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Half-Blood Academy #2
Magic Secret
I hate myself for craving the panty-melting demigods.
But my awakening power is volatile and destructive. Only they can prevent me from turning into a ticking bomb.
When Lucifer's heir breaches the wards of the Academy to kidnap me, the sea demigod, my sworn enemy, uncovers my hidden origin. Instead of exposing me, or, worse, leading the Dominion army to hunt me down, he leaves a trail of dead bodies behind to protect my dangerous secret.
Magic Secret is the second book in the Half-Blood Academy series with a badass heroine, four deadly, striking demigods, heart-pounding action blended with super steamy love scenes, and great romance.
But my awakening power is volatile and destructive. Only they can prevent me from turning into a ticking bomb.
When Lucifer's heir breaches the wards of the Academy to kidnap me, the sea demigod, my sworn enemy, uncovers my hidden origin. Instead of exposing me, or, worse, leading the Dominion army to hunt me down, he leaves a trail of dead bodies behind to protect my dangerous secret.
Magic Secret is the second book in the Half-Blood Academy series with a badass heroine, four deadly, striking demigods, heart-pounding action blended with super steamy love scenes, and great romance.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2019
4478 people are currently reading
2027 people want to read
About the author
Meg Xuemei X
119 books2,274 followersMeg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.
Join Meg’s mailing list for new releases, giveaways, and fun stuff: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
July 31, 2019
The heroine has five pet names from her guys. They are; Rosebud, Cookie, Princesa, Buttercup and lamb. They each call her these pet names with every conversation. If that's not enough to deter you from this book then I don't know what will
July 12, 2019
Rating: 2.5 stars
Magic Secret was very different from the first book. While the first one was fast paced, with action and magic, the second basically revolved around Marigold acting all cutesy and the demigods quarreling and being possessive.
It was ridiculous, it was fun, but it wasn't interesting.
Despite of all the giggles, it was very difficult to appreciate the story as it meant the plot didn't really thicken or even appeared. Secrets were dropped like bombs without much ado nor real logical timeline, Marigold went from a strong character to a brainless, childish idiot in less than a chapter and I had not sign up for that.
I enjoyed the book, I laughed and I had a good time. Really. But I forgot about any kind of plot and probably will not read the third book because of that. If there had not had such a difference between the two volumes, it might have been another story.
Magic Secret was very different from the first book. While the first one was fast paced, with action and magic, the second basically revolved around Marigold acting all cutesy and the demigods quarreling and being possessive.
It was ridiculous, it was fun, but it wasn't interesting.
Despite of all the giggles, it was very difficult to appreciate the story as it meant the plot didn't really thicken or even appeared. Secrets were dropped like bombs without much ado nor real logical timeline, Marigold went from a strong character to a brainless, childish idiot in less than a chapter and I had not sign up for that.
I enjoyed the book, I laughed and I had a good time. Really. But I forgot about any kind of plot and probably will not read the third book because of that. If there had not had such a difference between the two volumes, it might have been another story.
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August 26, 2019
The pet names drove me INSANE. Cookie, Rosebud, Lamb, Princess... these were all used in 100% seriousness by the heroes and I wanted to gouge my own eyes out.
Marigold is funny sometimes, and I liked how she didn't let Paxton walk all over her. But the insta-love with Hector is annoying and she's just SUCH a Mary Sue. I'm really unsure about the sequel.
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Marigold is funny sometimes, and I liked how she didn't let Paxton walk all over her. But the insta-love with Hector is annoying and she's just SUCH a Mary Sue. I'm really unsure about the sequel.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
August 13, 2019
3.5 stars. Magic Secret is book 2 in the Half-Blood Academy series. The writing in this book is a bit different from book 1. The writing was a lot more telling than showing and explaining how the reader should interpret things that were said.
This series is installment style so each book just ends and then the next book picks up where the prior book ended. You can not read this as standalone. You must read book 1 first.
If you can get past how incredibly cheesy the dialogue is, especially between Marigold and Hector, this book is pretty enjoyable. You know that whole, so ugly it's cute thing? Well, I think it was a case of the dialogue being so dumb that it is was amusing.
