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Cross Academy
BOOK ONE in the CROSS ACADEMY SERIES
AN EPIC CHRISTIAN FANTASY The Fire Tribe has stood the test of time. When the spiritual realm cracked open and demons crawled forth in hordes, the Children of the Sun were not afraid. They had a blessing from God, power in its finest form. And if their blessing failed, they had great structures surrounding the village--keeping the demons out but locking the people in.
The Fire Tribe took pride in their power and in their protection. Nothing could harm them. For what could burn a flame? Nothing could threaten them. For what could penetrate their mighty Walls?
And then the Walls crumbled. Demons entered the village. And for the first time in 700 years, the Fire Tribe was in danger. Thankfully, Hunters of the Cross arrived just in time.
Cross Academy trains those with exceptional blessings. Hunters of the Cross are the legends of old, fighting demons and darklings to keep the Four Regions safe. When Fox Fire's village is destroyed, the Cross goes to investigate.
What they learn threatens to tip the balance of the Great Demon War ... in favor of the demons.
BOOK I in the Cross Academy Epic Christian Fantasy Series
SERIES ORDER
Cross Academy
The Howler's Cry
The Nine Births of Carnage (coming 2022)
The Testament Relics (coming 2023)
Cross Book V (coming 2023)
Other Books by Valicity
Patches
The 'I' Word
I AM MAN (Christian science fiction series)
I AM MAN
I AM LOST
I AM BROKEN
I AM FREE
I AM COMPLETE
Withered Rose (Christian mafia romance trilogy)
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over
Fractured Diamond (Standalone Christian Billionaire Romance)
AN EPIC CHRISTIAN FANTASY The Fire Tribe has stood the test of time. When the spiritual realm cracked open and demons crawled forth in hordes, the Children of the Sun were not afraid. They had a blessing from God, power in its finest form. And if their blessing failed, they had great structures surrounding the village--keeping the demons out but locking the people in.
The Fire Tribe took pride in their power and in their protection. Nothing could harm them. For what could burn a flame? Nothing could threaten them. For what could penetrate their mighty Walls?
And then the Walls crumbled. Demons entered the village. And for the first time in 700 years, the Fire Tribe was in danger. Thankfully, Hunters of the Cross arrived just in time.
Cross Academy trains those with exceptional blessings. Hunters of the Cross are the legends of old, fighting demons and darklings to keep the Four Regions safe. When Fox Fire's village is destroyed, the Cross goes to investigate.
What they learn threatens to tip the balance of the Great Demon War ... in favor of the demons.
BOOK I in the Cross Academy Epic Christian Fantasy Series
SERIES ORDER
Cross Academy
The Howler's Cry
The Nine Births of Carnage (coming 2022)
The Testament Relics (coming 2023)
Cross Book V (coming 2023)
Other Books by Valicity
Patches
The 'I' Word
I AM MAN (Christian science fiction series)
I AM MAN
I AM LOST
I AM BROKEN
I AM FREE
I AM COMPLETE
Withered Rose (Christian mafia romance trilogy)
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over
Fractured Diamond (Standalone Christian Billionaire Romance)
Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
198 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Valicity Elaine
36 books633 followersI love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 29, 2025
Overall I had a good time reading this. I enjoyed the family dynamics and relationship aspects in the story. I preferred one or two POV rather than the others. Although this was a very unique world with spiritual warfare and magical elements, (ie demons, gore and war violence)parts of leaned a bit too heavy into the darkness and the grimy dark of the situations and magic system rather than the Christ centric perspective. Of course this might just be my preferences. Nevertheless I’m glad I read this. Even though I won’t be continuing the series I plan on reading more from this author. I enjoyed her writing style.
CW/TW: some graphic war violence, death, grief, aspects of demonology
Check out this review on Fable
https://fable.co/review/798437df-5cc4...
CW/TW: some graphic war violence, death, grief, aspects of demonology
Check out this review on Fable
https://fable.co/review/798437df-5cc4...
September 21, 2015
Having just completed Cross Academy by Valicity Garris, I find myself amazed at the different landscapes authors can create. V. Garris has conjured up an intricate alternate world replete with an array of different characters, and horrific monsters and demons that come at you from every direction. Although a Christian story, it is an unconventional one which for me had religion more as an anchor than as an entity always in the forefront.
The story begins in the Village of Wee in the Region of the Dragonfly, 350 years after the Great Demon Wars, in which “vile creatures crawled from beneath the earth and devoured two-thirds of the world’s population in a single night.” The village is seemingly protected by walls that are five meters thick and thirty meters high. The main protagonist, Fox Fire, is a plucky girl of the Head Family of the village. She has a special friend, a sensitive physically frail orphan boy named KI. While picnicking outside the wall, they meet an early test when confronted with a hideous demon standing over eight feet tall. Fox shows her mettle by killing it with her tomahawk.
Back home, Fox receives training, which includes some history and geography, from her wise oldest sister Talon. Elements of theme emerge. Fox is amazed to learn that before the demon wars, humans fought each other. She asks “What could people fight over?” Talon mentions resources but also things such as beliefs and the color of one’s skin. Fox asks “What is there to fight over in color?” Talon also makes the observation that even in the current Wee, society is segregated by concentric walls, the upper classes living in nicer homes within the inner wall, while the lower ends of society are more vulnerable to the demons with less walls to protect them.
One night, Talon gives Fox a crucifix. When Fox asks why, Talon explains that she feels darkness, like a black hole had opened within her. A few hours pass and Fox hears crying and shrieking. Talon appears and they both hear heavy footsteps approach the village literally causing the ground to shake. What follows is a horrendous attack from demons the size of small children to large bears, and the bloodshed is plenty. The guardsmen were possessed and committed suicide. Fox beholds a giant beast, a witch, and a frightening demon-man. The demon-man seems intent on capturing KI but Fox engages him in a fight. He stabs her through the abdomen and she fades.
Fox and KI come to in a different land entirely three days later. They are in the village of Babel in the Region of the Dolphin. I don’t want to tell the whole story but a whole new cast of people come forth. Fox is enrolled in the Cross Academy to learn to fight demons. The final exam, the Elimination, for me had elements of Lord of the Flies. Fox is confronted by new moral questions: Do you kill a fellow human for your own survival? Do you kill a friend who is possessed?
The action is nearly non-stop. The author has created a menagerie of hideous, grotesque monsters with a variety of powers. Fortunately, her allies at the academy possess wonderful skills of their own to counter them. The battles are breath taking.
I also very much admired the ending of the book. It is not a clear cut “it all ended happily ever after” sort of thing. Instead, the question is left open---are the demons truly gone? We don’t know for sure---but I sense fortunately for we readers, that a sequel could be in the air. I recommend this book highly to everyone.
The story begins in the Village of Wee in the Region of the Dragonfly, 350 years after the Great Demon Wars, in which “vile creatures crawled from beneath the earth and devoured two-thirds of the world’s population in a single night.” The village is seemingly protected by walls that are five meters thick and thirty meters high. The main protagonist, Fox Fire, is a plucky girl of the Head Family of the village. She has a special friend, a sensitive physically frail orphan boy named KI. While picnicking outside the wall, they meet an early test when confronted with a hideous demon standing over eight feet tall. Fox shows her mettle by killing it with her tomahawk.
Back home, Fox receives training, which includes some history and geography, from her wise oldest sister Talon. Elements of theme emerge. Fox is amazed to learn that before the demon wars, humans fought each other. She asks “What could people fight over?” Talon mentions resources but also things such as beliefs and the color of one’s skin. Fox asks “What is there to fight over in color?” Talon also makes the observation that even in the current Wee, society is segregated by concentric walls, the upper classes living in nicer homes within the inner wall, while the lower ends of society are more vulnerable to the demons with less walls to protect them.
One night, Talon gives Fox a crucifix. When Fox asks why, Talon explains that she feels darkness, like a black hole had opened within her. A few hours pass and Fox hears crying and shrieking. Talon appears and they both hear heavy footsteps approach the village literally causing the ground to shake. What follows is a horrendous attack from demons the size of small children to large bears, and the bloodshed is plenty. The guardsmen were possessed and committed suicide. Fox beholds a giant beast, a witch, and a frightening demon-man. The demon-man seems intent on capturing KI but Fox engages him in a fight. He stabs her through the abdomen and she fades.
Fox and KI come to in a different land entirely three days later. They are in the village of Babel in the Region of the Dolphin. I don’t want to tell the whole story but a whole new cast of people come forth. Fox is enrolled in the Cross Academy to learn to fight demons. The final exam, the Elimination, for me had elements of Lord of the Flies. Fox is confronted by new moral questions: Do you kill a fellow human for your own survival? Do you kill a friend who is possessed?
The action is nearly non-stop. The author has created a menagerie of hideous, grotesque monsters with a variety of powers. Fortunately, her allies at the academy possess wonderful skills of their own to counter them. The battles are breath taking.
I also very much admired the ending of the book. It is not a clear cut “it all ended happily ever after” sort of thing. Instead, the question is left open---are the demons truly gone? We don’t know for sure---but I sense fortunately for we readers, that a sequel could be in the air. I recommend this book highly to everyone.
November 3, 2015
All God's children
Written with passion by a committed Christian, Cross Academy is a beautifully written, entertaining, meticulously imagined indictment of God-less materialism and the Western delusion that truth is to be found in science.
The tale is told with total conviction, with characters strongly delineated and differentiated. The author handles dialogue very well, including that involved in group scenes and is excellent in action and fight sequences. Descriptions of people and places powerfully evoke the figures, landscapes, and settings involved in absorbing detail. An enormous amount of work must have gone into developing the demonology underpinning the work, just trying to imagine how may files on the subject Valicity must have stacked on her pc!
The book is an anti-atheist, anti-evolution, polemic, an indictment of human blindness to the absolute reality of God as Creator and by corollary the absolute reality of demons, but doesn’t overdo these themes, leaving the narrative to convince the reader of the stark realities as the author perceives them. Not for one moment do we doubt we are reading a factual account, not a Bunyanesque exercise in symbolism, but a front line report of actual Satanic encounters. These demons are not intended as metaphors but living realities of flesh, blood, and scales, actual beings, some of them of startling beauty.
The book, which is not afraid to discuss high themes of love, murder, good and evil, has no doubts either about the reality of free will, the responsibilities it entails, and sets the ills of mankind firmly at mankind’s door. ‘How could God let these things happen?’ is not a question it’s prepared to countenance.
The actual mechanics of Christology are only lightly touched on but one gets the impression the writer is doctrinally sound as far as orthodoxy is concerned - Original Sin seems to be taken as a given, a fundamental doctrine of which many nominal Christians seem to be simply unaware. The connection between Adam and Christ eluding them completely, hardly surprising given the modern perception of the latter as exceptionally gifted social worker, rather than Divine Incarnation.
So, congratulations, Valicity, on a nice piece of work. In the end we care about everyone involved, even the demons, perhaps even especially them - all God’s children after all.
Written with passion by a committed Christian, Cross Academy is a beautifully written, entertaining, meticulously imagined indictment of God-less materialism and the Western delusion that truth is to be found in science.
The tale is told with total conviction, with characters strongly delineated and differentiated. The author handles dialogue very well, including that involved in group scenes and is excellent in action and fight sequences. Descriptions of people and places powerfully evoke the figures, landscapes, and settings involved in absorbing detail. An enormous amount of work must have gone into developing the demonology underpinning the work, just trying to imagine how may files on the subject Valicity must have stacked on her pc!
The book is an anti-atheist, anti-evolution, polemic, an indictment of human blindness to the absolute reality of God as Creator and by corollary the absolute reality of demons, but doesn’t overdo these themes, leaving the narrative to convince the reader of the stark realities as the author perceives them. Not for one moment do we doubt we are reading a factual account, not a Bunyanesque exercise in symbolism, but a front line report of actual Satanic encounters. These demons are not intended as metaphors but living realities of flesh, blood, and scales, actual beings, some of them of startling beauty.
The book, which is not afraid to discuss high themes of love, murder, good and evil, has no doubts either about the reality of free will, the responsibilities it entails, and sets the ills of mankind firmly at mankind’s door. ‘How could God let these things happen?’ is not a question it’s prepared to countenance.
The actual mechanics of Christology are only lightly touched on but one gets the impression the writer is doctrinally sound as far as orthodoxy is concerned - Original Sin seems to be taken as a given, a fundamental doctrine of which many nominal Christians seem to be simply unaware. The connection between Adam and Christ eluding them completely, hardly surprising given the modern perception of the latter as exceptionally gifted social worker, rather than Divine Incarnation.
So, congratulations, Valicity, on a nice piece of work. In the end we care about everyone involved, even the demons, perhaps even especially them - all God’s children after all.
October 8, 2015
Imagine if instead of saving France, Joan of Arc took up the sword against hordes of marauding demons. An inspiring read, told with the flair only a talented manga-ka could capture. Fans of Titan AE should go kill themselves now but fans of Fate/Stay Night or Is it Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon should run not walk to the nearest copy of Cross Academy.
And enjoy!
And enjoy!
September 28, 2015
I was blown away by this book. I didn't know what to expect based on the title, but it was non-stop intensity, horrifying demon/monsters, and an amazingly well-drawn cast of characters. The book is set in the future, 350 years after "The Demon Wars", in which these hideous monsters came out of the ground and wiped out a significant amount of the human race. The MC, Fox, is taken to a place called The Cross Academy, where she'll be trained to fight the demons. I don't want to give spoilers, but let me say...this book is such an interesting combination of fantasy/adventure/horror, and I loved every page. The writing was excellent, the scenes so well described I felt like I was standing in the middle of Wee or Cross Academy, watching this story unfold. The plot and premise are so unique, and there are some many underlying themes. The pacing was perfect and the story so carefully planned. The ending was satisfying, but I wasn't ready to stop there...I'm really hoping for a second book in the series! Kudos to the author. I'm definitely a fan!!!
November 28, 2015
This was for me a fast-paced, action-filled read. But it felt as if the wheels were coming off in that the events did not flow from a plot, deaths were random (whatever happened to Lady Minga, I wondered, she had been so carefully drawn early in the book), and weapons performed as the moment seemed to require them to instead of a "inner logic."
It is 350 years after the "Great Demon War" but jelly donuts still exist. The village of Wee survived in part because of cranberries. There are "peoples" of various shades of brown and only one white, and it is not clear if this detail is of any importance.
The main character, Fox Fire, "ambled [rambled?], trying to come up with an explanation as to why she was soaking wet and KI was in such a daze--though she couldn't think of a good reason for his not showing up for dinner." KI is another main character who goes through various transformations. These are revealed (more or less) as the plot unfolds. It is not clear why Fox is so attached to him and becomes almost as attached to a fellow student she first encounters during a harrowing survivor /hunger games style elimination of those unworthy to graduate from the Cross Academy.
There is more or less helpful exposition of how the state of things came to be. An older sister explains: "We separate the rich from the poor. We offer the lower ends of society to the demons while we sit behind our stone walls...If you have extreme evil then you must have extreme good. I don't believe that humans are capable of producing the quantity of goodness ... to rival the amount of evil growing from the demons."
At one point the MC speaks on the subject. "You believe in God?" Fox asked venomously ... It is not clear to this reader why the venom is in the tone, except that much of the conflict that energizes the story appear similarly enigmatic.
"I don't believe the demons were a punishment, I think they were a cleansing..." Speaking of demons, one particularly bad act makes the point that "before the Demon War broke out, humans actually believed they shared a common ancestor with these things [apes]. Scientists. ... You'd best believe I enjoyed ripping off the heads of everyone of those fools whenever I had the chance. I forced their souls into the very creatures they worshiped. Now they are permanently united with their precious monkey brethren."
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is 350 years after the "Great Demon War" but jelly donuts still exist. The village of Wee survived in part because of cranberries. There are "peoples" of various shades of brown and only one white, and it is not clear if this detail is of any importance.
The main character, Fox Fire, "ambled [rambled?], trying to come up with an explanation as to why she was soaking wet and KI was in such a daze--though she couldn't think of a good reason for his not showing up for dinner." KI is another main character who goes through various transformations. These are revealed (more or less) as the plot unfolds. It is not clear why Fox is so attached to him and becomes almost as attached to a fellow student she first encounters during a harrowing survivor /hunger games style elimination of those unworthy to graduate from the Cross Academy.
There is more or less helpful exposition of how the state of things came to be. An older sister explains: "We separate the rich from the poor. We offer the lower ends of society to the demons while we sit behind our stone walls...If you have extreme evil then you must have extreme good. I don't believe that humans are capable of producing the quantity of goodness ... to rival the amount of evil growing from the demons."
At one point the MC speaks on the subject. "You believe in God?" Fox asked venomously ... It is not clear to this reader why the venom is in the tone, except that much of the conflict that energizes the story appear similarly enigmatic.
"I don't believe the demons were a punishment, I think they were a cleansing..." Speaking of demons, one particularly bad act makes the point that "before the Demon War broke out, humans actually believed they shared a common ancestor with these things [apes]. Scientists. ... You'd best believe I enjoyed ripping off the heads of everyone of those fools whenever I had the chance. I forced their souls into the very creatures they worshiped. Now they are permanently united with their precious monkey brethren."
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2015
Cross Academy is a novel I wouldn't expect myself to read. Being that I am not religious, Christian fiction is rarely found on my bookshelf. However, this story goes beyond the typical religious-based plot and makes a point to not become stuck in the typical tropes of the genre. It breaks free from the mold of what is expected in a narrative about a group of highly trained 'priests' holding back a demon army and becomes its own unique tale that I found myself loving.
The story follows Fox Fire, a young and excited girl who wants to do more with her life. The village she lives in, called the Wee, is a typical fairy-tale town similar to the Shire in many ways. While there are tones of classism and economic strife, the town is generally written as a happy and innocent place. The author did a great job detailing out every aspect of the setting making you feel like the Wee is a living, breathing place. You're introduced to the secondary character, known as KI, early on, and we follow Fox and KI and their strong relationship in the opening chapters. After suspicion arises on Fox's part about the mysterious demons lurking outside the town walls, the story begins to open up on a grander scale, and we follow these characters through battles and emotional turmoil. Eventually, we find Fox at the Cross Academy, a religious warfare training school to combat the demons.
From here on out the story becomes action-packed and exciting, and without giving too much away, I will say that it takes you to interesting places. I found it very hard to put down so that I might discover the secrets that revolved around some of the characters, and of course, learn more about the mysterious demon army and its leadership. Anyone who reads this novel will find it to be a great and original fantasy adventure about good and evil, and how we, as humans, fit right in the middle of it all.
Five stars!
The story follows Fox Fire, a young and excited girl who wants to do more with her life. The village she lives in, called the Wee, is a typical fairy-tale town similar to the Shire in many ways. While there are tones of classism and economic strife, the town is generally written as a happy and innocent place. The author did a great job detailing out every aspect of the setting making you feel like the Wee is a living, breathing place. You're introduced to the secondary character, known as KI, early on, and we follow Fox and KI and their strong relationship in the opening chapters. After suspicion arises on Fox's part about the mysterious demons lurking outside the town walls, the story begins to open up on a grander scale, and we follow these characters through battles and emotional turmoil. Eventually, we find Fox at the Cross Academy, a religious warfare training school to combat the demons.
From here on out the story becomes action-packed and exciting, and without giving too much away, I will say that it takes you to interesting places. I found it very hard to put down so that I might discover the secrets that revolved around some of the characters, and of course, learn more about the mysterious demon army and its leadership. Anyone who reads this novel will find it to be a great and original fantasy adventure about good and evil, and how we, as humans, fit right in the middle of it all.
Five stars!
October 8, 2015
I don’t usually read books of a religious nature, but Cross Academy had me hooked from the very beginning. It starts off in a small, fortified village called Wee. It follows the story of Fox Fire and her friend, KI. These two teenagers are from very different backgrounds. Fox, being royalty, in a sense and KI, being her protector, of which he is anything but….
The story starts off innocently enough, but then takes a dark turn when Wee is attacked by Demons and Witches alike. Most of Fox’s family are wiped out in the attack, and KI and Fox are left for dead.
And this is where the story gets really interesting! Both find themselves at a place known as, The Cross Academy. KI, it turns out has been possessed by a demon, but it wasn’t an ordinary possession. The Demon has been living dormant for years with nobody ever realising it, even the host himself.
Fox requests to join the Academy, to train as a Demon fighter…but the only reason she is doing it is to protect her friend, and she makes some strong allies as she goes through her training. I particularly like Cole Hunger, Diaz, Kotaro and the rest of the supporting cast throughout this rollercoaster ride. I won’t go into too much detail as I don’t want give away too much of this very enthralling story.
I found myself getting emotionally invested the all of the main characters, and found myself crying after reading some of the scenes, maybe I get too invested in the characters, but that is how I like to read a good book. And I don’t mind shedding a tear if it warrants it.
If you like Dark, Demonic Fantasies, you will love this great addition to the YA genre. I recommend it wholeheartedly and I can’t wait for the follow-up. It has been left wide open for a follow-up, so here’s hoping!
The story starts off innocently enough, but then takes a dark turn when Wee is attacked by Demons and Witches alike. Most of Fox’s family are wiped out in the attack, and KI and Fox are left for dead.
And this is where the story gets really interesting! Both find themselves at a place known as, The Cross Academy. KI, it turns out has been possessed by a demon, but it wasn’t an ordinary possession. The Demon has been living dormant for years with nobody ever realising it, even the host himself.
Fox requests to join the Academy, to train as a Demon fighter…but the only reason she is doing it is to protect her friend, and she makes some strong allies as she goes through her training. I particularly like Cole Hunger, Diaz, Kotaro and the rest of the supporting cast throughout this rollercoaster ride. I won’t go into too much detail as I don’t want give away too much of this very enthralling story.
I found myself getting emotionally invested the all of the main characters, and found myself crying after reading some of the scenes, maybe I get too invested in the characters, but that is how I like to read a good book. And I don’t mind shedding a tear if it warrants it.
If you like Dark, Demonic Fantasies, you will love this great addition to the YA genre. I recommend it wholeheartedly and I can’t wait for the follow-up. It has been left wide open for a follow-up, so here’s hoping!
September 17, 2015
If I could, I would give this book 4.7 stars.
The last book that I read about demons and such was a little while ago and when I think about it, this is a great book since it reminded me of it.
The characters and plot are well written and descriptive. I loved the depth of it, how Fox and Ki are not one dimensional as how some of the YA main characters tend to be. I could tell the story was well developed before it was written, just by how detailed and how it was told in a way where you can learn something from it.
Valicity, takes you from this world and into another and it will keep you entertained!
Although, I am not a very religious person, that aside it is not the first book in it's genre I have read.
I liked the story and the paranormal side of it definitely. Enjoyable read.
The last book that I read about demons and such was a little while ago and when I think about it, this is a great book since it reminded me of it.
The characters and plot are well written and descriptive. I loved the depth of it, how Fox and Ki are not one dimensional as how some of the YA main characters tend to be. I could tell the story was well developed before it was written, just by how detailed and how it was told in a way where you can learn something from it.
Valicity, takes you from this world and into another and it will keep you entertained!
Although, I am not a very religious person, that aside it is not the first book in it's genre I have read.
I liked the story and the paranormal side of it definitely. Enjoyable read.
July 9, 2018
I was drawn straight into this story, young Fox Fire lives in a walled community surrounded by a world now inhabited by demons that crawled out of the earth hundreds of years ago and devoured most of humanity. Her life is now one of lessons in how to survive. This first part of the book is well written, bringing together the history and the new life for humans without too much of a deluge of info-dumping that could have happened. It is as the story progresses that the book begins to lose its focus.
Fox’s arrival at the Cross Academy reveals a new world to her, a world of religious orders, demon fighters and strong Christian principals. A world she had no idea existed but one that she slips right into, joining classes of recruits to the academy and training for the day she will take the war back to the demons. But the new characters she meets at the Academy are not fleshed out enough, and with them comes some awkward writing, “a calm-voiced, older looking man slammed his fist onto the table and shouted”, calm-voiced and shouting? That didn’t work for me and there were other examples of this.
There’s a fair amount of influence from popular YA fiction, part of Fox’s training at the academy carries hints of Hunger Games, and the action scenes are well-written, but there were times that the action became a series of set-pieces that were confusing for me. Overall a good versus evil plot that has been seen before, the strong Christian message may put some off but will attract plenty more.
Fox’s arrival at the Cross Academy reveals a new world to her, a world of religious orders, demon fighters and strong Christian principals. A world she had no idea existed but one that she slips right into, joining classes of recruits to the academy and training for the day she will take the war back to the demons. But the new characters she meets at the Academy are not fleshed out enough, and with them comes some awkward writing, “a calm-voiced, older looking man slammed his fist onto the table and shouted”, calm-voiced and shouting? That didn’t work for me and there were other examples of this.
There’s a fair amount of influence from popular YA fiction, part of Fox’s training at the academy carries hints of Hunger Games, and the action scenes are well-written, but there were times that the action became a series of set-pieces that were confusing for me. Overall a good versus evil plot that has been seen before, the strong Christian message may put some off but will attract plenty more.
January 31, 2016
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review
First off major disclaimer: The synopsis of this novel does not tell you this is a Christian Fiction book, written by a very religious person, however it is obvious if you read about the author and within the first two pages of the novel. When I chose to review it the author warned me saying it was Dark YA Fantasy ( which I love and thought this might be Buffy-esque due to the cover and synopsis) and contained mild to moderate violence and religious reference. Which is slightly misleading since this book is very much a Christian Fiction novel with heavy religious undertones.
I had mixed feeling about this book, on one hand the writing, pace, style and characters are pretty decent. The author did a good job of dealing with her world building, The Village of Wee in the Region of Dragonfly and the Cross Academy, as well as the different demons and the history of the Demon Wars. This was all very thought out, original and interesting.
However I had such a hard time getting past how preachy this novel felt. I don't care for Christian Fiction, normally, though I have read some. I went to a Christian elementary school after all. CS Lewis is a very Christian author bringing across his beliefs into his fiction without it being so "in your face." I feel you can write engaging and awesome Christian Fiction without coming across as anti- atheist and anti-evolution as this book turned out to be. That and the giant talking spider are my main two complaints. (eeeeewwww, spiders)
I did find it interesting that at one point Fox can't believe anyone would think that God was the answer to their problems or responsible for what had happened during the Demon Wars, or what was still happening. I also liked that one character states all people, whether male or female are called priests, that God makes no distinction between the two sexes.
Other than my two issues... this book is just like many of the other books of the genre (Dark Fantasy I mean). The MC has many trials she has to face, not just fighting demons, but her own personal trials, and you see a lot of character growth. Fox sees a lot of horrible things happen and still must resolve to fight on. There is some familiar mc-goes-to-a-special-school tropes; like she attends the academy to protect her vulnerable best friend, and winds up being pretty good at all she tackles.
The book ends with the knowledge there will be a sequel and on kind of a cliff hanger, which I found very effective.
So while not my cup of tea, I must admit I know several Christian teen girls who would eat this novel up in a few short hours. I respect the author's attempt and recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced piece of Christian Fiction that lives in the world of Dark YA Fantasy.
First off major disclaimer: The synopsis of this novel does not tell you this is a Christian Fiction book, written by a very religious person, however it is obvious if you read about the author and within the first two pages of the novel. When I chose to review it the author warned me saying it was Dark YA Fantasy ( which I love and thought this might be Buffy-esque due to the cover and synopsis) and contained mild to moderate violence and religious reference. Which is slightly misleading since this book is very much a Christian Fiction novel with heavy religious undertones.
I had mixed feeling about this book, on one hand the writing, pace, style and characters are pretty decent. The author did a good job of dealing with her world building, The Village of Wee in the Region of Dragonfly and the Cross Academy, as well as the different demons and the history of the Demon Wars. This was all very thought out, original and interesting.
However I had such a hard time getting past how preachy this novel felt. I don't care for Christian Fiction, normally, though I have read some. I went to a Christian elementary school after all. CS Lewis is a very Christian author bringing across his beliefs into his fiction without it being so "in your face." I feel you can write engaging and awesome Christian Fiction without coming across as anti- atheist and anti-evolution as this book turned out to be. That and the giant talking spider are my main two complaints. (eeeeewwww, spiders)
I did find it interesting that at one point Fox can't believe anyone would think that God was the answer to their problems or responsible for what had happened during the Demon Wars, or what was still happening. I also liked that one character states all people, whether male or female are called priests, that God makes no distinction between the two sexes.
Other than my two issues... this book is just like many of the other books of the genre (Dark Fantasy I mean). The MC has many trials she has to face, not just fighting demons, but her own personal trials, and you see a lot of character growth. Fox sees a lot of horrible things happen and still must resolve to fight on. There is some familiar mc-goes-to-a-special-school tropes; like she attends the academy to protect her vulnerable best friend, and winds up being pretty good at all she tackles.
The book ends with the knowledge there will be a sequel and on kind of a cliff hanger, which I found very effective.
So while not my cup of tea, I must admit I know several Christian teen girls who would eat this novel up in a few short hours. I respect the author's attempt and recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced piece of Christian Fiction that lives in the world of Dark YA Fantasy.
November 27, 2015
Cross Academy is a story that takes place in the distant future and centers on Fox and her journey protecting her best friend and fighting demons. There are a lot of layers to this story, parts are filled with action, fighting demons, and there is a part of the story that takes place at Cross Academy where the students fight against each other in a Hunger Games-like style. This story also touches on philosophy and religion as the characters try to make sense of the circumstances they are forced to deal with. I liked the philosophy side of the story the best. These are a couple quotes from the story that I liked:
…can’t explain why things happen the way they do, but that’s what so unique about our faith. Everything is built on things we cannot see. That’s how we weed out the ones who worship with their mouths from those who worship with their hearts … You have to choose which kind of Believer you’re going to be. Will you believe despite the blank questions?”
Talon swallowed. “Tell me, Fox Fire, when you make a batch of frybread do you have to explain to the other pieces why you decided to throw away a slice? Or tear one to shreds? You don’t have to explain anything to the bread because it’s your bread and you created it. It’s the same way with God; He created us and owes no explanation for His actions because we are His to use as He pleases—in any way at all.”
Nonetheless, Cross Academy is not the type of story I would normally be drawn to and it was a challenge, at times, to stay engaged in the story. I struggled with the action scenes and trying to visualize what was happening. At one point there is a fight with a troll, a talking arachnid, exploding trees, "SynApes", and I was not able to piece together in my mind what was in the text. Also, a lot of characters have certain powers and they seem to just appear and It was hard to keep track of.
This makes Cross Academy a challenge to rate. Overall, I liked the more philosophical parts and struggled with the action. It made the story seem a little uneven for me. I appreciate the ambition of the author in trying to layer in different themes to tell a fuller story. It seems like there will be future stories and I think that will help provide more context to better understand the characters and dig deeper into this world.
I was given a free copy for an honest review
…can’t explain why things happen the way they do, but that’s what so unique about our faith. Everything is built on things we cannot see. That’s how we weed out the ones who worship with their mouths from those who worship with their hearts … You have to choose which kind of Believer you’re going to be. Will you believe despite the blank questions?”
Talon swallowed. “Tell me, Fox Fire, when you make a batch of frybread do you have to explain to the other pieces why you decided to throw away a slice? Or tear one to shreds? You don’t have to explain anything to the bread because it’s your bread and you created it. It’s the same way with God; He created us and owes no explanation for His actions because we are His to use as He pleases—in any way at all.”
Nonetheless, Cross Academy is not the type of story I would normally be drawn to and it was a challenge, at times, to stay engaged in the story. I struggled with the action scenes and trying to visualize what was happening. At one point there is a fight with a troll, a talking arachnid, exploding trees, "SynApes", and I was not able to piece together in my mind what was in the text. Also, a lot of characters have certain powers and they seem to just appear and It was hard to keep track of.
This makes Cross Academy a challenge to rate. Overall, I liked the more philosophical parts and struggled with the action. It made the story seem a little uneven for me. I appreciate the ambition of the author in trying to layer in different themes to tell a fuller story. It seems like there will be future stories and I think that will help provide more context to better understand the characters and dig deeper into this world.
I was given a free copy for an honest review
September 16, 2015
My Review Of Cross Academy Author Valicity Garris.
I really enjoyed reading Cross Academy after being drawn to the book by its blurb. I couldn't put it down for the best part of the night and most of the next day. I found the storyline really gripping and emotional in some places. As well as very hopeful and full of kindness and friendship and love.
Cross Academy is a fantasy book with a very strong female character called Fox who live in Wee with her family and best Friend KI. However, things take a turn for the worst resulting in her having to fight demons and try and protect her friend from all the creatures who are trying to get hold of him with the help of Izzy, Lieutenant Diaz, and Cole all a part of Cross Academy. I loved some of the characters names throughout this book and the mixture of battle and religion, right and wrong. I often found myself asking the question Would you be able to kill the people closest to you for the good of others? While reading this novel and I admired Fox’s will to stand up for the friend she cared about while still feeling remorse or guilt for what she had to do to be able to be his strength.
I also loved the descriptions throughout this novel along with the way the novel started with just a short paragraph that really pulled me into the story. I really hope there will be a Cross Academy two because I would love to know what happens next for Fox and her friends and Elders.
I would recommend this novel if you like a gripping read that has an unpredictable end and lots of battles against the demons and other creatures in a world where anything can happen and characters are pushed to the edge of what they would do to save their homes, friends, and family this book is a must read.
This novel is a real credit to the author Valicity Garris she has a real flair for creating believable characters in a world with its own rules and survival tactics.
I really enjoyed reading Cross Academy after being drawn to the book by its blurb. I couldn't put it down for the best part of the night and most of the next day. I found the storyline really gripping and emotional in some places. As well as very hopeful and full of kindness and friendship and love.
Cross Academy is a fantasy book with a very strong female character called Fox who live in Wee with her family and best Friend KI. However, things take a turn for the worst resulting in her having to fight demons and try and protect her friend from all the creatures who are trying to get hold of him with the help of Izzy, Lieutenant Diaz, and Cole all a part of Cross Academy. I loved some of the characters names throughout this book and the mixture of battle and religion, right and wrong. I often found myself asking the question Would you be able to kill the people closest to you for the good of others? While reading this novel and I admired Fox’s will to stand up for the friend she cared about while still feeling remorse or guilt for what she had to do to be able to be his strength.
I also loved the descriptions throughout this novel along with the way the novel started with just a short paragraph that really pulled me into the story. I really hope there will be a Cross Academy two because I would love to know what happens next for Fox and her friends and Elders.
I would recommend this novel if you like a gripping read that has an unpredictable end and lots of battles against the demons and other creatures in a world where anything can happen and characters are pushed to the edge of what they would do to save their homes, friends, and family this book is a must read.
This novel is a real credit to the author Valicity Garris she has a real flair for creating believable characters in a world with its own rules and survival tactics.
May 28, 2025
Valicity is a very talented author, and I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short in different areas.
I did find some of the details interesting such as the gifts the students had in the academy. It was easy to picture them when they were training.
However, when I read a Christian fiction book, I want to feel the presence of God and Jesus in it. I felt like I was reading secular fantasy instead of Christian fantasy. Throughout the storyline, the chapters were focused on their own will and leadership instead of God’s. At times, I feel like certain things were dragged out with unnecessary details and left me wanting to speed through the chapter. The focus was more so on “demons” than Jesus. With that being said, I’m not sure if I will continue the series.
I did find some of the details interesting such as the gifts the students had in the academy. It was easy to picture them when they were training.
However, when I read a Christian fiction book, I want to feel the presence of God and Jesus in it. I felt like I was reading secular fantasy instead of Christian fantasy. Throughout the storyline, the chapters were focused on their own will and leadership instead of God’s. At times, I feel like certain things were dragged out with unnecessary details and left me wanting to speed through the chapter. The focus was more so on “demons” than Jesus. With that being said, I’m not sure if I will continue the series.
November 3, 2024
I really like this book, I will be picking up book 2, however, I was disappointed to not feel more of God's presence in the novel or hear more scriptures embedded in the text, rather than so much of the will of the people since the leaders come off as well established disciples. In some ways I felt the story moved slow and in other ways I felt it moved at just the right pace. I'm curious to see if more reliance on God will happen in the next book and if there will be more reasoning on why this town is called Babel, although I have a theory, I want to see if it's going to be explained. I do recommend this read to everyone because it was definitely a good read.
September 30, 2024
I usually don't give a 1 star, but since this is a Christian novel, I am giving it a 1.
I expected prayer, mentions of God, religious behaviour, cool action scenes and moral lectures.
The morality in this book is horrible. How is this a Christian novel? The author is deeply religious? Where?!
The kids all kill each other during the Elimination stage. Not only is this expected, but they fill a questionaire later on about how they feel about it. In Hunger games, it was clear that the people who invented the Games were evil. The killings left traumatic experiences and they were never the same. In this novel, well, they don't have to kill each other, but they do. There are no consequences. They are simply asked how they feel about it. What?!?
One of the teachers kept having an outdoor teaching session where the kids fall of a waterfall as a survivor lesson. After 7 consecutive deaths, his superiors told him to cut it out. What?!?
They use spiritual energy to fight demons, they can feel their aura (btw aura is not a Christian term, Ms. Author, I would have used the word "spirit"). Never does she explain how it's done, it just is.
These group of warriors is so skilled, it takes a stroll throught the woods filled with demons to kill off 4 of them. Jus like that, gone. And they take 3 students with them, because why not.
They constantly bicker. It doesn't matter who is the superior officer, they treat each other as if they're all equal. It's such a mess.
Fox Fire is skilled in combat, she fights a mighty demon before even hearing about the Academy, hurts him, and shows no fear in the situation, but later on she cowers and is scared? She freezes? What?
Why is there no explanation about her relationship with KI? We are just told they love each other and that there is some mistery there. That's not the way to develop a plot! I don't care about either of them this way. Ease me into it. Show me some scenes. Make me connect to them.
The morals were horrific. I don't agree with them at all. I don't think they're Christian at all. This whole book screamed to me self-sufficiency, arrogance, no God anywhere. They all kept talking about believing in God, but I didn't feel that one character had a relationship with Him. They just proclaimed themselves believers and went on.
When Fox killed people in the Elimination stage, she was told to get over it, do what needs to be done, because God will forgive. They don't have the luxury to think about morals. What? Christians don't talk that way. The most imporant relationship you can have is with God, you do as Jesus did. He did not kill people and said it's okay because God will forgive.
What kind of a book is this?
And the writing is choppy, it doesn't flow. Lots of logical errors, some grammatical errors.
It really, for me, wasn't good.
I expected prayer, mentions of God, religious behaviour, cool action scenes and moral lectures.
The morality in this book is horrible. How is this a Christian novel? The author is deeply religious? Where?!
The kids all kill each other during the Elimination stage. Not only is this expected, but they fill a questionaire later on about how they feel about it. In Hunger games, it was clear that the people who invented the Games were evil. The killings left traumatic experiences and they were never the same. In this novel, well, they don't have to kill each other, but they do. There are no consequences. They are simply asked how they feel about it. What?!?
One of the teachers kept having an outdoor teaching session where the kids fall of a waterfall as a survivor lesson. After 7 consecutive deaths, his superiors told him to cut it out. What?!?
They use spiritual energy to fight demons, they can feel their aura (btw aura is not a Christian term, Ms. Author, I would have used the word "spirit"). Never does she explain how it's done, it just is.
These group of warriors is so skilled, it takes a stroll throught the woods filled with demons to kill off 4 of them. Jus like that, gone. And they take 3 students with them, because why not.
They constantly bicker. It doesn't matter who is the superior officer, they treat each other as if they're all equal. It's such a mess.
Fox Fire is skilled in combat, she fights a mighty demon before even hearing about the Academy, hurts him, and shows no fear in the situation, but later on she cowers and is scared? She freezes? What?
Why is there no explanation about her relationship with KI? We are just told they love each other and that there is some mistery there. That's not the way to develop a plot! I don't care about either of them this way. Ease me into it. Show me some scenes. Make me connect to them.
The morals were horrific. I don't agree with them at all. I don't think they're Christian at all. This whole book screamed to me self-sufficiency, arrogance, no God anywhere. They all kept talking about believing in God, but I didn't feel that one character had a relationship with Him. They just proclaimed themselves believers and went on.
When Fox killed people in the Elimination stage, she was told to get over it, do what needs to be done, because God will forgive. They don't have the luxury to think about morals. What? Christians don't talk that way. The most imporant relationship you can have is with God, you do as Jesus did. He did not kill people and said it's okay because God will forgive.
What kind of a book is this?
And the writing is choppy, it doesn't flow. Lots of logical errors, some grammatical errors.
It really, for me, wasn't good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
I took a pause on this book when I was still early on, but once I picked it back up I was sucked in. I am so excited to see the characters be built upon. Sometimes trying to build up so many characters gets a bit messy but I believe the author did a good job. I personally wish it had focused a little more on just a couple so I could feel more connected. As of right now I don’t feel tied to anyone in particular but still so intrigued by the story and I believe as I read more I will get more invested in one or 2 characters. Overall I would recommend it especially to my Christian friends who enjoy fantasy.
October 22, 2025
An interesting YA/Adult dark fantasy story with ethnically diverse aspects, demon enemies, vibrant characters, special talents, and societies with a respected Christian heritage. Ends on a bit of cliffhanger and I’m curious about how things will play out, though I might not take the time to read more.
Reading the reviews makes me think that this book has been significantly rewritten recently. Unless these things pop up later in the series, there is nothing like the Hunger Games killings going on, no anti-evolution rhetoric, no addressing the question of why God would let the world become this dark, etc. Even the “Cross Academy” is not quite central, so it now needs a more fitting name.
Reading the reviews makes me think that this book has been significantly rewritten recently. Unless these things pop up later in the series, there is nothing like the Hunger Games killings going on, no anti-evolution rhetoric, no addressing the question of why God would let the world become this dark, etc. Even the “Cross Academy” is not quite central, so it now needs a more fitting name.
January 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The Church’s money is the military’s money,” Lady Shakira said sharply. “Cross Academy has two divisions; the Cross represents the Church, and the Academy represents our military force. But let’s never forget they are one and the same—with the same agenda, serving the same God.”
I have so many words I want to say about this book 😭 for years I’ve been struggling with my love for fantasy books and my faith.
But I will say this book is SO good, filled with biblical truths, left me on the edge of my seat at the end.
I will recommend this over and over again.
“The Church’s money is the military’s money,” Lady Shakira said sharply. “Cross Academy has two divisions; the Cross represents the Church, and the Academy represents our military force. But let’s never forget they are one and the same—with the same agenda, serving the same God.”
I have so many words I want to say about this book 😭 for years I’ve been struggling with my love for fantasy books and my faith.
But I will say this book is SO good, filled with biblical truths, left me on the edge of my seat at the end.
I will recommend this over and over again.
December 5, 2025
I can honestly say when I started this book I had no idea where it was going. As a Christian, I didn’t know of much fantasy books that were written by Christian authors so when I learned about this book, I was eager to start my adventure. I didn’t realize how much abilities and characters would be in the story. However, the story was still amazing and it hooked me and that’s why I’m so excited for the next installment.
September 13, 2024
In awe
This entire concept is so cool. To think of the spiritual powers we have a a Christians coming to life in physical form as physical gifts is so cool. I can’t wait to read more about what will happen to Ki? Will Talon and Diaz admit their feelings? Will Fox Fire pass the exams?
This entire concept is so cool. To think of the spiritual powers we have a a Christians coming to life in physical form as physical gifts is so cool. I can’t wait to read more about what will happen to Ki? Will Talon and Diaz admit their feelings? Will Fox Fire pass the exams?
April 22, 2025
this book took me foreverrrr to read but it was my filler book for bedtime soooo worth it!! christian fantasy is such an interesting concept but i really enjoyed it!! bringing the holy spirit in the form of super powers is cool! also i like that she didn’t shy away from the fact that demons also know about Jesus. really cool!
January 30, 2024
This was really well written and really well thought out.
Great world building! In depth background to the storyline and enough going on to keep you interested and intrigued!
Plenty of great characters with awesome abilities.
Really good read.
Great world building! In depth background to the storyline and enough going on to keep you interested and intrigued!
Plenty of great characters with awesome abilities.
Really good read.
January 31, 2025
Great book!!!!! It makes you realize that in this world yes we face physical fights but spiritual fights as well. It also makes you wonder about powers, angels have them yes were we suppose to have them on earth but something altered that process?
August 4, 2025
Good book
“The closer we are to God, the stronger we become. Because when we are totally dependent on God, it’s truly Him who fights our battles. Not us.”
Interesting book and concept.
“The closer we are to God, the stronger we become. Because when we are totally dependent on God, it’s truly Him who fights our battles. Not us.”
Interesting book and concept.
May 23, 2025
I absolutely love this series and am on my second read. The world building is fantastic, the battles are easily relatable and the characters are so lovable.
May 26, 2025
Great First Read
This is my first book by Valicity Elaine, and I thoroughly e
njoyed it. I loved that it was not only interesting, but also a clean spiritual book. Very well done!
This is my first book by Valicity Elaine, and I thoroughly e
njoyed it. I loved that it was not only interesting, but also a clean spiritual book. Very well done!
November 13, 2024
fantasy that brings you closer to God
So thankful that Valicity said yes to the call to not only bring the power of The Cross to fiction writing, but also bring diversity to the characters. Great representation of the kingdom of God. 🥹🩷🩷🩷
So thankful that Valicity said yes to the call to not only bring the power of The Cross to fiction writing, but also bring diversity to the characters. Great representation of the kingdom of God. 🥹🩷🩷🩷
February 4, 2016
Cross Academy Valicity Garris
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review. This is the first time in years I've read a book in this genre. It was a ripping good read which kept me engaged the whole time.
The Cross Academy is a great fantasy story set in a dystopian world where two thirds of mankind have been wiped out by demons 350 years before.
The demons came in all shapes and sizes, from level one to level ten. They are physically able to jump from the demon realm, Pitch Black, into to the human realm. Two of the top level demons Jagiro and Hosenké were remarkable. They're part of a group called “the Nine” - and so powerful it made me wonder how the human remnant could ever win the war.
The survivors of the Great Demon War are dispersed into only a handful of remaining villages in four separate regions. The author takes us to two of them; the regions of the Dragonfly and the Dolphin.
The story starts in a rustic walled village named “Wee,” in the region of the Dragonfly where the protagonist Fox Fire and her friend KI live.
Fox is a daughter of the grand chief of Wee. And she's a fighter. KI is an orphan, rescued as a small child and taken to the village of Wee after demons killed his nomadic parents. Wee is attacked and overrun by demons, and Fox and Ki are rescued by fighters. They are taken to the walled city of Babel in the region of Dolphin.
The people in Babel discover that KI is emitting a dark energy, revealing the presence of a powerful demon that was put inside of him when his parents were killed. KI is demon possessed, but it hasn't woken up yet, and the group of powerful, high ranking demons called “the Nine” want their friend back.
To protect KI and hunt down the monster responsible for placing the demon inside of him, Fox enrols in the Cross Academy to learn how to fight. But that's not the only reason she's joined. Fox simply wants to fight demons, for her own glory. But she has to find a greater reason, and that's where belief comes in.
Fox's belief is a part of the story without it becoming preachy. God is there in the background in a hands off sort of way.
The people in this world seem to rely on themselves, their special abilities and weapons. The Farrons are an anointed bloodline who possess the ability to control and manipulate any form of water, and the Ool clan who can adapt to their environment by growing gills under water and manipulating the elements, should they need to. Even the prayer warriors have the ability to erect invisible barriers and anoint water.
The academy and elimination are reminiscent of the Hunger Games, where Fox has to learn who the real enemy is.
Valicity Garret is a wordsmith who has constructed the scenes and imagery of the story in colourful and painstaking detail. The monsters and demons she's crafted came to life so vividly I was glad to only have a ringside seat to the action. The battle scenes against the Arachnids and SynApes – monsters summoned by witches and demons, are epic.
It's a great read with strong characters, a good pace and plenty of action. It's good versus evil on a grand scale.
After an unpredictable turn of events it has a cliff hanger ending, just begging for a sequel.
I wish I could give it somewhere between a four and a five. The story will appeal to readers who like fantasy or science fiction.
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review. This is the first time in years I've read a book in this genre. It was a ripping good read which kept me engaged the whole time.
The Cross Academy is a great fantasy story set in a dystopian world where two thirds of mankind have been wiped out by demons 350 years before.
The demons came in all shapes and sizes, from level one to level ten. They are physically able to jump from the demon realm, Pitch Black, into to the human realm. Two of the top level demons Jagiro and Hosenké were remarkable. They're part of a group called “the Nine” - and so powerful it made me wonder how the human remnant could ever win the war.
The survivors of the Great Demon War are dispersed into only a handful of remaining villages in four separate regions. The author takes us to two of them; the regions of the Dragonfly and the Dolphin.
The story starts in a rustic walled village named “Wee,” in the region of the Dragonfly where the protagonist Fox Fire and her friend KI live.
Fox is a daughter of the grand chief of Wee. And she's a fighter. KI is an orphan, rescued as a small child and taken to the village of Wee after demons killed his nomadic parents. Wee is attacked and overrun by demons, and Fox and Ki are rescued by fighters. They are taken to the walled city of Babel in the region of Dolphin.
The people in Babel discover that KI is emitting a dark energy, revealing the presence of a powerful demon that was put inside of him when his parents were killed. KI is demon possessed, but it hasn't woken up yet, and the group of powerful, high ranking demons called “the Nine” want their friend back.
To protect KI and hunt down the monster responsible for placing the demon inside of him, Fox enrols in the Cross Academy to learn how to fight. But that's not the only reason she's joined. Fox simply wants to fight demons, for her own glory. But she has to find a greater reason, and that's where belief comes in.
Fox's belief is a part of the story without it becoming preachy. God is there in the background in a hands off sort of way.
The people in this world seem to rely on themselves, their special abilities and weapons. The Farrons are an anointed bloodline who possess the ability to control and manipulate any form of water, and the Ool clan who can adapt to their environment by growing gills under water and manipulating the elements, should they need to. Even the prayer warriors have the ability to erect invisible barriers and anoint water.
The academy and elimination are reminiscent of the Hunger Games, where Fox has to learn who the real enemy is.
Valicity Garret is a wordsmith who has constructed the scenes and imagery of the story in colourful and painstaking detail. The monsters and demons she's crafted came to life so vividly I was glad to only have a ringside seat to the action. The battle scenes against the Arachnids and SynApes – monsters summoned by witches and demons, are epic.
It's a great read with strong characters, a good pace and plenty of action. It's good versus evil on a grand scale.
After an unpredictable turn of events it has a cliff hanger ending, just begging for a sequel.
I wish I could give it somewhere between a four and a five. The story will appeal to readers who like fantasy or science fiction.
Read
February 4, 2016Fox Fire is a teen princess living in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world overrun by demons. Citizens survive in walled villages, keeping the demons at bay with concentric rings of high walls, and only the hopeless poor or the elite males from the center ring are allowed outside the city to hunt and kill the demons. Fox dreams of hunting the demons like her brothers, but as a princess that path is closed tight to her. But when her city is destroyed by the demons the people think they are safe from, she decides to join Cross Academy and train to defeat the powerful demons bent on the destruction of the human race. But what will Fox do when faced with the possibility that her best friend may be possessed by one of the most powerful demons of all?
At the outset, Cross Academy is a bit of a slow read, while the author constructs the dark post-apocalyptic world and establishes the central characters. But after the attack on the city, the pace rockets ahead at a breakneck pace. Cross Academy is filled with larger-than-life priests and demon hunters with anime-style weapons and skills, and ninja-like abilities possibly more at home in an episode of Naruto.
Content:
Violence:
This book is quite violent, and in some respects graphic. I'd definitely place it in YA or even adult fiction, as it's dark, and depicts a dark world. If you are looking for action and adventure, this is a good read, as it's packed with a lot of battle and risk. Some of the battle scenes could have been fleshed out more, and in some cases hordes of demons are eliminated with a single blow, while individual demons come into close quarters and inflict a mortal wound on supporting cast members.
Language:
Language is clean, even when adrenaline is racing or disaster strikes.
Christian element:
Right and wrong are grayed somewhat in this book, as the characters are forced to make difficult moral decisions to survive. These are definitely opportunities to discuss dilemmas like that with moral guides you trust.
I can't place where this book would fall in the timeline of the bible. With a stretch it might be post-Millennial Kingdom, as the Devil and his hordes are released for a time before the final judgment. Perhaps I'm thinking too much, as it's a good what-if.
There are a few points where the action is interrupted for a lesson on the evils of the human heart, and there is conjecture why a good God would allow demons to overrun the world like this. The concept is handled well and the question would definitely be asked in a world like that.
Quality:
There are misspellings and grammatical errors scattered throughout, but if you can get past or ignore those, it's a good read. Fast-paced, reasonable character development, good character arc, high stakes. All in all I gave it a four.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in electronic form for an honest review.
At the outset, Cross Academy is a bit of a slow read, while the author constructs the dark post-apocalyptic world and establishes the central characters. But after the attack on the city, the pace rockets ahead at a breakneck pace. Cross Academy is filled with larger-than-life priests and demon hunters with anime-style weapons and skills, and ninja-like abilities possibly more at home in an episode of Naruto.
Content:
Violence:
This book is quite violent, and in some respects graphic. I'd definitely place it in YA or even adult fiction, as it's dark, and depicts a dark world. If you are looking for action and adventure, this is a good read, as it's packed with a lot of battle and risk. Some of the battle scenes could have been fleshed out more, and in some cases hordes of demons are eliminated with a single blow, while individual demons come into close quarters and inflict a mortal wound on supporting cast members.
Language:
Language is clean, even when adrenaline is racing or disaster strikes.
Christian element:
Right and wrong are grayed somewhat in this book, as the characters are forced to make difficult moral decisions to survive. These are definitely opportunities to discuss dilemmas like that with moral guides you trust.
I can't place where this book would fall in the timeline of the bible. With a stretch it might be post-Millennial Kingdom, as the Devil and his hordes are released for a time before the final judgment. Perhaps I'm thinking too much, as it's a good what-if.
There are a few points where the action is interrupted for a lesson on the evils of the human heart, and there is conjecture why a good God would allow demons to overrun the world like this. The concept is handled well and the question would definitely be asked in a world like that.
Quality:
There are misspellings and grammatical errors scattered throughout, but if you can get past or ignore those, it's a good read. Fast-paced, reasonable character development, good character arc, high stakes. All in all I gave it a four.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in electronic form for an honest review.
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