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Academy of Assassins #2
Heart of the Assassins
A PLAGUE UNLEASHED ON THE PRIMORDIAL REALM THREATENS THE SURVIVAL OF THE SUPERNATURAL RACE. ONLY THE ACADEMY OF ASSASSINS CAN PREVENT THE RACE’S DESTRUCTION…AND THEIR OWN.
Morgan has been banned from hunting until she learns to control her powers and her impulsive nature. Her team is so focused on her training, she feels more alone and alienated than ever. She must make the heartbreaking decision to stay and fight for the men who mean everything to her or turn her back on the Academy to survive.
But the choice is taken from her when the Academy is viciously attacked, and Morgan is abducted and dumped into the Primordial Realm. Abandoned and unable to get back to the Academy, Morgan must take a crash course in survival in this alien world. As she investigates the deadly mist sweeping through the Realm, she is horrified to discover that her team has followed her, determined to earn back her trust.
With their lives in danger, Morgan will do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means entering Tartarus and uncovering the secrets of the forgotten gods. With the cure in hand, they must defeat monsters from myths and legends—and their worst nightmares—and escape the gates of hell, or risk becoming forever trapped and forced to watch the destruction of their world.
An Academy of Assassins Novel : Book 2
Meet the Assassins: Morgan, Kincade, Ascher, Ryder, Draven and Atlas.
Morgan has been banned from hunting until she learns to control her powers and her impulsive nature. Her team is so focused on her training, she feels more alone and alienated than ever. She must make the heartbreaking decision to stay and fight for the men who mean everything to her or turn her back on the Academy to survive.
But the choice is taken from her when the Academy is viciously attacked, and Morgan is abducted and dumped into the Primordial Realm. Abandoned and unable to get back to the Academy, Morgan must take a crash course in survival in this alien world. As she investigates the deadly mist sweeping through the Realm, she is horrified to discover that her team has followed her, determined to earn back her trust.
With their lives in danger, Morgan will do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means entering Tartarus and uncovering the secrets of the forgotten gods. With the cure in hand, they must defeat monsters from myths and legends—and their worst nightmares—and escape the gates of hell, or risk becoming forever trapped and forced to watch the destruction of their world.
An Academy of Assassins Novel : Book 2
Meet the Assassins: Morgan, Kincade, Ascher, Ryder, Draven and Atlas.
360 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2018
1238 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Brutger
50 books1,294 followersStacey Brutger lives in a small town in Minnesota with her husband and an assortment of animals.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
September 21, 2023
There are five stages of grief:
denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
There are five stages of book grief:
denial, anger, disappointment, acceptance, and enjoyment.
Heart of the Assassins started with a big disadvantage: it followed the marvelous and exciting first book of its own series. And we are all well aware that the life of a second book is never really easy.
As you might have noticed, Academy of Assassins is one of my all-time favorites. I loved this book from the first to the last page, I thoroughly enjoyed every character, every action scene, every little detail I gathered through my many reads. I fell in love with Morgan, with her team of misfits, and with Stacey Brutger's universe. So much I put expectations way higher than anything possible, those that I usually keep only for any Ilona Andrews' books.
Living to the hype was plainly unreachable and Heart of the Assassins left me angry, disappointed, happy, fangirling, excited, pretty much anything you can think of but mostly with a bitter taste in my mouth.
I owe my rating and my review to my second read, done just before jumping into the third book.
The story might have been somewhat different than the scenario that had been playing in my head non-stop for several months and it might have taken me two reads to realize that, but I am glad I did in the end.
There is no doubt in my mind and heart that I adore this series. If the way the story has taken is not exactly what I have been waiting for, the characters are still the ones I have been massively rooting for from the very beginning, and for that, I can only be grateful to Stacey Brutger to give me the opportunity to see more of them.
Heart of the Assassins is very different from its past installment. The story and the characters leave the Academy and paranormal setting for a more fantasy one, with dragons, a quest, even more magic, a chosen one, some gods, and lots of action.
The story taking an almost entirely different direction is a bit disturbing and exhausting; this new aspect of the series is not what we signed for and the pacing is far too fast for the readers to relax and inhale deeply. With too many things to do, the characters are unable to sit down for a second to communicate and it is slowing down their development both personally and as a team and lovers. We are left with too many broken records of internal monologues and a dance that never seems to end.
That is what happens when the fate of the world rest on a group of stubborn, low EQ, full of abandonment issues and savior complex, hot-headed balls of unresolved feelings.
A bit of a mess. But boy if I love this mess!
Thank you Stacey for providing me this ARC.
Academy of Assassins: ★★★★★
booked.unicorn
June 13, 2018
2.75 Stars - Nope, just nope. It took me a while to get through this one. I loved the first book so much (one of my favorites), but book 2 was such a letdown. It was all over the place. Lots of action, but no more kickass badassery from Morgan because her guys were too busy treating her like a delicate freakin flower! There was so much going on, and so many characters, that it was hard to follow the little storyline that was actually there. How many mythical/fantasy beings and evilness can we shove into one book? Vines, vines everywhere! (Loki was cool though). Also, I know this is a slow-burn RH romance, but geez... can't we get some action already? Not sure yet if I will read book 3.
May 31, 2018
Academy of assassins was my no 1 favourite in the RH genre.
So I will just wipe this from my mind, take a deep breath and hope for the best in number 3
Let us all pretend it never happened
So I will just wipe this from my mind, take a deep breath and hope for the best in number 3
Let us all pretend it never happened
May 30, 2018
I waited (not so patiently) for the release date, because the first book was just great. Couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.
The beginning was great. The reader was pulled right into the story.
I didn't know where the story would take me as I didn't read the blurb. I just went with the flow and let me surprise. I hoped for more info of the guys, more romance, more bonding.
Halfway in I became bored. I couldn't believe it, but it happened. At 75% I skipped a lot and just wanted to know where all this would end. I don't know where this thing went wrong, but I just didn't enjoy it like the first book. It was hard to finish. And I didn't really bond with any of the characters.
There was too much happening in these pages. They went from one adventure (I would call it unnecessary and confusing situations) to the next, meeting different people, animals, things, gods, enemies, friends and so on. They went from one place to the next, willing or unwilling. Using magic and portals and what not.
It became very confusing. I just didn't know why they went or where they went. What their goal was. It was very unplanned and all over the pages. At the end it made a bit of sense, but I just couldn't connect the dots.
I like Morgan and her guys. Ryder is so cute, a gentle giant. And I love Atlas. They're a great team and I want them together. This book was a bit lacking in the romance department. They just bond and fight together, with a kiss or two thrown in. Too little for my taste. There was no declaration of love. No falling in love. I just don't know how to feel about it. It's very slow paced.
And then there were the dire situations, Morgan thinking they all were going to die and willing to scarify herself. And the guys didn't want that. Over and over again. They couldn't catch their breath for one minute.
One thing I hated was the scene at this abandoned village with the "doctor"/"leader" who was searching for a remedy. How Morgan just let herself separate from her team, willingly giver her blood and letting Atlas be infected. I was so upset, no one in this book was reacting to this ugly fool. They just did his bidding, like they didn't have any other option.
Another thing was the "gladiator arena" in this village. Come on!! People are dying/perishing from the mist and fight to stay alive, searching for a remedy and they don't have anything better to do than to fight in the arena to their deaths? And who is watching this thing in this tiny village, when everyone is infected and fighting? It so didn't made any sense.
And then there was the issue with "sharing" a girl. There was a comment made and the Team confessed to sharing girls (not many, but what is many?) between themselves. This I didn't like, at all. I don't see it. Gentle Ryder and cool Atlas sharing girls with the others. And Kincade confessed to be following Morgan in his mirror for years, falling for her more and more. And when he slept with other girls while secretly pining for her from afar, well I don't know how this makes me feel.
So to sum it up, I was very bored, skipped a lot of pages and wasn't satisfied with it. The ending left us with a cliffhanger. And I didn't like it. There will be OW problems in the next book. Oh well. But I liked getting to know the guys better. I'm going to read the next book and then decide if I will continue with the series.
The beginning was great. The reader was pulled right into the story.
I didn't know where the story would take me as I didn't read the blurb. I just went with the flow and let me surprise. I hoped for more info of the guys, more romance, more bonding.
Halfway in I became bored. I couldn't believe it, but it happened. At 75% I skipped a lot and just wanted to know where all this would end. I don't know where this thing went wrong, but I just didn't enjoy it like the first book. It was hard to finish. And I didn't really bond with any of the characters.
There was too much happening in these pages. They went from one adventure (I would call it unnecessary and confusing situations) to the next, meeting different people, animals, things, gods, enemies, friends and so on. They went from one place to the next, willing or unwilling. Using magic and portals and what not.
It became very confusing. I just didn't know why they went or where they went. What their goal was. It was very unplanned and all over the pages. At the end it made a bit of sense, but I just couldn't connect the dots.
I like Morgan and her guys. Ryder is so cute, a gentle giant. And I love Atlas. They're a great team and I want them together. This book was a bit lacking in the romance department. They just bond and fight together, with a kiss or two thrown in. Too little for my taste. There was no declaration of love. No falling in love. I just don't know how to feel about it. It's very slow paced.
And then there were the dire situations, Morgan thinking they all were going to die and willing to scarify herself. And the guys didn't want that. Over and over again. They couldn't catch their breath for one minute.
One thing I hated was the scene at this abandoned village with the "doctor"/"leader" who was searching for a remedy. How Morgan just let herself separate from her team, willingly giver her blood and letting Atlas be infected. I was so upset, no one in this book was reacting to this ugly fool. They just did his bidding, like they didn't have any other option.
Another thing was the "gladiator arena" in this village. Come on!! People are dying/perishing from the mist and fight to stay alive, searching for a remedy and they don't have anything better to do than to fight in the arena to their deaths? And who is watching this thing in this tiny village, when everyone is infected and fighting? It so didn't made any sense.
And then there was the issue with "sharing" a girl. There was a comment made and the Team confessed to sharing girls (not many, but what is many?) between themselves. This I didn't like, at all. I don't see it. Gentle Ryder and cool Atlas sharing girls with the others. And Kincade confessed to be following Morgan in his mirror for years, falling for her more and more. And when he slept with other girls while secretly pining for her from afar, well I don't know how this makes me feel.
So to sum it up, I was very bored, skipped a lot of pages and wasn't satisfied with it. The ending left us with a cliffhanger. And I didn't like it. There will be OW problems in the next book. Oh well. But I liked getting to know the guys better. I'm going to read the next book and then decide if I will continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
gimme gimme gimme. 😍
ps: please make this series like as long as possible i'm having withdrawals already.
also totally loved ryders lil epilogue *squeeeeeeee* I died of cute overload.
best way to die tho so not mad.
ps: please make this series like as long as possible i'm having withdrawals already.
also totally loved ryders lil epilogue *squeeeeeeee* I died of cute overload.
best way to die tho so not mad.
May 26, 2018
3 stars though this does not really reflect my enjoyment (or lack thereof), but rather an appreciation for the series as a whole and the ambition of the world and the concept.
I did not enjoy HEART OF THE ASSASSINS. It felt like everything I loved in ACADEMY OF ASSASSINS was the opposite in this book - right down to theepilogue Bonus Material. What was so wonderful in ACADEMY and made for such a satisfying and sweet ending, leaving me on a high was exactly the opposite in HEART. Here the Bonus Material was dark, tainted, frustrating, and a little depressing, turning it into more of a cliffhanger than a satisfying conclusion. Even the nicer moments were, at best, bittersweet.
When I first realized the unexpected complexity the author had incorporated into her world-building, I was excited. How cool was it to link everything to the Greek gods? That the Primordial World was Mount Olympus? That Tartarus existed and had become the gods' prison? Awesome!
Unfortunately, the explanations for all this backstory were convoluted and confusing. The twisted NOT logic (illogic more properly - except it made me rant so hard that I will continue to call it NOT logic) only seemed to exist to force the plot into more and more bizarre and unlikely directions. The story quickly became almost farcical in its contrivances - a satire of a Greek classic like the Iliad or the Odyssey. Hell, even had shades of Percy Jackson.
There were whole segments of the plot (and characters added therein) that were completely unnecessary. All they did was dilute the impact of the key moments in the story and prevent anything from being developed properly since everything but the kitchen sink was being thrown in. Key questions were not asked that should have been. There was so much material thrown into this book that it could have been an entire trilogy all by itself if everything had been fully developed.
By the time they arrived in Tartarus, there was simply not enough story left to do it justice. So many wonderful plot opportunities were missed because there wasn't enough time to deal with them. Everything from that point on felt rushed and slightly unsatisfying.
So, while the first book was wonderful - the second book was... not. Well, not to me. I am quite sure many people will disagree. Maybe even I will disagree when I eventually re-read this series as CLAIMED BY THE ASSASSINS is released. If it had been another series, another author... had I had different expectations then maybe I would have enjoyed this more.
Perhaps I struggled so much because I am truly engaged in the story and like these characters - enough that watching the stupid decisions being made over and over felt like it didn't do the potential of ACADEMY justice.
I became so unbelievably tired of how completely relationship inept every single one of the main characters was, and of how idiotic the "logic" behind those decisions was - all so the series remained slow burn. Surely there are better, and less frustrating, ways to build relationships slowly? Or perhaps even allow some relationships to actually progress, while others still take time to develop? But having ALL FIVE of the men being ridiculously stupid about how they interact with Morgan... GAH!
I will continue to read the series, because it continues to have great potential, and I love the characters themselves. I love all the unusual paranormal creatures Stacey Brutger has folded into her world - her worlds - from night mares to nagas to leshys. I love the variety within the main relationships themselves - in abilities, in heritage, in forms, in personalities. I love the unfolding mystery of Morgan's heritage. I am curious to know what will come at them all next.
Just please let it not be as frustrating as this was? Pretty please?
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES: (hiding because there are probably a few possible spoilers)
I did not enjoy HEART OF THE ASSASSINS. It felt like everything I loved in ACADEMY OF ASSASSINS was the opposite in this book - right down to the
When I first realized the unexpected complexity the author had incorporated into her world-building, I was excited. How cool was it to link everything to the Greek gods? That the Primordial World was Mount Olympus? That Tartarus existed and had become the gods' prison? Awesome!
Unfortunately, the explanations for all this backstory were convoluted and confusing. The twisted NOT logic (illogic more properly - except it made me rant so hard that I will continue to call it NOT logic) only seemed to exist to force the plot into more and more bizarre and unlikely directions. The story quickly became almost farcical in its contrivances - a satire of a Greek classic like the Iliad or the Odyssey. Hell, even had shades of Percy Jackson.
There were whole segments of the plot (and characters added therein) that were completely unnecessary. All they did was dilute the impact of the key moments in the story and prevent anything from being developed properly since everything but the kitchen sink was being thrown in. Key questions were not asked that should have been. There was so much material thrown into this book that it could have been an entire trilogy all by itself if everything had been fully developed.
By the time they arrived in Tartarus, there was simply not enough story left to do it justice. So many wonderful plot opportunities were missed because there wasn't enough time to deal with them. Everything from that point on felt rushed and slightly unsatisfying.
So, while the first book was wonderful - the second book was... not. Well, not to me. I am quite sure many people will disagree. Maybe even I will disagree when I eventually re-read this series as CLAIMED BY THE ASSASSINS is released. If it had been another series, another author... had I had different expectations then maybe I would have enjoyed this more.
Perhaps I struggled so much because I am truly engaged in the story and like these characters - enough that watching the stupid decisions being made over and over felt like it didn't do the potential of ACADEMY justice.
I became so unbelievably tired of how completely relationship inept every single one of the main characters was, and of how idiotic the "logic" behind those decisions was - all so the series remained slow burn. Surely there are better, and less frustrating, ways to build relationships slowly? Or perhaps even allow some relationships to actually progress, while others still take time to develop? But having ALL FIVE of the men being ridiculously stupid about how they interact with Morgan... GAH!
I will continue to read the series, because it continues to have great potential, and I love the characters themselves. I love all the unusual paranormal creatures Stacey Brutger has folded into her world - her worlds - from night mares to nagas to leshys. I love the variety within the main relationships themselves - in abilities, in heritage, in forms, in personalities. I love the unfolding mystery of Morgan's heritage. I am curious to know what will come at them all next.
Just please let it not be as frustrating as this was? Pretty please?
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES: (hiding because there are probably a few possible spoilers)
December 6, 2021
I don't know about you, but the beginning of Heart of the Assassins was confusing. It could definitely be just me, but that is how I felt. If you've read the previous book, we are stilling following Morgan and the guys on their adventure through life.
After the attack on the academy, we were left with lots of questions. We didn't know what was going to happen for everyone that was involved, but we also just didn't know what was going to happen next in general. A huge what if was floating around me and I just kind of went with whatever came our way.
Unfortunately, the slow burn romance was on simmer. The tension is clear between them, but nothing ever happens. It's annoying me so freaking much because I just want them to act on it. Again, it could just be me - who knows.
As for the secrets floating around Morgan, we definitely get more insight into her magical abilities and such. They were very interesting, but I'm still left with endless questions. I'm hoping that the next book will give me all the answers that I desire.
In the end, I'm hooked and need to read the next book stat!
After the attack on the academy, we were left with lots of questions. We didn't know what was going to happen for everyone that was involved, but we also just didn't know what was going to happen next in general. A huge what if was floating around me and I just kind of went with whatever came our way.
Unfortunately, the slow burn romance was on simmer. The tension is clear between them, but nothing ever happens. It's annoying me so freaking much because I just want them to act on it. Again, it could just be me - who knows.
As for the secrets floating around Morgan, we definitely get more insight into her magical abilities and such. They were very interesting, but I'm still left with endless questions. I'm hoping that the next book will give me all the answers that I desire.
In the end, I'm hooked and need to read the next book stat!
June 6, 2018
I so love this series... I can't wait for book 3 to be released... this has truly became one of my favorite series... I'm so wowed right now!
Overall rating:
5* ~ A Damn Good Read
Overall rating:
5* ~ A Damn Good Read
September 3, 2023
I honestly have no idea what happened in this book - I’m really not sure there was a plot. But look, it was good fun and addictive enough, and I still love the boys - especially Atlas! The sexual tension is killing me though (enough slow burn PLEASE).
Oh and I adore Loki!! This girl collecting a whole zoo of random allies and creatures that are devoted to her, and honestly, good for her.
Oh and I adore Loki!! This girl collecting a whole zoo of random allies and creatures that are devoted to her, and honestly, good for her.
January 20, 2021
The other one was better, but it was still a great, fun read.
January 3, 2020
This wasn't it.
I did not want to leave a review yet because this is not the first book I've read this year and I didn't want to taint my 2020 challenge by reviewing a mediocre book but this book just rubbed me the wrong way I had to leave a review before I forget.
There is something about this book I did not enjoy. It was certainly full of angst and yet it was so boring, if that makes sense. Morgan got into scrapes with every page,there was always something. She had no impulse control, always finding her self in situations that if she just waited for 2 minutes she might be able to resolve but she never waits, she just jumps right in. Even when the guys try to caution her she doesn't listen. She took self sacrificing to a whole new level I got tired of it fast.
Then the amount of myths that was included in this book, we have the Greek pantheon, zombies, celtic creatures, witches, gargoyles, basically anything you can imagine. It got tiring fast.
The whole gist of it is, I don't think I liked this book. Even the romance was drawn out. As Morgan keeps binding herself to random people I keep thinking they'd be part of her harem because there was a part where she thought Shade was sexy. So it was all confusing to me. Maybe, a very big maybe about me picking up the next book.
I did not want to leave a review yet because this is not the first book I've read this year and I didn't want to taint my 2020 challenge by reviewing a mediocre book but this book just rubbed me the wrong way I had to leave a review before I forget.
There is something about this book I did not enjoy. It was certainly full of angst and yet it was so boring, if that makes sense. Morgan got into scrapes with every page,there was always something. She had no impulse control, always finding her self in situations that if she just waited for 2 minutes she might be able to resolve but she never waits, she just jumps right in. Even when the guys try to caution her she doesn't listen. She took self sacrificing to a whole new level I got tired of it fast.
Then the amount of myths that was included in this book, we have the Greek pantheon, zombies, celtic creatures, witches, gargoyles, basically anything you can imagine. It got tiring fast.
The whole gist of it is, I don't think I liked this book. Even the romance was drawn out. As Morgan keeps binding herself to random people I keep thinking they'd be part of her harem because there was a part where she thought Shade was sexy. So it was all confusing to me. Maybe, a very big maybe about me picking up the next book.
June 12, 2018
Action packed. Good addition to the series.
3.5-4 stars. Very action packed. Kept me engaged the whole time. The story was interesting and the development of the characters and world was also good.
Did not like how the guys were overprotective jerks (specially Kincade). Here is this lady that has more power than all of them put together, but they are going to try and shelter her and put her in a glass ball? How sexist of them.
Then towards the second half of this book Morgan starts sacrificing herself at the drop of a hat. Do any damage you want to her as long as the guys are ok... which leads to both the guys and her NOT being ok.
But other than that, it was actually really good. Some development occurs towards the RH aspect of things. It is still a slow burn, but hopefully we are getting there.
The story was fast paced, lots of things happening. Very interested about Ward and the Demigod that get introduced. Looking forward to learning more about them. Also looking forward to see what’s going on with Draven.
Will definitely read the next one.
3.5-4 stars. Very action packed. Kept me engaged the whole time. The story was interesting and the development of the characters and world was also good.
Did not like how the guys were overprotective jerks (specially Kincade). Here is this lady that has more power than all of them put together, but they are going to try and shelter her and put her in a glass ball? How sexist of them.
Then towards the second half of this book Morgan starts sacrificing herself at the drop of a hat. Do any damage you want to her as long as the guys are ok... which leads to both the guys and her NOT being ok.
But other than that, it was actually really good. Some development occurs towards the RH aspect of things. It is still a slow burn, but hopefully we are getting there.
The story was fast paced, lots of things happening. Very interested about Ward and the Demigod that get introduced. Looking forward to learning more about them. Also looking forward to see what’s going on with Draven.
Will definitely read the next one.
May 27, 2018
Never-and I fucking meant this-never have I thought I wouldn't like the sequel as much as I liked the first book. I loved loved loved book 1 and I though the world and everything of it...but this one just didn't get me. I'm just...right now, I still didn't know if it's me or if it's just...it.
First point. The pacing. Book 1 was perfect-even if there was a distinctive difference between the pacing of the story and the pacing of the reverse harem. Story-wise, it was action-thriller so it kept the adrenaline pumping. Romance part-it consisted maybe 80% push-and-pull and 20% ok i admit defeat i love you tbvfh. Cool. Perfect.
In this book...it wasn't up to that level. For one thing, story-wise, it was full of action. And when I said, full, I meant as in overwhelming in a not-so-good way. It felt like millions of things happened, I don't know wtf happened and was happening and I'm just tired af. It was...too much. Give me time to appreciate the scenes? Or maybe I was one pansy ass, I don't know!
Then there's the romance part. Ugh. Guys and gal, what the fuck are you all doing? It's like...push, and push, and push...and push again just to check if there's still something to push. Not cool! Everyone was pretty much breaking bridges and I wondered if there was still chance for the romance. Ugh.
Aaand I had a difficult time reconciling Morgan from before and Morgan from the current book. She's just so different...in a bad way. I presumed the intent was to show that this assassin had feelings and emotions, too but somehow it came off as...she's just being whiny and dumb. Too impulsive most of the times I found myself wanting to throw my ereader. What. is. wrong. Is it just really me?
Half of me is still in disbelief. What just really happened?
December 6, 2021
Once again I enjoyed the journey between Morgan and her men. The romance continues to be in slow burn mode with barely more than a kiss happening between them. This time around the characters leave the academy after an attack and are left floundering on where to go, what’s safe and who to trust. There are lots of new introductions and I am particularly fond of the two lil friends Morgan manages to make along the way (including one who may or may not be her familiar). It was interesting to learn more background on Morgan. We finally get some idea of her powers and who she is in the world. She’s not just the magic-less fighter shes led everyone to believe, she’s so much more.
January 14, 2019
4.5 Stars
Even better than the first. And Loki is just adorable. I can't wait for book3!
Even better than the first. And Loki is just adorable. I can't wait for book3!
April 18, 2020
Morgan is having a whole lot of issues. She's been training none stop, and she feels like her friends are pulling away from her every day. This leads to a whole world of issues that she doesn't have time to deal with when the school is attacked. Morgan will have to do everything she can to save her people before it is too late.
Brutger pushes the reader almost straight into action from the start. There's a little periods of down time at the academy, but then circumstances force Morgan into the Primordial Realm, where she's got to put her lineage and innate power to the test in order to save both the realm and her men.
There was a lot of action throughout the book but the male characters acted like jerks. I enjoyed the action but some of the characters felt meh to me.
Brutger pushes the reader almost straight into action from the start. There's a little periods of down time at the academy, but then circumstances force Morgan into the Primordial Realm, where she's got to put her lineage and innate power to the test in order to save both the realm and her men.
There was a lot of action throughout the book but the male characters acted like jerks. I enjoyed the action but some of the characters felt meh to me.
July 30, 2020
3.5 stars.
This series is seriously rubbing me the wrong way and I can't seem to pin down what's bothering me.
Plot wise, the author has an amazing concept. The world is very complex and diverse but why am I not able to experience it?? Maybe it's because each book has so many elements that I'm not given enough time to experience each of them?
I don't have much to say here, other than the fact that I'm praying that the next book is better. Maybe it's the writing style?
Also, what's up with Draven? His character is supposed to be one of my favourites, the broken playboy who hides his pain behind a charming and seductive personality, and yet I don't want to run to him. And I noticed that there were too many "devil-may-cares" used to describe him. The phrase just caught my eye 🤷
I feel like this is a series I would tell my friends to try so I can ease them into the RH genre. Atleast they'll like the plot. They can experience the explosive romance and other stuff that comes with it later.
Hoping the next book is good🤞🏾
This series is seriously rubbing me the wrong way and I can't seem to pin down what's bothering me.
Plot wise, the author has an amazing concept. The world is very complex and diverse but why am I not able to experience it?? Maybe it's because each book has so many elements that I'm not given enough time to experience each of them?
I don't have much to say here, other than the fact that I'm praying that the next book is better. Maybe it's the writing style?
Also, what's up with Draven? His character is supposed to be one of my favourites, the broken playboy who hides his pain behind a charming and seductive personality, and yet I don't want to run to him. And I noticed that there were too many "devil-may-cares" used to describe him. The phrase just caught my eye 🤷
I feel like this is a series I would tell my friends to try so I can ease them into the RH genre. Atleast they'll like the plot. They can experience the explosive romance and other stuff that comes with it later.
Hoping the next book is good🤞🏾
July 25, 2018
Genuinely, I read a lot of books over a long period of time and then sit down to update them all together at the same time and it gets confusing. I can't remember half the storylines and plot points, I feel if the author is good they can make their book memorable and thats the bottom line. So if I am forgetting major plot points or last half of the book, clearly there is a problem.
One of the things that I find with these reverse harem and many other romance books is, What is so good about the female characters that all the others around them are just so ready to give up their lives? If I have to ask this question clearly the character is no that well developed. So..
I finally remember what happen... she did some stupid shit and they are all running around trying to fix the problem and she is basically a goddess who came to these guys so they all worship her. Sigh... I just want a better developed plot lines and proper character development. I do no aim to come off bitter. I find these books lack common sense and a good helping of skill in writing. However, this author does have an imagination so that was interesting.
ANYWAYS.... I will be waiting for the next one, hopefully its a little better written than this mess.
One of the things that I find with these reverse harem and many other romance books is, What is so good about the female characters that all the others around them are just so ready to give up their lives? If I have to ask this question clearly the character is no that well developed. So..
I finally remember what happen... she did some stupid shit and they are all running around trying to fix the problem and she is basically a goddess who came to these guys so they all worship her. Sigh... I just want a better developed plot lines and proper character development. I do no aim to come off bitter. I find these books lack common sense and a good helping of skill in writing. However, this author does have an imagination so that was interesting.
ANYWAYS.... I will be waiting for the next one, hopefully its a little better written than this mess.
July 27, 2018
Soooo.... This was a hard one!!!
First let me just put out that i don't like RH books... I've read the first one without reading the review and bare trough the book being RH and all!!
In the first book Morgan personality was appealing, loved that she was a fighter, independent!
This 2nd book, she, IMO is "repressed" by all "her men"!
They treat her like a dainty flower!!
Then is the matter of the direction of the story!!!
All hail Saint Morgan, the defender of the weak, the martyr of all sacrifice and solver of all problems!
Yeap i get that she is the lead star in this, but she is perfect oh so perfect, she even blush when staring at a naked chest!
Other thing that i don't get, is why apart from Harper in book 1, there's no more female characters!?
Morgan gets to maintain exclusivity being not the only female for 5 guys (or should we say 7 with Ward and Shade???) but to the hole book!
You may ask why do i read the book if i don't like RH!
It's because apart from the Rh thing, i really like the story, the world developing and all things surrounding!!!
The story is adding up nice with this god/demigod "stuff"! ;)
First let me just put out that i don't like RH books... I've read the first one without reading the review and bare trough the book being RH and all!!
In the first book Morgan personality was appealing, loved that she was a fighter, independent!
This 2nd book, she, IMO is "repressed" by all "her men"!
They treat her like a dainty flower!!
Then is the matter of the direction of the story!!!
All hail Saint Morgan, the defender of the weak, the martyr of all sacrifice and solver of all problems!
Yeap i get that she is the lead star in this, but she is perfect oh so perfect, she even blush when staring at a naked chest!
Other thing that i don't get, is why apart from Harper in book 1, there's no more female characters!?
Morgan gets to maintain exclusivity being not the only female for 5 guys (or should we say 7 with Ward and Shade???) but to the hole book!
You may ask why do i read the book if i don't like RH!
It's because apart from the Rh thing, i really like the story, the world developing and all things surrounding!!!
The story is adding up nice with this god/demigod "stuff"! ;)
Read
May 25, 201856% DNF
I think the fog ate my brain cells, and those of the characters until the whole thing felt like a rambling mess
I think the fog ate my brain cells, and those of the characters until the whole thing felt like a rambling mess
June 30, 2018
Loved this one too!
November 26, 2018
One word: FUCKKKKKK. This is what I’ve been searching for. Sucks I have to wait for the next book though!
July 28, 2019
3.5 maybe almost 4 but... stars probably.. I really like these characters. I love how this author really gives us unique and individualized guys. I tried out the Audio on audible and even it was freaking bomb. The Narrator does different accents for all the guys and it made me love them even more. Narration was great it almost made me kick up that star power. Honestly I'm still really liking the story.. I mean there is never a dull moment. Its just that its gotten a little on the far out side.. I kind of wish it would reign itself back in a bit. We have taken a totally different direction almost.. but same goal..kind of, than we had in book 1. I don't know.. other than the characters everything was just so different than in book 1.
This book picks up right where book 1 ends. Morgan is constantly second guessing her worth, and torn between wanting the guys for herself and wanting them to have a choice, wanting them to have freedom, and not believing she deserves them. In her wallowing.. lets face it thats what it is.. girl is pretty hard on herself.. she distances herself from her new mates cutting off their bond with her magic. That is unfortunate because right about that time the academy is attacked and the students and her are tossed into the primordial realm. Morgan picks up a couple new allies in the new world but is desperate to find her mates and with their broken bond nothing is going her way. Morgan gets to see this mist that is killing this world, and gets to hear the origination story. How the mist has come for vengeance and to feed off the magic.. and unfortunately she may be the only one that can save the world. Now we must travel through the depths of tartarus to battle the gods in order to save this new world and its enchanting creatures.. as well as her mates.
It seems we have picked up yet another mate.. smh.. At least this story really focus's on moving the plot forward and not on smut.. I mean a little smut wouldn't be too bad. We have all these mates and no action (glances about innocently). I feel like I caught the hints about what the next book will entail.. one of her guys can't be hers because he is already claimed.. and his claimer may be on the way to pluck him away... I'll definitely be continuing the story but I'm wondering when we will finally start wrapping this up?
This book picks up right where book 1 ends. Morgan is constantly second guessing her worth, and torn between wanting the guys for herself and wanting them to have a choice, wanting them to have freedom, and not believing she deserves them. In her wallowing.. lets face it thats what it is.. girl is pretty hard on herself.. she distances herself from her new mates cutting off their bond with her magic. That is unfortunate because right about that time the academy is attacked and the students and her are tossed into the primordial realm. Morgan picks up a couple new allies in the new world but is desperate to find her mates and with their broken bond nothing is going her way. Morgan gets to see this mist that is killing this world, and gets to hear the origination story. How the mist has come for vengeance and to feed off the magic.. and unfortunately she may be the only one that can save the world. Now we must travel through the depths of tartarus to battle the gods in order to save this new world and its enchanting creatures.. as well as her mates.
It seems we have picked up yet another mate.. smh.. At least this story really focus's on moving the plot forward and not on smut.. I mean a little smut wouldn't be too bad. We have all these mates and no action (glances about innocently). I feel like I caught the hints about what the next book will entail.. one of her guys can't be hers because he is already claimed.. and his claimer may be on the way to pluck him away... I'll definitely be continuing the story but I'm wondering when we will finally start wrapping this up?
January 31, 2019
Unfortunately my enthusiasm from the first book didn’t carry over to this one. It wasn’t bad bad, but it was definitely missing several key ingredients to keep me hooked. Half the book I couldn’t even pinpoint why. Sure, the plot was odd, just scenes with different supernatural animals / places one after another. I was missing a general through line and I kept forgetting why I even cared and why the MCs where on their mission in the first place - that all came down to very bad pacing and plotting, unfortunately.
That wasn’t the real issue though. Eventually I realised it was quite simple: Morgan basically had zero chemistry with any of the guys. There was a scene with Ryder (when he jumps off the wall), but that’s it. I mean come on, you have so many guys, surely you can develop some feelings and let me enjoy that journey? But no. Instead, I got an actual journey, one that wanted to be epic but turned out disjointed and overrun instead. When she did talk to them it was almost like action-action-action and then everyone standing around so she could chat with one of them. Awkwardly. Very, very awkwardly. Second-hand embarrassment, anyone?
Eventually I figured out why I was so bored with it all: Morgan basically has no personality in this one! Things happen to her and she is just plain reactive all the time. She keeps telling us she’s an assassin but we never really see her being tough at all. In fact, she’s kind of annoying in her passivity. And when she does make decisions, they make zero sense (letting them get trapped by the scientist guy?) and then tries to find her way out by out-thinking her opponent in a way that makes little sense. And here I though she was this tough girl that wouldn’t be opposed to some physical confrontation.
I don’t know, I was bored with the plot (or lack thereof - stringing random events together does not a plot make), with Morgan and with each and every one of her relationship with the guys. I’ll definitely read the next because the first one gave me such high hopes, I just dearly hope it’s not like this one, which definitely didn’t work when it comes to pacing, plotting, characters, logic, etc.
That wasn’t the real issue though. Eventually I realised it was quite simple: Morgan basically had zero chemistry with any of the guys. There was a scene with Ryder (when he jumps off the wall), but that’s it. I mean come on, you have so many guys, surely you can develop some feelings and let me enjoy that journey? But no. Instead, I got an actual journey, one that wanted to be epic but turned out disjointed and overrun instead. When she did talk to them it was almost like action-action-action and then everyone standing around so she could chat with one of them. Awkwardly. Very, very awkwardly. Second-hand embarrassment, anyone?
Eventually I figured out why I was so bored with it all: Morgan basically has no personality in this one! Things happen to her and she is just plain reactive all the time. She keeps telling us she’s an assassin but we never really see her being tough at all. In fact, she’s kind of annoying in her passivity. And when she does make decisions, they make zero sense (letting them get trapped by the scientist guy?) and then tries to find her way out by out-thinking her opponent in a way that makes little sense. And here I though she was this tough girl that wouldn’t be opposed to some physical confrontation.
I don’t know, I was bored with the plot (or lack thereof - stringing random events together does not a plot make), with Morgan and with each and every one of her relationship with the guys. I’ll definitely read the next because the first one gave me such high hopes, I just dearly hope it’s not like this one, which definitely didn’t work when it comes to pacing, plotting, characters, logic, etc.
October 14, 2019
DNF 64%. This is my first time not finishing a book so, I am super disappointed. I really enjoyed the first book and had high hopes for this one. However, it did not stand up to the first book, a shame really. It was becoming a little boring and not keeping my interest... why keep reading something that isn't doing it for you?
January 16, 2021
Не ми е любима тази книга, хаотична ми беше и главната героиня претърпя някаква личностна метаморфоза от бойна пикла в дървен философ, с който всеки се съветва за всичко като с Делфийския оракул. И ако не иска да се посъветва, иска да й е mate... Двама сякаш бяха достатъчни, мисля си аз?
June 24, 2018
This book was the definition of a letdown. I couldn't even finish it - dnf at around 50%.
I'm sad. I adored Academy of Assassins. So much so, that I was readily putting it up in my top 10 fav book series before the rest even came out. The first book was incredible. I devoured it.
This one was...fan service?
It read like a lukewarm fanfiction (don't get me wrong, I have a special place in my heart for fanfiction), but I didn't feel like I was reading the second book in the series after what was an absolutely stunning first book.
When I realized I was half of the way through and hadn't enjoyed a single page so far, I just had to put it down.
Morgan was a force to be reckoned with in the first book. In Heart of Assassins, she was a...super special snowflake x30 who kept running into the same repetitive themes between her and the guys?
If one cool thing happens to her, then another thing happens a page later, and of course another a chapter later. I don't know WHY everything had to be jam-packed like that. I usually eat up heroines that are special, but this was to a point I'd never seen before.
Personalities fell flat.
I don't know why the romantic storylines developed as poorly and quickly as they did in this book. Also, after certain scenes, it felt like the author was going through a checklist of how each guy gave Morgan a hug. Or how they reacted to her amazing actions. The first book felt somewhat natural for a book that involves mates, while in this one I wasn't invested at all...which sucked, after so much anticipation.
Maybe I'll come back to this one later. I felt like it didn't do the first book justice, and now I'm just sad.
I'm actually a little mad at myself for looking forward to it so much.
I'm sad. I adored Academy of Assassins. So much so, that I was readily putting it up in my top 10 fav book series before the rest even came out. The first book was incredible. I devoured it.
This one was...fan service?
It read like a lukewarm fanfiction (don't get me wrong, I have a special place in my heart for fanfiction), but I didn't feel like I was reading the second book in the series after what was an absolutely stunning first book.
When I realized I was half of the way through and hadn't enjoyed a single page so far, I just had to put it down.
Morgan was a force to be reckoned with in the first book. In Heart of Assassins, she was a...super special snowflake x30 who kept running into the same repetitive themes between her and the guys?
If one cool thing happens to her, then another thing happens a page later, and of course another a chapter later. I don't know WHY everything had to be jam-packed like that. I usually eat up heroines that are special, but this was to a point I'd never seen before.
Personalities fell flat.
I don't know why the romantic storylines developed as poorly and quickly as they did in this book. Also, after certain scenes, it felt like the author was going through a checklist of how each guy gave Morgan a hug. Or how they reacted to her amazing actions. The first book felt somewhat natural for a book that involves mates, while in this one I wasn't invested at all...which sucked, after so much anticipation.
Maybe I'll come back to this one later. I felt like it didn't do the first book justice, and now I'm just sad.
I'm actually a little mad at myself for looking forward to it so much.
November 20, 2018
Morgan is having a whole lot of issues. She's been training none stop, and she feels like her friends are pulling away from her every day. This leads to a whole world of issues that she doesn't have time to deal with when the school is attacked.
Now, Morgan will have to do everything she can to save her people before it is too late.
This book was interesting, and I really did like it, but it wasn't as good as the first one. I felt like Morgan's power didn't seem all that powerful really, and some of the other things just felt kind of rushed. Other than that, I liked it. And I liked how she was with her friends, and how it is progressing. I don't like the way it ended though, it left me feeling a little confused. But I'm excited to read the next one, even though I'm a little worried about it as well.
Now, Morgan will have to do everything she can to save her people before it is too late.
This book was interesting, and I really did like it, but it wasn't as good as the first one. I felt like Morgan's power didn't seem all that powerful really, and some of the other things just felt kind of rushed. Other than that, I liked it. And I liked how she was with her friends, and how it is progressing. I don't like the way it ended though, it left me feeling a little confused. But I'm excited to read the next one, even though I'm a little worried about it as well.
June 27, 2018
When I read some of the reviews here I was devastated to find out that some people didn't enjoy the continuation of Morgan's story as much as the first book. I expected the worst and was surprised in the best way. I cannot complain one bit, I really loved it and can't wait for more.
They slowly built up their relationship and more matings are formed. Morgan slowly accepts her feelings and grows as a person. I can't get enough of the small romantic moments between her and the guys. Also, I adore Loki -boy is he cute!!!
Only complain (has to do with the ending of this book):
They slowly built up their relationship and more matings are formed. Morgan slowly accepts her feelings and grows as a person. I can't get enough of the small romantic moments between her and the guys. Also, I adore Loki -boy is he cute!!!
Only complain (has to do with the ending of this book):
March 7, 2019
This second book gave me a migraine. There was no relief from the constant fighting. The heroine was so annoying. She was smart, strong, and likable in book one, but here she constantly gave in to every single bad person who threatened her. The only people she stood up to were the ones she was supposed to trust. Everyone else? Threaten away, she’ll stupidly jump into every trap.
Total headache.
Total headache.
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