I didn't like the female main character as much in this book. She was getting on my nerves with how much she was trying to play the guys off each other and constantly reminding them of how they messed up. Also, the guys were the 4 demigods who were above all others and responsible for commanding their own armies and fighting to save humanity, yet they behaved like petulant children. They were so incredibly immature and couldn't all be in a room together without arguing or fighting and treating Marigold as if she is the shiny new toy that they don't want their cousins to play with. It was a bit ridiculous.
And can I mention the dialogue again? It was so cheesy that it deserves to be mentioned again.
All that aside, I still enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the release of book 3. I will read it as soon as it is available.
This series is installment style so each book just ends and then the next book picks up where the prior book ended. You can not read this as standalone. You must read book 1 first.
If you can get past how incredibly cheesy the dialogue is, especially between Marigold and Hector, this book is pretty enjoyable. You know that whole, so ugly it's cute thing? Well, I think it was a case of the dialogue being so dumb that it is was amusing.
I didn't like the female main character as much in this book. She was getting on my nerves with how much she was trying to play the guys off each other and constantly reminding them of how they messed up. Also, the guys were the 4 demigods who were above all others and responsible for commanding their own armies and fighting to save humanity, yet they behaved like petulant children. They were so incredibly immature and couldn't all be in a room together without arguing or fighting and treating Marigold as if she is the shiny new toy that they don't want their cousins to play with. It was a bit ridiculous.
And can I mention the dialogue again? It was so cheesy that it deserves to be mentioned again.
All that aside, I still enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the release of book 3. I will read it as soon as it is available.
July 23, 2019
Big ol'DNF.
I just couldn't do it. Book one had the FMC that was vaguely reminiscent of Willa Knight by the end, but she started out great so I hung in there. Book two is a whole lotta NOPE.
The Willaness overtakes Marigold's (yes, that's really her name) personality and pushes her into the zone of contradictory mess. She wants to be tough, but comes off as an airheaded brat. We are told exactly how tough she is though.
Then there are the pet names: Cookie, Lamb and Rosebud. The guys can't say one thing to or about her without using their assigned nickname for her. I'm not of fan of those ridiculous names to begin with (seriously, demigods, and that's the best you can do???) but the continued overuse of them had me wanting to pull out my hair. Who talks like that?!? Do you use a persons name every other sentence?
Sheer purposeful annoyance on the authors part caused the dnf. I loved the premise and the storyline unfortunately I disliked everything else.
I just couldn't do it. Book one had the FMC that was vaguely reminiscent of Willa Knight by the end, but she started out great so I hung in there. Book two is a whole lotta NOPE.
The Willaness overtakes Marigold's (yes, that's really her name) personality and pushes her into the zone of contradictory mess. She wants to be tough, but comes off as an airheaded brat. We are told exactly how tough she is though.
Then there are the pet names: Cookie, Lamb and Rosebud. The guys can't say one thing to or about her without using their assigned nickname for her. I'm not of fan of those ridiculous names to begin with (seriously, demigods, and that's the best you can do???) but the continued overuse of them had me wanting to pull out my hair. Who talks like that?!? Do you use a persons name every other sentence?
Sheer purposeful annoyance on the authors part caused the dnf. I loved the premise and the storyline unfortunately I disliked everything else.
October 6, 2019
Yepppp still damn good!
5*~ Yep A Damn Good Read
5*~ Yep A Damn Good Read
January 26, 2020
1.5 stars
Jeez, WTF was this?!
In the first book, we had a strong, sassy heroine that took no shit and then in this book with have a simpering idiot that's incredibly unlikeable. I don't know why I kept reding honestly, I just got more and more pissed off. The so-called 'men' were a bunch of pussies worshipping an undeserving fool.
I can't even be bothered to carry on as its pissing me off thinking about the book again.
I would NOT recommend this series
August 14, 2019
Marigold lives in a post-apocalyptic world. Greek Gods, their descendants and various supernatural beings are fighting it out with Lucifer and a bunch of demons. And maybe the Norse Gods are demons? The world building makes no sense.
Still, Marigold is a very entertaining character and I like her style. These books are funny and over the top. The comedic moments could have benefitted from some tighter editing to make them really shine, but so far this series is really enjoyable.
Still, Marigold is a very entertaining character and I like her style. These books are funny and over the top. The comedic moments could have benefitted from some tighter editing to make them really shine, but so far this series is really enjoyable.
July 11, 2022
OK PLOT TWIST 😈
August 31, 2019
Not completely horrible, but not that great?
Probably about 2.5 stars.
The demigods are kind of interesting, but the MC is a bit too much. She's almost annoying.
I kind of hate Paxton and think he should NEVER be forgiven. He practically had her killed in the first book, after all. He was just a bully. Yet the author seems to be trying to redeem him.
I guess if you are into bully romances, this series is for you! I don't think I should ever try that genre, because I just don't think I could ever understand why bullies turned lovers would be a good storyline. I just get annoyed that the female in those stories doesn't hold herself to a higher standard. Seriously, mean/rude/hateful/abusive boys should not suddenly be romance material just because they are "hot."
Just not my thing, but I'm interested enough in the whole Living Flame/Lost Princess thing that I'll read the next book.
Oh, there's also something childish about some of the dialogue. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but this isn't a series I would re-read. Just one I'll speed read to finish and then move on.
Probably about 2.5 stars.
The demigods are kind of interesting, but the MC is a bit too much. She's almost annoying.
I kind of hate Paxton and think he should NEVER be forgiven. He practically had her killed in the first book, after all. He was just a bully. Yet the author seems to be trying to redeem him.
I guess if you are into bully romances, this series is for you! I don't think I should ever try that genre, because I just don't think I could ever understand why bullies turned lovers would be a good storyline. I just get annoyed that the female in those stories doesn't hold herself to a higher standard. Seriously, mean/rude/hateful/abusive boys should not suddenly be romance material just because they are "hot."
Just not my thing, but I'm interested enough in the whole Living Flame/Lost Princess thing that I'll read the next book.
Oh, there's also something childish about some of the dialogue. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but this isn't a series I would re-read. Just one I'll speed read to finish and then move on.
July 14, 2019
Quick thoughts before review - A hilarious and funny follow-up. 4.5 stars - a half a star deduced because sometimes the character was a wee bit too manipulative, but honestly having that in there added to the humor too. I LOVE Hector and Axel, they make some of the funniest times. Zac is groovy in a more sedate way. The nicknames are topnotch adorableness. Even the douchbag gets some redemption at the end. There's a shift at the finale of the story (a well done one done with a grand stage entrance) that shows our main character the big secret of her heritage.
October 22, 2019
This book is sooo amazing. The description does NOT DO IT JUSTICE AT ALL!!! It draws you in within 2 pages! I am about to read book 2 of series!!! Stayed up all night read cover to cover! It is that good!!!
July 16, 2019
I HATE the h.
July 15, 2019
Magic Secret is the second book in the half blood academy series by author Meg Xuemei X. The Half blood academy series is a new adult reverse harem mythology fantasy series, and it is one of my favorite in this genre. I loved the first book so much, and I was counting down the days until the second book released. I grabbed this one up on release day and immediately set aside everything else on my TBR to devour Magic Secret.
IN Magic Secret we get to know each of the Demigods better, especially Hector, the demigod of Death. We didn't get to see very much of Hector in the first book so it was great to see more of him in book 2.
I really love all of the guys, even Paxton. I think I might be the only Paxton fan right from book 1. I love how different they each are. They are an awesome embodiment of their respective Gods. I love the obvious choices of Axel and Hector, who are so open with their affection for Mari. But I feel like I really understand Paxton. It is so easy to write him off as a jerk. (and trust me, I know this is crazy for me to say because I am so not always a fan of bad boys. Not in real life and not in my books) but I do feel like there is so much more to Paxton than his gruff exterior. I think he is looking out for mari in the best way that he knows how. I heart him, and I was so happy to see him get his moment in this novel, and I am hoping that he gets many more moments in book 3. Mari needs to give him a chance!
Bottom line: if you are a fan of mythology, magic school settings or reverse harem you need to read the Half-blood academy series. Heck, even if you are a fan of one of those three things, you need to read the Half-Blood Academy Series. It is one of my favorites!
IN Magic Secret we get to know each of the Demigods better, especially Hector, the demigod of Death. We didn't get to see very much of Hector in the first book so it was great to see more of him in book 2.
I really love all of the guys, even Paxton. I think I might be the only Paxton fan right from book 1. I love how different they each are. They are an awesome embodiment of their respective Gods. I love the obvious choices of Axel and Hector, who are so open with their affection for Mari. But I feel like I really understand Paxton. It is so easy to write him off as a jerk. (and trust me, I know this is crazy for me to say because I am so not always a fan of bad boys. Not in real life and not in my books) but I do feel like there is so much more to Paxton than his gruff exterior. I think he is looking out for mari in the best way that he knows how. I heart him, and I was so happy to see him get his moment in this novel, and I am hoping that he gets many more moments in book 3. Mari needs to give him a chance!
Bottom line: if you are a fan of mythology, magic school settings or reverse harem you need to read the Half-blood academy series. Heck, even if you are a fan of one of those three things, you need to read the Half-Blood Academy Series. It is one of my favorites!
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July 17, 2019DNF so won’t rate. Just felt like the writing was stilted and didn’t have a rhythm or flow, I found myself re-reading sentences and sections. Additionally, the constant use of pet names, rather pathetic ones too, was just irritating me far too much. Normally I would push through but I just found myself not caring enough about the characters or story to continue.
I did enjoy the first book so I am not too sure what has changed for me but I was disappointed.
I did enjoy the first book so I am not too sure what has changed for me but I was disappointed.
July 3, 2025
The plot is interesting and keeps me wanting to come back, but the romance is cringy…
The pet names are horrific and they keep on being used repeatedly and I just want it to STOP! ✋🏼
The way so of the guys speak is weird, and it’s especially uncomfortable when they try to flirt or dirty talk 😟
And why does the author keep using the word “suckle”??? 🤢🤢🤢
The pet names are horrific and they keep on being used repeatedly and I just want it to STOP! ✋🏼
The way so of the guys speak is weird, and it’s especially uncomfortable when they try to flirt or dirty talk 😟
And why does the author keep using the word “suckle”??? 🤢🤢🤢
July 13, 2019
I’m not even sure how to write a review for this one but my rating for this was 2.5/5 stars rounded to 3. All I gotta say is, I was greatly disappointed with this one...The first book was very enjoyable but this one fell short to me. I’m unsure if I’ll be reading the next one.
August 10, 2019
Ahhhh I'm on the fence. For some reason I really want to love it. I can feel every molecule in my body really striving to love this series.. Im just not there yet. Honestly I think its the FMC. I'm not mad at her or anything I just think she is super hostile, like over the top.. maybe trying too hard? Its something. Its just weird how she is kinda annoying and super hostile always constantly arguing but everyone around her thinks its adorable.. maybe its just me and Pigston? Plot wise I'm liking the story here so far, I mean we haven't really gotten too deep into it but we have a nice set up. The characters have great chemistry. All the guys are unique... Team Hector here! One thing about RH novels though, is that you don't have to pick a team unless you just want to! Love me some Hector!
This book picks up right where book one leaves off. FMC Marigold.. aka rosebud, lamb, cookie, princess.... has found herself on the front lines in the arms of death... aka Hector lol. Once the guys discover what Pigston put her through everyone is out for vengeance, but we still don't know about Marigolds powers, and only Pigston seems ready to push her to her limits. Unfortunately pushing her to use her powers also sends out a beacon for others that are hunting for her to use her as a weapon and leads to discovery about her true heritage which is a problem in itself.
If I'm honest I'm totally going to read book 3.. there is no denying it. I need to know what happens and I'm not ready to say by to Hector.. but I'm irritated about needing to read it at the same time lol.
This book picks up right where book one leaves off. FMC Marigold.. aka rosebud, lamb, cookie, princess.... has found herself on the front lines in the arms of death... aka Hector lol. Once the guys discover what Pigston put her through everyone is out for vengeance, but we still don't know about Marigolds powers, and only Pigston seems ready to push her to her limits. Unfortunately pushing her to use her powers also sends out a beacon for others that are hunting for her to use her as a weapon and leads to discovery about her true heritage which is a problem in itself.
If I'm honest I'm totally going to read book 3.. there is no denying it. I need to know what happens and I'm not ready to say by to Hector.. but I'm irritated about needing to read it at the same time lol.
May 10, 2020
Cliffhanger ending.
October 11, 2019
Looks like I'm not the only one who found this one a little lack luster compared to book one. Regardless, it was still good. I am a bit fed up with Marigold and Paxton. They're animosity for one another is completely just. However, I'm thinking that Mari isn't the innocent one either. She's absolutely volatile and it doesn't help.
On a positive note, our other men are hilarious. The demigod of death is so literal that I constantly find myself wheezing because he's so funny.
Now-onto book three.
On a positive note, our other men are hilarious. The demigod of death is so literal that I constantly find myself wheezing because he's so funny.
Now-onto book three.
July 11, 2019
#TEAMHECTORAXELZAK
Well what can I say other than amazing and H.O.T!!!! This book takes you on a heated journey from the beginning I didn't want to get off. To end in an epic way to keep you wanting and needing more. Totally love how sweet Hector is to Mari, Axel and Zak are in close second and I guess in the end Paxton isn't so bad. You guys seriously need to pick up this book and if you've not read book one yet, you need to now as you will be not left disappointed. Totally H.O.T yum
Well what can I say other than amazing and H.O.T!!!! This book takes you on a heated journey from the beginning I didn't want to get off. To end in an epic way to keep you wanting and needing more. Totally love how sweet Hector is to Mari, Axel and Zak are in close second and I guess in the end Paxton isn't so bad. You guys seriously need to pick up this book and if you've not read book one yet, you need to now as you will be not left disappointed. Totally H.O.T yum
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August 8, 2019A spoiled heroine
I am fully enjoying the attention and the resulting embarrassment that Marigold is going through with the demigods. I was hoping for more of a build up before her origin was found. I also dislike how bad her relationship with Paxton has become nor how gooey the other demigods are with her. Hector is especially lovely dovey. They spoil her and perhaps I'm just jealous but that isn't very healthy. I just wonder if they truly see her.
I am fully enjoying the attention and the resulting embarrassment that Marigold is going through with the demigods. I was hoping for more of a build up before her origin was found. I also dislike how bad her relationship with Paxton has become nor how gooey the other demigods are with her. Hector is especially lovely dovey. They spoil her and perhaps I'm just jealous but that isn't very healthy. I just wonder if they truly see her.
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November 16, 2019Why does Marigold sound like a bad actress playing victim to get revenge in the first few pages in? (Even though she genuinely went through hell.)
This is Marigold: I’m a strong independent woman Hear me roar! Okay, I heard ya the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time. No need to remind me how much of a badass you are.
I’m confused, didn’t she say she will never go back to the academy?
DNF 30% The guys bickering with each other over Marigold has become too much.
This is Marigold: I’m a strong independent woman Hear me roar! Okay, I heard ya the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time. No need to remind me how much of a badass you are.
I’m confused, didn’t she say she will never go back to the academy?
DNF 30% The guys bickering with each other over Marigold has become too much.
July 8, 2022
Marigold is even more badass than I originally thought. Héctor is still so dang hot and my favorite. Paxton is the asshole you love to hate. Zak is still boring. Axel is still a cute golden retriever.
Marigold has 3 almost 4 demigods wrapped around her fingers. She’s slowly figuring out who she is. I’m still trying to decide who is the “good” guy Lucifer or Ares.
It’s a fun time
Marigold has 3 almost 4 demigods wrapped around her fingers. She’s slowly figuring out who she is. I’m still trying to decide who is the “good” guy Lucifer or Ares.
It’s a fun time
July 29, 2019
I am a sucker and will always be a sucker for normal girl goes to school, falls in love with most powerful beings at school because she is not just normal, all hell breaks loose. It's a guilty pleasure.... so sue me.
December 31, 2019
Well what can I say this was just a book about 5 demi-gods fighting over a girl. Marigold is a bitch sorry but I can't see her as anything else. She wants the demi-gods but she wants them all to change for her yet refuses to change herself. No real story line in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
people don’t talk like this.
The story is good, there’s great bones.
All of the main characters are extremely immature , and the dialogue is just… off. Maybe it’s the cadence, or the verbiage, but it’s just awkward.
The story is good, there’s great bones.
All of the main characters are extremely immature , and the dialogue is just… off. Maybe it’s the cadence, or the verbiage, but it’s just awkward.
July 7, 2022
I love the story but omg those petnames are getting under my skin in the worse way...
March 24, 2024
One thing I love about this FMC is that she is making Paxton WORK! She genuinely hates him, and she isn't throwing herself at him after what he did to her (like most FMCs do). Some questions about her heritage are answered, and others arise.
It's a good series and I'm moving to the next book.
It's a good series and I'm moving to the next book.
April 10, 2023
This shit is crazy but I’m still gonna read the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews