Alpha Academy

The Omega Curse #1

by A.Y. Venona

Daniel Saga’s life is about to change forever. At age eighteen, the next full moon will bring his first shift into wolf form. Daniel comes from a long line of betas, and his fervent prayer is that he not disappoint his family. But in the world where there are several types of werekin, there is a likelihood that he may end up a gamma, an omicron, or his worst fear—an omega. He is certain that becoming an alpha is not an option for him. Or is it?

Delvin Kish is an instructor in Alpha Academy, the elite institution where all alpha werekin throughout the seven realms must attend for three years upon reaching adulthood. Although lonely since the death of his mate, he loves the life he’s built, guiding younger alphas in the skills and temperament needed to live out their alpha creed.

In this first book of The Omega Curse series, a surprising turn of events places Daniel under Delvin’s tutelage, and sparks fly as the young man strives to discover his true self. In the company of his childhood best friend and new werekin comrades in the academy, he faces adventure as well as danger in the form of alpha adversaries angered by his presence in their exclusive club, and even the threat of death at the hands of unknown outside forces.

61K+ words

WARNING: You need to be at least 18 years old to read this book. This is an m/m suspense thriller book that contains graphic sex between two men.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, LGBT, Romance, Omegaverse

218 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[Eric Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish to make it plainly, clearly and unequivocally known and understood (thus the use of several words having essentially the same meaning, a device we writers call excessive explication, a/k/a overkill) that my total, abject and utter failure (see note) to get any more work done on Sunday evening, 4 April 2016, is the entire, complete, and exclusive fault (see note again) of Venona.

She was subtil like unto the serpent.

She hitched a ride on my Voyage to the theatre (the Fantasticks was, well, fantastic) and cyber-whispered that since I was an hour early as usual, instead of doing my stuff as I usually did, I should get started on Alpha Academy. I succumbed to her wicked temptation and started. I continued reading at intermission.

I fully believe it was also her fault that I stopped at a local "hamburger joint" that's been in operation 24/7 for 80 years, and instead of takeaway, I sat at the counter (a tiny place, only seven seats) and continued reading, to the point of perhaps offending people who would have liked to have had a seat to eat.

Home, a glass of wine while watching Inspector Morse Ep. 4, and reading, reading, reading and then upstairs to finally finish.

Venona is just lucky that I enjoyed the book so much, because otherwise I'd have been forced to report her to the High Commission for the Capture and Severe Punishment of Inspiration Interferers.

Really!

*G*

p.s. I really liked the book.

p.p.s. I don't do spoilers, and I think trying to explain why I had so much fun, and the ins and outs of my enjoyment, would do just that.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't get, how can a story, which starts so interesting get so silly and foolish. The main storyline was mysterious enough to be pulling, but then in the middle of the story it became all about sex, being crazy for an omega and ended with idiotic forceful marriage. I mean REALLY???
It was like someone decided, hey your story is to long, make it shorter, cut logic out and put it together.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel and Delvin

My heart stuttered many times while reading...
It's an extended wide story and every page was fascinating every page made me in some way... I think delirious .... because it was beyond my expectations.

Daniel is accepted at the academy without knowing for sure why and he is desired by almost every alpha, I loved this story soooo much!
He has only feelings and eyes for Delvin.

There is so much happening in this journey it's not to explain I only will tell my feelings.
All the interactions between the ones who live at the academy is just breathtaking put down.
There is constant a looming danger to start another Ragnarok. There are Kings and prince, kingdoms, werekin from four windsides, vampires...

The building up, to very important revelations with an impact no one can imagine, is just overwhelming.

There is love, respect, sensuality, lust, desire, friendship, hierarchy, angst.... you can say
the whole package for a great read. And a great read it was...
When you love a story with the most beautiful creatures.. take this one

Luckily I received this one and #2 from the author... so there I am now :)

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An interesting read. The classification and social standing among shifters were interesting. The concept was unique. Daniel was an interesting character and his role in the story kept the book interesting. The relationship development was nicely paced. I was a little bothered by Delvin telling Daniel he couldn't claim him as a mate in public.

A lot happened towards the end and I liked that the author was trying to twist the story to make the readers keep guessing about what the truth was about how the Ragnarok occurred. Along with leaving some mystery about Daniel's role in everything that was happening and why his twin was murdered.

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good fantasy story
I received this book by the author for an honest opinion.
This is the story of Daniel who after presenting as an omega after expecting to be a beta as predicts tradition in his family he's feeling a bit miffed especially once the pack starts to treat him differently even not having the choice to go to university due to him being omega and deemed a worthless expense.
After applying to a university that is more accepting of other races he's surprised when the Alpha college replies.
This is where he meets Delvin an alpha and instructor at the college. Starting a relationship that's based on secrecy and deceit its a strain until Daniel tells him he's no longer wanting to be his bit on the side and instead wants a proper relationship. This is the story of them starting a romance but because Daniel is a special omega and has been marked from birth something is trying to catch up with him for devious purposes.
I really enjoyed this story, its free flowing and drags you right into the plot. I liked the characters and am looking forward to where the author plans to take the story and its characters. I also want to know what Daniel is and what it means to be a special omega who someone has got in his crosshairs and of course his dead twin brother who has shown himself. A good intriguing read which I'm looking forward to finding out all of the pieces of the puzzle.

[Alessandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh well... i would category this book as one of the books that has great potential, but didn't use it.

The world building in this book was great, i really liked the background stories of the characters and the dynamics between the shifters. There was a lot of explanation in this book on what types of shifters there are in this world, i feel like there was a little bit too much information and i couldn't really get it fully. I read the explanations, understood them, but forgot them again right away. Just because it was too much for this book. It isn't that long and i feel like it would've been better if it were a little bit longer. Maybe 100 pages longer.
But nevertheless i enjoyed this and i think i will continue with this story.

[Roger - president of NBR United - · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an interesting book that combines paranormal and fantasy elements and to top it off it has a mix of Greek and Norse mythology. In other words my kind of read. Daniel Saga is a Wolf shifter descended from a long line of Betas. when he is first allowed to shift in an initiation rite he is judged to be an omega but he is far different from the normal omegas. were they are submissive he is dominating were they are passive he is aggressive. fighting his destiny he applies to various universities to better his skills imagine his shock when he gets accepted to the Alpha Academy, the one he did not apply to. there he make enemies and friends including his lover, Delvin Kish, who is a prince so a Delta omega and an instructor at the Academy in combat. Delvin courts Daniel and among this courtship their are honor challenges and mysterious attacks on the Academy. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK not the best editing and, yes, there are errors but I loved it. It was so fun. I didn't care about any of the wrong things, I was too busy enjoying it. I actually stayed up late reading it and bought the next in series. I resisted starting the next but only because I wasn't at home :(

[Lynz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! My only issue was the ending... it was rushed and didn't make a lot of sense other than it was supposed to happen. I would rather she have cut it off before the wedding and started the next book at that point. It really looked like she ran out of gas there at the end.

Happy Reading Lynz

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU
Started slow but when this book got going, it was fantastic. Something about the characters really got to me, also it was much more substantial that I expected it would be. There are some scenes that made me grab the tissues and others that had me laughing out loud. No cliffhanger but definitely an enticing story yet to come and I hope it comes fast.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun New World

Wow! Very unique take on the world of Shifters and A/B/O universe. I am definitely interested in seeing more of this series.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! Read in one sitting, wanting to know what was going to happen next to the characters and with the unfolding story line.
Our MC's couldn't come from more different worlds but end up in the same place, the Alpha Academy. Daniel is classified as an omega but occasionally presents traits of an alpha. Delvin is a delta Prince and also an instructor at the academy.
We go through this story from Daniel's POV. Things change quickly for him when classified an omega; coming from packlands, living off the land, praying to their deity and then moving to the Alpha Academy where he has his own room but is basically on a campus for alphas and is the only omega. Daniel struggles with his feelings of being an omega when his beast and mind collide. Standing up for himself against a-hole alphas but entirely under the thrall of Delvin, the delta alpha.
The world created by Ms Venona is well crafted, has depth throughout and even comes with a map at the front of the book so you go in having a vague notion as to the places that are talked about. Everything is so well written with an array of characters. With predominantly alpha characters it was necessary to have variety of personas and strengths shared among them. Rico is the laid back, reticent type who avoids conflict whereas Nathan will jump straight into the fray, defending his friend. As well as our MC's there are several secondary characters that bring life to the book. Rico is Daniel's best friend offering his support throughout, Alexander and Adrian are just two of the beautiful but unknown alphas protecting the Academy. Everything is well explained through the book so I didn't feel lost at all.
Towards the end of the book I admit to having to read one or two paragraphs a second time to make sure I understood what was being said as the lore and myths unfolding were essential to understanding the history for the characters and race of omegas.
I definitely recommend this book, full of action, relationships and secrecy it's a can't-put-down book. Can't wait to start the sequel.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Boyslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

*warning. This is a rant of a review* I don’t usually rant, but man... up until 40ish % I was completely into this book. I would give the first 40% 5 stars.

Once you start getting into 50% range, things start not making sense... things just aren’t explained quite right, and the story gets a little messy.

I felt like for a while all delvin and daniel did was have sex. They didn’t really ever get serious conversation moments, they never talked about their pasts or their families or really anything that your lover should know about you. I’m pretty sure almost every single person in the academy knows more about delvin than Daniel does. Which is just meh.

On top of everything the word structuring of many of the sentences in this book felt, well, slightly off. Almost like the author’s primary language isn’t English. Don’t get me wrong, the writing wasn’t horrible or anything.

This book’s strength was in the very interesting story, and I even found the bit of world building to be quite interesting.

Probably me biggest disappointment through the whole book though, is that the main character, Daniel, was portrayed so blandly. Was Daniel heroic? Well.. not really... he never really did anything heroic at all. Did he do anything at all in this book that made a big difference? Not really, unless you consider being pretty and smelling nice to all the alphas thus attracting attention, as doing something. Think of it this way: stuff HAPPENS to Daniel, but Daniel doesn’t DO stuff.

I guess I’ll finish by saying that I was disappointed. I was so very excited by the first 40% of the book. I know there is another book, and I’ll admit, I will probably read it for closure. 3 stars for great ideas and an amazing first half of the book.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book thinking mpreg gruff alpha distressed omega in a school for alphas. What I got was something a lot more complex than the standard mpreg omega book. We do have the almost insta love feel to the relationship between Daniel and Devlin but this book is also filled with a lot political maneuvering in with the gods, kings, and vampires. There is tantalizing hints of what is going on but who is actually supporting Daniel and not trying to kill him is shifting. There are also a guessing game of what Daniel is and what he can do that is woven through the book that I enjoyed. I do wish Daniel played a little bit more of an active role in what was actually going around with him but overall I enjoyed the surprise of what this book was about.

[Micha · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was weird. It started out interesting but the story felt like it got derailed as it progressed. I'd say the biggest fail was characterization. All the characters, even the main ones, were poorly formed and developed and how they interacted with each other didn't make sense. Kept feeling disjointed as I read along and the most lingering feeling after finishing it was a vague sense of disappointment, like it could've been more but jarringly didn't.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Daniel, Delvin, and the other characters held my interest, and the world they lived in was very well written. The beginning of the book seemed like a YA story, but later scenes made it clear that this is for adult readers. As soon as I finished this one, I jumped into book 2, which I will review separately. I recommend this interesting, often emotional story.

[Light · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.
All the elements were there, but it didn’t add up to a great story. Delvin was very lukewarm, and I never really did understand why they fell for each other. The romance was very underwhelming. And the information overload on species and sub species and were’s was just too much. At the end of the book, I found myself skimming through the climax.

[Pamela Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little torn about this book. But overall, it was really enjoyable so I give it 4 stars.

I liked the world of Alphas. I like the weaving of real-world mythology into this alternate universe setting.

The way the relationships developed-with friends and lovers-felt weird to me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I loved this; the characters, the setting and the plot. It’s getting more interesting now, I’m curious how everything is going to play out for Daniel and Delvin, and all their friends.

[Richard Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast reading.... Loved it!!!!!!

I have to be honest, going in I thought eh... WAS I EVER WRONG. Sorry A.Y. Never doubt you again....
There are laughs, some eye watering, and twists. Can't wait for book #2

[Seren Dipity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome! You get suck into the world, the complexity of the intrigue, the secrets, the different sides of the story.

I seriously loved it and absolutely cannot wait for the next book!

[Guilherme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, hope the 2nd book sustain the quality.

[Claudia Bearington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Staying away from meatbuns

Was simultaneously obsessed and revolted by this book that I thought I was going to choke on a meatbun and reincarnate as Geoffrey, Sqq style. Solid 7/10

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and unique premise on the A/B/O mythos. Some nice world building, although I honestly felt like I was reading the second or third book in an installment rather than the first. I'd definitely recommend reading the short story from the author's website (it is a freebie) prior to reading this as I felt like it filled in some gaps.
The story itself seemed to rush to a conclusion so hopefully the next installment is ready to go. ;)

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest I gave up on this one 60% of the way through. I had a number of problems with it. First and foremost, I didn't like either of the two main characters. Delvin was a rude manwhore with a bad temper who treated Daniel like his boy toy property. Daniel seemed slutty and was all to ready to dump his friends when Delvin paid attention to him. The author makes use of information dumps about this world, a sign of amateur world building where an author wants the reader to know everything that they've imagined about the world without subtly working it in. Lots of times devices like characters sitting around talking or asking each other question, or a lecture is used to spew a bunch of information or backstory. The belief system is a strange mashup of Norse, Greek, and original gods, some of which are supposed to be living and some dead. Furthermore I didn't like that it was written in first person present tense which I find hard to do well and always seems a little jarring to me. There also seemed to be a lot of characters to keep up with, I had to write a list to keep them straight. At last I just decided that I didn't care anymore and decided to give up. I really didn't like it but I gave it two stars because I only give one star to things I really hate or are egregiously badly written. It wasn't so bad that I wouldn't try another book by this author but I won't be following this series.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of the story is good. So is the writting. The plot is well thought out and the chararters have depth. I enjoyed the story but it was hard for me too like Delvin throughout the story. He was not a consistent character (personality wise). My other problem was that, although I enjoy a complex plot like the next person, this is a bit hard to keep straight. I'll see how it goes in the next book. You should give it a try because it's a solid story, but be warned. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say "A.Y. Venona" knows how to write pulling story plot with interesting characters. Its hard to find a shape-shifters stories so complex and rational at the same time.

Even so, after reading the story to the end, I felt that author ended it too fast. Something was wrong with the story toward the end and so, I can not give it more than 4 stars.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had me right up until the end, then it felt forced and rushed. I loved the characters they were well thought out and executed but then there are so many thrown at you and so fast I couldn't keep them straight. I will give the next one a shot because up until the end chapters it was addicting ......then nothing made sense.

[Amy Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Beginning!

This was a great book! I was drawn into the world she created right from the start. I love Daniel and his entourage. Rico is my fav so I hope we get to see him in the next book. I would like to understand and get to know Devin more. I can't wait air to get to the next book to actually find out the truth about what's going on!! Awesome job!

[Anne Marie Heller Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done!

This feels like a great start to a series. It has a nice fresh take on the Alpha/Omega trope. I sense hints of future more, but not in this first story. All in all a good shifter world story set in a world with. Elements drawn from Norse mythology. Fun read