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Nova Academy #1
Nova Academy: A Superhero & Supervillain Novel
Theo is a super powered, super genius, who builds his own armor and anything else his incredible mind can imagine. But, will it be enough for what he finds at Nova Academy for Super Human Studies?
With his telepath girlfriend, Carly, Theo meets the challenges you can only find at an academy for kids with super powers.
The two will need to become more powerful than ever and form a super team to stand up to the supervillains who are taking over the minds of advanced sciences students as part of an evil plan to take over the country.
It all becomes even more complicated when Carly reveals the incredible secrets and history of telepaths.
If you enjoyed Nova Academy, please take a minute to leave a good review on Amazon.com! Every great review makes a world of difference for an independent author not using a publisher or promotion company.
With his telepath girlfriend, Carly, Theo meets the challenges you can only find at an academy for kids with super powers.
The two will need to become more powerful than ever and form a super team to stand up to the supervillains who are taking over the minds of advanced sciences students as part of an evil plan to take over the country.
It all becomes even more complicated when Carly reveals the incredible secrets and history of telepaths.
If you enjoyed Nova Academy, please take a minute to leave a good review on Amazon.com! Every great review makes a world of difference for an independent author not using a publisher or promotion company.
- GenresSuperheroes
396 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2017
215 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Scott Olen Reid
3 books26 followersScott is a California native born in Northern California, but grew up moving to a new state every few years in an Army family with his brother and two sisters.
After high school, Scott spent five years in construction before joining the U.S. Coast Guard where he served for five years as a Fire Control Technician (weapon systems electronics). Scott married and completed his bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Cal State then began a career in commercial real estate where he today works in Southern California for a national auction firm as one of the firm's brokers.
Scott is a part time author and full time lover of science fiction and fantasy novels.
Scott's next work, his fourth, is the third in the Nova Academy series, Nova Academy: Natural & Artificial, due out in early-2020.
For information on Scott's current and upcoming books go to www.threehelmets.com or @threehelmets on Twitter.
After high school, Scott spent five years in construction before joining the U.S. Coast Guard where he served for five years as a Fire Control Technician (weapon systems electronics). Scott married and completed his bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Cal State then began a career in commercial real estate where he today works in Southern California for a national auction firm as one of the firm's brokers.
Scott is a part time author and full time lover of science fiction and fantasy novels.
Scott's next work, his fourth, is the third in the Nova Academy series, Nova Academy: Natural & Artificial, due out in early-2020.
For information on Scott's current and upcoming books go to www.threehelmets.com or @threehelmets on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 2, 2017
Fun read but...
It reads like it was put together from several short stories, so there are a few discrepancies, like being in the gf's dorm room overnight in the first section to never having been in her dorm in the middle. Also several over-explanations of The Event rather than a single full explanation and quick summaries everywhere following.
It reads like it was put together from several short stories, so there are a few discrepancies, like being in the gf's dorm room overnight in the first section to never having been in her dorm in the middle. Also several over-explanations of The Event rather than a single full explanation and quick summaries everywhere following.
June 26, 2017
A really good read!!
What I loved about this book was the realism, battles where fought, people hurt, bled and sometime lost. Everything didn't go great for the good guys and the bad guys weren't unstoppable. Read the sample, you will get hooked and buy the book!!
What I loved about this book was the realism, battles where fought, people hurt, bled and sometime lost. Everything didn't go great for the good guys and the bad guys weren't unstoppable. Read the sample, you will get hooked and buy the book!!
June 14, 2017
A good read
An interesting take on how you get a superhero world to work. Will def8nitely look for the sequel to this
An interesting take on how you get a superhero world to work. Will def8nitely look for the sequel to this
March 4, 2018
A quite enjoyable "super" book
Though I never did get the Super-Nova puns I was hoping for, this was still a very entertaining novel. I particularly like that since powers are so universally a fact of life there is no "guilds" or registration aspect to the world. I am also a fan of how much the story is ... Not about extremes? Not sure how else to sum it up.
From the very beginning we are introduced to a main character who is of gray morals, unsure of pursuing heroics or villainy and indeed seeks out dating/seeing two different girls to try and better determine that. We also learn he is neither the strongest nor weakest, though he has his strengths and weaknesses, of supers. Even his greatest strengths, intelligence included, he freely admits to being equaled or surpassed by others. He makes a suit and equipment to further enhance his chances but even then he doesn't suddenly become a "super among supers" and it is only *just* enough to to keep him alive in the end. And not in a deus ex machina self sacrifice but miraculously saved way either like some super novels have. No, it is in a grittier but consistent way inline with its utilities leading to that point.
Over all the novel does a fantastic job of making the Super seem normal, not as in our normal, rather in the sense that it is normal for that world. The fights have elements that are fantastical to our views, but just another fact of life in theirs.
The next book I have to say I hope continues the moral debate of hero/villain and is more focused on a big villainous arc in mirror of the hero one in this book. Besides Maria joins the school next time. I would also like to see a potential change in the general consensus of heroes with armor by the end of the next book, as after losing a teammate I would hope Theo and Carly will better prepare and gear their future teams, that and word should spread somewhat of a successful armor system being utilized as time and exposure go on.
Though I never did get the Super-Nova puns I was hoping for, this was still a very entertaining novel. I particularly like that since powers are so universally a fact of life there is no "guilds" or registration aspect to the world. I am also a fan of how much the story is ... Not about extremes? Not sure how else to sum it up.
From the very beginning we are introduced to a main character who is of gray morals, unsure of pursuing heroics or villainy and indeed seeks out dating/seeing two different girls to try and better determine that. We also learn he is neither the strongest nor weakest, though he has his strengths and weaknesses, of supers. Even his greatest strengths, intelligence included, he freely admits to being equaled or surpassed by others. He makes a suit and equipment to further enhance his chances but even then he doesn't suddenly become a "super among supers" and it is only *just* enough to to keep him alive in the end. And not in a deus ex machina self sacrifice but miraculously saved way either like some super novels have. No, it is in a grittier but consistent way inline with its utilities leading to that point.
Over all the novel does a fantastic job of making the Super seem normal, not as in our normal, rather in the sense that it is normal for that world. The fights have elements that are fantastical to our views, but just another fact of life in theirs.
The next book I have to say I hope continues the moral debate of hero/villain and is more focused on a big villainous arc in mirror of the hero one in this book. Besides Maria joins the school next time. I would also like to see a potential change in the general consensus of heroes with armor by the end of the next book, as after losing a teammate I would hope Theo and Carly will better prepare and gear their future teams, that and word should spread somewhat of a successful armor system being utilized as time and exposure go on.
February 12, 2018
Nice read
Good story with nice characters. The novels reality leaves a lot of openings to add to the tale. A relaxing read.
Good story with nice characters. The novels reality leaves a lot of openings to add to the tale. A relaxing read.
August 10, 2018
Good interesting book!!
A science fiction book that is great for people who like a mixture of drama and action! I would definitely recommend this!
A science fiction book that is great for people who like a mixture of drama and action! I would definitely recommend this!
December 5, 2017
This is a tough one to review. I..... didn't enjoyed it as much as I thought I would. On paper, this book would have been up my alley.
The protag is much of the problem, I think. He is the exact kind of character I don't like. He fancy himself smart, but his actions imply otherwise in a lot of situations. And it's like his hormones is leading him in everything he does, Carly can just lead him by the nose and he would happily follow along. Maybe, I'm just getting older.
I'll read the next book, there's potential to be good, so hopefully it gets better. On to the next.
The protag is much of the problem, I think. He is the exact kind of character I don't like. He fancy himself smart, but his actions imply otherwise in a lot of situations. And it's like his hormones is leading him in everything he does, Carly can just lead him by the nose and he would happily follow along. Maybe, I'm just getting older.
I'll read the next book, there's potential to be good, so hopefully it gets better. On to the next.
July 12, 2017
It was a good book
Not bad. It was very interesting read. These past few days I have been on a superhero kick. This is my second d one so far. I think it had good character building and a nice flow to it. There were times when it dragged because it was him in the lab creating something. Those seen did not really have action or appeal so it dragged on. I would definitely be reading any follow up novel that might come in this series.
Not bad. It was very interesting read. These past few days I have been on a superhero kick. This is my second d one so far. I think it had good character building and a nice flow to it. There were times when it dragged because it was him in the lab creating something. Those seen did not really have action or appeal so it dragged on. I would definitely be reading any follow up novel that might come in this series.
July 22, 2017
Seriously Good Story
Not only is the story plot super [heh] but the writing, editing (!), voice, characters,and structure are also. You can tell a lot of time went into polishing this gem. This makes an excellent starting series story and I hope to see much more. Highly recommended.
Not only is the story plot super [heh] but the writing, editing (!), voice, characters,and structure are also. You can tell a lot of time went into polishing this gem. This makes an excellent starting series story and I hope to see much more. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2020
Very Realistic
The good thing about this book is if there were super types they would be like this. No Superman's that juggle planets. No Thor's that are real pagan gods. Just people like this. Powered but within reason. The telepaths were kind blowing. If this was real in today's world they would have to do exactly what they do in this story or risk being exterminated by the rest of the planet. Than for they aren't real.
Theo and Carly are the main antogonists. The powers in this universe are identified and given levels. Super strength with a class level of 3 as an example. The is a speedster who decides to build an Iron Man like armor. This armor is more realistic. The author use quite a few scientific terms. Whether real or made up they are believable. Theo can't decide if he wants to be a hero or a villain. Neither actually. Theo is immune to telepaths violating his mind and that's where the story starts. Carly is a telepath. They hit it off. They get caught up dealing with a crime no one else is aware of. Thanks to telepathy. These telepathy are like a secret society. Theo and Carly build a team to solve this crime. I won't say anymore but this is worth a read. Going to download the next one. I like armored characters. Plus with a nice imaginative plot. The lack g may have been a tad slow but first books need to build everything up first. Definitely five star.
The good thing about this book is if there were super types they would be like this. No Superman's that juggle planets. No Thor's that are real pagan gods. Just people like this. Powered but within reason. The telepaths were kind blowing. If this was real in today's world they would have to do exactly what they do in this story or risk being exterminated by the rest of the planet. Than for they aren't real.
Theo and Carly are the main antogonists. The powers in this universe are identified and given levels. Super strength with a class level of 3 as an example. The is a speedster who decides to build an Iron Man like armor. This armor is more realistic. The author use quite a few scientific terms. Whether real or made up they are believable. Theo can't decide if he wants to be a hero or a villain. Neither actually. Theo is immune to telepaths violating his mind and that's where the story starts. Carly is a telepath. They hit it off. They get caught up dealing with a crime no one else is aware of. Thanks to telepathy. These telepathy are like a secret society. Theo and Carly build a team to solve this crime. I won't say anymore but this is worth a read. Going to download the next one. I like armored characters. Plus with a nice imaginative plot. The lack g may have been a tad slow but first books need to build everything up first. Definitely five star.
April 26, 2019
Great read but Needs More Polish
Reid starts this sci-fi page turner with a bang as it follows the story of college students looking to make it as superpowered beings in the world.
The book is fun, the characters are great and the action is enough to make any comic book geek out.
The only thing that is stopping me from giving this five stars is the treasure trove of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. I counted at least three by the end of the book and whilst these are not a deal breaker for me, it does nag at my extremely analytical mind... I don't know if I have the older copy or not.
Despite this, I will definitely consider getting book two in the series... I have no doubt the updated version probably fixes all the errors I found but I cannot confirm this. The story and characters are worth the price of admission alone so don't let the errors put you off as they are few and far between.
Reid starts this sci-fi page turner with a bang as it follows the story of college students looking to make it as superpowered beings in the world.
The book is fun, the characters are great and the action is enough to make any comic book geek out.
The only thing that is stopping me from giving this five stars is the treasure trove of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. I counted at least three by the end of the book and whilst these are not a deal breaker for me, it does nag at my extremely analytical mind... I don't know if I have the older copy or not.
Despite this, I will definitely consider getting book two in the series... I have no doubt the updated version probably fixes all the errors I found but I cannot confirm this. The story and characters are worth the price of admission alone so don't let the errors put you off as they are few and far between.
September 5, 2017
Wasted Potential
There is some good stuff here, but it is buried under all the bad.
Bad: The book starts with the author bio, a bio that needs proofreading. Much of the story is given in a short sentence or two, followed by two or three paragraphs of the same thing but with the meaningless and boring details. The protagonist is a whiny, irresponsible $#!? that I wanted to punch in the face. The pacing is awful.
Good: The world is complex and interesting. There is a layer of pseudo science applied to powers in an almost consistent fashion. Many of the characters are memorable. There is the seeds of a good book.
Overall: If he hired a good editor then he would have had a good book. Editors are to books as lawyers are to real estate; you can get by without them, but you'll look like a bumbling amateur instead of like a professional.
There is some good stuff here, but it is buried under all the bad.
Bad: The book starts with the author bio, a bio that needs proofreading. Much of the story is given in a short sentence or two, followed by two or three paragraphs of the same thing but with the meaningless and boring details. The protagonist is a whiny, irresponsible $#!? that I wanted to punch in the face. The pacing is awful.
Good: The world is complex and interesting. There is a layer of pseudo science applied to powers in an almost consistent fashion. Many of the characters are memorable. There is the seeds of a good book.
Overall: If he hired a good editor then he would have had a good book. Editors are to books as lawyers are to real estate; you can get by without them, but you'll look like a bumbling amateur instead of like a professional.
March 16, 2019
Kind of leaning more toward 3.5 since I ended up skimming some of the pages because it was information that had already been mentioned before.
It took me a bit to get into this book. There’s a few nitpicks I had here and there but not enough to prevent me from finishing this. It mainly had to do with the main character and how he just rubbed me the wrong way. Especially with the way he acted toward women in the very beginning of the book. Still kinda eh for the rest but I was interested in the telepath stuff so I kept reading.
It took me a bit to get into this book. There’s a few nitpicks I had here and there but not enough to prevent me from finishing this. It mainly had to do with the main character and how he just rubbed me the wrong way. Especially with the way he acted toward women in the very beginning of the book. Still kinda eh for the rest but I was interested in the telepath stuff so I kept reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2017
The plot was interesting. But the protagonist is a Gary Stu. No plan fails. None. There is a bad thing that happens to someone else that briefly affects him. But he is a genius. With speed and strength. Lady magnet. Never really wrong. etc.
I do see promise in the writing and think future books can improve.
I do see promise in the writing and think future books can improve.
August 12, 2019
Intensely enjoyable
I found this book a fun interesting new take on the trope of"an academy for the gifted" as well as some fun new takes on the world of superheroes the main character is flawed yet likeable and the first person point of view reality allows you to understand some great area decisions he makes
I found this book a fun interesting new take on the trope of"an academy for the gifted" as well as some fun new takes on the world of superheroes the main character is flawed yet likeable and the first person point of view reality allows you to understand some great area decisions he makes
March 22, 2019
Pretty good
This book is kind of fast and loose with history to explain why everyone has super powers, but the story was pretty good.
The MC was like able enough and wasn't not OP. Not sure if I'll read the next book.
This book is kind of fast and loose with history to explain why everyone has super powers, but the story was pretty good.
The MC was like able enough and wasn't not OP. Not sure if I'll read the next book.
March 30, 2019
Great first book
This was a great first book. I’m looking forward to seeing what more follows this new author I believe that the pacing is great the characters are interesting and I like the first person narrative.
This was a great first book. I’m looking forward to seeing what more follows this new author I believe that the pacing is great the characters are interesting and I like the first person narrative.
March 26, 2018
It started out fairly good but I was never drawn in and to much detail about the classes/rating of the supers
November 16, 2018
This was an interesting cute read. I liked how it showed theo unsure about what he wanted to do. I would recommend this book!
June 14, 2019
Excellent!
This book took me on a most excellent adventure. Very good care of this very good thorough development. Very good story. I found it to be excellent!
This book took me on a most excellent adventure. Very good care of this very good thorough development. Very good story. I found it to be excellent!
October 29, 2018
Kind of interesting but not a lot of worldbuilding.
Felt like MC's superpowers were not really well defined. To quote a complaint I've seen about LitRPG (no I am NOT calling this LitRPG) "he ends up being one of those "generalists" who are better at everything than the specialists are".
Also not a great sense of him as a character. Ok, he's exploring a little, trying to decide if he wants to be a hero or a villain. He falls into a lot of hero work but doesn't seem to care much about morality. He has a negative reaction to learning the truth about telepaths, which is somewhat informative. Overall it's hard to relate to him. 2.5/5 character.
The telepath thing was somewhat interesting and decently explored and discussed. Reasonable analogy to government spying/ data privacy. They talk about it enough to cover some of the main nuances. Obvious, fast moving telepaths are quickly shut down as villains, but if the entire telepath community is slowly taught "It's ok to constantly read and change non-telepath's minds" it can easily slide into the morally gray area. Obviously the non-telepaths who learn about it have an instinctual fear because they can't defend against it, but its still easy to argue that the telepaths are in the moral wrong. Who's going to argue that what they're doing is wrong when no one else even knows about it?
Finally, the whole society's perspective is kinda weird to me. I can't relate. It's normal for high schoolers and college age students to do serious super work? I prefer something like Worm. It's pretty clear how the society works, because its almost exactly the same as ours with a few major, non-systemic differences.
Felt like MC's superpowers were not really well defined. To quote a complaint I've seen about LitRPG (no I am NOT calling this LitRPG) "he ends up being one of those "generalists" who are better at everything than the specialists are".
Also not a great sense of him as a character. Ok, he's exploring a little, trying to decide if he wants to be a hero or a villain. He falls into a lot of hero work but doesn't seem to care much about morality. He has a negative reaction to learning the truth about telepaths, which is somewhat informative. Overall it's hard to relate to him. 2.5/5 character.
The telepath thing was somewhat interesting and decently explored and discussed. Reasonable analogy to government spying/ data privacy. They talk about it enough to cover some of the main nuances. Obvious, fast moving telepaths are quickly shut down as villains, but if the entire telepath community is slowly taught "It's ok to constantly read and change non-telepath's minds" it can easily slide into the morally gray area. Obviously the non-telepaths who learn about it have an instinctual fear because they can't defend against it, but its still easy to argue that the telepaths are in the moral wrong. Who's going to argue that what they're doing is wrong when no one else even knows about it?
Finally, the whole society's perspective is kinda weird to me. I can't relate. It's normal for high schoolers and college age students to do serious super work? I prefer something like Worm. It's pretty clear how the society works, because its almost exactly the same as ours with a few major, non-systemic differences.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews