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Academy of Shifters #1
Werewolves 101
For Remi St. James, It started with the blackouts. Then the vivid nightmares. That’s nothing compared to waking up naked, alone in a forest with no recollection of how she got there.
Scary as hell, but what she discovers is far worse.
Remi was changing into something more--something supernatural.
After coming to terms with what she is, Remi starts school at the Gladwell Academy of Shifters, an exclusive and secretive college designed to awaken those with extraordinary abilities.
Remi meets Laith Brighton, an impossibly hot, mountain lion shifter who's also an irresistible jerk. Then there's the cliques of werewolves and bears. Plenty of mean girls with mind powers. Everything a regular college has--just a bit weirder. But what she discovers is far darker than anyone could imagine.
Can she maintain her sanity in a place that is incredibly insane?
Fans of the Fallen Academy and Supernatural Academy series will love this snarky paranormal fantasy filled with shifters and romance.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
1334 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Marisa Claire
41 books84 followersMarisa Claire is a Torment Publishing author who writes snarky, Young Adult/New Adult fantasy and paranormal books about werewolves, shifters, dragons, magic, and more.
In her free time, Marisa loves to spend time with her dogs and family. She loves traveling and seeing the world. Marisa also enjoys hearing from her readers!
In her free time, Marisa loves to spend time with her dogs and family. She loves traveling and seeing the world. Marisa also enjoys hearing from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 7, 2019
Another one bites the dust.. in the Academy craze. Available via KU. One more Academy book less on my recommended feed. I feel I have to start at the beginning here. The beginning of the story is super jarring. Not only was it jarring for the FMC and the reader but it was one of those cases where everything could have been cleared up and then the story started but instead all the information the FMC really needs is kept from her in this "Everyone knows best" type scenario leaving the reader and the fmc feeling incredibly frustrated as well as not prepared for what lies ahead. This type of scenerio always gets my goat.. As a reader some well placed and created intrigue is always appreciated, especially when it is done with finese, however when all the "teachers" or adults in a story keep the information from the H/h on purpose and the something bad or several bad things happen on purpose all because no one would "teach" the H/h anything or reveal that information for w/e reason.. I just feel like this is the "lazy mans intrigue." Its like lets create intrigue by just keeping all the information from the H/h therefor keeping it from the reader... Its not real intrigue.. it doesn't therefor "intrigue" me. It just frustrates the hell out of me until I get some answers. We have alot of this here, as well as an MMC with some ahole issues.. not my favorite.
Remi, our FMC, gets dumped into the supernatural world finding out that her sleepwalking and dreams.. weren't just dreams. She is actually a wolf shifter. Kind of kidnapped by her new teachers she is encouraged to attend shifter academy to find out about her new life, she is also coerced by promises to find her twin brother. Remi learns really quick where she stands at this new academy... at the bottom.. underneath everyone elses feet it seems. Finding out not everyone has the same "senses" as she has. Remi confides in the blind bookseller and is encourage to never speak it again.. in the process she runs into a teacher that helps her stop herself from shifting which leads to massive problems and a block on her ability to shift at all. Failing the academy, dealing with the nastiest of mean girls, hanging with the freaks and geeks, and for some reason having some really weird connection with the biggest a hole in the school makes for a very awful first year for Remi. Until she figures out there are different and more extra "senses" out there and she has been targeted all along. But who will believe her when the extra person with the extra sense can control the thoughts of others?
I will say that by the end of the story we finally get enough information as well as a whole new aspect of shifters which really did "intrigue" me. I'm prepared to continue the series, I'm just hoping that we come by information a little easier or its better built intrigue in the continuation of the series.
Remi, our FMC, gets dumped into the supernatural world finding out that her sleepwalking and dreams.. weren't just dreams. She is actually a wolf shifter. Kind of kidnapped by her new teachers she is encouraged to attend shifter academy to find out about her new life, she is also coerced by promises to find her twin brother. Remi learns really quick where she stands at this new academy... at the bottom.. underneath everyone elses feet it seems. Finding out not everyone has the same "senses" as she has. Remi confides in the blind bookseller and is encourage to never speak it again.. in the process she runs into a teacher that helps her stop herself from shifting which leads to massive problems and a block on her ability to shift at all. Failing the academy, dealing with the nastiest of mean girls, hanging with the freaks and geeks, and for some reason having some really weird connection with the biggest a hole in the school makes for a very awful first year for Remi. Until she figures out there are different and more extra "senses" out there and she has been targeted all along. But who will believe her when the extra person with the extra sense can control the thoughts of others?
I will say that by the end of the story we finally get enough information as well as a whole new aspect of shifters which really did "intrigue" me. I'm prepared to continue the series, I'm just hoping that we come by information a little easier or its better built intrigue in the continuation of the series.
May 14, 2019
I feel like there shouldve been a trigger warning and also this story was a bit all over the place tbh needed more character time and less idk whatver it was i read. Time skips and bullying. I did really enjoy the plot when it waa happening the idea was excellent the characters if they had been invested in are awesome. It was overall just a bit like idk meh/disappointing in most areas. The areas it were good in they were really good. A lot of the time i felt like jarred by the visual it was provided like one minute this was happening the next this was happening so the scene transition was weird and its cut off in the middle of something and your left like what just happened? So yeah not a fan of how it was written but the idea the story and the characters well at least the main trio her the cat and victoria were pretty good. I dont underatand the reason why a certain girl would think she needed to not only hide her sexuality but also blatantly pretend she was straight like whats the world of shifters i felt like besides of the its random and we have an academy thats mandatory theres no real like world building like i felt like i didnt learn anything about the world at all and it was really rushed and weird idk im still going to continue the series since i usually give first books in a series a pass and also cause i did despite my mixed feelings enjoy the book in one sitting i just hope the next one is more pleasant to read.
May 24, 2019
Lions and wolves and bears, oh my!
I thought, not another academy book, and I was right. This isn't just another academy book. This is a seriously awesome academy book. Two months until the next one? Sigh. Can't wait.
I thought, not another academy book, and I was right. This isn't just another academy book. This is a seriously awesome academy book. Two months until the next one? Sigh. Can't wait.
April 26, 2019
What an intriguing story. Remi has blackouts, nightmares. She end up in a forest alone, with no idea how she got there. She soon discovers that she’s changing. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
December 14, 2019
Troubled 17 year old, Remi St James, has spent most of her life flitting from foster home to foster home. By choosing Keller Parks State College for her alma mater, Remi hopes to gain some sense of normalcy. Recently however, Remi has been plagued by panic attacks, dizziness, blackouts and sleep walking, unaware that she has been shifting on and off as a wolf. It’s during one such shift that Remi runs into a black wolf and his mate as well as a bear. It turns out that the wolves are Chancellor Oberon Gladwell and his wife Vice Chancellor Cordelia Gladwell of Gladwell Academy. The bear, Cherish Belhollow, is the Dean of Science there. Remi learns that Gladwell Academy is an exclusive and secretive college for shifters which has been designed to awaken those with extraordinary abilities. Remi is initially reluctant to accept their offer that she join but agrees on the condition that they help to track down her twin brother Rahm who she hasn’t seen since they were children.
On her first day at Gladwell Academy, Remi falls foul of the Queen of Mean, Winter Davenport and clashes with Laith Brighton, an impossibly hot mountain lion shifter who’s also an irresistible jerk. As she tries to fit in at the Academy, Remi has to contend with bullying, the loss of her power to shift as well as an insidious assailant in the wings...
Werewolf 101 is the highly entertaining first instalment of the Academy of Shifter series. It was also my first introduction to the author and boy was I in for a treat. The book was compelling, fast paced with lots of mystery, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read.
While the plot is complex and intriguing, the strength of the book lies in the appealing three dimensional characters created by the author. Each character was well rounded, believable and unique. Remi was an appealing, snarky and relatable protagonist whom readers will instantly identify with. Although she’s somewhat of a loner due to her difficult upbringing in foster homes, we see some of the chinks in her armour dissipate as a results of the friendships she forges.
I loved the group dynamics, particularly between Remi and her ‘pack’ aka the ‘nerd herd’ which consisted of Xander and Kanze. Hickoree’s (like the tree with two ee’s) induction into the academy at the end was a welcome surprise as I took an immediate liking to her at the beginning of the book. Even Winter Davenport comes across a complex antagonist and I’m looking forward to reading more of her back story. Its Remi’s relationship with Professor Belhollow, Victoria and of course Laith, that made a lasting impression.
The author’s sense of humour truly brought the characters to life. There were so many laugh out loud moments that I struggled to contain my uncontrollable giggles next to a hubby who was desperately trying to get some sleep. Remi’s inner dialogue as well as some of her comeback retorts were hilarious.
A favourite scene of mine occurred at the beginning when Remi in her wolf form releases a mournful howl and is joined by the Gladwells and Belhollow, her pain becoming their pain, which I thought was a poignant moment that made a lump in my throat.
The book does end on a devastating cliffhanger and I look forward to learning more about the Tooth and Claw Society in the next instalment.
All in all this is a delightfully entertaining book that is sure to leave a smile on your face.
On her first day at Gladwell Academy, Remi falls foul of the Queen of Mean, Winter Davenport and clashes with Laith Brighton, an impossibly hot mountain lion shifter who’s also an irresistible jerk. As she tries to fit in at the Academy, Remi has to contend with bullying, the loss of her power to shift as well as an insidious assailant in the wings...
Werewolf 101 is the highly entertaining first instalment of the Academy of Shifter series. It was also my first introduction to the author and boy was I in for a treat. The book was compelling, fast paced with lots of mystery, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read.
While the plot is complex and intriguing, the strength of the book lies in the appealing three dimensional characters created by the author. Each character was well rounded, believable and unique. Remi was an appealing, snarky and relatable protagonist whom readers will instantly identify with. Although she’s somewhat of a loner due to her difficult upbringing in foster homes, we see some of the chinks in her armour dissipate as a results of the friendships she forges.
I loved the group dynamics, particularly between Remi and her ‘pack’ aka the ‘nerd herd’ which consisted of Xander and Kanze. Hickoree’s (like the tree with two ee’s) induction into the academy at the end was a welcome surprise as I took an immediate liking to her at the beginning of the book. Even Winter Davenport comes across a complex antagonist and I’m looking forward to reading more of her back story. Its Remi’s relationship with Professor Belhollow, Victoria and of course Laith, that made a lasting impression.
The author’s sense of humour truly brought the characters to life. There were so many laugh out loud moments that I struggled to contain my uncontrollable giggles next to a hubby who was desperately trying to get some sleep. Remi’s inner dialogue as well as some of her comeback retorts were hilarious.
A favourite scene of mine occurred at the beginning when Remi in her wolf form releases a mournful howl and is joined by the Gladwells and Belhollow, her pain becoming their pain, which I thought was a poignant moment that made a lump in my throat.
The book does end on a devastating cliffhanger and I look forward to learning more about the Tooth and Claw Society in the next instalment.
All in all this is a delightfully entertaining book that is sure to leave a smile on your face.
November 1, 2019
**For more reviews visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I found this audiobook to be super fun and fairly unexpected. It was a very fast listen at 5 and a half hours so I was able to listen to it in one day and the story was different and interesting. I mean really, what is not to love about a magical college (think harry potter style) full of supernatural shifters- full of secrets and conspiracies?! And in case you did not know, werewolves are one of my favorite genres to read and Remy just so happens to be an unsuspecting werewolf.
The one thing that I had issues with the story was how long Remy was convinced she was dreaming. She goes 6 weeks assuming she is having a very vivid, realistic yet fantastical dream where she is attending a supernatural college for shapeshifters. I kept waiting for her to come to terms with her new situation but her level of self denial was impressive. Overall though, she was an entertaining character who showed a lot of personal growth throughout the book and I really loved who she became.
Minus Remy's denial issues aside, she was a very straightforward character. As an orphan who bounced around the foster care system, she learned to only rely on herself and that she has no time for fantasy and make-believe. She was a girl very grounded in sensible reality who found out that she actually belonged in a very magical world.
I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to get into the next one. There was mystery and paranormal, action and excitement, unexpected friendships as well as a forbidden romance I fully shipped. The rest of the series is not on audio but I wish there were so I could go snag them and binge the rest of the series. But alas, I might just get the ebooks because I am not sure I will be able to wait to know what will happen next.
I found this audiobook to be super fun and fairly unexpected. It was a very fast listen at 5 and a half hours so I was able to listen to it in one day and the story was different and interesting. I mean really, what is not to love about a magical college (think harry potter style) full of supernatural shifters- full of secrets and conspiracies?! And in case you did not know, werewolves are one of my favorite genres to read and Remy just so happens to be an unsuspecting werewolf.
The one thing that I had issues with the story was how long Remy was convinced she was dreaming. She goes 6 weeks assuming she is having a very vivid, realistic yet fantastical dream where she is attending a supernatural college for shapeshifters. I kept waiting for her to come to terms with her new situation but her level of self denial was impressive. Overall though, she was an entertaining character who showed a lot of personal growth throughout the book and I really loved who she became.
Minus Remy's denial issues aside, she was a very straightforward character. As an orphan who bounced around the foster care system, she learned to only rely on herself and that she has no time for fantasy and make-believe. She was a girl very grounded in sensible reality who found out that she actually belonged in a very magical world.
I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to get into the next one. There was mystery and paranormal, action and excitement, unexpected friendships as well as a forbidden romance I fully shipped. The rest of the series is not on audio but I wish there were so I could go snag them and binge the rest of the series. But alas, I might just get the ebooks because I am not sure I will be able to wait to know what will happen next.
April 28, 2019
Title: Academy of Shifters: First Semester Werewolves 101
Author: Marisa Claire
Publisher: B07NTTCPQM
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/109341443X?...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
For Remi St. James, It started with the blackouts. Then the vivid nightmares. That’s nothing compared to waking up naked, alone in a forest with no recollection of how she got there.
Scary as hell, but what she discovers is far worse.
Remi was changing into something more--something supernatural.
After coming to terms with what she is, Remi starts school at the Gladwell Academy of Shifters, an exclusive and secretive college designed to awaken those with extraordinary abilities.
Remi meets Laith Brighton, an impossibly hot, mountain lion shifter who's also an irresistible jerk. Then there's the cliques of werewolves and bears. Plenty of mean girls with mind powers. Everything a regular college has--just a bit weirder. But what she discovers is far darker than anyone could imagine.
Can she maintain her sanity in a place that is incredibly insane?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Remi’s life in the foster system was difficult. There were always strange things happening like Remi waking up outside undressed with no knowledge about how she got there leaving others to wonder about her. Remi is finally going to college and she has a chance to leave the past behind that is until everything spins out of control. Remi finds herself taken to a new school unlike any she could imagine where shifters and magic are not only accepted, but taught. Remi is faced with the knowledge that her blackouts and dreams are more than they seem. Even with all the problems of dealing with a world she never expected, things at Gladwell may not be exactly what they seem. Remi feels alone as she struggles with her new world, teenage bullies, and romantic feelings on top of learning how to navigate her new paranormal world.
This is a wonderful beginning to a new YA paranormal series.
"I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Author: Marisa Claire
Publisher: B07NTTCPQM
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/109341443X?...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
For Remi St. James, It started with the blackouts. Then the vivid nightmares. That’s nothing compared to waking up naked, alone in a forest with no recollection of how she got there.
Scary as hell, but what she discovers is far worse.
Remi was changing into something more--something supernatural.
After coming to terms with what she is, Remi starts school at the Gladwell Academy of Shifters, an exclusive and secretive college designed to awaken those with extraordinary abilities.
Remi meets Laith Brighton, an impossibly hot, mountain lion shifter who's also an irresistible jerk. Then there's the cliques of werewolves and bears. Plenty of mean girls with mind powers. Everything a regular college has--just a bit weirder. But what she discovers is far darker than anyone could imagine.
Can she maintain her sanity in a place that is incredibly insane?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Remi’s life in the foster system was difficult. There were always strange things happening like Remi waking up outside undressed with no knowledge about how she got there leaving others to wonder about her. Remi is finally going to college and she has a chance to leave the past behind that is until everything spins out of control. Remi finds herself taken to a new school unlike any she could imagine where shifters and magic are not only accepted, but taught. Remi is faced with the knowledge that her blackouts and dreams are more than they seem. Even with all the problems of dealing with a world she never expected, things at Gladwell may not be exactly what they seem. Remi feels alone as she struggles with her new world, teenage bullies, and romantic feelings on top of learning how to navigate her new paranormal world.
This is a wonderful beginning to a new YA paranormal series.
"I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
March 27, 2020
ONE WILD TUMULTUOUS RIDE!!!
Spellbound! Marisa delivers one heart pounding, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, melding this gem together sleek shiny and tight. Toss in drama, intrigue, danger, underlying currents, mounting suspense and nerve racking situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging sinister intentions, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. A raging vortex of fervent events and stunning circumstances, catapults those churning emotions into play front and center. Twixt, twinned and interwoven, exposing the heart pounding ups and gut wretching downs, propel this bad boy to staggering heights. Traversing the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering finale. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes, paint an epic backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Marisa, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Spellbound! Marisa delivers one heart pounding, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, melding this gem together sleek shiny and tight. Toss in drama, intrigue, danger, underlying currents, mounting suspense and nerve racking situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging sinister intentions, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. A raging vortex of fervent events and stunning circumstances, catapults those churning emotions into play front and center. Twixt, twinned and interwoven, exposing the heart pounding ups and gut wretching downs, propel this bad boy to staggering heights. Traversing the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering finale. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes, paint an epic backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Marisa, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
April 28, 2019
More Shifts in the Story Than in the Characters
Remi St. James has had trouble her entire life. Going off to college was supposed to let her escape the past. Instead, she suddenly finds herself in an apparent nightmare: she's a werewolf and kidnapped to attend a school for shifters.
The story is about coming of age and coming to grips with who you are. There is a mystery, college clique intrigue, and a fair share of various shades of sexual tension (all very clean).
The character development is good. You're kept guessing about who are the real protagonists as the story shifts faster than the characters.
Remi St. James has had trouble her entire life. Going off to college was supposed to let her escape the past. Instead, she suddenly finds herself in an apparent nightmare: she's a werewolf and kidnapped to attend a school for shifters.
The story is about coming of age and coming to grips with who you are. There is a mystery, college clique intrigue, and a fair share of various shades of sexual tension (all very clean).
The character development is good. You're kept guessing about who are the real protagonists as the story shifts faster than the characters.
Read
March 29, 2020Remi says everything as it is, no hold back. Somethings this gets her into trouble.We have a little mystery and of course you always what to know what is going to happen next. What she don't understand is getting shipped of to a Academy. Why is she a wolf? Who is that hot guy, really a mountain lion? Who is this professor and why is he trying to help me?? He';s hot too. But its her best friends boyfriend. Why am I told to keep my secret? What is really going on? Are they really looking out for me?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2022
DNF. The heroine was miserable and bitchy. Not once in the 60% of the book that I read did she ever laugh, seem happy or say anything positive. Also, the world building was not good and there was minimal descriptions. Did the other shifters know they were shifters growing up? How did the academy find the heroine?
July 11, 2022
This is yet ANOTHER series that the MC is a bit*h, she lies, she constantly pushes the love interest away and is stupid beyond belief and did I mention shes a bit*h?….
May 5, 2019
Your typical high school/college story of a rebellious misfit coupled with the trials and tribulations of being a teenage shifter. Life never looked so snarky.
Remi St. James (never forget the Saint) is an orphan girl, all set to start college after faling out of yet another foster placement when all of a sudden she's not quite feeling herself. A walk in the woods becomes a walk on the wild side when it turns out all those dizzy spells and blackout she's been having are caused by her inner wolf that's finally been let out. Picked up by the heads of the mysterious Gladwell Academy, she's dumped straight into all the teenage new-school tropes along with the awkwardness of having always denied any interest in anything remotely paranormal. Add in Winter Davenport, the Queen B all ready to make her social life hell, and Laithe Brigton, the dastardly handsome but depressingly unavailable (and jerky) lion-shifter, and Remi's got more troubles than she can shake her tail at. Except she can't even seem to do that right...
The writing's punchy and grabs you from the off. Remi's one of those teenage snarkers with a tongue so sharp she'll leave you bleeding. Great if you like that sort of character, but maybe a bit alienating as it can make her harder to empathise with and sometimes a bit inconsistent. Some of the other characters had oddly unreadable motivations. Some of the teachers had irrational-seeming dislikes of students, while Laithe's bullying/flirting that could make him seem just... not worth Remi's time (hotness aside, because of course). And there's one relationship that just was a complete turn off for me, partly because of the awkwardness, partly because of the stereotypes.
I was trying to enjoy the story, but the muddied character motivations and some of the events about 70% of the way through just weirded me out too much.
-I was provided with a free ARC copy of this ebook-
Remi St. James (never forget the Saint) is an orphan girl, all set to start college after faling out of yet another foster placement when all of a sudden she's not quite feeling herself. A walk in the woods becomes a walk on the wild side when it turns out all those dizzy spells and blackout she's been having are caused by her inner wolf that's finally been let out. Picked up by the heads of the mysterious Gladwell Academy, she's dumped straight into all the teenage new-school tropes along with the awkwardness of having always denied any interest in anything remotely paranormal. Add in Winter Davenport, the Queen B all ready to make her social life hell, and Laithe Brigton, the dastardly handsome but depressingly unavailable (and jerky) lion-shifter, and Remi's got more troubles than she can shake her tail at. Except she can't even seem to do that right...
The writing's punchy and grabs you from the off. Remi's one of those teenage snarkers with a tongue so sharp she'll leave you bleeding. Great if you like that sort of character, but maybe a bit alienating as it can make her harder to empathise with and sometimes a bit inconsistent. Some of the other characters had oddly unreadable motivations. Some of the teachers had irrational-seeming dislikes of students, while Laithe's bullying/flirting that could make him seem just... not worth Remi's time (hotness aside, because of course). And there's one relationship that just was a complete turn off for me, partly because of the awkwardness, partly because of the stereotypes.
I was trying to enjoy the story, but the muddied character motivations and some of the events about 70% of the way through just weirded me out too much.
-I was provided with a free ARC copy of this ebook-
March 29, 2020
Remi has had a rough life. Placed in to the foster system when she was young caused her to eventually lose contact with her brother since nobody wanted the both of them. She was bounced from home to home never belonging anywhere or becoming part of a family. Finally she's enrolled in college, but before she makes it to orientation, aka the Sorting Ceremony, she goes for walk. The woods are calling to her, and her life is about to be changed. She's met by 2 wolves and a bear, but WTF!? She has paws. The wolves are the Chancellor & Vice-Chancellor, and the bear a Dean at the Academy of Shifters. When they show her a promotional video for the academy, she shifts into her wolf at the sight of a HAF mountain lion shifter when he shifts for the camera. Unfortunately, she gets stuck as she doesn't know how to shift back. Nothing liike showing up at shifter college in fur when everyone else is in their human skin upon arrival.
She's bullied just as soon as she shows up, which causes her to shift back to her human self. Luckily, another girl is there & befriends her. What Remi wasn't expecting was for her new friend to be the girlfriend of the mountain lion shifter from the video. Meet Laith, one of only 2 mountain lion shifters at the school. The other one just happens to be Remi's new friend. Things go from bad to worse when she has an unexpected shift start in the library only to have it stopped by one of the professors. Six weeks later she's on the verge of flunking out because she is unable to shift. She is offered help with trying to get her wolf back by the same professor who helped her stop the shift. Life gets more complicated for Remi as she discovers things that are happening at the school, including something important about her brother.
I love Remi and all of the characters. The story is kind of all over the place with secrets from all of the characters, and Remi being on a "need to know" from the faculty. This is what had me rating the story as 4 stars. The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more for book 2.
She's bullied just as soon as she shows up, which causes her to shift back to her human self. Luckily, another girl is there & befriends her. What Remi wasn't expecting was for her new friend to be the girlfriend of the mountain lion shifter from the video. Meet Laith, one of only 2 mountain lion shifters at the school. The other one just happens to be Remi's new friend. Things go from bad to worse when she has an unexpected shift start in the library only to have it stopped by one of the professors. Six weeks later she's on the verge of flunking out because she is unable to shift. She is offered help with trying to get her wolf back by the same professor who helped her stop the shift. Life gets more complicated for Remi as she discovers things that are happening at the school, including something important about her brother.
I love Remi and all of the characters. The story is kind of all over the place with secrets from all of the characters, and Remi being on a "need to know" from the faculty. This is what had me rating the story as 4 stars. The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more for book 2.
June 23, 2020
I give this book a 2.5-3 rating. This book had so much potential, the story was interesting, but overall it failed to deliver. One of the characteristics of a good paranormal/ fantasy book is complex world building, and the author has taken the time to think through the intricacies of this new world before setting pen to paper. Unfortunately, this is not what we find in this book. It seemed like the author would start off on a certain premise and then abandoned it without a good explanation or substitute. For instance, the author raises the possibility of True life mates in this story, but never decides one way or the other if they exist in this world. Another example is the author never fully explains what are the benefits of being a shifter, nor how many types of shifter exist in this world, nor how they are governed or how they have been able to hide their existence from humans. I felt that instead of building a new fantasy world and setting the storyline within it, the author tried to create interesting twists in the storyline, but never fully worked out this fantasy world’s features.
Another reason why I didn’t give this book a high rating is due to lack of character development. Throughout the book, Laith remained a two dimensional character and we never get a real understanding into his mindset, his background nor the place he occupies in this college apart from being a student. Even Remi, the heroine of this story, fell somewhat flat. She’s borderline obnoxious & rude one minute, and then sweet the next. In my opinion, she acted more like a moody 13 year old than a young adult woman.
Another reason why I didn’t give this book a high rating is due to lack of character development. Throughout the book, Laith remained a two dimensional character and we never get a real understanding into his mindset, his background nor the place he occupies in this college apart from being a student. Even Remi, the heroine of this story, fell somewhat flat. She’s borderline obnoxious & rude one minute, and then sweet the next. In my opinion, she acted more like a moody 13 year old than a young adult woman.
August 25, 2021
Laith lifted his arms like, What can you do? “Come for the hot guy, stay for the gradual loss of free will.”
Yes, students everywhere can relate to the conflict between conforming vs. being unique. Academy romances are a favorite trope of mine, despite having graduated a while ago. We can all relate to these, and they often correspond to one of the major life events (birth, marriage, first job, oh, and first love).
I laughed a lot in this novel. Marissa Claire just has a way with words that transcended the plot, but the plot itself was wonderful, too. When her life is turned upside down, and she turns into a wolf just as she enters her first day in a new academy, awkward introductions are the least of her worries. Forced to visit an academy that has subjects like shifter meditation, her career prospects have disappeared like a puff of smoke. She only stays because of the hot guy in the commercial, oh, and that pesky fur problem. Laith is so funny that he even gave me a little shock of attraction. They have a wonderful rapport. The story is more than a romance, though. Along with a new bestie, Victoria, she also meets the geek pack and becomes enamored of a teacher to distract her from wanting her bestie’s boyfriend. Without giving anything away, the Dean’s List is not what you expect, and now I need, need, need to read book 2. Sigh.
Plot, theme, side characters…Marissa Claire hit a home run.
Romance is PG. There is one kiss and some touching.
Yes, students everywhere can relate to the conflict between conforming vs. being unique. Academy romances are a favorite trope of mine, despite having graduated a while ago. We can all relate to these, and they often correspond to one of the major life events (birth, marriage, first job, oh, and first love).
I laughed a lot in this novel. Marissa Claire just has a way with words that transcended the plot, but the plot itself was wonderful, too. When her life is turned upside down, and she turns into a wolf just as she enters her first day in a new academy, awkward introductions are the least of her worries. Forced to visit an academy that has subjects like shifter meditation, her career prospects have disappeared like a puff of smoke. She only stays because of the hot guy in the commercial, oh, and that pesky fur problem. Laith is so funny that he even gave me a little shock of attraction. They have a wonderful rapport. The story is more than a romance, though. Along with a new bestie, Victoria, she also meets the geek pack and becomes enamored of a teacher to distract her from wanting her bestie’s boyfriend. Without giving anything away, the Dean’s List is not what you expect, and now I need, need, need to read book 2. Sigh.
Plot, theme, side characters…Marissa Claire hit a home run.
Romance is PG. There is one kiss and some touching.
May 16, 2019
I kinda struggled with this book because the main character so was so harsh at the beginning and I didn't really care for her. But as I read I warmed up to her.
Remi St. James is an orphan girl who is just trying to get through life and be normal, when she's just about to start her freshmen year of college she finds out she's a wolf shifter! She has been shifting on and off unaware (which is a big deal in their world), when she is asked to go to Gladwell academy she is hesitant and only accepts because they bribe her saying they will look for her brother who she has been separated from for years.
Typically books about werewolves or whatever have you come in with the main character are already aware of this and are accepting so it was refreshing to have one resisting and fumbling. Some of the story is predictable but other parts caught me by surprise! By the end I was eager for the next book and am hurrying to get this review out so I can sign up for the next one!
If you are a fan of YA paranormal/ supernatural stories then give this one a shot! It's different with a strong main character and an interesting plot.
I received a copy of this book for free as an advanced reader's copy for my honest review.
Remi St. James is an orphan girl who is just trying to get through life and be normal, when she's just about to start her freshmen year of college she finds out she's a wolf shifter! She has been shifting on and off unaware (which is a big deal in their world), when she is asked to go to Gladwell academy she is hesitant and only accepts because they bribe her saying they will look for her brother who she has been separated from for years.
Typically books about werewolves or whatever have you come in with the main character are already aware of this and are accepting so it was refreshing to have one resisting and fumbling. Some of the story is predictable but other parts caught me by surprise! By the end I was eager for the next book and am hurrying to get this review out so I can sign up for the next one!
If you are a fan of YA paranormal/ supernatural stories then give this one a shot! It's different with a strong main character and an interesting plot.
I received a copy of this book for free as an advanced reader's copy for my honest review.
March 26, 2020
Remi St. James had something happening to her that she could not identify. She began to have blackouts, strange nightmares, and then actually woke up completely naked in a forest. She had no memory of what happened, but eventually discovered it was all part of her changing into something else, something supernatural.
Remi enrolls in Keller Parks State College to find a bit of normalcy in her life. But an enticing wander in the woods brings her into contact with the Gladwells and she subsequently ends up in the Gladwell Academy of Shifters which supposedly helps students awaken their abilities and will help her specifically figure out what’s happening to her. Unfortunately, she had to deal with some nasty bullies and Laith Brightona, good-looking but an arrogant jerk mountain lion. She’ll have all the usual adjustments to make that anyone in college has, except these are more extreme with the supernaturals she has to learn about and deal with.
Parts of the book were straightforward, while others jumped around a bit. However, overall, my love of shifters kept me reading and enjoying the story. Grab your copy and see what Remi’s first year is like – and whether she will actually survive it!
Remi enrolls in Keller Parks State College to find a bit of normalcy in her life. But an enticing wander in the woods brings her into contact with the Gladwells and she subsequently ends up in the Gladwell Academy of Shifters which supposedly helps students awaken their abilities and will help her specifically figure out what’s happening to her. Unfortunately, she had to deal with some nasty bullies and Laith Brightona, good-looking but an arrogant jerk mountain lion. She’ll have all the usual adjustments to make that anyone in college has, except these are more extreme with the supernaturals she has to learn about and deal with.
Parts of the book were straightforward, while others jumped around a bit. However, overall, my love of shifters kept me reading and enjoying the story. Grab your copy and see what Remi’s first year is like – and whether she will actually survive it!
March 26, 2020
Remi finally has a place she feels good about but is it all a lie? Remi has always been different. That is why she bounced around to so many foster homes. No one wanted her. But now she is starting college and has her life ahead of her. On the first day she is drawn into the woods, shifter into a wolf and is taken by two wolf shifters and a bear shifter to an academy for shifters. She is teased and heckled for days by a certain crown but has made several friends. But one of her new friends has a boyfriend that Remi is very attracted to. Every time they touch she feels tingles all over. But she can’t act on her feelings. And she went from being the first student to hold her shift for a long time to all of a sudden she can’t shift and might be thrown out. Then she and Laith, the hot lion shifter she likes discover something terrifying. Certain students are on a list and the meaning of the list is not good. These students could be in danger.
March 28, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Remi and Laith. She's a foster kid who never really had a place to call home. When she starts at Keller Parks State college things are weird. She keeps getting dizzy, sleep walking and hey blood rushing in her ears. She meets her new roommate, Hickoree, she freaks and needs a walk. When in the walk she is drawn to the forest when she meets a bear and two wolves. The try to explain to her about being a shifter and want to take her to Gladwell academy. There she meets Victoria, Laith, Xander, Kanze and Winter. Unfortunately Winter and Remi don't get along at all. The book entails her learning to shift, deal with classes and bullies. But something is wrong and there is a big problem about burst. Betrayals, secrets, mystery lists and a missing twin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2019
This is the first time I read a book by Marisa and I must say I greatly enjoyed Academy of Shifters. Although it does have the commonly used shifter ideas (clothes loss, mental communication, etc.), it also brought in several brand new abilities that made the story all that more interesting. There are very likable characters that go through a process of growth, but learn more about themselves, others, and purpose. The interactions between characters are very realistic and well done, there will be times you'll even feel like strangling some of characters. The plot is very well written and has it twists that keep you guessing. That ending though! Holy Cow!! Overall I would recommend this book if you're of fan of Academy books, shifters, romance, or paranormal in general. Now the waiting game for the next book begins!
I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 10, 2019
I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. It has your supernatural kick with Werewolves and other types of beings that can change into animals. It has your likable main character, who has this stubborn, I-don't-believe-any-of-this-is-real attitude, who has come from a horrible childhood, finally going to college, and is crazy loyal to the people that she considers friends. As you find out who the villain of the story is (I didn't really see it coming, or didn't want to), you wonder whether the hot guy will ever admit his feelings for the main character, and then realize that there is something secret going on at the academy, just to find that it ends right there with no explanation....yet. I can't wait to see what happens next. Oh, did I mention that the main character has a very special ability that she needs to keep secret?
May 3, 2019
I am so excited to read such a great start to a series- I've read about 5 other new series' recently and have been unimpressed. The main character is likable, and importantly, very realistic. Yes, she stumbles, but she learns and grows. I am looking forward to more secondary character development, as well as the continuation of the plots revealed in this book. The world-building is perfect and I really hope the author adds a teeny bit more comic relief so not everything is tinged with that life-or-death emotion that is prevalent in so many series. Which, by the way, isn't as bad in this book. I'm looking forward to more interactions with the pack, as well as the nemesis, and of course, the love interest. Can't wait for the next one!
*I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
*I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 3, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I really enjoyed how they portrayed shifters. There were some of the usual tropes, like losing your clothes after shifting, learning to cope with a new reality, and having an inner beast that changes how you think/act. The different abilities that the author brought into this world were very interesting, and made for a good action-filled storyline where you couldn't always tell who's the good guy and who's the bad guy. Most had mixed motives and the plot left off with an interesting twist at the end that definitely makes you want to pick up the next book! My only annoyance was the MC's insistence on everything being a dream for way too long in the story, other than that I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next one!
May 3, 2019
'll be honest - when I first started reading it, I half-expected a werewolf version of the Harry Potter series or something like that. However, that notion was dispelled even before I completed the first chapter. I enjoyed reading Remi's struggles to come to terms with her "powers" and her new school. What I loved even more were the numerous little mysteries woven into the story - some that were resolved within the book, and some that ended on a major cliff-hanger at the end of the book. At no point did the book feel like it was "kiddish" or cliched.
WAITING to see how the cliff-hanger plays out in the next book!
NOTE: I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, however, the opinions reflected in this review are independent of that, and entirely my own.
WAITING to see how the cliff-hanger plays out in the next book!
NOTE: I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, however, the opinions reflected in this review are independent of that, and entirely my own.
May 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this first book in the Academy of Shifters series. I liked the writing style of the author which made it easy to read. The start really pulls you in. The story and characters are really interesting and I was drawn and kept in the story. I always like a school story and it was a well written young adult book. I didn’t like how she thought she was dreaming the whole time and didn’t realise it was real and it could have been longer. If you liked this book, you would probably also like Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girls Series) by Aileen Erin, Bitten by Noelle Maria and The Fire Prophecy (Academy of Magical Creatures) by Megan Linski & Alicia Rades. I would recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Ready Copy of this book.
September 11, 2019
Fresh new voice
And just like that I found a new author to follow and a new series to obsess over. If you're a fan of Leia Stone, or Melissa Haag you'll enjoy this author. I was pulled into the storyline effortlessly and I finished this book over the course of a day filled with work and family and my two young ones so 'hard to put down' doesn't begin to describe it. Remi St. James is a young woman about to enter her freshman year of college. She's alone in this world and very realistic to a fault. She finds out she's a wolf shifter and is whisked off to a college that guides young adults through the shifting process and the new world they're a part of. Read this book it's not just a cliche overused plot. You will enjoy this book.
And just like that I found a new author to follow and a new series to obsess over. If you're a fan of Leia Stone, or Melissa Haag you'll enjoy this author. I was pulled into the storyline effortlessly and I finished this book over the course of a day filled with work and family and my two young ones so 'hard to put down' doesn't begin to describe it. Remi St. James is a young woman about to enter her freshman year of college. She's alone in this world and very realistic to a fault. She finds out she's a wolf shifter and is whisked off to a college that guides young adults through the shifting process and the new world they're a part of. Read this book it's not just a cliche overused plot. You will enjoy this book.
October 23, 2019
Remi St. James is the main character in this book..she is excited about starting college and has a plan to get in and graduate quickly but that’s all put aside when she has been kidnapped and taken to an academy of shifters.
I must say that this book has bullying and maybe that’s where I didn’t care much for the story. These are college kids and I get some will be bullies but still.
I did enjoy the storyline between Remi and Laith. I would like to see how it progresses. I did like the MC and I felt like she will be growing up rather quickly in the next installment. I hope we learn where Remi’s twin brother is.
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narrator. I thought she was a good pick for the MC.
I must say that this book has bullying and maybe that’s where I didn’t care much for the story. These are college kids and I get some will be bullies but still.
I did enjoy the storyline between Remi and Laith. I would like to see how it progresses. I did like the MC and I felt like she will be growing up rather quickly in the next installment. I hope we learn where Remi’s twin brother is.
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narrator. I thought she was a good pick for the MC.
December 12, 2020
I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.
Holy hell that cliffhanger!! I’m not going to lie to start with I thought I wasn’t going to like the book as Remi is someone who could do with a little sweetner but raised in the foster system and ripped out of her normal life into a life of a shifter it’s actually understandable. I was really pleased that I’ve grown to like her sarcastic quips that sometimes are probably a little out of order and I like the way she deals with her issues at the academy. The academy (world building) was pretty well described but the plot itself can be a little choppy at times but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story for me. I will most definitely be listening to the next book.
Holy hell that cliffhanger!! I’m not going to lie to start with I thought I wasn’t going to like the book as Remi is someone who could do with a little sweetner but raised in the foster system and ripped out of her normal life into a life of a shifter it’s actually understandable. I was really pleased that I’ve grown to like her sarcastic quips that sometimes are probably a little out of order and I like the way she deals with her issues at the academy. The academy (world building) was pretty well described but the plot itself can be a little choppy at times but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story for me. I will most definitely be listening to the next book.
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