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Dark Fae Academy #1

A Cage of Moonlight

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There are three important things you should know about me.

First, I’m a shapeshifter. Second, I’ve got claws, and I know how to use them. And third, I’d do anything to save the ones I love.

Which is how I’ve ended up as a slave for the Dark Fae, forced to train at their academy and become a deadly assassin that will fight for their cause. But all I want to do is fight my captors instead.

And the worst part of it all? The four infuriating, dangerous, and incredibly seductive fae who have taken it upon themselves to make my life a living hell.

They want to rile me up. They want to see me fail.

But I’m no damsel in distress.

Let the games begin.

A Cage of Moonlight is a full-length novel and the first in a new reverse harem fantasy series. This is a spin-off of the bestselling Otherworld Academy trilogy.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2018

697 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read

About the author

Jenna Wolfhart

57 books1,548 followers
Jenna 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.

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5 stars
262 (38%)
4 stars
217 (31%)
3 stars
124 (18%)
2 stars
50 (7%)
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27 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
1 review
August 2, 2018
The story never really progressed she was just angry throughout the entire story until the last few chapters. The character was extremely annoying and hard to relate too. One of the worst books I have ever read if I could give it a zero I would have.
Profile Image for Kat T..
243 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2018
Not really a fan of this one. Quite forgettable, not wow-ed by the writing, characters too are meh. Am quite sure I won’t remember the plot (what plot) or the happenings in this book so book two? Forget it.

2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Momma Murder.
82 reviews
September 15, 2024
*This is a spin off of Otherworld Academy series and you do not need to read those to understand this series.

Bree is fierce and sassy. She ain't taking sh!t from no one!

I love Rafe, he's so sweet & he's my favorite. 💜 Prince Taveon being a big meanie hiding his feelings cause he's trying to be king.. blah, blah 🤣 and Lord Dagen being a sneaking b!tch.

God forbid these fae communicate with each other! Share your feelings please. 😂

Some secrets are out, some still hidden.
Hmm, who is this mysterious assassin, Fillan.

A tiny bit of spice, nothing dramatic. Compared to the stuff I usually read this is what I would call innocent spice..? 🤣

**This is read in 1st and 3rd person(narrator). I liked it, different from the usual.
Profile Image for Viki.
Author 8 books39 followers
January 13, 2019
So it happened I was not feeling well and I wanted to sleep but I couldn't so I had to find something to distract me through the night until my body will calm down enough for me to do so.

This book is what I stuck to. And well, it... served its purpose.

It was infuriating enough, that´s for certain.

I was carrying this hope things will get better but... it was just... relationship drama disguised as fantasy. Where the characters could hurt each other with more then words and betrayals could be deadly for other citizens of the realm. There was this potential that I hoped would be used and... it was... at the last possible chance

Well, as they say, curiosity killed... at least some time so I did not have to run in circles with my own thoughts.

The first few chapters were pretty good. When she was thinking if she should kill the guy that took her against her will (basically) I was totally: yes, yes, yes, go for it! And I was astonished to see her actually do it! Which was great.

But then...

Well, she had to go and basically ogle and fall for several good looking guys - which would not be such a bad thing had they not been total jerks. Talk about bad decisions. Why does the girl always have to fall for the pretty ones, not the most... interesting/nice/unique/whatever guy.

Anyway, she did kick some ass, she kept rebelling even if she made some mistakes and was too easily swayed by her emotions.
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,115 reviews92 followers
July 31, 2018
Loved it! Full of so many twists and turns it was hard to see where the story was going to go! I really enjoyed the unpredictability and the suspense. I love Bree she was a strong fierce character! I also enjoyed Rafe and Taveon’s character I can’t wait to learn more about them!
I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews49 followers
August 5, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What an intriguing start to a new series. We meet Bree as she volunteers to go with the Prince of the dark fae in order to save her friends kingdom. As a shifter she is needed and on top of that she is rare as well. What follows is an emotional path as she gets settled into her new home as a slave, weapon, and possibly more. Great world building, complex characters, and a world can love. I look forward to book two I must say as I want to see where all of this is going. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for izana.
21 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2018
My opinion of this book changed drastically past the 100 page mark, as you'll see in the following review I wrote in my notes as I was reading. The writing drastically improved AND the plot got a lot better and more interesting; the quotes I'm including are all from the FIRST HALF so you know exactly how much I hated ACoM originally.
1st half- 2.8-3
2nd half - 3.9

--- xxx ---

“Once again, Prince Taveon was struck by her beauty. There was a light shining from within her, one that dimmed every other soul in the room. He blinked and glanced away, jaw clenched tight. Whatever drove him to speak those words was a strange magic he did not understand. And he did not trust it in the slightest.”

B*TCH THIS IS PAGE TEN WHAT AM I READING? Who wrote this? A hormonal teenager?

“It was beautiful but also strange. Bree had never seen anything like it, not during her childhood in the human realm and not during the past few months she had spent in the realm of the Light Fae.”

1) you went to all that trouble to find faerie-like names such as Taveon, Dagen and Norah ... But you pick BREE for the main? W.H.Y?
2) what the f***... We've not been told a SINGLE THING about the world & they're just launching into the plot...? Ok??
3) *cough* Taveon is Tamlin this feels like someone's RH fantasy reimagining of ACOTAR by Sarah j Maas.

“Prince Taveon asked in a low voice that was laced with a dangerous kind of dread that make Bree’s bones begin to quake. Something was wrong.”

DOES THIS EVEN MAKE SENSE? THAT WAS RHETORICAL: NO IT DOESN'T.

“If you hadn’t caught it, it wouldn’t have killed you. You would have had a wound, one that would have healed easily enough.”

AGAIN WHO WROTE THIS?

“Bree swallowed hard and blinked those thoughts away. And then she jumped as high as she could before stabbing the fae right in the throat. He fell within an instant, vacant eyes staring up at a raven-filled sky.”

Is Raven-filled sky supposed to be a descriptive? is the sky full of Ravens? What? Why? THIS IS ONLY PAGE 21??

“You think you know me, but you don’t,” she snapped. “You’ve never even spoken to me until today, and barely at that. You think you own me now, but in truth, I could do anything I wanted to you right this second. And no one would ever know.”

uhmm anything? I'm not THAT dirty minded but my brain's screaming rape rn. Couldn't they have worded this better?

“But you seriously can’t expect me to live in a cell. I’m not asking for some grand room in your fancy Great Hall or wherever it is that you royalty live—”
“We live in the Keep.”
“Right. I’m not asking to live there. Hell, I don’t even want to. Just don’t put me in a cell, Taveon.”
“It is Prince Taveon,” he said sharply. “ Slaves are forbidden to address any member of the royal family without a title.”


Yes, because telling your prisoner exactly where the royal family live is a perfectly good idea. NoTHinG cOUld gO wRONg, riGhT? Oh and this dom. complex is annoying.

“You’re going to have to turn around though. I’m not getting changed in front of you.”
Heat filled Taveon’s cheeks, and he suddenly felt as though he should be anywhere other than standing outside of Bree’s cell. He abruptly spun on his feet, and then ran a hand through his hair. Bree didn’t say a word as she undressed, though he could hear the rustle of the material. Clothing fell softly onto the stone floor, and he swallowed hard. Why was he reacting in such a ridiculous manner? It wasn’t as though he’d never been around a female undressing before.
But this felt dangerous. It felt wrong. Deliciously wrong.
It took all his self-control not to turn around.”


I think I might gag.

“Taveon held up a hand. One that held a pair of wrist braces attached to a chain. Bree’s entire face transformed from mild displeasure to something much darker and dangerous. She looked livid. Her eyes danced with fire, and her whole body trembled.”

So... She has a kink? What AM I READING?

“Very well,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Lord Dagen, this is Bree. My slave.”

This slave sh*t is getting old. HE LIKES HER. THIS IS NOT HOW YOU SHOW YOUR AFFECTION, DARLING.

“Ah, so there it was. He thought of himself as better than Bree, just because of what she was or what she had been”

I HAD TO REREAD AT LEAST 4 TIMES TO EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS MEANT.

“I do not have time for this,” Prince Taveon said with a dismissive tone in his voice. “You will do what I say, whether you approve of the methods or not. That is what being my slave means, Bree Paine. It does not mean you have any input into how I run my Court.”

IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE ATTRACTIVE? A KINK? WHAT? AlSo BREE PAINE... reALLY? realllyyy? I'll just have to rename her dammit.

--- xxx ---

And there you have it; the beginning was a sloppy mess lacking direction and backstory. The author just jumped right in at the deep end without providing ANY context.
However, I persevered, and after 100 pages things started picking up. The writing style became more clear and consistent & I found I was reading out of enjoyment rather than for the sake of finishing a task.

Dagen reminds me a LOT of Rhysand from ACOTAR, especially since he's so misunderstood. I also enjoyed reading about Fillan & hope we get to see more of him in future sequels (I haven't checked yet to see if there's already another book oops).

Finally, in terms of content, I'd categorise this Reverse Harem fantasy romance as ADULT. Perhaps YA at a stretch, depending on how "Young" the individual in question is. I'd recommend this to mature 16+ audiences as there is not only sexual content, but graphic (ish) scenes of sex / other intimate activities.
6 reviews
November 12, 2018
Can't say I liked Bree much

No redeming qualities, annoying, and frustating. The story was interesting but not enough to redeem how utterly hopeless Bree was.
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews48 followers
August 29, 2018
Hmmm this book was interesting. I was appalled at the lack of backstory on Bree herself until I read some other reviews and found out that this book is a spinoff of another series. That must have been where that information was. I like where this story ended up however getting there was a little painful. There was lots of intrigue and plot twists.

I think what saved this book for me was the different viewpoints. You really got to see that the dark fae weren’t the evil people Bree had to deal with most of the book. So I knew that would eventually come to light once everyone got on the same page but in the process of getting there I was pulling my hair out.

I’m a little confused is this supposed to be a reverse harem because it seems as if it’s heading in that direction. Of course Rafe is who she falls for first, I mean he is the only one that has been showing her kindness without an unspoken ulterior motive hanging in the air.

Fillian hmmm. Who is he and what’s his motive? A lot going on here at the end of the book. Hopefully the next book will keep this new pace. I’ll happily continue this series I’m definitely curious about how this is going to turn out but I am going to have to backtrack to read the other series first.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,141 reviews85 followers
July 31, 2018
This book is the start of a new series, but it is an offshoot of the Otherworld Academy series. You don’t need to have read the other series to enjoy this book, but I do think it will make the reading a richer experience. On to this book. While this first installment focused more on the romance side and less on the training part than I expected, I think this is the best book I’ve read by this author to date. It was longer and fuller than the other books, and I felt I got to know the characters even better than before. Don’t get me wrong; the other books were great, as well. This was just a step above. Bree became so much more than a side character, she became a character to cry with, laugh with, and to cheer on. The side characters were also very well drawn, too. I do admit there were a few times (OK, maybe a little more than that) where I would have liked to yell at Taveon because he kept lying, and I didn’t like him very much, but by the end of the book, I’d really like to see what is going on with him. Give this book a try! Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Diane Goodman.
102 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2020
I Didn't Think They Could Get Any Better !!!

I really enjoyed the first three books in the series but this one blew them out of the running, There was three times the action, Three times the behind the scenes intrigue and more than three times the romance. Between Bree and the men in her immediate rhelm the stakes are getting deeper and the feelings are confusing to all of those involved. With the battles for the crown coming faster than they are prepared for and the number of combatants growing can Bree get her mind and body prepared for the fight to the death competitions ? She has never had to take a life and just the thought of killing another living, breathing soul has her doubting all of her decisions since coming to the underworld. I don't know why this says that this is the first book in this series when it's the third book but with every book that I've read I can hardly wait to read the rest to find out what is in store in the future for Bree and the rest of her male counterparts. It's a strange and fascinating ride in this journey into underworld and beyond.
Profile Image for Watch Jamie Read.
934 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2020
The shift to Bree’s POV is brilliant!

This fourth book is awesome! I love Bree! She is feisty and unfiltered and I love it! I loved seeing the switched POV’s from the male perspective! I kept hoping for some male POV in the first three books and I loved it in this one. The story shifts a bit, as we are now in the Underworld training as a shapeshifter, but it still progresses the main storyline and the pace is still perfect. I don’t find myself missing Norah and the guys. (Okay, I won’t lie, I’m going to be pissed if I miss Norah gettin’ busy with Kael and Liam because of the shift in narrative.) I love Rafe and Taveon! I want Bree to be with Taveon so bad, but I don’t want Rafe to be hurt. Tough choice. I definitely will not enjoy a harem in Bree’s saga. I don’t like the weird connection with Dagen. Or the implications of Fillan poking around (although I am super intrigued by Fillan). The harem idea feels forced and I don’t like it. The only thing I would like about it is seeing the guys have to get along with each other. Haha. Let’s see what book five has to say.
Profile Image for Tara Syrnyk.
813 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2018
This is by far my favorite book of Wolfhart so far! I loved the amount of excitement and the unique situations Bree finds herself in,and the secrets! oh my I need to know more!! the emotions and diversity of all the characters, the mystery surrounding the Underworld, I could go on! I really enjoyed this read! Bree is fierce yet vulnerable, Wolfhart does a great job of making her relatable and realistic . The world she has created is vividly and clearly described , it feels as if you are there. Getting to know Bree, the Prince, Rafe, Daegon and the mysterious Fillian kept me on my toes. I was so intrigued I hardly put this book down! While this is a spin off from the Otherworld Academy series, you do not have to read them to enjoy this story. I have provided an E-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melinda.
81 reviews
August 1, 2018
This indeed was the longest yet I've read from Jenna, and I loved every page of it. It was really exciting to experience the turmoil of feelings, situations, relationships throughout the whole story. We knew Bree already from the Otherworld Academy series, she is a fierce and strong heroine full of passion. But also there are great male characters in the story, Taveon for instance is so much of a mixture of feelings, signals and behaviors that it is really tricky to figure him out. There are enormous feelings and actions taken, involving romance and betrayal and also fighting that it is really worth to read this book. As always in case I read something from Jenna, I cannot wait to have book 2 already.
I reviewed an ARC copy of the book voluntarily.
Profile Image for Noelle Woodruff.
830 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2018
Awesome read!

Another awesome book from Jenna Wolfhart! Taking place where we left off with Princess Norah and her friend Bree decides to go with the Prince of the Underworld so they don't invade Otherworld. I received this as an ARC. I will say that Bree really doesn't take any crap. With the Prince needing her, Lord Dagen wanting her to spy, and Rafe training her, she has a lot on her plate. New world and no friends. She has to learn not only a different way of life but being looked down on for being once human and now a shapeshifter. The letter at the end....gah! I'm ready for book 2 that's for sure!
1,514 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2018
Perfection!!

Wow! I was skeptical about this book book because while the Otherworld Academy books were good they were not my favorite but this one blew me away. It was not what I was expecting. Bree is fierce when she needs to be and sweet without being cheesy and you have got to love Rafe. There is constant action, suspense, betrayal and backstabbing. I can't wait to see what unfolds next and who her next love interest will be.
Profile Image for Bibliophile .
495 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2020
I did not love this. Bree was annoying and her constant, childish quarrels with Taveon kept my eyes rolling. The fact that each male Dark Fae she came in contact with was swooning over her was very irritating. I finished because I hoped it would get better - the plot itself wasn't bad and I actually kind of started to enjoy it by the last 80 pages or so.
Profile Image for Brittney.
21 reviews
June 30, 2020
This reverse harem book is alright and easy to read. Interesting take on a fae book taking place in a dark fae realm with monsters, danger and darkness. The lead character Bree is a tad annoying and not necessarily a strong lead character but things seem to workout for her. Not a fan favorite but it’s a ok quick read between books you’re waiting to become available.
Profile Image for sarah hall.
75 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2018
I wondered if I would enjoy this spinoff as well as I enjoyed the first series and all I can say is, Yes! I enjoyed this first book more actually. I can’t wait for the next book, I’m left wanting so much more for Bree. Definitely 5 stars. I will be rereading this book! Enjoy!
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
August 26, 2018
Great spinoff!

Awesome spinoff story of the tough girl who went to the underworld realm to save innocent humans, not knowing she was forfeiting her own freedom. Slow burn RH (I think?) with magic, mystery, and romance.
Profile Image for Elodie .
43 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2019
So here's the thing, I find the characters pretty great but the story...meh. I didn't appreciate the book as much as I wish I had. The writting is great though and kept me from stopping before the end.
Profile Image for Kleofas.
37 reviews12 followers
October 26, 2019
What's with all the fae males yearning for the same girl and they are all so in love just by looking at her once? I may read the next book just to see how her love for Rafe is going to conveniently disappear so that Bree can pursue her feelings for Taveon. Not a big fan of love triangles.
Profile Image for чарна.
254 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
sta je ovo bukvalno? nisam ni procitala do kraja...64% i to jedva... nemam sta vise da kazem likovi mi idu na zivce mrzim ih tako su mlaki nemaju personality i ova glavna likusa ne zna sta ce vise od sebe... bilo je mozda 2 dobre scene, a ovo ostalo boze sacuvaj.
Profile Image for Denise Campbell.
315 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2018
I loved this story about Bree in the Dark court. We get to see her shift and discover herself. I look forward to the next in this exciting new series.
76 reviews
August 4, 2018
Friday night!

Relax And enjoy! Funny cute, romantic, good sexy sections without it being XXX. Classy, well done. Can't wAit for the next book!! You go girl! Maria
Profile Image for sherri winters.
28 reviews
August 11, 2018
A great read

I really enjoyed this book... I enjoyed knowing what happened after the first series and I loved the FMC. Can’t wait for the next book to come out
Profile Image for Jessica Richert.
119 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2018
It was touch and go... I was instantly drawn in and then it lagged and then sped up and lagged again until the last 5 or so chapters. Great world building but there was a lot that was unneeded.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Choi.
404 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2018
Beautiful

This was a story of betrayal, dark ,death and secrets. It was also a storey of beauty, light, love and life. Everything that makes a great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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