much for this ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! Found it very hard to put down and the ending left me excited for any future books! The MMC annoyed me a little and his dialog came across as a little cringe but because the book was so good I got over it pretty fast!
I really enjoyed this book! Found it very hard to put down and the ending left me excited for any future books! The MMC annoyed me a little and his dialog came across as a little cringe but because the book was so good I got over it pretty fast!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this! Right from the beginning it gripped you and made it hard to put the book down. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy and find out what happens!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Oh my goodness…. I’m obsessed!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I gobbed this up way to quickly! I was hooked and obsessed from the start to finish! You just can’t help but love the dystopia world that has been created and you just fall in love with all the characters you’re introduced to. I was bawling my eyes out with how emotional parts of this book was and especially with it ending on a cliffhanger because what do you mean it ends like that!
I loved Darlia!!! I always love a strong badass FMC that can take down anything and she could do that in tenfold! She was so mental and physically strong and seeing things she had to go through and experience made me cry 😭
I loved how Cayden was protective without being controlling. He knew Darlia could handle herself but he didn’t want her to have to. He stood by her side instead of in front of her and didn’t shame her for how she had been created but tried to show her another way to live.
They had so much chemistry together and I adored the little bits of banter! They just flowed together so well. Not only did they flow well together but all the characters especially in the group meshed so well but you could still tell they had their own personalities and they weren’t copy and paste.
Can’t wait to see what else is in store for these characters and how the story line unfolds! So proud of Em for creating something so incredible 🥹
I loved Darlia!!! I always love a strong badass FMC that can take down anything and she could do that in tenfold! She was so mental and physically strong and seeing things she had to go through and experience made me cry 😭
I loved how Cayden was protective without being controlling. He knew Darlia could handle herself but he didn’t want her to have to. He stood by her side instead of in front of her and didn’t shame her for how she had been created but tried to show her another way to live.
They had so much chemistry together and I adored the little bits of banter! They just flowed together so well. Not only did they flow well together but all the characters especially in the group meshed so well but you could still tell they had their own personalities and they weren’t copy and paste.
Can’t wait to see what else is in store for these characters and how the story line unfolds! So proud of Em for creating something so incredible 🥹
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews