The Demon Kiss

Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy #1

by Juliana Haygert

A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons … Erin I’ve been kept from the truth all my life. Demons walk the earth, and I’m destined to slay them—I only wish I hadn’t lost someone I loved while discovering that truth. Now the demons are after me. The only way to stay alive is to attend an academy for demon hunters—a school where I’ll learn how to kill supernaturals and slay the underworld’s minions. But I still feel there are secrets I’m not being told … Rey I sold my soul to save my family—and lost everything because of it. Now I’m a slave to the underworld, a fake hunter with half-demon blood. I’ve been sent on a special assassination mission. If I fail, it means my life. But protecting Erin soon becomes more important than any other task, and there’s something about her that tells me her arrival at the academy will change everything … A young adult paranormal romance novel set in the universe of the Rite World, this is a dark fantasy romance you won’t want to miss! Forge your weapons and cast spells in a school where demons are hunted and the hunters themselves become prey.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Demons, Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author.

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. She resides in North Carolina and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Want to know about announcement, events, cover reveals, and other fun stuff related to my writing and my books? Sign up for my newsletter: bit.ly/JuHNL

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I hear someone say "fast paced book" in the future, I'll probably think of The Demon Kiss first. This is both a good thing and a not so good thing.

Everything was happening so fast that the story wasn't boring, but at the same time I didn't get to feel the impact of said things, because some other big event was just around the corner, ready to pounce.

And I'm not sure what the reason was, for putting Erin in her second year based on her age alone, when she had no prior knowledge of demons or demon hunters and no skill set to match.

For theory based classes okay, fine, let's say she's smart and she'll pick things up fast. But martial arts? Erin was lucky that she had outside help, or else it wouldn't have worked. Honestly it still doesn't work, but let's give poor Erin the benefit of the doubt, she'll grow up to be a fighter one day, yes she will.

The relationships between the characters are also shallow, the only friendship that doesn't feel that way is Erin's with Claire. Everyone else feels very monotonous in their reactions to one another, especially Professor Martha (maybe she was written that way specifically but it doesn't explain everyone else).

I didn't feel anything while reading this book, no joy, no sadness, only some decent interest in seeing where it's going to go in the end. And where did it go?

The one good thing I can say about this, is that the story felt self contained. There was a cliffhanger, but if you decide not to continue it won't feel like the end of the world, because the main things from the book were wrapped up.

And finally, the romance. It starts off with one potential love interest, then teases with another, but by the end it's pretty clear which one is going to be endgame (the other wasn't even given a chance yet, but I'm hoping it'll happen, even if his heart gets broken).

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story overall.
I liked the characters, but they need more development. I felt like pacing was a huge issue, it was like so much info and storyline was crammed in such a short-ish novel. Things happened way to quickly.

[Anubha (BooksFullOfLife, LifeFullOfBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk how to describe this book other than there are demons, there is an academy, our main character is half demon with a demon's mark and her father is some prince of demon and might kill her for her power. The other main character is also half demon and a senior in the academy.

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was fantastic

[Nisareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons..

When Erin agrees to spend an hour in a supposedly haunted house on a dare, she has no idea of the danger she’s in. Within minutes she’s attacked by dark shadows and can only stare in disbelief when her Aunt suddenly comes to her rescue wielding a sword. Urging her niece to leave, she takes on the demons singlehandedly. Erin is horrified, however, when a more powerful demon emerges and strikes her Aunt down. Her screams are heard by Rey, a half demon who happens to be passing and arrives to help her just as she is marked by the demon in question. Rey slays the demon and persuades Erin to come with him to the Blackthorn Hunters Academy where Erin learns that not only was her Aunt a demon hunter, but she herself must embrace her heritage.

As Erin struggles to train as a demon hunter and adapt to her new world, her demon mark makes her a target for demons intent on delivering her to the underworld. Forced to take extra gruelling training lessons with Professor Martha and targeted by the Queen of Mean, Ava, Erin longs for her old life. She finds herself drawn to Rey, unaware of who and what he is while Rey struggles to protect her and carry out his secret mission at the Academy. As Erin’s dark powers grow, an admission by one of the professors will lead to one of the most devastating revelations of all..

The Demon’s Kiss is the first engaging instalment of the Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy series and was my first introduction to the author. The strength of the book lies in the exceptional world building that the author has created which effortlessly brings the characters and plot to life. The demon hierarchy, Dawnblades that can only be wielded by a demon hunter and classes where students learn spells to combat demons etc

The characters were quickly introduced, developed and understood. Erin and Rey are appealing, relatable protagonists who readers won’t help rooting for. The book benefits from being told from Erin and Rey’s point of view respectively as it offers better insight. Both of them have had different upbringings but their similarities are striking.

The secondary characters were equally intriguing. Claire is akin to Harry Potter’s Hermione, her friendship with Erin a godsend. I had an inkling regarding Professor Martha’s true identity and was proved right. Principal Randall at this point is an enigma. He’s obviously powerful, he was aware of Rey’s mission from the offset and even Asmodeus feared him. So who is he in the grand scheme of things - good or bad? I’m looking forward to finding out.

The writing was fast paced and fluid. As the demonic attacks on the grounds of the Academy increase, so does the tension and lots of twists and turns as major revelations come to light.

All in all I thought this was a well executed, thoroughly entertaining and encouraging start to what looks to be a promising series. I recommend this book to Upper YA fans of Urban Fantasy, demons, hunters and Harry Potter.

[Noni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I genuinely don't understand how many people rated this a 5-star book. Did I miss something??

First off, my eyes got quite a workout from rolling so much at the cheesy lines, especially the budding romance between Rey and Erin. Also, the plot moves entirely too fast in my opinion. You barely adjust to finding out Erin's aunt is a hunter and she's gonna follow in her footsteps and go to Blackthorn Academy (the local demon slaying school) and boom you discover she's part demon. Then before you can adjust to that fact, you find out her mom is alive. Then the book finishes with finding out her and Rey have a soul bond. It's the same thing with Rey's storyline, one huge jump after another with no breathing room. Lastly, these are supposed to be half demons and demon slayers facing creepy supernatural characters yet there is not one part of this book where I felt scared/nervous/in suspense. It was disappointing, and I won't be finishing the series. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Hetal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's your stereotypical academy read.
1 Bad boy falls for the girl
2 girl is different/special/powerful I'm someway
3. Girl gains best friend like immediately who is loyal AF
4. Girl is orphan
5. Girl must learn to live in supernatural world.

And I am trash for these type of novels. The writing wasn't bad! In liked the writing. Reasons I had to round down:

1. Nothing new ( but still fun)
2. The female narrator for the audiobook was just painful. She talks super slow and unnaturally. There is very little inflection in her voice and she sounds extremely robotic. The male narrator was good though!

Story: 4 stars
Female narrator: 2
Male narrator: 4

Rounds to about 3.5 stars! I would definitely listen to the second book when it comes out.

[Siobhan Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually obsessed have the next book lined up.
Erin gets a shock finding out about a world she never knew existed
I like Erin and Rey and I thought we were going to lose one of them at one point which would have been a gutsy move and would have fit the story aswell but happily I have more books to get through

[Wendi Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a book, and just want to jump into the pages and punch someone?? It's called being invested in a set of characters so much, you really care what about happens to them and the choices they make.
Erin enters a supposedly haunted house on a dare, and all hell breaks loose...literally. Her life becomes a bit of a whirlwind after that, with one secret after another being revealed in a fast-paced, entertaining story that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rey is a tortured soul that, despite doing terrible things in his life, longs to protect Erin and make choices that he thinks are for her own good. His heart is in the right place, and he thinks he's protecting her, but as much as I LOVE him, I want to punch him in the face, sometimes. Hahaha
There's a dual-POV and I have to say, I loved reading from Rey's perspective, too. I totally understood why he did the things he did because of that perspective, but still...face-punch.
The setting is great, the world-building is fabulous, and the characters are both flawed and endearing.
Loved it, and can't wait for book 2!

[tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

i saw a fanart of this book and decided to read it...now i regret my desicions 🤗

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An upper young adult paranormal romance novel set in the universe of the Rite World, this is a dark fantasy you won't want to miss! Forge your weapons and cast spells in a school where demons are hunted and the hunters themselves become prey.”
Now if this doesn’t make you want to read this story then it’s not for you but if you are a fan of paranormal romance YA style then you have to read this! As with all schools you have the mean girls, you have the teachers, the good guys and the bad and in this case demons! With a great unique storyline and some awesome characters, this academy tale has me hooked and I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Rite World: Blackthorn Hunter Academy series and was an unexpected and fantastic read. There are two main characters, Rey who is half-demon and is introduced having to collect contracts and souls for his father, a prince of the Underworld, and Erin who at nineteen, has been home schooled by her aunt all her life and has no friends and no real life outside the small town they live in. She would love to go to college and experience more of life and to make some friends, but her parents both died when she was really young and only her aunt is there to raise her.

Rey has been alive for centuries, having sold his soul to save his mother and young sister from dying. Instead of a contract for a set number of years, his was for life! Doing jobs for his father is dragging down his spirits, but he can’t disobey any of his orders. He has been sent on an impossible, undercover assassination that will probably cause his own demise. He has spent three years at the academy on orders to learn everything he can about the hunters and their training. He happens across Erin as her life is in danger and seeing what happens when she picks up an object, realises she is also a hunter. He drops her off at the academy after telling her that is the safest place for her.

She knows nothing about this, never having been told anything by her aunt. Taking up a dare by other people her age in town, talking up about going to college, leaves her entering a supposedly haunted house. She soon finds out that all those supernatural beings she loved to read about, actually exist! Unfortunately it causes a death of someone close to her and leaves her with demons trying to catch her. The person who saved her tells her she will only be safe at this special hunter academy.

So begins a whole new life for Erin. Straight into the second year of school, not knowing anything about what she truly is and having no-one she can even ask about her past. The only person that helped her was Rey, but as soon as they get to the academy, he leaves her. He is a fourth and final year student, but has so many other responsibilities. He is secretly attracted to her, but knows nothing can come of it because of what he truly is. Erin doesn’t know how to react to his changing behaviour, sometimes he ignores her completely and then at others he tries to help her and is keeping an eye out for her. Her first few months are a real challenge, but she at least makes one good friend Claire and a few enemies in Ava and her friends.

The book follows events at the academy over the first part of the first semester and introduces the reader to some of the types of classes she has to attend. Think of Harry Potter and spells class and Erin is certainly no Hermione. She is behind in everything and has a lot to learn about herself and her new life. The threat of demon attacks becomes a reality on the academy grounds, somewhere that is supposed to be magically protected. A great story of a special academy for hunters of supernatural beings, attacks by such creatures, descriptive passages about different classes and the professors teaching them. Hunters run in families and it is a dangerous lifestyle.

This book was easy to read, it just flowed and I read it in one session! The main characters are so interesting, conflicted at times and drive all the action in the storyline. Chapters are from the POV of either Erin or Rey and it makes the story flow and lets you see their lives from both views. They are different from their life experiences to date, but are also similar and linked in ways you find out as you read the book. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next ones in this series. I would recommend it to all who enjoy clean, supernatural stories. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but also bought the book as I enjoyed it so much. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jhullyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro muy entretenido que contiene TODOS los tópicos del género, por lo que no es nada nuevo y su encanto está en eso mismo: en que tiene todo lo que gusta en este tipo de novelas.

Erin es esta chica que tiene una vida normal y sosa junto a su tía, sus padres murieron hace años, ni los conoció. Un día toma el reto de entrar en una casa embrujada, pero resulta que la casa sí está habitada por demonios y estos la atacan.

En eso llega su tía y los combate ferozmente; resulta que la tía es cazadora de demonios. (No es Spoiler, todo esto es capítulo 1). Su tía termina muerta y a Erin casi la matan, pero entonces llega Rey, un atractivo tipo que le salva la vida.

Rey es mitad demonio y está al servicio de uno de los príncipes del inframundo, está camuflado en la academia para cazadores de demonios con el fin de asesinar a su director, un enemigo mortal del príncipe demoníaco al que sirve.

Encontrarse con Erin y salvarle la vida ha sido una casualidad, pero resulta que Erin, por sangre, es una cazadora de demonios también, así que Rey se la lleva a la academia para que se instruya y se mantenga a salvo, pues en el ataque de la casa, un demonio la marcó con un beso en la muñeca y esa cicatriz hace que todos los demonios quieran matarla. Entonces es o entrenarse en ese mundo mágico que ella desconocía por completo, o irse y morir.

La novela nos narra entonces la vida académica de Erin en esta escuela donde las clases van desde lucha, hasta creación de armas, historia demoníaca, hechizos, tipos de magia, pócimas, etc...

Tiene toda la recopilación de clichés: la chica hermosa que desde el día uno la trata mal porque sí, el apuesto y popular tipo que tiene una "relación" con esa chica hermosa pero se acerca a Erin para enojarla, la chica super estudiosa #1 de la clase y tímida que se vuelve la mejor amiga, cuando hay clases grupales, ponen a la protagonistas con el chico apuesto...

Y el romance, claro. El balanceo permanente de atracción entre Erin y Rey, ella con sus constantes pensamientos de "él nunca se fijaría en mí" y él con su razonamiento de "es hermosa, pero yo no le convengo porque soy el chico malo de esta historia".

Está narrado en primera persona por Erin y por Rey, un capítulo cada uno, y sus personajes son el estereotipo de los romances paranormales juveniles. No hay nada sorprendente, sin embargo, la historia está bien contada, de modo que entretiene pese a que sabes todo lo que va a suceder al momento en que dan una pista.

El final ha sido bueno. No sorprendente, pero sí bien ejecutado. Los giros que dio en la segunda mitad del libro son atrapantes. Los personajes como tal están medianamente bien construidos, todos muy encasillados en su papel.

La narración es ligera, en primera persona, rápida y no deja tantos cabos sueltos. Disfruté leerlo, vale la pena si te gustan los romances juveniles en escuelas de magia con demonios al acecho de forma permanente.

Es primero de una trilogía, pero dudo buscar el segundo.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Delmon is 19 and wants out of her small Colorado town she has know friends after moving around her whole life until she was 10 also she was home schooled. Erin wants to go to college like all the kids that attended school are doing but her aunt Paula said no. But when she takes a bet to stay in a supposed haunted house for allot of money she figures it will be easy and she can start a life away from her controlling aunt its only 1 hour. Big mistake Erin is going to find out that all those things that go bump in the night are real and there real scary. Demons who knew apparently her aunt who shows up to try and rescue her but instead gets herself killed by a really big Demon that marks Erin. Erin is about to get killed like her aunt but then a guy with a sword rescues her.

Rey Lowe a thousand year old half Demon saves Erin and takes her to the Blackthorn Hunter Academy and tells her she will be safe there she's a demon hunter like him or is she. Erin figures he can drop her off and forget about her he has enough problems with his Demon Father Asmodeus anyway. Rey has to kill somebody if he wants to get away from his crapy father big problem his target not so easy to kill and he cant blow his cover as a demon hunter. Ray continues to fight his attraction to Erin but then girls with her mark end up dead now he has to spend more time with her. Ray has allot of problems including the Headmaster Randell who knows to much about him and his secrets.

Erin my new school sucks and im the worst demon hunter ever Professor Martha is torturing me every morning at 5 am and i've had my butt kicked by the school mean girl Ava already dosen't help that her supposed boyfriend Harvey has been flirting with me and Demoms are out to kill me too. But i have made one friend Claire all i really want is to get my life together and find out more about Rey who blows hot and cold around me instead i got a whole host of problems including some newer ones about my family and my DNA. That's all im saying I don't want to ruin the book for anyone else. I will say there is some romantic development its complicated a soul bond you have to read the book to find out about that one. And lots of drama and action and some major demon death also a semi cliffhanger ending which leaves you only wanting more. Cant wait for book Two. I wa allowed to read and advance copy and I pre-ordered a copy for myself.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Demon Kiss
Author: Julianna Haygert
Publisher: Julianna Haygert
ISBN: 1062316919
Buy Link: http://www.julianahaygert.com/books/r...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy 1
A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons …

Erin
I’ve been kept from the truth all my life. Demons walk the earth, and I’m destined to slay them—I only wish I hadn’t lost someone I loved while discovering that truth.
Now the demons are after me. The only way to stay alive is to attend an academy for demon hunters—a school where I’ll learn how to kill supernaturals and slay the underworld’s minions. But I still feel there are secrets I’m not being told …

Rey
I sold my soul to save my family—and lost everything because of it. Now I’m a slave to the underworld, a fake hunter with half-demon blood.
I’ve been sent on a special assassination mission. If I fail, it means my life. But protecting Erin soon becomes more important than any other task, and there’s something about her that tells me her arrival at the academy will change everything …

Total Score: 5/5

Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel

Summary:
Erin lived with her aunt moving so much that she never had anywhere to call home or any friends. That is until the day Erin took a bet to enter a haunted home and everything changed.

Rey sold his soul to a demon to save his family. Now the bargain was full filled, but spending eternity of evil deeds was in the cards until the night Erin and Rey’s paths crossed.

Rey knew the only way to protect Erin from the demons hunting her was to enroll her Blackthorn Academy and train her to be a demon hunter.

Rey and Erin have a strange and in-explicit bond` that Rey is determined to overcome. You see there is more to Rey than anyone knows.

Fitting into her know world is difficult for Erin and the mean girls aren’t helping any. As new friends and bonds are forged, Erin is forced to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to end her life.

This was an incredible first look into the Blackthorn Hunter’s Academy. The audio book brought the story alive as the narrators gave each character their own unique flair.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Demons Kiss by Juliana Haygert is the first book in her new academy series – Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy. Prepare for lots of demons, intense moments, and lots of surprises! Erin is just a normal girl, or is she? Her life has mostly been moving about with her aunt from place to place, never making any friends or getting close to anyone because soon enough they would just pick up and move again. But things change when she hears a group of teens cajoling each other about a haunted house. One of the rich kids tries to bribe his friends to go, but too many people have gone missing there and they are reluctant. Erin wants a better life, and well that money would be a boon if nothing else, so she steps up and offers to take on the bet herself. Things take a dark turn, she finds her life in danger, and all too quickly Erin finds her life-changing at a rocket pace.
The Demons Kiss is an engaging story from beginning to end. Erin is an interesting character and I have to say that I’m pleased that she isn’t one of those characters who are given to undue amounts of hysterics when faced with certain situations. Now, if you are wondering if this series ties to other books by this author…the answer is yes! I love it! Are there direct crossovers or appearances of familiar characters? No, but there is a reflection of information that is noted in the other books. The twists and surprises that the author packs into this book are well done and keep me page-turning non-stop. Just when you think that another surprise can’t possibly pop up the author throws another one.
There honestly isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. The characters are well done, the author gives a nice neat little cliffhanger at the end of the story and answers some burning questions that crop up here and there in the storyline.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I’m eager for the next book in this series to see what happens next. These characters have a lot going on and quite a bit against them and I can’t wait to see how they not only handle but surmount the obstacles that threaten to stand in their way. If you are a fan of this author then I encourage you to pick this book up.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto 4,5
.
Malefica81 - per RFS
.
Bentornate Fenici!

Sapete, ho un rapporto conflittuale con gli young adult, sono un po’ difficile nei gusti ma questo devo dire che mi ha piacevolmente colpito.

Abbiamo gli elementi classici, la giovane ragazza che scopre di appartenere a una classe d’elite, in questo caso “cacciatori di demoni”, il bad boy di turno che si invaghisce della protagonista, la “stronza” che rompe le scatole, (casualmente è sempre bionda) e tanti misteri, il tutto condito da uno sfondo alla Harry Potter.

Mi spiego meglio, c’è una scuola per cacciatori, da qui la similitudine

Erin resta orfana e viene salvata da Rey, un giovane misterioso che la porta alla Blackthorn Academy, svelandole che anche lei, come la zia morta per salvarle la vita, è una cacciatrice.

Ovviamente dovrà faticare per integrarsi, con lezioni teoriche e pratiche, tra cui arti marziali, forgiatura di armi e tutti gli alti e i bassi che ci possono essere in una scuola.

Diciamo che è molto “umana”, anche se in seguito si scopre essere una mezza demone, ha dubbi, incertezze e non eccelle nelle materie di studio, è anche maldestra e per quello mi è piaciuta molto. Si innamora, anzi, si infatua all’inizio del bel Rey, anche lui mezzo demone, figlio di Asmodeus, uno dei principi infernali.

La storia prosegue, ricca di personaggi apparentemente secondari ma di grande spessore, come il preside Randall, il primo cacciatore, un essere immortale e invincibile, la professoressa Martha e tutti i professori, l’amica di Erin, Claire, una secchiona dotata di una grande intelligenza (lei potrebbe essere me in un ipotetico romanzo).

La narrazione è ricca di colpi di scena, scorre fluidamente anche se ho notato qualche errore di traduzione, una questione di genere, dove Rey, il figlio di Asmodeus, da maschio passa a femmina in un nano secondo. Spero sia solo una svista perché il libro è davvero carino.

Adesso sono curiosa di sapere come va a finire e dato che è una serie attendo con ansia il seguito.

Consigliato.

Alla prossima

Un saluto dalla vostra Mal

[anjuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5***
This was a bit tough to rate as part of my issue was with narration. This is a dual POV book and I liked that. The female narrator (Candace Joice) turned me off personally. Because of that, I had to switch to the Kindle version as I could not continue after a bit. She just sounded sooooo bland and void of energy. The male narrator did well to portray Rey's side.

Overall, the story was good. It took a bit for me to get into and I think it could partially be from switching from audiobook to kindle reading. The story starts with Erin's frustrated life so far and how she's been a victim of school bullying and feeling out of place etc. The first chapter delves right away into how her life changes overnight from a single decision. Thus, begins her life into a world of supernatural and demons. Yes, they exist. She's thrust into a world of demons and demon hunters and some other supes along the way. Now she ends up at an academy where demon hunting is a thing.

Rey, a half demon and also has a secret mission finds his path crossed with Erin. Together they fight the attraction and yet, focus on what is important for each to survive. He's not too bad considering his background.

I feel the characters and including the side characters needed a bit more depth. I think this story/series has a good potential. It does end on a cliffhanger. Both Rey and Erin enter a new unknown path. She finds out some more of her history and it is definitely interesting to see where it will lead. It does move faster once first few chapters are over.

I liked how each chapter was marked with Rey/Erin's POV.

***I received a code for the audiobook and this is my honest review****

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts out in a subtle and calm manner and soon you find yourself just as intrigued and involved as the main character. Erin is a homeschooled girl looking for more out of life. She seems a bit lost at first, looking for a way out of her life. She soon finds it, but it is nothing like she or the readers expects.

Erin finds that Demons are real and for some reason they want to kill her. Just when it looks like all is lost in sweeps a handsome man with a sword to save her; but don’t get me wrong Erin is perfectly strong in her own right she was just blinded by a whole new world before her eyes. Rey (the sward wheeling man) is a half demon who takes her to Blackthorn Hunter Academy where the story is set.

I loved the development of Erin’s new life, learning right along with her and the uniqueness of the story was a joy to read. I don’t want to give too much a way but this story reads like a typical high school drama with the added supernatural aspects and less romance (I think that comes in later books); I would definitely read book two. I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I got this book from the author to do a review for my honest opinion*

I absolutely loved this book the characters Rey and Erin are very great characters they're easy to follow the story just flows on the day I got once I started reading I could not put it down I just had to finish and now I am eagerly waiting the next book.

Erin is a girl who knows nothing of the supernatural world shes always been homeschooled and lives with her aunt she doesn't believe in demons or anything of the sort her aunt has always told her they're not real until she goes in to a house that she was told was haunted and everything changes for her in an instant

Rey is a half demon and a demon hunter who works for the prince of the underworld asmodeus he sold his soul to him and now has to collect souls for him and hes giving the ultimate deal kill the leader of blackthorn hunters academy and get his soul back and his freedom

Will Rey do what has to be done to win his freedom? Will Erin become the ultimate demon hunter?

Have you been trying for a while to get into a book but just can't find something to keep you hooked from start to finish well this is it this book will you keep up late into the night finishing the last pages.

Juliana Haygert is a great author she is very amazing at creating characters and telling amazing stories

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous and intriguing opening to a new series, full of surprising revelations and magical twists.
Erin grew up alone, on the move and homeschooled by her aunt. Of course, when the opportunity to escape arose, even though it required going to a haunted house, she took it. This decision proved fatal though. Wearing a demon mark now, she is saved by Rey and brought to Blackthorn academy of demon hunters to catch up all the upbringing she missed. However, even in the academy she is not safe..
I truly enjoyed this book. It flowed easily, developing chapter by chapter both plot- and character-wise. Prejudices among supernatural races are present, establishing a little volatile societal environment quick to judge the good and the evil. Moreover, the adventure and threats promised by the demon world, balanced by romance and soul bonds, speak for picking up this book too, especially if you are a fan of the supernatural academy books. This one has big potential even in this boom of magical academy series everywhere.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE BLAZING ADVENTURE!!!
OMG! Man, One mind-blowing storyline and impressive plot bring this bad boy blazing to life beautifully. Juliana totally nailed this bad boy 100% on point. A whirlwind of unexpected events and surprising mishaps that keep you flipping page after page. One rollercoaster with all the trials and tribulations that propels the intense emotions bursting into play smoothly. The characters are authentic, consistent and realistic with depth and qualities its easy to relate. Sparks fly as suspense and danger ensues in epic proportions. Drama, non-stop action, heart pounding, hard hitting wonder that spin all the pieces together brilliantly. The scenes were so graphically detailed it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Juliana, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demons, Hunters, Werewolves and Zombies... oh my!! This was a very twistly plotted series starter! Our two main characters have so much in common and yet they seem to be forever separated by this or that. If you like academy books with a unique twist and a fresh take on paranormal creatures, this is sure to entertain you. This is filled with frightening moments and things that go bump in the night. There are so many questions floating about and that ending frustrated me a tad, only because I was waiting for it to be discovered sooner. I can't wait to see where this series will go! I've read a few books written by Ms. Haygert before, and this is just as detailed and exciting as the others.

[CrazyCat (Alex) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin finds out there are demons, the hard way. Then she is whisked away to an Academy to learn to become a demon hunter. Oh, and the guy whisking her away? Yeah, he is a half demon. Arriving at the Academy Erin thinks she finally found her place, somewhere she belongs. But it isn't that easy. It never is.
I loved how the action starts right with the first chapter and then never stops. There are mean girls (yes, I mean you Ava, and your minions) giving the Academy a real high school feeling. Professors having their own agenda, powerful demons and demon princesses being in danger from their father. And, of course, there are feelings, magic, good friends and an ending that has me wanting to read the next book asap.

[Kimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! So good!

I love reading Paranormal Academy stories. And this story so far is my favorite! I love Erin & Rey! They are good together. I don't want to post any spoilers, because it's always better to read for yourself and find out what happens. Basically the main character Erin's life is turned upside down after a dare gone wrong... from then on her "real" life begins. I love how there's never a dull moment. And lots of surprises as well! It's fast paced and so interesting. I couldn't stop reading once i started! And at the end i wanted more. I need to know what happens next! The story is getting to be so good! I highly recommend this series. You will love this especially if you enjoy Academy stories!

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the first book of the Blackthorn Hunters Academy series, the books should be read in order.
A great start to a new series. A normal boring homeschooled girl without friends discovers that supernaturals are not just fairytales. Her whole world is turned upside down when her aunt, her only family, is killed by demons. By luck Erin is found by Rey, who helps her and brings her to the Blackthorn Hunter Academy.
But her troubles only began.
This is a story with interesting good and evil characters, old and powerful opponents, a great storyline and really unexpected turns.
Prepare to be hooked, I can't wait for the next part.

[Lisa Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aboustly loved this book I was gripped from the very first page Erin had a tuff start to life losing both her parents and then moving around alot with her aunt.after been dared to go into an abandoned house which everyone claimed was haunted was the night her life took another manger turn her aunt got killed by demons and she found out that she was also a demon hunter shes now being told that after being marked by this demon more will come the only safe place is the blackthorn academy. Loved the chemistry between Erin and rey I cant wait for the next book to come out

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book... plenty of action with a side of suspense and a taste of romance. Lovers of academy books will enjoy this series with its snarky teen attitudes and lots of kick butt training. The main characters have plenty of chemistry and I enjoyed learning about some of the students while everyone is trying to live through the demon raids.
I received a free ARC of this book. This is an honest review.

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a fantastic Academy read. This grabbed me right from the start to finish. Erin has lost a lot and dwelt with alot. The Author has written this fantastic. The scenes are written so well that you can picture it in your minds eye so vividly. The Characters are all brought out so well as well. If you love Fantasy and Magic and Academy reads this is definitely the read for you. This is another one that I would love to see on Netflix.
Shauna Joesten

[Annabelle Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to another series by Juliana Haygert. The great thing about reading her books is getting to know the characters and falling in love with them, or hating them with a passion! While this may not be my favorite 1st in the series book, I'm already hooked and can't wait to find out what happens next. Get ready for a roller coaster ride with these characters. There's never a dull moment and the surprises are well worth the wait.