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Academy of the Dark Arts #2
Tricky Witch
Keep hiding your magic.
Never admit to what you can do.
And that hot guy with the gun? Still don't trust him. Or his friends.
Forced into the Academy of the Dark Arts against her will, all witch-in-hiding Mallory Serra wants is to keep her head down and graduate as soon as possible. Maybe she'll get lucky and land a nice, boring desk job that doesn't require any magic powers, since hers keep careening out of control, anyway.
But when her handsome handler, Matt, disappears with a monster into the Academy's basement, she breaks her rules, again, and performs one more teeny, tiny spell. She's already stuck in the Academy, so what could go wrong?
Everything.
Caught between her rising attraction to both her student teacher Nico and Matt, and her rising animosity with their friends, Mallory has to decide what's more important. Stay under the radar and get out while the getting is good, or reveal her true powers to protect them all from the demon stalking the Academy?
Never admit to what you can do.
And that hot guy with the gun? Still don't trust him. Or his friends.
Forced into the Academy of the Dark Arts against her will, all witch-in-hiding Mallory Serra wants is to keep her head down and graduate as soon as possible. Maybe she'll get lucky and land a nice, boring desk job that doesn't require any magic powers, since hers keep careening out of control, anyway.
But when her handsome handler, Matt, disappears with a monster into the Academy's basement, she breaks her rules, again, and performs one more teeny, tiny spell. She's already stuck in the Academy, so what could go wrong?
Everything.
Caught between her rising attraction to both her student teacher Nico and Matt, and her rising animosity with their friends, Mallory has to decide what's more important. Stay under the radar and get out while the getting is good, or reveal her true powers to protect them all from the demon stalking the Academy?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2019
114 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
dnf
July 1, 2023Started skimming through at 33% and then dnf at 46%. I wanted more action, more team strategizing between our MCs, more page time with Mal and most if not all her harem within the frame of pages that I did read. I also got fed up with Mal's continued reluctance to being with more than one guy. My frustration was further compounded by how nasty she treated Matt at times. I lost interest in the mystery surrounding the amaroq and the ultimate mission because of the pacing of the plot and the many diffierent directions it veered off to.
The one thing that consistently held my interest throughout the book was Mal's abilities. Unfortunately it just wasn't enough to balance out all my other frustrations.
The one thing that consistently held my interest throughout the book was Mal's abilities. Unfortunately it just wasn't enough to balance out all my other frustrations.
January 1, 2020
Ahhh i need more 💖💖💖
WHY MARCH 31ST WHYYYYY 😭😭😭
WHY MARCH 31ST WHYYYYY 😭😭😭
January 1, 2020
Love this series so hard.
One-clicked the book 3 pre-order! Cannot wait for the next one! I love the witch/government conspiracy/academy/paranormal aspect to this story! I gotta say though, I was getting really pissed off with Mal as the story went on and how she was so hypocritical when she used her powers without telling someone but got pissed when Matt was sending reports. Even though he was trying to protect her. There was some redemption at the end but it still makes me not like her character 100%. She can come across as a little whiny and entitled despite others sticking their necks out to help her.
The amaroq is an interesting element to the story and not sure if it truly is a demon or something that might have been created in a lab? Will be interesting to find out more and if Mal can indeed tame it. Hopefully she pulls her head out of her arse in the next book.
One-clicked the book 3 pre-order! Cannot wait for the next one! I love the witch/government conspiracy/academy/paranormal aspect to this story! I gotta say though, I was getting really pissed off with Mal as the story went on and how she was so hypocritical when she used her powers without telling someone but got pissed when Matt was sending reports. Even though he was trying to protect her. There was some redemption at the end but it still makes me not like her character 100%. She can come across as a little whiny and entitled despite others sticking their necks out to help her.
The amaroq is an interesting element to the story and not sure if it truly is a demon or something that might have been created in a lab? Will be interesting to find out more and if Mal can indeed tame it. Hopefully she pulls her head out of her arse in the next book.
February 25, 2025
This was soo slow. Nothing happens until 70% or so. Skipped a bunch of time and bonding with the guys. She thinks every time one of the guys flirt or she gets fuzzy feelings from them that its weird. Constantly calling them pervs and weird. I like a RH where she doesn't automatically accept the group but it got annoying here. Mal is also hypocritical with wanting them to tell her everything and gets hurt with their 'lies' but yet hides alot of her stuff from them. Even Nico who she said shes in love with.
April 16, 2020
A solid second book.
Enjoyed this as there were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. The characters are growing on me a bit more, but I’m still not completely sold on Alec, Damon and Everett. The final rescue and escape was fun, and I’m happy with where the series seems to be heading.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Enjoyed this as there were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. The characters are growing on me a bit more, but I’m still not completely sold on Alec, Damon and Everett. The final rescue and escape was fun, and I’m happy with where the series seems to be heading.
3.5 stars ⭐️
October 17, 2020
Eh. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it, but found myself reading it in one day.
May 1, 2024
Special powers/RH MMMMM/Multi PoV
SYNOPSIS (5 Book Series): The FC, Mallory, lives in a world where there are humans and individuals with magic gifts (kind of like X men). If you are discovered to have a gift then you are immediately sent to the academy to train before being required to join the army as the “country” is always at war. As there is no choice the FC tried to hide her powers but was discovered and enrolled. She meets the MCs at the academy and gradually wins each one over. The story revolves around the development of the FC/MCs relationships, Mallory’s growing powers and the fight to avoid being drafted into the army.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆🍆 The amount of scenes increases as the series progress and there are both single and group scenes. There’s no particular kink but they are well written and hot and do not overtake the story too much.
There are a lot of typos and editing issues that are annoying otherwise the story is decently written but this just wasn’t for me. Whilst I liked Mallory and she came across as strong and capable the overall story didn’t work. It was odd to apparently have the army running everything (where was the government for example) and one particular individual in the army who seemed to be in total control of everything. The underlying “secret” that the MCs would not reveal was simply annoying as there was no real reason not to tell her. When everything came out it was anticlimactic and I had already worked out what was happening.
I found the storyline around the amaroq and all the labs to be confusing (and hackneyed) and it was never really explained why so much time or resource had been put into tracking it down or what the army was trying to achieve (save for satisfying one man’s desire for immortality). Ultimately it seemed to just be an excuse for the author to write in some dramatic scenes. The ending also felt like a let down. Nothing changes and the FC and MCs just hide away - what’s that about?
Each book seems to deal with one MC relationship and have one dramatic scene. It felt formulaic. There are multiple questions left unanswered such as who put the amaroqs in the sigils in the first place and why, at the end, was the breaking of the sigils apparently no longer important.
Whilst I liked the FC the MCs it all felt a bit basic and there was no background given as to their lives apart from some very basic information. I found it hard to really buy in to them or their relationship with the FC.
Not a bad series just not for me
SYNOPSIS (5 Book Series): The FC, Mallory, lives in a world where there are humans and individuals with magic gifts (kind of like X men). If you are discovered to have a gift then you are immediately sent to the academy to train before being required to join the army as the “country” is always at war. As there is no choice the FC tried to hide her powers but was discovered and enrolled. She meets the MCs at the academy and gradually wins each one over. The story revolves around the development of the FC/MCs relationships, Mallory’s growing powers and the fight to avoid being drafted into the army.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆🍆 The amount of scenes increases as the series progress and there are both single and group scenes. There’s no particular kink but they are well written and hot and do not overtake the story too much.
There are a lot of typos and editing issues that are annoying otherwise the story is decently written but this just wasn’t for me. Whilst I liked Mallory and she came across as strong and capable the overall story didn’t work. It was odd to apparently have the army running everything (where was the government for example) and one particular individual in the army who seemed to be in total control of everything. The underlying “secret” that the MCs would not reveal was simply annoying as there was no real reason not to tell her. When everything came out it was anticlimactic and I had already worked out what was happening.
I found the storyline around the amaroq and all the labs to be confusing (and hackneyed) and it was never really explained why so much time or resource had been put into tracking it down or what the army was trying to achieve (save for satisfying one man’s desire for immortality). Ultimately it seemed to just be an excuse for the author to write in some dramatic scenes. The ending also felt like a let down. Nothing changes and the FC and MCs just hide away - what’s that about?
Each book seems to deal with one MC relationship and have one dramatic scene. It felt formulaic. There are multiple questions left unanswered such as who put the amaroqs in the sigils in the first place and why, at the end, was the breaking of the sigils apparently no longer important.
Whilst I liked the FC the MCs it all felt a bit basic and there was no background given as to their lives apart from some very basic information. I found it hard to really buy in to them or their relationship with the FC.
Not a bad series just not for me
January 7, 2020
Tricky Witch was a frustrating ride and really offered me nothing more than just a constant loop of Mallory's oh-I'm-attracted-to-another-guy-but-I-shouldn't-be thoughts. I just wanted her to either be okay with it or just quit it altogether man.
The guys don't get any development as characters, Nico is her boyfriend but we don't see anything other than him doing things for the plot, no details to add depth. Matt is just stuck on a verbal back and forth with Mallory that frankly was exhausting, most of the time it feels unnecessary and blown out of proportion with Mallory's OTT reactions and tongue lashing bordering on rude. Their yapping takes a lot of space in the book that it is noticeably annoying how the other guys have practically been pushed to the background as if those characters had any depth beforehand. Alec, Damon and Everett barely have enough scenes to be acceptable in a second book.
Romance aside, the plot is just faffing around until the end when it's time for some brief action scene. The book needed more scenes like the simulation test or the whole experimenting evil lab thing, more of this action and less of Mallory's blabber. The post apocalyptic military world building feels lacking when you don't see beyond the little bubble of Mallory and her guys' drama that majorly revolves around one dude, man there are three more in the harem as well. How much yapping back and forth would that involve?
The guys don't get any development as characters, Nico is her boyfriend but we don't see anything other than him doing things for the plot, no details to add depth. Matt is just stuck on a verbal back and forth with Mallory that frankly was exhausting, most of the time it feels unnecessary and blown out of proportion with Mallory's OTT reactions and tongue lashing bordering on rude. Their yapping takes a lot of space in the book that it is noticeably annoying how the other guys have practically been pushed to the background as if those characters had any depth beforehand. Alec, Damon and Everett barely have enough scenes to be acceptable in a second book.
Romance aside, the plot is just faffing around until the end when it's time for some brief action scene. The book needed more scenes like the simulation test or the whole experimenting evil lab thing, more of this action and less of Mallory's blabber. The post apocalyptic military world building feels lacking when you don't see beyond the little bubble of Mallory and her guys' drama that majorly revolves around one dude, man there are three more in the harem as well. How much yapping back and forth would that involve?
January 15, 2020
Love the storyline
Ok, so spoiler!!! Don’t read if you don’t want them!
I just want to say that I love the storyline. Mallory is a great character as well as the guys. There were a few typos and grammar errors. I’m still wanting to see how the beginning of book one ties into the storyline, and if it does or was just an interesting intro to Mallory. I like how Mal doesn’t automatically sleep with Matt, even though Nico said it was ok. I enjoy that representation in this series. A lot of RH storylines go straight to getting it with all the MC guys but her strong personality with her F*** u and I say and do what I want you would think she would have had both Matt and Nico already. But no, she’s still waiting.... for what I don’t know. Cause she obviously wants to. 🙄 😊 then there Ev, what does he have to do with everything. It feels like he might the the Amoark (demon) and it’s what he is hiding. anyways, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I want to see where this author takes it. Hopefully it won’t disappoint.
Ok, so spoiler!!! Don’t read if you don’t want them!
I just want to say that I love the storyline. Mallory is a great character as well as the guys. There were a few typos and grammar errors. I’m still wanting to see how the beginning of book one ties into the storyline, and if it does or was just an interesting intro to Mallory. I like how Mal doesn’t automatically sleep with Matt, even though Nico said it was ok. I enjoy that representation in this series. A lot of RH storylines go straight to getting it with all the MC guys but her strong personality with her F*** u and I say and do what I want you would think she would have had both Matt and Nico already. But no, she’s still waiting.... for what I don’t know. Cause she obviously wants to. 🙄 😊 then there Ev, what does he have to do with everything. It feels like he might the the Amoark (demon) and it’s what he is hiding. anyways, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I want to see where this author takes it. Hopefully it won’t disappoint.
February 10, 2022
Ugh , mildly irritating fmc
I loved Matt and Nico , but for more than 80% of the book , I wanted to slap or kick the fmc with her mixed signals and kind of bitchy behaviour with poor Matt. Like I guess this is one of those rh where polygamy is frowned upon , but still her behaviour with Matt , even after her knowing how he feels about her and his dejection and loneliness , she should have been kinder , rather than always shooting him down rudely(atleast that's how I felt towards her attitude). Hell even after acknowledging her feelings towards Matt, she doesn't even try to make menage work because she is too chickenshit about it, which I totally don't like since the author tried showing this fmc as a snarky , smart ass.
Matt and Nico were amazing. These two sweet guys won me in book 1 and made me love them in book 2.
Alec was okayish while I kinda skipped Everett and Damon's part, since they keep berating or underestimating the fmc. Good thing that they were seldomly shown during the first 50-60% of the book.
I loved Matt and Nico , but for more than 80% of the book , I wanted to slap or kick the fmc with her mixed signals and kind of bitchy behaviour with poor Matt. Like I guess this is one of those rh where polygamy is frowned upon , but still her behaviour with Matt , even after her knowing how he feels about her and his dejection and loneliness , she should have been kinder , rather than always shooting him down rudely(atleast that's how I felt towards her attitude). Hell even after acknowledging her feelings towards Matt, she doesn't even try to make menage work because she is too chickenshit about it, which I totally don't like since the author tried showing this fmc as a snarky , smart ass.
Matt and Nico were amazing. These two sweet guys won me in book 1 and made me love them in book 2.
Alec was okayish while I kinda skipped Everett and Damon's part, since they keep berating or underestimating the fmc. Good thing that they were seldomly shown during the first 50-60% of the book.
February 18, 2023
Better and better! There is something about this story that just pulls me further down with it.
Honestly, not too much changed from book 1 to book 2 until the end aside from Mallorys powers. No further development with her relationship with anyone besides Nico, and things with Matt are pretty much the same until the rescue him.
I do wonder what happened to the 2 girls she befriended in her arrival - that just ended ubruptly. And unfortunately the way things have been going with Janae, that friendship is not strong enough to come out the end of this unless Mal really does something to save her family.
Im pretty sure Mckenna is one of those doing the experimenting which is why he's using Janae to heal him.
There is still a lot of secrecy going on though - Mal hasn't shared all her powers with Nico, and there is a bond between the guys that Nico hasn't shared with her.
But now, back to Matt, who has just woken up from the sedative, after Mal broke his connection with the Jaguar.
Honestly, not too much changed from book 1 to book 2 until the end aside from Mallorys powers. No further development with her relationship with anyone besides Nico, and things with Matt are pretty much the same until the rescue him.
I do wonder what happened to the 2 girls she befriended in her arrival - that just ended ubruptly. And unfortunately the way things have been going with Janae, that friendship is not strong enough to come out the end of this unless Mal really does something to save her family.
Im pretty sure Mckenna is one of those doing the experimenting which is why he's using Janae to heal him.
There is still a lot of secrecy going on though - Mal hasn't shared all her powers with Nico, and there is a bond between the guys that Nico hasn't shared with her.
But now, back to Matt, who has just woken up from the sedative, after Mal broke his connection with the Jaguar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
Holding my breath....
I love it when I find a 'new to me' author that has me hooked! Nikki Dean is definitely one of those. I read Basic Witch and Tricky Witch back to back after reading Saving their trainer - and I generally prefer to read contemporary romances..
It was a delight following the developing connections between Mal and her men, not to mention how her magic grows. I have a feeling she will inspire a wider loyalty. The author has certainly inspired loyalty from me...skips off to read her fairy tales while waiting for Clever Witch 😄
I love it when I find a 'new to me' author that has me hooked! Nikki Dean is definitely one of those. I read Basic Witch and Tricky Witch back to back after reading Saving their trainer - and I generally prefer to read contemporary romances..
It was a delight following the developing connections between Mal and her men, not to mention how her magic grows. I have a feeling she will inspire a wider loyalty. The author has certainly inspired loyalty from me...skips off to read her fairy tales while waiting for Clever Witch 😄
January 22, 2020
Tricky Witch picks up right after the end of Basic Witch. Mal’s powers are growing as well as her attraction to the guys. I like that through her powers we get a little more understanding of the guys feelings, especially Matt. This story centered mainly around Nico, Matt, and Mal with a few appearances by the other guys. I really like Mal’s take charge attitude and how she sets her limits with the guys. There are some steamy scenes, but the RH aspect is still a slow build. I’m especially excited about the addition of Dice, and can’t wait to see how this series unfolds :)
May 12, 2022
Middle of the road on this one
I really want to know more about Mal's powers and see where this goes but honestly this book almost ended up in the dnf pile. Those chapters about being truthful to her all the time when she doesn't trust anyone unless she's using her powers on them, well it was dismal.
Found myself wondering just how old this heroine is supposed to be, it was downright childish and the author really wouldn't let it go.
The bits that focused on the supernatural side of things were actually really interesting. So fingers crossed for book 3
I really want to know more about Mal's powers and see where this goes but honestly this book almost ended up in the dnf pile. Those chapters about being truthful to her all the time when she doesn't trust anyone unless she's using her powers on them, well it was dismal.
Found myself wondering just how old this heroine is supposed to be, it was downright childish and the author really wouldn't let it go.
The bits that focused on the supernatural side of things were actually really interesting. So fingers crossed for book 3
February 1, 2020
Looking forward to the next book
I really liked the second book, I enjoyed the development of Mal and Nico's relationship but I'm just over her reluctance of Matt joining in but I do see how that shifted at the end that we might get to see their relationship develop! I want the guys to get into the group dynamics more and ti figure out what the hell is up with Everet! Can't wait to see where the story goes and get some answers!! Well done!!
I really liked the second book, I enjoyed the development of Mal and Nico's relationship but I'm just over her reluctance of Matt joining in but I do see how that shifted at the end that we might get to see their relationship develop! I want the guys to get into the group dynamics more and ti figure out what the hell is up with Everet! Can't wait to see where the story goes and get some answers!! Well done!!
January 6, 2020
This second book in the Academy of the Dark Arts series continues straight after the first finishes, and is full of great twists, reverse harem romance, magic and adventure. It's a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to all lovers of reverse harem and magical academy story lovers. Can't wait for the release of the next book!
January 4, 2020
Cant wait for the next one
I've been sucked into this world and cant wait for the next book to come out! I dont like how confrontational the MC is sometimes with the guys but overall it's a great book!
I've been sucked into this world and cant wait for the next book to come out! I dont like how confrontational the MC is sometimes with the guys but overall it's a great book!
April 23, 2020
Super impressed
Really love this series I've started reading. Got abit dark in some scenes. Cheering the mysterious monster on. Found out who will be in the harem but not added more as yet. Can't wait to read more. JL
Really love this series I've started reading. Got abit dark in some scenes. Cheering the mysterious monster on. Found out who will be in the harem but not added more as yet. Can't wait to read more. JL
December 16, 2023
speechless and hooked
I don’t think I’ve been this hooked into a series in a while. I love how it is a slow build and how Mal is growing within herself. I also love how she’s growing in her relationships with they guys.
I don’t think I’ve been this hooked into a series in a while. I love how it is a slow build and how Mal is growing within herself. I also love how she’s growing in her relationships with they guys.
December 31, 2019
I really enjoyed it but I was hoping to see more between Mallory and Matt - hopefully, we'll see more of that in the next book. Overall, a nice story.
January 15, 2020
Good read
This book was a great addition to the series. A good plot. I absolutely love the fantastic characters. Can't wait for the next one.
This book was a great addition to the series. A good plot. I absolutely love the fantastic characters. Can't wait for the next one.
September 10, 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
3.5 stars.
This is a fun RH series!
There are some minor grammatical issues.
3.5 stars.
This is a fun RH series!
There are some minor grammatical issues.
Read
November 18, 2020Really fun urban fantasy series
July 24, 2022
so good 😊
Love the main female character
She so bad ass and thinks things through with logic
Plot’s awesome and I like that it’s a RH
Love the main female character
She so bad ass and thinks things through with logic
Plot’s awesome and I like that it’s a RH
August 11, 2022
2.5 I really wanted to love this series, but they drag until the last 15% of the books then end on a cliffhanger.
November 12, 2022
Esto es una locura total
April 1, 2023
Groan!
To get to the end and know you need the next one immediately! It is torture! Great book two looking forward to number three!!
To get to the end and know you need the next one immediately! It is torture! Great book two looking forward to number three!!
April 2, 2023
🌶️
Fantasy romance
Fantasy romance
July 19, 2023
tricky witch
Love, love this series. It just gets better and better, with every book. Already got the next book in the series
Love, love this series. It just gets better and better, with every book. Already got the next book in the series
October 3, 2022
Action picks up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews