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Otherworld Academy #1
A Dance With Darkness
I’ve always felt like an outsider. Until my eighteenth birthday, I didn’t know how true that was. First, I started seeing strange things. Then, the tips of my ears began to shift. Now, even touching something made of iron makes me sick.
Am I losing my mind?
When four mysterious fae males corner me in the street, they bring terrifying news: I’m not human. I’m a changeling, a fae swapped at birth.
Under their powerful yet infuriating guidance, I return to Otherworld to train at their academy and determine to which of the four faerie courts I belong. But there’s something much more dangerous than the four fae vying for my attention.
And if I don’t unravel the fae’s secrets, none of the changelings will survive. Including me.
Am I losing my mind?
When four mysterious fae males corner me in the street, they bring terrifying news: I’m not human. I’m a changeling, a fae swapped at birth.
Under their powerful yet infuriating guidance, I return to Otherworld to train at their academy and determine to which of the four faerie courts I belong. But there’s something much more dangerous than the four fae vying for my attention.
And if I don’t unravel the fae’s secrets, none of the changelings will survive. Including me.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2018
1500 people are currently reading
3010 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Wolfhart
60 books1,544 followersJenna Wolfhart spends her days dreaming up stories about swoony fae kings and rugged blacksmiths. When she's not writing, she loves to do CrossFit competitions, rewatch Game of Thrones, collect Taylor Swift vinyls, and drink far too much coffee.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
August 24, 2020
4 STARS!
Reread!! Oh my godddddd I'm so glad I reread this because the author actually edited the shit out if it and rewrote so much content AND IM SO HAPPY YO ITS SO GOOD. So if you read this before, please read it again!!!
Pre-reread review:
So ya girl got kindle unlimited and stumbled across this book and found the synopsis interesting and decided to read it out of nowhere. I've never even heard the existence of this book before and not a single one of my friends have it in their shelf so I was a bit skeptical. I'm not the biggest fan of harem stories but um can I also have 4 hot faes pls thanks I'm thirsty as hell.
✨What I liked✨
1.THE BOYS
UM YO. YO YO YO YO. SO THE 4 BOYS CAME FROM 4 DIFFERENT COURTS OF OTHERWORLD AND UM YES?
Finn is the funny, mischievous, good ol' joker BUT I LIKE HIM (spring)
Liam is the hot, flirty, passionate dude BUT CAN I PLEASE HAVE HIM IN VENTI please thank you. GOD HE'S HOT AS HELL(summer)
Rourke is the mysterious and weird one since his appearance in the book is not as often as the rest of them but i'm drawn to him the most idk why god damn he's ugh (Autumn)
Kael is my winter sugar daddy. bye
2.Norah
I actually wasn't annoyed by her (I have a thing with hating MCs and issa shocker to me that I actually liked this bitch)
3.Pacing
idk man it was just addicting??? like I binged this shit.
✨What I didn't like✨
1.Words Chosen
like i get that this is also urban fantasy but you really expect me to believe that (sometimes) these fae that was born and raised in otherworlds speak like a modern day teenager? and that a school in fae world has a "gymnasium" and "apartment" sis? really?
THE AUTHOR EDITED AND CHANGED ALL THIS THANK GOD!!!
2.World building
I like it and dislike it at the same time.
I love the whole seasons part but sis really? why does their features got to do with their court? idk man. I needed more. I need more in-depth and complex worldbuilding.
Overall✨
'Twas a fun fun fun read and I'm glad I stumbled to this book tbh. brb reading the next book right now
Reread!! Oh my godddddd I'm so glad I reread this because the author actually edited the shit out if it and rewrote so much content AND IM SO HAPPY YO ITS SO GOOD. So if you read this before, please read it again!!!
Pre-reread review:
So ya girl got kindle unlimited and stumbled across this book and found the synopsis interesting and decided to read it out of nowhere. I've never even heard the existence of this book before and not a single one of my friends have it in their shelf so I was a bit skeptical. I'm not the biggest fan of harem stories but um can I also have 4 hot faes pls thanks I'm thirsty as hell.
✨What I liked✨
1.THE BOYS
UM YO. YO YO YO YO. SO THE 4 BOYS CAME FROM 4 DIFFERENT COURTS OF OTHERWORLD AND UM YES?
Finn is the funny, mischievous, good ol' joker BUT I LIKE HIM (spring)
Liam is the hot, flirty, passionate dude BUT CAN I PLEASE HAVE HIM IN VENTI please thank you. GOD HE'S HOT AS HELL(summer)
Rourke is the mysterious and weird one since his appearance in the book is not as often as the rest of them but i'm drawn to him the most idk why god damn he's ugh (Autumn)
Kael is my winter sugar daddy. bye
2.Norah
I actually wasn't annoyed by her (I have a thing with hating MCs and issa shocker to me that I actually liked this bitch)
3.Pacing
idk man it was just addicting??? like I binged this shit.
✨What I didn't like✨
like i get that this is also urban fantasy but you really expect me to believe that (sometimes) these fae that was born and raised in otherworlds speak like a modern day teenager? and that a school in fae world has a "gymnasium" and "apartment" sis? really?
THE AUTHOR EDITED AND CHANGED ALL THIS THANK GOD!!!
2.World building
I like it and dislike it at the same time.
I love the whole seasons part but sis really? why does their features got to do with their court? idk man. I needed more. I need more in-depth and complex worldbuilding.
Overall✨
'Twas a fun fun fun read and I'm glad I stumbled to this book tbh. brb reading the next book right now
July 2, 2018
A Reverse Harem book where the issues I have are minuscule, color me shocked.
This is a relatively clean RH, Norah has four guys which she feels a connection to when she should only connect with one, there's some magic, some animal out to get her, it is a bit cliched but I liked it! .
Best believe I have book two already waiting .
This is a relatively clean RH, Norah has four guys which she feels a connection to when she should only connect with one, there's some magic, some animal out to get her, it is a bit cliched but I liked it! .
Best believe I have book two already waiting .
May 9, 2018
Well, I just spent a very enjoyable morning flying through this little gem! I knew nothing about it going in, but saw it on Kindle Unlimited and realised it would work well for a challenge. As a reverse harem fantasy about the Fae world, complete with seasonal Courts, it was giving me serious ACOTAR x Kit Davenport vibes, so I thought I'd give it a go. It's not mind-blowing or fantastic literature, but it was a very fun, mindless fantasy read that I ended up really liking!
This book follows Norah, a young girl living in a troubled home who discovers she is a Changeling. She is taken to Otherworld Academy to learn about her Fae gifts and discover which Court she belongs to. Her 4 instructors, one from each Court, are predictably attractive, all with different characteristics and qualities. I really liked the love interests, I liked how different they were and Norah's moments with each of them. Norah herself isn't unsufferable for a heroine, she is still quite independent and fierce, though she isn't my favourite. I liked her friendship with Bree and the positive female friendships. There's some very cool political intrigue going on with the Otherworld that I thought was well done. It's quite a developed world, I think, and it has a lot of capacity to grow in sequels. The writing was a little off at the start but got much better as the book progressed. The magic system is fairly typical, but still interesting. I think the main reason I liked this is that it has a purely addictive quality to it-once I started, I couldn't stop!
This is what I'd call an innocent reverse harem-it has 4 great love interests without any of the extensive sexual content you'd find in most books of this nature. I was afraid it was going to be another one of those types, and I was very wary when I started! But it's really quite different and if you are intrigued by the idea of a reverse harem but don't like erotic content, this will be worth the read. (Or even if you do, I think it's worth a try!) I'm very glad book 2 is out in the next few days, because this might be a new guilty pleasure!
This book follows Norah, a young girl living in a troubled home who discovers she is a Changeling. She is taken to Otherworld Academy to learn about her Fae gifts and discover which Court she belongs to. Her 4 instructors, one from each Court, are predictably attractive, all with different characteristics and qualities. I really liked the love interests, I liked how different they were and Norah's moments with each of them. Norah herself isn't unsufferable for a heroine, she is still quite independent and fierce, though she isn't my favourite. I liked her friendship with Bree and the positive female friendships. There's some very cool political intrigue going on with the Otherworld that I thought was well done. It's quite a developed world, I think, and it has a lot of capacity to grow in sequels. The writing was a little off at the start but got much better as the book progressed. The magic system is fairly typical, but still interesting. I think the main reason I liked this is that it has a purely addictive quality to it-once I started, I couldn't stop!
This is what I'd call an innocent reverse harem-it has 4 great love interests without any of the extensive sexual content you'd find in most books of this nature. I was afraid it was going to be another one of those types, and I was very wary when I started! But it's really quite different and if you are intrigued by the idea of a reverse harem but don't like erotic content, this will be worth the read. (Or even if you do, I think it's worth a try!) I'm very glad book 2 is out in the next few days, because this might be a new guilty pleasure!
June 17, 2021
3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining and fast read with plenty of hot fae all vying for Norah's attention. If you enjoy fantasy mixed with a bit of a harem relationship, then you will definitely this.
This was an entertaining and fast read with plenty of hot fae all vying for Norah's attention. If you enjoy fantasy mixed with a bit of a harem relationship, then you will definitely this.
August 29, 2018
Only got 24% of the way into this book before I had to put it down. The book began with incredibly annoying cliches. Authors take note: in a dark dance club, with pink and green lights bouncing off the neon walls, there is NO WAY a person will be able to see someone else’s eye color across the room. There is also no way a teenager who is buying booze illegally is going to run off and leave the drinks after paying for them.
Plot problem: these guys are supposed to be taking her back to the land of the fae or something, but they keep leaving her after following her. Makes no sense. She keeps fainting and then waking up in bed. If they know where she lives, why don’t they just go talk to her? Why stalk her at a club and then on the street? If there are answers, they didn’t come soon enough in the novel.
Police procedure: if there was really a problem and she was considered a suspect in Lars’ murder, how do they explain the lack of blood on her clothing? They don’t even ask to see it.
The whole beginning is reactionary. I have adrenal fatigue and am annoyed by the characters. I literally cannot continue because this novel makes me want to throw things.
Plot problem: these guys are supposed to be taking her back to the land of the fae or something, but they keep leaving her after following her. Makes no sense. She keeps fainting and then waking up in bed. If they know where she lives, why don’t they just go talk to her? Why stalk her at a club and then on the street? If there are answers, they didn’t come soon enough in the novel.
Police procedure: if there was really a problem and she was considered a suspect in Lars’ murder, how do they explain the lack of blood on her clothing? They don’t even ask to see it.
The whole beginning is reactionary. I have adrenal fatigue and am annoyed by the characters. I literally cannot continue because this novel makes me want to throw things.
May 31, 2018
wow great first book very hard to put down loved it!
April 26, 2018
Characters
This was a hard book for me to read. The writing was good and it flowed really nicely. I just wasn't really interested in the characters. The girl didn't really entice me to see what would happen next with her.
This was a hard book for me to read. The writing was good and it flowed really nicely. I just wasn't really interested in the characters. The girl didn't really entice me to see what would happen next with her.
June 11, 2021
Bahhhh I love her books! What a great writer! Can’t wait to start the next one tonight!!
April 26, 2018
I’m only dancing
KU
Despite the weird looking cover this wasa harmless reverse harem novel that would currently grade as YA. The characters are all pretty normal and this is fairly typical of the fae fantasy genre.
KU
Despite the weird looking cover this wasa harmless reverse harem novel that would currently grade as YA. The characters are all pretty normal and this is fairly typical of the fae fantasy genre.
October 13, 2019
❇ October Kindle Unlimited BotM at the URR™ ❇
Boring + Predictable = Nope ÷ (Stupid + Eyeroll) = Noooooooope²
Boring + Predictable = Nope ÷ (Stupid + Eyeroll) = Noooooooope²
May 1, 2018
Yassss this was freaking awesome!! I am so freaking happy we’re getting more fantasy RH!! Add this to my list of new favorites! I can’t wait for book 2!
July 15, 2018
Book 1
The Fae world felt authentic. Saving Bree with something I did not think would happen, but Norah did it. Who was her human mother? Who gave her the necklace? Is Norah the child of Marin? These are questions hopefully I will receive answers to in the next book. I adore Kael. Finn and the others are not as memorable. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Happy reading!
The Fae world felt authentic. Saving Bree with something I did not think would happen, but Norah did it. Who was her human mother? Who gave her the necklace? Is Norah the child of Marin? These are questions hopefully I will receive answers to in the next book. I adore Kael. Finn and the others are not as memorable. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Happy reading!
April 23, 2018
You know what...that was surprisingly good! And even better...the next book is out in just a couple weeks :)
3.75 to 4 stars
Okay, so if you can get past the extremely timid cliché heroine, Norah, and can push through the wonky pacing in the first third of the book, this is a surprisingly enjoyable read.
Yes, Norah can be frustrating (just look at my ranting as I was reading). So can more than half of the MC's in RH novels it seems. However, she shows a great deal of character development and growth over the course of the book. And there is a believable reason given for much of her earlier "personality". Overall, that bodes well for the series.
And I really like Liam (Spring), Kael (Summer), Rourke (Autumn) and Finn (Winter). It is a great harem. The way the author has fit personality types to each of the four fae Courts is creative and ensures all four males feel distinctly different from one another. She has also given specific unique magical gifts to each Court, in addition to general magics that all fae possess.
Which leads me to the world-building. I really like this creative version of the fae (and that is coming from someone who generally does not like fae as much as almost any other paranormal type). I look forward to exploring more of this world as the story develops.
In addition, the book is cleanly and simply written. I rarely found myself pulled from the story by grammatical or typographical errors. Bravo!
All in all, I would say it is worth a read, especially if you are a fan of the fae.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
89.0% "Oh my god. You are all talking about the necklace now, Norah. Don't you think its time to tell them about the Autumn fae's reaction to it??"
86.0% "You silly girl...TELL. THEM. WHAT. THE. AUTUMN. FAE. SAID. TO. YOU! grrr"
73.0% "Yeah, suuuure. 'Cause it is completely logical to think you can hunt around on foot at the edge of an entire Court of the Otherworld and find one individual who is hiding there. And be back at school before anyone notices you are missing or night falls. Uh huh. Yep. Soooo smart."
73.0% "And fuuuuck...we are back to her being stoopid.
Why wouldn't she take someone with her?! It's not like Kael didn't know what was going on."
72.0% "hehe Norah #whychoose?"
68.0% "Whoa...another huge shocker! I see the clues in hindsight, but it took me by surprise. So I guess this book isn't completely predictable after all :)"
67.0% "Aaaaand...she's back to being a twit. That didn't last long. *sigh*"
62.0% "And FINALLY! I sure as shitting hope the attitude adjustment sticks..."
60.0% "Okay, now that was a shocker to me. Didn't see that one coming. (maybe partially because I had preconceived notions about the monsters since Redcap was a fae term I was familiar with from other books)"
59.0% "Did I mention this bitch is STOOOPID? She just stands there watching this thing crawl into her bedroom instead of running out, slamming the door and/or screaming???"
57.0% "My first question had been what on earth does her roommate think of Norah being gone all night, but this answers that question - Sophia DID report Norah missing when she was gone. But even though Liam said recruits often went out to tour the Otherworld and there was nothing wrong with it, you would think that permission from someone/notification would be required. This is all a little strange and not very believable."
55.0% "This seems rather anachronistic for a fantasy fae realm...why would they call it "a birthday suit" instead of saying "wearing nothing at all" or "naked"? And RADIATOR? They have radiators in the fae Otherworld?!"
47.0% "Uh...so who the hell is she going to say DID heal her? Not like she can hide that she is healed." (and apparently, we will never find out...that was just skipped over as an issue)
44.0% "Sigh..you know it isn't going well with an MC when you want the monster to eat her and just have it all end."
43.0% "Alright...this MC is starting to piss me off. Just suck it up already!"
40.0% "Boy...Norah takes timid and passive to a whole new level...."
31.0% "Pretty predictable so far...and looks like it will remain so if what is being foreshadowed is what ends up happening."
26.0% "Honestly, I think the pacing is off on this book so far. It took an awfully long time to get to the catalyst. A quarter of the book to set up what her life once was and why it has all come tumbling down and she has to do something differently? That is too much."
23.0%
23.0% "I dunno...if it was me, and there were monsters only I could see killing people around me, and I had nothing left in my life and was feeling such despair with nowhere to go...I'd kind of WANT to be arrested and go to jail where I'd be protected, have a roof over my head, and three squares a day. But maybe that's just me."
21.0% "Why the hell is she running away instead of doing the audition? She knows the thing didn't chase her into the light. And going out into the dark outside is MORE likely to encounter the beast again than staying in the theater. This girl really is an idiot. And so unbelievably wimpy. And clueless."
3.75 to 4 stars
Okay, so if you can get past the extremely timid cliché heroine, Norah, and can push through the wonky pacing in the first third of the book, this is a surprisingly enjoyable read.
Yes, Norah can be frustrating (just look at my ranting as I was reading). So can more than half of the MC's in RH novels it seems. However, she shows a great deal of character development and growth over the course of the book. And there is a believable reason given for much of her earlier "personality". Overall, that bodes well for the series.
And I really like Liam (Spring), Kael (Summer), Rourke (Autumn) and Finn (Winter). It is a great harem. The way the author has fit personality types to each of the four fae Courts is creative and ensures all four males feel distinctly different from one another. She has also given specific unique magical gifts to each Court, in addition to general magics that all fae possess.
Which leads me to the world-building. I really like this creative version of the fae (and that is coming from someone who generally does not like fae as much as almost any other paranormal type). I look forward to exploring more of this world as the story develops.
In addition, the book is cleanly and simply written. I rarely found myself pulled from the story by grammatical or typographical errors. Bravo!
All in all, I would say it is worth a read, especially if you are a fan of the fae.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
89.0% "Oh my god. You are all talking about the necklace now, Norah. Don't you think its time to tell them about the Autumn fae's reaction to it??"
86.0% "You silly girl...TELL. THEM. WHAT. THE. AUTUMN. FAE. SAID. TO. YOU! grrr"
73.0% "Yeah, suuuure. 'Cause it is completely logical to think you can hunt around on foot at the edge of an entire Court of the Otherworld and find one individual who is hiding there. And be back at school before anyone notices you are missing or night falls. Uh huh. Yep. Soooo smart."
73.0% "And fuuuuck...we are back to her being stoopid.
Why wouldn't she take someone with her?! It's not like Kael didn't know what was going on."
72.0% "hehe Norah #whychoose?"
68.0% "Whoa...another huge shocker! I see the clues in hindsight, but it took me by surprise. So I guess this book isn't completely predictable after all :)"
67.0% "Aaaaand...she's back to being a twit. That didn't last long. *sigh*"
62.0% "And FINALLY! I sure as shitting hope the attitude adjustment sticks..."
60.0% "Okay, now that was a shocker to me. Didn't see that one coming. (maybe partially because I had preconceived notions about the monsters since Redcap was a fae term I was familiar with from other books)"
59.0% "Did I mention this bitch is STOOOPID? She just stands there watching this thing crawl into her bedroom instead of running out, slamming the door and/or screaming???"
57.0% "My first question had been what on earth does her roommate think of Norah being gone all night, but this answers that question - Sophia DID report Norah missing when she was gone. But even though Liam said recruits often went out to tour the Otherworld and there was nothing wrong with it, you would think that permission from someone/notification would be required. This is all a little strange and not very believable."
55.0% "This seems rather anachronistic for a fantasy fae realm...why would they call it "a birthday suit" instead of saying "wearing nothing at all" or "naked"? And RADIATOR? They have radiators in the fae Otherworld?!"
47.0% "Uh...so who the hell is she going to say DID heal her? Not like she can hide that she is healed." (and apparently, we will never find out...that was just skipped over as an issue)
44.0% "Sigh..you know it isn't going well with an MC when you want the monster to eat her and just have it all end."
43.0% "Alright...this MC is starting to piss me off. Just suck it up already!"
40.0% "Boy...Norah takes timid and passive to a whole new level...."
31.0% "Pretty predictable so far...and looks like it will remain so if what is being foreshadowed is what ends up happening."
26.0% "Honestly, I think the pacing is off on this book so far. It took an awfully long time to get to the catalyst. A quarter of the book to set up what her life once was and why it has all come tumbling down and she has to do something differently? That is too much."
23.0%
"I’d just run from the cops. They’d found me at a murder scene, and I’d done the worst thing in the world I could do.No shit. Well, at least she realized it, if a little too late."
23.0% "I dunno...if it was me, and there were monsters only I could see killing people around me, and I had nothing left in my life and was feeling such despair with nowhere to go...I'd kind of WANT to be arrested and go to jail where I'd be protected, have a roof over my head, and three squares a day. But maybe that's just me."
21.0% "Why the hell is she running away instead of doing the audition? She knows the thing didn't chase her into the light. And going out into the dark outside is MORE likely to encounter the beast again than staying in the theater. This girl really is an idiot. And so unbelievably wimpy. And clueless."
October 4, 2019
This was an okay to start to the series. I enjoyed the characters and the overall storyline. The writing was a bit dull at times and didn't grab me as much as I would have liked.
Even though this is a RH book, nothing more than a kiss or two happens in this book. She is mostly just getting to know the 4 guys who will be her mates.
I am interested in what happens from here but not enough to actually pay for the next books. Since they are in KU, I will give book 2 a go and see if I enjoy the writing more.
Even though this is a RH book, nothing more than a kiss or two happens in this book. She is mostly just getting to know the 4 guys who will be her mates.
I am interested in what happens from here but not enough to actually pay for the next books. Since they are in KU, I will give book 2 a go and see if I enjoy the writing more.
July 18, 2018
Meh. About par for the YA reverse harem novels I've read thus far but definitely nothing to be impressed by. Really was just interested in it because fae stories are my forte. :P Undecided if I'll continue the series.
April 9, 2018
Completely predictable. I just found it boring, and lacking any real depth with the charters and their relationships.
March 28, 2018
I have been a fan of Ms. Wolfhart’s since I first read the Bone Coven Chronicles series. To be honest, young/new adult is a genre I try not to read much of just because there are so many books to read and so little time. However, since I am a big fan of Ms. Wolfhart’s, I went ahead and tried this book. What a great book it was and just emphasizes why I am such a big fan! This book was full of great action and mystery, had wonderful characters I loved, and a plot that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Although I found the first little bit of the book a little slow, the action quickly picked up and I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. I don’t think the next book can get here quickly enough as I am anxious to find out what will happen next. Give this one a try if you like action-packed, young adult/new adult urban fantasy! Highly recommend!
March 30, 2018
Mah...
I'm not sure if I liked or hated this story. I did finish it though. the plot is pretty much what held my interest, I'm a big fan of fae, and this storyline had me guessing what was going on in a intriguing way. Downs, well first I didn't like out main girl. She felt weak and plain ignorant of answers right in front of her face. I rolled my eyes at her inner thoughts, and when brave she still stood weak minded, It was a sad struggle to really like her. And the chemistry? Well where was it, she likes the guys but why?it seems like they like her as well? Ok why! There is zero chemistry going on with all of them. It's just pretty much written as so, you don't have heated glances, or pretty whispers words. It fell very short in those departments.
I'm not sure if I liked or hated this story. I did finish it though. the plot is pretty much what held my interest, I'm a big fan of fae, and this storyline had me guessing what was going on in a intriguing way. Downs, well first I didn't like out main girl. She felt weak and plain ignorant of answers right in front of her face. I rolled my eyes at her inner thoughts, and when brave she still stood weak minded, It was a sad struggle to really like her. And the chemistry? Well where was it, she likes the guys but why?it seems like they like her as well? Ok why! There is zero chemistry going on with all of them. It's just pretty much written as so, you don't have heated glances, or pretty whispers words. It fell very short in those departments.
June 18, 2018
Sooo this book was pretty okay. I liked it enough to want to keep reading it, which seems to be difficult for me these days. I liked that I finally found a RH that isn’t all about sex and hardly a plot. This one had amazing side characters that were the MC friends, and the guys weren’t overly crazy.
I just just thought this was a little bit on the cheesy side and while I actually like stories with mate connections and stuff like that, this one felt a little bit weird. I’m not sure why. I’ll probably end up reading the next book at least.
I just just thought this was a little bit on the cheesy side and while I actually like stories with mate connections and stuff like that, this one felt a little bit weird. I’m not sure why. I’ll probably end up reading the next book at least.
January 13, 2021
This book had a lot of potential - it is RH but all the guys have very distinct personalities, which I really appreciate, and the main character is not a pain in the ass. However, I think it was way too rushed - a lot of cool scenes were under-developed, and could have turned out so much better. The same goes to the story as a whole, considering everything that happened in this book, it could have had 200 extra pages. It was still entertaining, though.. :)
June 3, 2018
More 2. Something- the writing is technically fine but the plot was thin and fell into a lot of Mary Sue weaknesses: clumsy, all powerful, beautiful, purest heart becomes magical queen blah blah. Thinly developed characters with no real well developed nonprotag women
May 17, 2018
This was a well built story and a good introduction to a new series. I liked all the characters and I’m looking forward to them all developing their relationships.
July 4, 2018
Sped through this first instalment in the Otherworld Academy series. It was a enjoyable read and I’ll be moving onto the second book pronto
April 9, 2020
Well this actually sucked me in and I had fun guessing some of the story line. I am left with a few questions but hopefully they will be answered later on. I like the growing relationships and how each guy is completely different from the others. I like the action and the story which is slowly being unearthed.
January 24, 2019
January 24, 2019: Currently the entire trilogy is on sale on Kindle for like another day, so if you were interested, snatch them up now at 99 cents each! Normally they're $2.99 a piece and, in my opinion, that's very overpriced.
I'm not very discerning when it comes to pretty covers, I'll admit it. I love digital paintings like this and really think the artist has a lovely style, so the cover art gets 5/5 from me and I hope the artist does more book covers in the future.
I also love faeries and want there to be more faerie stories. I really do not want there be a total of 3 good stories about faeries, but it seems we're still waiting.
Sadly, the interior, was ultimately... subpar. Not to say that it was bad, I got through the book in about 2 hours and I'll be continuing with the series, which is in itself an achievement, but it was way too fast paced and under built to be anything really engaging. Everything happens super suddenly and in rapid succession without any time used to let anything grow or develop or simmer. It reads very juvenile, like an episodic fan fic from a, albeit competent, fourteen year old who's mind hops from plot point to plot point because they lack the attention span to care about seeing things unfold realistically or have time to come into themselves.
It's actually kind of sad that reverse harem novels have fallen to this level of basic, short, simple storytelling. You'd think 2+ love interests would invite ample romance scenes and relationship development, but in a lot of cases, the attraction is instant, absolute, and things go from first meeting to lust-filled devotion at hyper-drive speed. Characters barely know one another or have done much beside some general banter and lusting before they're kissing and devoted and halfway into having sex. Plus, the story is so haphazardly thrown together and takes its cues from the most basic, predictable, well-used plots so the reader basically gets the entire picture without the author needing to develop things.
This kind of writing style really seems more fit for a way younger audience (like, 13 and under, seeing as things happen super rapidly and everything is condensed down to the most basic) yet it's used for a story with an 18 year old heroine that has references to sex. There's nothing more than hugging and kissing, but like, we all know they're all going to have sex, even if it's a fade to black. I don't know, but I feel like the target audience for these tales should crave more maturity and complexity to their stories.
I suppose it gets three stars simply because, if nothing else, it's way better than Heiress of Light: Magic Reborn and Sakura: A Secret Kiss which are the two worst reverse harems I've ever read and probably the norm for this genre. But it's still not nearly as good as Charcoal Tears which is probably the best reverse harem I've come across merely because it builds the relationships and has a complex story that isn't super clear from page one.
I really like the ideas presented in this series, but it's just so sad how they're not elevated beyond basic bitch storytelling. I suppose this is suited for more casual readers who don't crave the same kind of complexity and emotional depth as I do, but god, faeries can be such a rich, dark, captivating subject that it always boggles my mind when they're done so... simply. Legends have faeries seducing people in the night, tricking them with food, stealing babies, preying on the weak, having the most obscenely complex courts, yet this story seems like it unfolds in a world the size of a golf course with a clear villain, a clear chosen one queen, clear romantic relationships, and a clear resolution.
I couldn't make this story more cookie cutter predictable and cliche if I tried.
:/
I'm not very discerning when it comes to pretty covers, I'll admit it. I love digital paintings like this and really think the artist has a lovely style, so the cover art gets 5/5 from me and I hope the artist does more book covers in the future.
I also love faeries and want there to be more faerie stories. I really do not want there be a total of 3 good stories about faeries, but it seems we're still waiting.
Sadly, the interior, was ultimately... subpar. Not to say that it was bad, I got through the book in about 2 hours and I'll be continuing with the series, which is in itself an achievement, but it was way too fast paced and under built to be anything really engaging. Everything happens super suddenly and in rapid succession without any time used to let anything grow or develop or simmer. It reads very juvenile, like an episodic fan fic from a, albeit competent, fourteen year old who's mind hops from plot point to plot point because they lack the attention span to care about seeing things unfold realistically or have time to come into themselves.
It's actually kind of sad that reverse harem novels have fallen to this level of basic, short, simple storytelling. You'd think 2+ love interests would invite ample romance scenes and relationship development, but in a lot of cases, the attraction is instant, absolute, and things go from first meeting to lust-filled devotion at hyper-drive speed. Characters barely know one another or have done much beside some general banter and lusting before they're kissing and devoted and halfway into having sex. Plus, the story is so haphazardly thrown together and takes its cues from the most basic, predictable, well-used plots so the reader basically gets the entire picture without the author needing to develop things.
This kind of writing style really seems more fit for a way younger audience (like, 13 and under, seeing as things happen super rapidly and everything is condensed down to the most basic) yet it's used for a story with an 18 year old heroine that has references to sex. There's nothing more than hugging and kissing, but like, we all know they're all going to have sex, even if it's a fade to black. I don't know, but I feel like the target audience for these tales should crave more maturity and complexity to their stories.
I suppose it gets three stars simply because, if nothing else, it's way better than Heiress of Light: Magic Reborn and Sakura: A Secret Kiss which are the two worst reverse harems I've ever read and probably the norm for this genre. But it's still not nearly as good as Charcoal Tears which is probably the best reverse harem I've come across merely because it builds the relationships and has a complex story that isn't super clear from page one.
I really like the ideas presented in this series, but it's just so sad how they're not elevated beyond basic bitch storytelling. I suppose this is suited for more casual readers who don't crave the same kind of complexity and emotional depth as I do, but god, faeries can be such a rich, dark, captivating subject that it always boggles my mind when they're done so... simply. Legends have faeries seducing people in the night, tricking them with food, stealing babies, preying on the weak, having the most obscenely complex courts, yet this story seems like it unfolds in a world the size of a golf course with a clear villain, a clear chosen one queen, clear romantic relationships, and a clear resolution.
I couldn't make this story more cookie cutter predictable and cliche if I tried.
:/
April 15, 2018
All Norah wanted was to be normal and accepted. What she got was being a changeling fae... After tragic events force her to go to Otherworld to attend the Academy, it seems something is seriously amiss: not only is she attracted to the 4 fae men who brought her there but there is unrest between the courts, monsters are on the loose and now even the changelings are being targeted...
My take on the book:
The first two chapters had me shaking my head, trying to think of the reasons I so wanted to read this book now when I had so many others to read... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand then it seemed the author clicked into the story and well, I just couldn't put it down.
The world building was great, the author is able to picture the necessary settings without fail, giving the reader a wonderful and immersive world to be in.
You have so many directions and possibilities you can go to with fae stories and the plot for this one is solid.
There were some errors at the start, some names that weren't in the right place, but I noticed these only at the start and they didn't really bother me.
Pacing was good, we had enough time to get our bearings and move ahead with the story before our cast was on an adventure again.
Character development was good. We got to know the cast, however we don't know much about their pasts (nor really much about Norah's past either). Some more background would be nice, but is in this book not essential to the continuation and the feel of the interaction between the characters.
All in all I must admit I'm taken by this one, the story is a good one, the characters aren't over the top and are relatable/likeable and it made me growl just thinking I have to wait till the next instalment is out... patience is not one of my virtues :)
If you're looking for a reverse harem but with enough of those (urban)fantasy vibes that make up a good story? Look no further and enjoy this one!
My take on the book:
The first two chapters had me shaking my head, trying to think of the reasons I so wanted to read this book now when I had so many others to read... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand then it seemed the author clicked into the story and well, I just couldn't put it down.
The world building was great, the author is able to picture the necessary settings without fail, giving the reader a wonderful and immersive world to be in.
You have so many directions and possibilities you can go to with fae stories and the plot for this one is solid.
There were some errors at the start, some names that weren't in the right place, but I noticed these only at the start and they didn't really bother me.
Pacing was good, we had enough time to get our bearings and move ahead with the story before our cast was on an adventure again.
Character development was good. We got to know the cast, however we don't know much about their pasts (nor really much about Norah's past either). Some more background would be nice, but is in this book not essential to the continuation and the feel of the interaction between the characters.
All in all I must admit I'm taken by this one, the story is a good one, the characters aren't over the top and are relatable/likeable and it made me growl just thinking I have to wait till the next instalment is out... patience is not one of my virtues :)
If you're looking for a reverse harem but with enough of those (urban)fantasy vibes that make up a good story? Look no further and enjoy this one!
Read
December 19, 2018I am leaving rating off on this one because I don’t know how to rate it. I have very mixed feelings about this book.
First thing first, I picked this book up without knowing anything about it. It was very much a cover buy, and yes, I know that’s stupid, but I loved the artwork and it gave me some fairytale sleeping beauty vibes. But that was definitely not what the book was about.
Due to the fact that I hadn’t informed myself about what the book was about, I didn’t know that it was a RH (Reserved Harem) story. And well, that’s not really my cup of tea. I think had I known this before buying the books, I most likely wouldn’t have bought it. But if you are into this trope, I think you would like this book.
At first, I was a bit taken aback by the fact that there were 4 love interests, but I just rolled with it and though: well at the end she is going to pick one guy. But nope. I was wrong. Anyway, I found the world very interesting. The whole academy where Fae changelings learn to control their powers was great, and I liked the character dynamics a lot. The MC had great female friendships, there was no girl on girl hate, and overall everyone just respected each other and their choices. Even the love interests were fun, and all were so different. I think it was well done how the author matched their personalities to their courts/seasons.
It was overall just a fun book, but I know I would have enjoyed it so much more if it hadn’t been an Rh story. That’s just not for me, sorry.
Additionally, I should add that I found some of the scenes happened way too fat. It seemed a little bit rushed. Some fight scene didn’t even last one page.
Overall, I think it’s a quite enjoyable books, IF you are into the whole RH thing. I certainly am not into this, so joke’s on me for not informing myself better about this book.
First thing first, I picked this book up without knowing anything about it. It was very much a cover buy, and yes, I know that’s stupid, but I loved the artwork and it gave me some fairytale sleeping beauty vibes. But that was definitely not what the book was about.
Due to the fact that I hadn’t informed myself about what the book was about, I didn’t know that it was a RH (Reserved Harem) story. And well, that’s not really my cup of tea. I think had I known this before buying the books, I most likely wouldn’t have bought it. But if you are into this trope, I think you would like this book.
At first, I was a bit taken aback by the fact that there were 4 love interests, but I just rolled with it and though: well at the end she is going to pick one guy. But nope. I was wrong. Anyway, I found the world very interesting. The whole academy where Fae changelings learn to control their powers was great, and I liked the character dynamics a lot. The MC had great female friendships, there was no girl on girl hate, and overall everyone just respected each other and their choices. Even the love interests were fun, and all were so different. I think it was well done how the author matched their personalities to their courts/seasons.
It was overall just a fun book, but I know I would have enjoyed it so much more if it hadn’t been an Rh story. That’s just not for me, sorry.
Additionally, I should add that I found some of the scenes happened way too fat. It seemed a little bit rushed. Some fight scene didn’t even last one page.
Overall, I think it’s a quite enjoyable books, IF you are into the whole RH thing. I certainly am not into this, so joke’s on me for not informing myself better about this book.
April 25, 2018
This is one of those reads that will sneak upon you, take you by surprise and sweep you off your freaking two left feet. Ahem. The heroine has grown before my eyes, from a seemingly weak, naive and a tad whiny girl, she flourished into a strong, more than capable woman. And I'm not just talking about her powers and skills as a changeling. I'm talking about her character. I felt so guilty and ashamed to raise my nose down at her for a moment. I'm so glad she finally found where she belonged and that she's slowly getting what she more than deserves.
I'm so glad the heroes aren't one-dimensional. They are just as equally great as the heroine. They become the strength and confidence she needs. They are able to make her see-and make me see, too, actually-how truly exceptional and beautiful she is.
Obviously, the story floored me. Though I initially guessed what might be the heroine's origins and what does that necklace does to her, I enjoyed the how. How the story panned out. How it has taken me to the end. I was humbled.
Can't wait for more!
March 31, 2018
4.5/5
This book was exactly what I was craving. I mean, fae, a fae school, and fae mates = sign me up.
I honestly enjoyed this story so much. It was very hard for me to put it down and the writing was very pleasant.
You cannot get bored because there is always something happening.
Yes, it is a bit predictable but it didn't lessen my reading experience.
I absolutely love the four male protagonists that are all very different and interesting.
Also, the main female character Norah is also really nice and I liked following her through her discovery of the fae world she now evolves in.
I pretty much liked everything about A Dance With Darkness and am super excited to read the next book in the series!
100% recommend, it's super nice.
This book was exactly what I was craving. I mean, fae, a fae school, and fae mates = sign me up.
I honestly enjoyed this story so much. It was very hard for me to put it down and the writing was very pleasant.
You cannot get bored because there is always something happening.
Yes, it is a bit predictable but it didn't lessen my reading experience.
I absolutely love the four male protagonists that are all very different and interesting.
Also, the main female character Norah is also really nice and I liked following her through her discovery of the fae world she now evolves in.
I pretty much liked everything about A Dance With Darkness and am super excited to read the next book in the series!
100% recommend, it's super nice.
May 11, 2018
SPOILER WORLD
So as per usual, I’m going to give you my list of thoughts as they care to be, just beware that the list is short because pretty soon i was so sucked into the book that I completely forgot to keep notes. I cannot wait to read the next one.
As always:
Nothing cool ever happened to me on my 18th birthday.
Okay so I guess what is happening right now is not so COOL and it is SUCKY.
Hahahahahah.
Rourke. That’s a sexy name.
Um, dang. That’s rough. Interesting though.
Hmm. I’ve watched things that I love die, and I’m pretty sure that if someone told me right afterwards to follow them into a fairy ring, I would have just gone without caring. Live. Die. Become fae. I definitely wouldn’t be nervous.
So as per usual, I’m going to give you my list of thoughts as they care to be, just beware that the list is short because pretty soon i was so sucked into the book that I completely forgot to keep notes. I cannot wait to read the next one.
As always:
Nothing cool ever happened to me on my 18th birthday.
Okay so I guess what is happening right now is not so COOL and it is SUCKY.
Hahahahahah.
Rourke. That’s a sexy name.
Um, dang. That’s rough. Interesting though.
Hmm. I’ve watched things that I love die, and I’m pretty sure that if someone told me right afterwards to follow them into a fairy ring, I would have just gone without caring. Live. Die. Become fae. I definitely wouldn’t be nervous.
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