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Illumina Academy #1
Reckless Witch
The Illumina Academy has convicted my dead grandmother of consorting with our deadliest enemy, The Shadows. Now, Raith Vanderkoff, one of Margidda’s oldest and most ruthless vampires tries to draft me into Illumina Academy. Raith knows what he can do with his invitation. But when Ethan Bordeau, an ancient dragon and Raith’s right hand man, brands me with his sigil, I’m marked for more than just compulsory attendance to The Academy.
Illumina Recruiter Ethan Bordeau is shocked to learn their newest student is the woman who keeps appearing in the lives of him and the other four immortals she binds together. The woman none of them can live without.
Until now…
Raith will find a way to bar her entrance to Illumina—and his life—forever.
Ethan must protect her at all costs, even against Raith, if necessary.
Fae playboy, Blade Tyrion, has always loved her, no matter what.
Wolf shifter Caleb Brennan and Gargoyle Mattias Silanus have been missing for decades. Without them, the fragile balance that holds the six together is lost and they could destroy one another.
Illumina Recruiter Ethan Bordeau is shocked to learn their newest student is the woman who keeps appearing in the lives of him and the other four immortals she binds together. The woman none of them can live without.
Until now…
Raith will find a way to bar her entrance to Illumina—and his life—forever.
Ethan must protect her at all costs, even against Raith, if necessary.
Fae playboy, Blade Tyrion, has always loved her, no matter what.
Wolf shifter Caleb Brennan and Gargoyle Mattias Silanus have been missing for decades. Without them, the fragile balance that holds the six together is lost and they could destroy one another.
- GenresParanormalVampires
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 5, 2021
A bit late, but I did want to share my thoughts. This was my first time reading Ms. Scott's work and I am very intrigued by the start of this series. I feel like this is going to be at least 3 book, slow burn series based on how things started. Regarding the h and Hs, I don't want to give much away, but I guess since it hints in the synopsis, it's not really a spoiler. There's one book that I can vividly recall is a reincarnation romance and I thought it was done really well. I don't often read this trope, but I can imagine a recurring question is whether or not the love interest is loved because of who she was in the past or her current self. I know most of us would hope for the latter, and as things are still very introductory here, we'll definitely be getting a mixture of feelings by the Hs. I hope they all come to love her because of her current self and use her current name when they speak of her; the latter started annoying me, but we'll see how things go.
The plot is interesting and Leilah is a fun, independent, and strong female lead. I love her friendship with Stony because aside from her, she doesn't have anyone else. We don't meet all her Hs yet (hence, slooooooooow burn) but I already do like the first three. We have an awesome potential enemies-to-lovers going with one of the Hs, so I think it'll be explosive when/if things work out between the two. I definitely am looking forward to continuing this series.
The plot is interesting and Leilah is a fun, independent, and strong female lead. I love her friendship with Stony because aside from her, she doesn't have anyone else. We don't meet all her Hs yet (hence, slooooooooow burn) but I already do like the first three. We have an awesome potential enemies-to-lovers going with one of the Hs, so I think it'll be explosive when/if things work out between the two. I definitely am looking forward to continuing this series.
March 11, 2020
Wow, this is a full cast of characters right at the very start! The different POV method gives us a better idea of what each character is like and how they relate, which is helpful when a new series starts. Leilah, a street witch who specializes in black market potions, is a strong and likeable character who gives the impression of being quite able to take care of herself.
The story starts with the Illumina Academy which convicted Leilah’s dead grandmother (Miriam Crowe), a High Witch of the Light, of consorting with The Shadows (the bad guys). Leilah was 4 at the time of the Shadow War, and Margidda lost 80% of their population. Now she hides her magic from the Illumina because their leaders forbid Margidda from practicing magic without their permission. (Illumina is the world government that rules over all Margidda.)
War hero and Illumina Academy student recruiter Commander Ethan Bordeau and Illumina Cadette Commander Raith Vanderkoff are two of the oldest beings to have survived The Shadows. Raith, a vampire, wants Leilah in Illumina Academy, which is by invitation only, but she refuses. Ethan, an ancient dragon and Raith’s right-hand man, shows up where Leilah is to meet someone and marks her with his sigil imbued with dragon magic so she is forced to comply with the “request”. She was identified as a High-Potential student, and even if she doesn’t want them, they want her. Ethan told her the angel Zadkeil is leading the investigation of her grandmother – and she trusts the angel even less than she trusts Ethan! What could Raith or Ethan have to do with an investigation into her grandmother’s death— and why are angels involving themselves in a witch’s death?
When his dragon energy leaped to meet Leilah’s in the alley, Ethan is shocked to realize that after centuries Ciarah has returned as Leilah – their newest student is the woman who binds together the five immortals (which includes him), the one they “couldn’t live without”. Dragon energy is never wrong. The last time all five of the immortals were together was the day Ciarah died in Caleb’s arms.
Yet now, after Raith wanted her IN the Academy, he now wants to bar her entrance to Illumina—and his life—forever. Olympia, Grand Witch of the North and Superintendent of all Illumina Academies, is coming to the Academy to set up the virtual Shadow World for the War Games. She will be discussing the new Headmaster candidates when she arrives. It will all begin then. Ethan will have to protect her. And Fae playboy, Blade Tyrion, loves her no matter what. Two others have not made an appearance yet. Wolf shifter Caleb Brennan and Gargoyle Mattias Silanus have been missing for decades, and they are not even sure if they are still alive. Without Ciarah in their lives, too much time spent together can be dangerous. Her presence balances their life forces. So this is a busy beginning for Book 1; be sure to grab a copy so you’re ready for the next one!
The story starts with the Illumina Academy which convicted Leilah’s dead grandmother (Miriam Crowe), a High Witch of the Light, of consorting with The Shadows (the bad guys). Leilah was 4 at the time of the Shadow War, and Margidda lost 80% of their population. Now she hides her magic from the Illumina because their leaders forbid Margidda from practicing magic without their permission. (Illumina is the world government that rules over all Margidda.)
War hero and Illumina Academy student recruiter Commander Ethan Bordeau and Illumina Cadette Commander Raith Vanderkoff are two of the oldest beings to have survived The Shadows. Raith, a vampire, wants Leilah in Illumina Academy, which is by invitation only, but she refuses. Ethan, an ancient dragon and Raith’s right-hand man, shows up where Leilah is to meet someone and marks her with his sigil imbued with dragon magic so she is forced to comply with the “request”. She was identified as a High-Potential student, and even if she doesn’t want them, they want her. Ethan told her the angel Zadkeil is leading the investigation of her grandmother – and she trusts the angel even less than she trusts Ethan! What could Raith or Ethan have to do with an investigation into her grandmother’s death— and why are angels involving themselves in a witch’s death?
When his dragon energy leaped to meet Leilah’s in the alley, Ethan is shocked to realize that after centuries Ciarah has returned as Leilah – their newest student is the woman who binds together the five immortals (which includes him), the one they “couldn’t live without”. Dragon energy is never wrong. The last time all five of the immortals were together was the day Ciarah died in Caleb’s arms.
Yet now, after Raith wanted her IN the Academy, he now wants to bar her entrance to Illumina—and his life—forever. Olympia, Grand Witch of the North and Superintendent of all Illumina Academies, is coming to the Academy to set up the virtual Shadow World for the War Games. She will be discussing the new Headmaster candidates when she arrives. It will all begin then. Ethan will have to protect her. And Fae playboy, Blade Tyrion, loves her no matter what. Two others have not made an appearance yet. Wolf shifter Caleb Brennan and Gargoyle Mattias Silanus have been missing for decades, and they are not even sure if they are still alive. Without Ciarah in their lives, too much time spent together can be dangerous. Her presence balances their life forces. So this is a busy beginning for Book 1; be sure to grab a copy so you’re ready for the next one!
March 12, 2020
A SPECTACULARLY ENTICING TREAT!!!
Holy hell! This talented and gifted dynamic duo is kicking ass and taking names, delivering one fantastic thrill ride, never fails to bring everything they have, nailing this baby from start to finish. A surging vortex of fervent events and baffling circumstances, blow this bad boy wide open. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, tension, turmoil, danger, mounting suspense and perplexing situations along with a boatload of trouble, you have one prize winning masterpiece. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of nerve racking twists and shocking turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a roaring tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering denouement. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Holy hell! This talented and gifted dynamic duo is kicking ass and taking names, delivering one fantastic thrill ride, never fails to bring everything they have, nailing this baby from start to finish. A surging vortex of fervent events and baffling circumstances, blow this bad boy wide open. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, tension, turmoil, danger, mounting suspense and perplexing situations along with a boatload of trouble, you have one prize winning masterpiece. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of nerve racking twists and shocking turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a roaring tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering denouement. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
April 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Multiple points of view can blur together in the world of RH literature. Tarah Scott did an amazing job giving each of the men their own voice and keep it clear. At NO point was I confused or did the men all merge into the same person, this like my number one complaint with the RH world. I'm always a sucker for dragons, and Ethan is defiantly my favorite.
I really enjoyed the concept of the different reincarnations of Leilah and the amount of drama those past selves have created within the four of them. Maybe six, it looks like we meet two more in the next book! I'm excited.
Forced to attend an academy that's controlled by the same people who are framing her Grandmother, Leilah continues searching for the truth. But shadow magic does seem as black and white as the academy preaches. Although she's at the academy to train to protect the world from a 'reaping' most of the school aspects take a back seat to her search for her Grandmother and odd pull she has to three very handsome magical supernatural men involved with the academy. It's light on the 'bully' aspect, but still a really good read.
I really enjoyed the concept of the different reincarnations of Leilah and the amount of drama those past selves have created within the four of them. Maybe six, it looks like we meet two more in the next book! I'm excited.
Forced to attend an academy that's controlled by the same people who are framing her Grandmother, Leilah continues searching for the truth. But shadow magic does seem as black and white as the academy preaches. Although she's at the academy to train to protect the world from a 'reaping' most of the school aspects take a back seat to her search for her Grandmother and odd pull she has to three very handsome magical supernatural men involved with the academy. It's light on the 'bully' aspect, but still a really good read.
April 10, 2020
Our heroine is getting far more attention than she likes and that doesn't look like it is going to change any time soon. If only she can figure out who is really on her side.
This is a paranormal romance with academy and reverse harem elements. The story is well written, but not necessarily easy to read. There is a lot going on here with different characters and factions all having their own agendas. Which is cool and keeps things from being bland, but it can be a lot to keep track of at times. The characters are generally well developed and most fall into the love 'em or hate 'em categories, with few treading the middle ground. All of that makes for a rather intense roller coaster of a road which keeps you busy right up until the end.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is a paranormal romance with academy and reverse harem elements. The story is well written, but not necessarily easy to read. There is a lot going on here with different characters and factions all having their own agendas. Which is cool and keeps things from being bland, but it can be a lot to keep track of at times. The characters are generally well developed and most fall into the love 'em or hate 'em categories, with few treading the middle ground. All of that makes for a rather intense roller coaster of a road which keeps you busy right up until the end.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
March 9, 2020
I am in love with this new world that Ms. Scott created. It has hot heroes, more than one, a heroine that kicks ass and asks questions later, which lands her in more than a pickle, magic, suspense, mystery, adventure, slow burn intensity hints at scorching heat to come. The Three that we meet in this first book are so different, but compliment each other. One thing I didn't expect is the not-quite-but-sort-of-cliffhanger ending, so not the author's style. You are a cruel mistress, Ms. Scott, for leaving us and The Three hanging like that. I am giving it a 5-star despite that, because I know it will be worth the wait and this first book gave me enough to fuel my imagination until the next one releases.
March 8, 2020
Brilliant Magical Adventure. I loved this book and the characters, especially the chemistry between the main characters. The book is filled with action, adventure, mystery, humour and chemistry. Cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2020
Reckless Witch by Tarah Scott is a wonderful story that I have had the privilege of reading. This is book numbr one in this wonderful start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about witches, contemporary and paranormal romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2020
This book was amazing. The conceptualization and actual setting is something that I haven't come across in some time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2020
Leilah is a street witch that specializes in black market magic. This book is mesmerizing. It held my attention from the very first chapter. I was still reading it long after midnight. The characters are complex and the story is well, compelling. I am definitely a fan of this new series!
March 26, 2020
This was an intriguing book. At first it was a bit confusing but the more you read it the better it got. The characters were very interesting. Very in depth. The details were good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2020
Good first book with a great heroine and male leads. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
March 10, 2020
This was a fabulous read!!😍 I couldn't put it down the story just keeps getting better I need to know what's next 😍🥰
April 7, 2020
It was a great world-building and intriguing characters in a story full of mystery and suspense.
There were good twists that kept me reading.
There were good twists that kept me reading.
April 19, 2021
Exciting read with a feisty heroine. Looking forward to more in this series :)
April 25, 2021
Wow
If you like magic and mystery this book is full of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
If you like magic and mystery this book is full of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 26, 2021
It is well written but the plot is predictable and the fact that the males have known the FMC for centuries makes their encounter less interesting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews