The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted

by Conor Grennan

Jack Carlson is dreading a class presentation when he suddenly finds himself transported to the Hadley Academy, a secret institution that tracks teens with unlikely gifts and trains them to protect the world from an unseen squad of killers. But Jack isn't the only one who doesn't know what he's doing at Hadley. Despite indications that he is the one prophesied to end the ancient Reaper War, Jack appears to have no extraordinary abilities.

So when dark, mysterious forces grow, Hadley is in a confused panic. Much to everyone's dismay, humanity seems to depend on Jack and his new teammates. Can Hadley's rawest recruits push past personal struggles and enormous doubts, develop their dormant powers, and stop the spreading evil? And are they willing to commit to Hadley's motto, "One Life for Many," and make the ultimate sacrifice? The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted might be just the place for Jack after all.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Fiction, Dystopia, Adventure, Young Adult

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2019

About the author

Conor Grennan is a citizen of the US and Ireland. He grew up in Poughkeepsie NY and Jersey City, NJ. He spent eight years at the EastWest Institute (EWI), both in Prague and the EU Office in Brussels, focusing on peace and reconciliation in the Balkans. He left EWI in 2004 to travel and volunteer in Nepal, where he ultimately started Next Generation Nepal (NGN), an organization dedicated to reconnecting trafficked children with their families.

Conor was based in Kathmandu, Nepal, until October 2007, when he returned to the US. He is still active in NGN and serves on the Board. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and the NYU Stern School of Business, and currently lives in Connecticut with his wife and son.

Reviews

[Michelle Kenneth - PerfectionistWannabe.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely AMAZING!

It is Divergent, Maze Runner, Harry Potter, Rick Riordan's stories, the X-Men, Deadly Class, The Walking Dead, and every awesome YA book out there wrapped up into one. The adventure starts early and doesn't stop. The constant twists and turns will leave you guessing until the end.

I cannot stress enough how great this book is. This is one of those gems you find that you know is something special that everyone should be obsessing over. As I read this book, jam packed with action every which way Jack Carlson turns, I kept envisioning this as a movie that I would probably watch over and over again.

And the bad guy, Wyeth? I was in shock at the end. I mean...I knew something was up, but I did not see that ending coming. I also did not see Jack's history being so involved. It is like trying to figure out how this kid is supposed to become the savior of them all when Wyeth is already dead. Or is he? It's like Harry Potter taking 5 books to convince everyone Voldemort is back...but because Wyeth is the Reaper King, is he ever really dead?

I really liked the different characters that came together to encompass the Thirteenth Team. It took me some time to realize they were all connected. There was a reason why these dormants were recruited. They are all escaping something, but what brings them together is a common cause. Who knew that an ancient would see all of this?

Just an incredible story. I don't usually re-read books, but this one I feel like reading all over again, because the adventure was so awesome, I want to re-live it again.

[Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen-year-old Jack is always a little embarrassed by his best friend, Freddie, who is constantly going on about the most ridiculous conspiracy theories. His latest is about a school, the Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted where children with special talents are taken to train for a war to save humanity against an enemy called the Reapers. So after Freddie presents this latest 'theory' to the entire class, Jack makes an excuse to leave. As he heads for the washroom, he is accosted by the new school security guard who tells him that he is there to take Jack to a new school...the Hadley Academy of the Improbably Gifted where Jack is needed because he is to play an important role in saving the world.

The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted is a middle grade dystopian fantasy novel by author, Connor Grennan. It's intended audience is ten and up and as someone who is way way up, I really enjoyed it. It is an action-packed tale with plenty of likable characters and with enough tension to keep the pages turning frantically but not so scary that it will frighten a young reader. Overall, I found it great fun. The storyline here is complete but there are hints that there will be more books in the series. If you have or are a young (or young-at-heart) reader who is a fan of books like the Divergent Series or The Maze Runner, I highly recommend this novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story full of amazing characters and with an excellent world building.
I loved it and I read it as fast as I could.
It's engrossing and entertaining and the world building is excellent.
I hope to read soon another instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Gerardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story this was the way this book was written was art. The main character Jack definitely underestimates his worth in this book. Along with his friend he somehow manages to really step up to the plate. Its such a great read, and the world its set in makes you want to dive in and be apart of it. Its one of those books where you read it once and you reread it over and over again. If you looking for a book with a world of possibility's this is the book for you. My rating for this book five stars and would recommend it all the way.

[Kristen Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want to stop ready The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted by Conor Grennan. As I was reading, there were so many moments of, “That’s so awesome!” and, “Wait. What?!” and, “I can’t believe it! No way.” When I had to put the book down, the characters were often in my thoughts as I wondered what was going to happen to them next.

Jack Carlson just wants to pass eighth grade. Preferably without the embarrassment of his best friend, Freddy’s, conspiracy theories. But when a strange school security guard drags Jack through the streets while being chased by reapers, Jack starts to wonder if Freddy might not be right. And if he’s right? Oh, boy. They were all in for a wild ride.

Jack is thrown into the world of Hadley Academy where everyone has a talent (called a spade) that they will use to protect the world against the reapers, a shadowy force of evil created and controlled by a powerful man named Wyeth. Trouble is, Jack doesn’t seem to have a spade, but he is declared to be the Guardian, who was prophesied to save the world. Along with four other recruits, Jack sets off to learn who he is and what his role is in this dangerous and deadly fight.

I absolutely loved this book. There were so many surprises, and I definitely did not see the biggest one coming. The story flowed so well, the characters were layered and fun to spend time with, and I wanted to go to Elk Island to see all the amazing things they all could do. I highly recommend this book to kids and adults alike. It’s a heart-pounding, mind-bending adventure you will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rosie Rizk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids with powers fighting to prevent the zombie apocalypse.

This reminded me vaguely of Holly Black's magisterium series. We have kids with magic like abilities, who need to prevent a great evil from taking over. There's another reason I found it so similar, but that would be a spoiler.

The magic abilities were great, and the characters were engaging. The book had a great premise, plot, and lots of potential, but it felt like everything was forced to fit into one book, probably with a word count, and so, felt too rushed where it should've expounded, too condensed at the expense of the characters and other areas. Like, we were shown a few classes at the academy, but then the story jumped through their training and straight into world saving. When did the heroes suddenly earn everyone's trust? There were several other jumps throughout the book that confused me. I think this would've worked much better if it had been split into two books, and fixed app the jumps.

I didn't catch the dystopian mention in the book's summary before reading it. And I just reread the summary, and I see that there's hardly any mention of zombies. I probably wouldn't have read it if it did warn me, but this book was far more fantasy than it was dystopian. Any dystopian parts were told through a cheerful hero lense with lots of magic.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

When I received an advanced copy of The Hadley Academy, I thought it would be a fun book for all of the people in my family to read and discuss (boys: 13, 11. girl: 8). Turns out that was a great call as we all found a ton to enjoy about this one. The boys enjoyed the awkward school kids stuff and then later on, everyone really enjoyed talking about spades and what category they themselves would fall into and the action and set pieces.

For me: I just enjoyed the story. The necessary world-building of Act 1 gives way to a freight train of intensity in Act 2. And at risk of flirting with a spoiler, the climax bring the book to a satisfying conclusion that reminds me a bit of A Prayer for Owen Meany.

Seems like there will be additional books to come in this series, which is great as I'd really like to return to the world of Hadley and see where the author takes this story.

[Amber Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's so easy to rant about a bad book or rave about a great book but the ones that are just ok are so difficult to review! I finished this book days ago but wasn't really sure what to say about it. It had a great foundation to be a great book. Unfortunately, I think the book was so rushed that I didn't really get to know the main characters so when it came down to life and death situations, I didn't truly care about the results. Don't get me wrong, of course I rooted for the good guys! But this book just didn't create strong feelings and that's a shame. I also feel like there were some holes and some unanswered questions and for those of you who know me - I hate when things aren't tied up with a neat little bow!

[Layla Crowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/4 stars.

A fast paced action mystery, a prophecy that needs to come to pass and a group of misfits forced to bond under immense pressure.

Fans of X-Men, The Hunger Games and Divergent will enjoy this book immensely.

If I had anything negative to say, I feel that the story feels a little rushed. More time could have been spent on the characters, their interactions, how their connections form and grow.

This is certainly a story that gets better the further you delve into it. The last quarter really tied everything together.

This would make a fantastic movie though as there is a lot of action scenes.

[Lucas Agulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m 12 years old, and I absolutely loved it. There are so many small details that make every page and chapter so interesting. It has a perfect balance of mystery and action. The whole book is so satisfying to the reader. I highly recommend reading it. I was super into it the entire time! The Hadley Academy is kind of like a mix of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. It’s amazing, and it’s perfect for anyone from about 9 years old on.

[Kiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out with an intriguing premise: Jack's conspiracy theorist friend Freddy spins wild yarns about an invisible island and a secret battle between good and evil — which turns out to be true! The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted brings together teenagers who manifest a gift and are then trained to fight the evil Reapers. It's a little bit like a teen version of the X-Men. Except Jack apparently has no gift and we are left to puzzle out why he's been recruited. Some sinister things happen, and then several unlikely battles and escapes. It's an interesting setting, but I just couldn’t get all that invested in any of the characters. (This book also features one of my pet peeves, which is when a character gets a serious injury (e.g., breaks a wrist) and then on the next page seems to have forgotten this painful liability. If you're going to raise the stakes by hurting your characters, then they need to suffer, or credibility is lost.) I'd group this in with Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books.

[Heather Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fab new middle grade read from NYT's best selling author, Conor Grennan. His first book, "Little Princes," was a memoir about saving kids from trafficking and civil war in a far away land. I've heard the author say...this is the "superhero version." Hadley Academy is a fantasy novel that follows a boy's unlikely journey to save the world. Meet a group of kids who are whisked out of the only world they know to become trained fighters working to combat the "reapers" who are a secret squad of killers. If you liked The Hunger Games, the Chronicles of Narnia, Divergent, Maze Runner, or any of Rick Riordan's books, then you'll enjoy "The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted."

[Troy_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for free by an imprint of Harper Collins Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a wonderful and amazing read full of complex characters and an intricate and quick plot that will keep you up at night!

When Jack Carlson watches his best friend Freddy present to the class about a secret and magical military academy called "The Hadley Academy," he doesn't know what to think. But he hardly has time to clear his head before he is whisked away into the Hadley Academy, a world full of magical gifts fighting dark shadows. As Jack familiarizes himself with this world he is surrounded by people claiming that Jack has been prophecies and is "The Guardian". They say he will stop the shadow war once and for all! But...Jack doesn't have any special powers. Will Jack be able to manifest his improbably gift and lead a team against a growing darkness that threatens making?

As I said before, the plot was so intricate, and this for me is the seller of the story. Conor Grennan works his way through his writing, builds up this tension, and then reveals a crazy plot twist that makes me scream every time! XD

The plot is also very quick, the book is speedy and time will pass quickly when you are reading. I loved the pacing of the book, another main plus for me.

And the characters, I absolutely loved them! They all have different histories and backgrounds that all lead them to where they are currently, and contribute a lot to the plot. The characters were very complex, with each one having distinct strengths and weaknesses and conflicting motivations that empowered the tension in the story, moving it forward.

The only negatives were that the beginning felt tired and cliched, with the "you're a hero!" prophecy and the presentation revealing what was going to happen to Jack. And the ending...felt slightly weird to me as well.

But other than that, STRONG book and I definitely recommend it! Go check it out! <3

[Kim Carbonelli Tingler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in the past decade. I loved every page. This action-packed adventure of good versus evil, in a story of identity and ultimate sacrifice, had me completely engaged from beginning to end. I literally could not put it down – and read it in 5 days. Connor Grennan is masterful at creating complex characters, a layered plot, and enough descriptive detail that The Hadley Academy came to life before my eyes.

If you, or anyone you know, has ever struggled with feelings of being ordinary or not quite fitting in, this is a book for you! The ultimate truth that we have all been created with special gifts and abilities, even if they seem awkward in certain settings, is something for all of us. I have 3 children (ages 7, 6 and 4) and I cannot wait to read this with them! It will be such a good tool to help me teach/remind them that we have all been created with unique skills and abilities. I have already given the book to my parents, and plan on giving to many more friends over the holiday season. Thank you to Mr. Grennan for writing such a wonderful story that speaks to the heart of what so many of us can identify with…and for promising that there will be a sequel! I am hooked!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I jumped into this book blind, looking to knock off some of the books I have had on my TBR for over a year. Imagine my surprise when it is not only a stand alone (I can’t remember the last youth stand alone book i read) but a book aimed at a younger audience that doesn’t have a main character doing infinitely stupid things that make it hard to connect with. The maps and chapter header images were beautiful. The abilities of the Hadley Academy's’ students reminded me vaguely of new mutants or baby X-Men. I enjoyed the group dynamic. I don’t often read youth books for fun (without narrating them to my children), but this was entertaining. I am keen on reading more books by this author in this genre.

[Stacia | stacialovestoread · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure what it is but this book just didn’t hold my interest. I love a good sci-fi/conspiracy book as the next gal but ....this ain’t it.
The character who is the conspiracy theorist isn’t the one that gets selected. The one who is selected doesn’t believe in the conspiracy in the first place.

———————————————————————————
Having previously read Grennan’s nonfiction work I wasn’t sure what to expect with his first fiction attempt. I think that this piece could definitely use a bit of editing for pacing and content.

Thank you to the publisher and to Smith Publicity for sending me a free copy of this book to review!

[Lara Lillibridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Harry Potter" meets "A Wrinkle in Time." Fans of the secret magic boarding school will love this modern take on the genre. An imaginative tale with diverse characters, Grennan incorporated many of children's favorite aspects of novels--epic battles for good and evil, impossible--I mean improbable--odds, the help of a good group of friends, and even a dragon or two. The plot is complex without becoming convoluted--a bit of a trick with so much going on. Face-paced, without seeming rushed.

I assume this will be the first in a series, as the ending has a bit of the "the story continues" feeling to it.

[Ryan Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted was a story that connected the mysterious and magical with the reality of the insecurities and fears common to man. Ultimately, you see destiny and identity unfold amidst a group of friends through a captivating and engaging storyline. I loved every bit of it and honestly read it through in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down!

[Misty Wilson read.fine.print · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Connor Grennan on the interwebs and we share some common goals as authors. One was a goal to get published, and he has reached his excellently!(Maybe 2020 will be my year!😂)
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I enjoyed this book a lot! It’s about Jack Carlson’s new life in the Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted. There’s a war going on that he knew nothing about, and he’s not sure if he can help. Is he improbably gifted? If so, how can he find his gift?
•
The characters really shine. Their personalities, and the many unpredictable twists in the story, are what make me and my daughter want to read the sequel. This is perfect for a boy or a girl who loves adventure/suspense/mystery.

For more book talk, follow me on Instagram @read.fine.print

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easily one of the best I’ve read in a while. It’s extremely funny and had me laughing out loud every couple of pages. The story is also very well written and has many twists and turns that I could have never seen coming, it wasn’t predictable at all. I would love to see a sequel (and maybe a full series) so I can continue to follow these great characters on their journey.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not very good at all! I started reading it then quit a long time ago, then I tried again and I could actually finish it! It was also kind of creepy and had a terrible ending! So I think it deserves 2-3 stars!

[Sara Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonder, imagination and whimsy are at the heart of this fantastic novel. I loved it and can’t wait for my 9 year old to be ready to read it.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish. Couldn't connect to the characters or story. Guess I am tired of the chosen one plot.

[Nikolai Fernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have made an incredible series, but alas it was all far too rushed and the cover was the best part of the book

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a really good book. I would have rated it 4 stares, but it has one of the worst ending of any book I have ever read.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a secret war going on all over the world that most people don’t know about and never will. Reapers look like humans to most people but they are creatures that freeze people to death. The only ones keeping people safe from these assassins are operatives from the Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted, people whose spades - special abilities – have awoken and are trained to take out Reapers. Jack knows nothing about Reapers or Hadley Academy when he is rescued from a Reaper by a man named Hans, handed a strange coin, told to show it to Superior Blue, and shoved through a portal. He finds himself in Hadley Academy where this man, Superior Blue, tells him he must be the Guardian, a prophesied hero who is supposed to save the world from Wyeth, who controls the Reapers and is unleashing a new darkness on humanity. Superior Blue, against the better judgment of other Hadley Academy leaders, assembles a team to help Jack save the world. There’s just one problem. None of them have their spades yet. And the best deal Superior Blue could get with Academy leaders is three days for the team to prove that they are really supposed to be there, and are indeed the best hope for humanity. The first group that needs to be convinced are the kids themselves, because Jack, Asha, Voss, and Freddy aren’t so sure (well, Freddy is, but he’s also a conspiracy theory nut).

Kids being trained to use special abilities in a secret academy will make many readers think of several other books (this one reminded me most of the Magisterium and Balance Keeper books). A kid who is supposed to be the promised one to save the world will also remind readers of several other books (I don’t even need to give you examples for this one). And a virus being unleashed on the world that is rapidly taking over the whole planet and changing humanity will make readers think of some books or movies they’ve seen (though I can’t think of a worldwide pandemic book aimed at middle graders other than The Scavengers). But this one differs in several aspects from any of those other books or movies. I think the biggest way was that usually the team of hero kids gets to make a hopeful dent in the tsunami wave of evil headed their way fairly quickly and have promising encounters against the opposition. They show up and immediately wow the school with how awesome they are. That isn’t the case here. In fact, Jack, his team, and readers aren’t sure for quite a while whether he’s the promised one or not. Or if his team belongs there either. (And I’m not saying one way or the other.) I’ll also say that this book had more surprise reveal moments than I’ve encountered in one book for quite a while. The only thing you can count on is getting thrown for a loop at least once, if not multiple times. The characters are complex and it isn’t super clear who is on the good side or bad side. Usually at the end of a magical training academy/world pandemic book I have a fairly good idea where the plot is headed next, but I’m really not sure where we’re headed after this book. A big point of the plot momentum of this book is resolved at the end. And it could go a number of different directions from here, continuing the unpredictable nature of Grennan’s writing. That’s not a bad thing at all. It’s nice to be surprised by the direction an author takes. So let the guessing commence after finishing this book and waiting for book two. (Though it isn’t anywhere nearly as bad of a cliffhanger as it could have been.) This is published by a Christian publisher but there isn’t anything religious per se in the plot. It isn’t even a clear-cut allegory at all. Just a fairly clean good versus evil scifi/dystopian adventure. Hand this to readers who enjoy reading about kids with special powers in a battle of good versus evil, readers who like fantastical boarding schools, those looking for a read that will keep them on their toes, and those who like dystopian fiction.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. There are several fights between the good guys and bad guys. Several people get taken over and then turn to dust when they are killed. Some serious injuries on page but nothing super gory (and the academy has a fantastic healing center and people can recover from just about anything if they can get to them in time).

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make yourself comfortable when you pick up The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted because this book is hard to put down once you get started. With creatively crafted characters and a fast-paced story line, you will want to just keep reading, and then when it's over, you will beg for more!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted was one of the most exceptional books I've read this year. It does check all the boxes of my favorite categories: Middle Grade, Christian, fantasy/science fiction. Several other reviewers wrote that this was Hunger Games, Divergent, X-Men, and Harry Potter all rolled into one. It is definitely a book for anyone who loves those, but simultaneously so different from any of them.

The intrigue began on the first page when Jack sits through his best friend's history presentation, which sounds exactly like a conspiracy theory, as is always the case with Freddy. Freddy describes the Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted, which he learned about on the dark web, and even shows the class a map of the island it's on. The academy is, of course, invisible to ordinary mortals. Embarrassed by his friend's presentation, Jack asks to use the bathroom and is immediately pursued by some strange beings, rescued by an old acquaintance, and brought to...The Hadley Academy. This opening is genius because the story could have so easily gone in two directions. One, the academy was all in Freddy's head and he and Jack were both ordinary middle schoolers. Two, the academy is real and Jack and Freddy actually end up there. I would have read either of those stories but was enthralled by the world-building in this one.

At the academy, Jack quickly learns about different kinds of giftings and the strengths and weaknesses innate to each. He also realizes that he isn't gifted. And neither are his new friends who are brought in to be part of his team. They have three days for their gifts to awaken or they will be removed from the academy and their memories of the three days, as well as their former lives, will be wiped. And the adventure begins.

The story continued, with every event, every person, and every conversation being tied together as crucial parts of the saga. I had to read back several times, not because I lost interest, but because I had to make sure I remembered previous conversations that tied in to present moments. Fabulous storytelling! Also, despite the ending being part happily ever after and part cliff hanger (but not so you'll lose sleep over it), this was a complete story with all the wonderful twists and turns that story entailed.

Something beautiful about this story, something that seems to be unique to Christian fantasy, was the idea that you can believe in something impossible without evidence. Christians are sometimes accused of this and mocked for it, but when you see it play out in real life, it often begins a beautiful story. Jack's story began that way. There was nothing remarkable about him. But one person believed he was the boy who was prophesied. And that belief started a chain of events that led to everyone eventually seeing who Jack was. But there was no reason to believe Jack was anyone special in the beginning.

There were many other beautiful moments in the story, but I'll share two more. First, there is the saying, "trusting someone is more important than believing them" (219). I had never thought about this before, but it's true. There are people who tell incredible stories that I would still trust with my life. There are others who always tell the truth, but who I still can't trust. This maxim, which appeared several times in the story, is a good reminder of what truly matters most. Second, the way gifts were treated was poignant. When Jack first arrived at the academy, one of the teachers told him, "Everyone is born with a gift. Improbables ignore what the world tells them. They risk looking different, looking strange, in order to explore their gift. That is true courage" (21) Later on, a young boy said something similar: "I am human, and every human is born with a gift. I have chosen to use mine" (277). This is something else we often forget. We are all gifted. Maybe our gifts don't fit the mold of what we think gifts look like or what we want them to be, but we are all gifted. Like the boy, may we choose to use our gifts.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now one of my favorite books! I love it!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received in exchange for a honest review.

The description of the book interested me right away. It wasn’t like what we have been seeing in middle/ya books lately. It is but isn’t. When you read it you are thinging maybe a little Harry Potter meets Izombie thoughts but it isn’t. This si far from that. We have prophecies, the living being taken over, dragons, talent that is similar to a power but not magic. It works of elements some of them but not all of the talents do. WE have believers and those that are dormant and trying to believe. We have bad guys, good guys and the on the fence guys where you just don’t really know where they stand. The characters are likeable and you can even understand some of why the evil is doing what they are doing. Not agree with it but understand. The story isn’t to creepy for young ones but entertaining and gives hints of things to come.

Jack is dormant. He goes about his days at school trying to just do well and keep his scholarship. Suddenly he is thrust into a world his best friend believed in but he scoffed at. His world is changing and rapidly. He is believed to e the one to save us all only he doesn’t know it or believe it. A team is built around him and they must learn who they are and activate their talents in three days. Why? So they can stay and not have themselves losing more than you would want.

We see Jack go through a journey. He is a good strong character but unsure of himself and his place in this new world of his. He doesn’t believe in himself and his abilities especially after everyone else on his team are no longer dormant. He is sensible and kind but still finding his way. His journey to become what he is meant to be is engaging, imaginative and full of action, adventure and danger. He gains some really great friendships and a team that believes in him as well. They support and help one another. They become tight knit and are there for one another no matter what. This helps him gain belief in himself as well. There are a few twists and turns you don’t expect especially with Jack. The world building is great for we get the past coming into the present seemlessly as Jack finds out why he is at Hadley Academy and his role in stopping evil. We see the two worlds intertwine in a unexpected way that has you feel you are stepping into just another subarb instead of a whole different way of life. You don’t want to put the book down because you are just entertained and engrossed by the plot and story of Jack and how he gains the trust and friendship of his team and also their support and loyalty. And by how Jack finds his strength and his way. I love the hints of books to come as well. Truly a great read and one young ones will enjoy as well.