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Bloodline Academy #1
Magic Within
Light Magic, dark blood, never the two shall mix…
To my coven, I’m an abomination. I shouldn’t even exist.
I’m a Crystal Witch, who’s supposed to possess a magic that brings light to the world. At least I thought I was until about two minutes ago when I found out that lo and behold, I’m also a vampire.
Tough decisions needed to be made and they didn’t involve me. My magic had barely started to reveal itself, when the High Priestesses in my coven, swiftly decided to hand me over to the werewolf who came to escort me to Bloodline Academy, a notorious school for vampires and werewolves. I know things will never be the same again. Suddenly, I'm surrounded by vamps, most of whom are instant enemies. Even the ones that want to be friends have a slight hankering…for my blood.
There’s also the rather annoying problem that I’m beginning to fall for the same arrogant, brooding, ridiculously handsome werewolf who basically kidnapped me and brought me to Bloodline Academy. And of course, he sees me as nothing more than an obligation. Or does he?
As I avoid all that could so easily be my downfall, my bestie from my former coven swings in to help me strengthen my magic so I can protect myself from my classmates. However, our magic leads to a new vampire threat from within the academy, one that could lead to the ruin of all other supernatural beings and mortals. Beginning with Crystal Witches.
Just as my own vampire bloodline starts to come alive, I’m forced to pick a fight with some seriously dark vamps, to save light magic.
Whether I like it or not, I’m about to find out what it takes to survive in a world where both sides want me dead.
Magic Within is the first book in Bloodline Academy, a brand-new, dark and exciting urban fantasy series with a strong heroine who battles darkness inside and out, some powerful but cliquey witches, savage (and gorgeous) vampires with big tickets on themselves, and a bad boy werewolf with a good heart.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2019
174 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 24, 2020
Awareness
The YA Fantasy Academy genre is one of the most popular genres in current publishing, with the most famous being Harry Potter, Vampire Academy and Twilight. The expected tropes surrounding a vampire, a werewolf and a witch, with a coming of age story and self-discovery, are all required reading material. To stand out in this space requires something special, but if successful, finds a voracious readership. Magic Within is a brilliant example of this genre and with excellent writing and an exciting plot, this is urban teenage fantasy entertainment that DOES stand out.
At a request to review the ARC for book 3 of Ahava Trivedi’s Bloodline Academy series, I decided to read the first two books, the first being Magic Within. The main protagonist, Katerina Snow Quartz is a teenage Crystal Witch and has grown up in a coven/academy of witches since she was adopted by the two High Priestesses, Lorna and Babette. Katrina is not a normal witch:
Katrina is a sanguine vampire and quickly makes friends with Natalie, a Novus, and Ulrich a werewolf. Just as quickly she makes enemies with Lilith and her group of friends and so confrontation is set. The fascination is how each faction will challenge the other and what devious machinations will be put into play. The close band of friends facing life and death struggles are what makes Young Adult fantasy the style it is. The complexity of relationships is thinly explored and traded for action, mystery and suspense. What is striking is the relentless pace maintained without losing detail or context. A real test of this story is that I just couldn’t put it down. The plot was clever and well-structured with moments of action and suspense that were engrossing. There is a little flirtation but no romance which was ideal for me.
Ahava is an excellent purposeful writer in this genre and she pitches it perfectly for her audience. I would highly recommend this book to YA fantasy readers and I would rate it 4.5 stars.
The YA Fantasy Academy genre is one of the most popular genres in current publishing, with the most famous being Harry Potter, Vampire Academy and Twilight. The expected tropes surrounding a vampire, a werewolf and a witch, with a coming of age story and self-discovery, are all required reading material. To stand out in this space requires something special, but if successful, finds a voracious readership. Magic Within is a brilliant example of this genre and with excellent writing and an exciting plot, this is urban teenage fantasy entertainment that DOES stand out.
At a request to review the ARC for book 3 of Ahava Trivedi’s Bloodline Academy series, I decided to read the first two books, the first being Magic Within. The main protagonist, Katerina Snow Quartz is a teenage Crystal Witch and has grown up in a coven/academy of witches since she was adopted by the two High Priestesses, Lorna and Babette. Katrina is not a normal witch:
“I’m a Crystal Witch, who’s supposed to possess a magic that brings light to the world. At least I thought I was until about two minutes ago when I found out that lo and behold, I’m also a vampire.”She is devastated along with her best friend Safi to find out that she will be leaving her coven and attending St Erzsebet’s Academy aka Bloodline Academy, for vampires and werewolves. The class system at St Erzsebet’s sees pureblood (Sanguine) vampires at the top of the pecking order, new blood (Novus) vampires follow and werewolves are treated lowest.
Katrina is a sanguine vampire and quickly makes friends with Natalie, a Novus, and Ulrich a werewolf. Just as quickly she makes enemies with Lilith and her group of friends and so confrontation is set. The fascination is how each faction will challenge the other and what devious machinations will be put into play. The close band of friends facing life and death struggles are what makes Young Adult fantasy the style it is. The complexity of relationships is thinly explored and traded for action, mystery and suspense. What is striking is the relentless pace maintained without losing detail or context. A real test of this story is that I just couldn’t put it down. The plot was clever and well-structured with moments of action and suspense that were engrossing. There is a little flirtation but no romance which was ideal for me.
Ahava is an excellent purposeful writer in this genre and she pitches it perfectly for her audience. I would highly recommend this book to YA fantasy readers and I would rate it 4.5 stars.
March 4, 2020
First of all let me tell you why I chose 3 stars.
When I read whatever genre of a book or ARC (in this case ARC) I look for a certain things for my likings. Those are: danger, love, bad boys, excitement, mysterious etc.
This book had it kind of all...I’m looking for a book packed with love and endangerment so that it keeps me on my toes.
Reading this one I found it some of it more towards the end, which I don’t mind as long as there is some of it 😊
One of the things I really like about this book was the style of writing...since my first language is not English, this was a fast paced book with a good “wording” that made it easy to understand 😊
Now about the main character:
I really liked Katrina, the way she is towards her friends and family...how loyal she is. I liked that she didn’t give up, but stand up to whatever was/is heading for her.
Storyline:
Katrina Snow Quartz was found as a baby and taken in by a Crystal Witches and raised by them. On her 18th Birthday something unexpected happen and she had to go to Bloodline Academy (a school for vampires and werewolves). Her beginnings were not easy, since she is a “one of a kind” witchpire (witch and a vampire), but she made some friends (Natalie and Ulric). And as it goes in a school also enemies (Lilith and her “gang”) who wanted to make her life miserable.
Since Kat left the Crystal Witches she was in contact with Safi (her best friend from CW), but it was dangerous since Vampires and Witches are not friends at all.
I’m not gonna write more since I want this review to be for also someone who didn’t read it.
Overall I can’t wait to read the 2nd book, because the ending left me wanting more and now! 😁
When I read whatever genre of a book or ARC (in this case ARC) I look for a certain things for my likings. Those are: danger, love, bad boys, excitement, mysterious etc.
This book had it kind of all...I’m looking for a book packed with love and endangerment so that it keeps me on my toes.
Reading this one I found it some of it more towards the end, which I don’t mind as long as there is some of it 😊
One of the things I really like about this book was the style of writing...since my first language is not English, this was a fast paced book with a good “wording” that made it easy to understand 😊
Now about the main character:
I really liked Katrina, the way she is towards her friends and family...how loyal she is. I liked that she didn’t give up, but stand up to whatever was/is heading for her.
Storyline:
Katrina Snow Quartz was found as a baby and taken in by a Crystal Witches and raised by them. On her 18th Birthday something unexpected happen and she had to go to Bloodline Academy (a school for vampires and werewolves). Her beginnings were not easy, since she is a “one of a kind” witchpire (witch and a vampire), but she made some friends (Natalie and Ulric). And as it goes in a school also enemies (Lilith and her “gang”) who wanted to make her life miserable.
Since Kat left the Crystal Witches she was in contact with Safi (her best friend from CW), but it was dangerous since Vampires and Witches are not friends at all.
I’m not gonna write more since I want this review to be for also someone who didn’t read it.
Overall I can’t wait to read the 2nd book, because the ending left me wanting more and now! 😁
January 11, 2020
Katrina is a Crystal Witch who has been a member of the coven of the Circle or Quartz since she was adopted by its two High Priestesses, Lorna and Babette, when she was orphaned. Having turned 17, she must participate in a personalised reading that will ascertain whether she will continue to train at her coven or elsewhere. Katrina secretly hopes to attend the prestigious Superno Academy which would open doors for her in the supernatural world, particularly the Supernatural Light Alliance (SLA)
Katrina’s whole world comes crashing down when a voice interrupts her reading with the following announcement:
“Katrina Snow Quartz will be leaving the coven for good. Today, when the sun sets, she will be taken to St Erzsebets’s Academy. There, she will finally gain her rightful place with the powers bestowed upon her - by the pure vampire bloodline she carries within!”
Katrina feels hurt and betrayed when Lorna and Babette pack her off to St Erzsebet’s Academy aka Bloodline Academy without protest. Only her best friend Safi, promises to keep in touch through a crystal she has spelled. Katrina is escorted to the Academy by a werewolf named Ulrich.
Upon arrival, Katrina falls foul of Lilith and her group but finds a friend in Natalie, a Novus (turned vampire) as well as Valenthia, a Sanguine (pureblood) who helps her develop her powers. Despite her blood being like candy to vampires, Katrina begins to find her place at the Academy as she feels that the vampires stood by her and took her in when her own coven and the SLA shunned her.
Katrina soon comes to realise that there is trouble brewing between the vampiric Dark Legion and the SLA. With Ulrich’s help, Katrina secretly meets with Safi in a cemetery outside the grounds of the Academy. Unfortunately the magic Safi uses to shield herself leads to the vampires discovering the significance of crystal magic in their fight against the SLA. When Katrina’s crystal is stolen by Lilith, it sets in motion a tragic chain of events that puts not only the lives of her Coven in danger, but that of her newfound friends...
Magic Within is the first instalment of the Bloodline Academy series. It’s also my first introduction to the author and boy was I in for a special treat. The book was compelling, fast paced with lots of mystery, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read and hard to put down.
From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story. A world in which the coexistence between supernaturals and humans is marred by prejudice and suspicion. We have Crystal witches with their faery blood who generally practice white magic. This leaves them vulnerable to attacks from the rest of the supernatural community. I thought it was interesting how upon initiation, a witch received a silver ‘blooming’ upon her predominant arm, a tattoo of sorts that lights up and allows one to gauge not only the mood of a witch but how powerful the magic she was summoning was.
On the other side we have vampires and other dark blooded shifters such as werewolves who are their subservients. Maintaining the balance is the Supernatural Light Alliance who monitor and protect humans and other supernaturals from the Bloodline Academy. Sanguine (pureblood) vampires consider themselves superior to Novus (turned) vampires and as mentioned the werewolves are considered as second class citizens.
Along with the exceptional world building, I was equally impressed with the three dimensional character development. Katrina is a telepath who can send and receive messages and is also able to read minds although not without consent. Unfortunately her powers as a Crystal Witch have barely come in to fruition before she has to leave her coven. Interestingly little is known about her background, only that she was born in central Europe, came over to Canada and stayed with a human family before being adopted by Lorna and Babette. No one knows who her parents were, only the date she was born and her first name. Katrina’s development from someone who lacks confidence and is unsure of her place in the world to a stronger more self assured individual who is determined to hang on to her light and resist her dark nature was a revelation to read.
The secondary characters were equally appealing. Ulrich, Safi and Natalie in particular made a lasting impression. Most intriguing was Professor Nadasdy who is somewhat of an enigma although I suspect his mystery trip to Europe may possibly had a lot to do with Katrina. 🤔
All in all, this was a well executed, fast paced and compelling introduction to what looks to be an exciting series. My only small criticism were the grammatical errors that seemed to occur rather frequently. This is no way ruined my enjoyment, however, and I’m sure a good editor will clear these up in no time.
Highly recommended to fans of Academy books, dark urban fantasy, witches, vampires, werewolves, fae, mysteries and secret societies.
Katrina’s whole world comes crashing down when a voice interrupts her reading with the following announcement:
“Katrina Snow Quartz will be leaving the coven for good. Today, when the sun sets, she will be taken to St Erzsebets’s Academy. There, she will finally gain her rightful place with the powers bestowed upon her - by the pure vampire bloodline she carries within!”
Katrina feels hurt and betrayed when Lorna and Babette pack her off to St Erzsebet’s Academy aka Bloodline Academy without protest. Only her best friend Safi, promises to keep in touch through a crystal she has spelled. Katrina is escorted to the Academy by a werewolf named Ulrich.
Upon arrival, Katrina falls foul of Lilith and her group but finds a friend in Natalie, a Novus (turned vampire) as well as Valenthia, a Sanguine (pureblood) who helps her develop her powers. Despite her blood being like candy to vampires, Katrina begins to find her place at the Academy as she feels that the vampires stood by her and took her in when her own coven and the SLA shunned her.
Katrina soon comes to realise that there is trouble brewing between the vampiric Dark Legion and the SLA. With Ulrich’s help, Katrina secretly meets with Safi in a cemetery outside the grounds of the Academy. Unfortunately the magic Safi uses to shield herself leads to the vampires discovering the significance of crystal magic in their fight against the SLA. When Katrina’s crystal is stolen by Lilith, it sets in motion a tragic chain of events that puts not only the lives of her Coven in danger, but that of her newfound friends...
Magic Within is the first instalment of the Bloodline Academy series. It’s also my first introduction to the author and boy was I in for a special treat. The book was compelling, fast paced with lots of mystery, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read and hard to put down.
From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story. A world in which the coexistence between supernaturals and humans is marred by prejudice and suspicion. We have Crystal witches with their faery blood who generally practice white magic. This leaves them vulnerable to attacks from the rest of the supernatural community. I thought it was interesting how upon initiation, a witch received a silver ‘blooming’ upon her predominant arm, a tattoo of sorts that lights up and allows one to gauge not only the mood of a witch but how powerful the magic she was summoning was.
On the other side we have vampires and other dark blooded shifters such as werewolves who are their subservients. Maintaining the balance is the Supernatural Light Alliance who monitor and protect humans and other supernaturals from the Bloodline Academy. Sanguine (pureblood) vampires consider themselves superior to Novus (turned) vampires and as mentioned the werewolves are considered as second class citizens.
Along with the exceptional world building, I was equally impressed with the three dimensional character development. Katrina is a telepath who can send and receive messages and is also able to read minds although not without consent. Unfortunately her powers as a Crystal Witch have barely come in to fruition before she has to leave her coven. Interestingly little is known about her background, only that she was born in central Europe, came over to Canada and stayed with a human family before being adopted by Lorna and Babette. No one knows who her parents were, only the date she was born and her first name. Katrina’s development from someone who lacks confidence and is unsure of her place in the world to a stronger more self assured individual who is determined to hang on to her light and resist her dark nature was a revelation to read.
The secondary characters were equally appealing. Ulrich, Safi and Natalie in particular made a lasting impression. Most intriguing was Professor Nadasdy who is somewhat of an enigma although I suspect his mystery trip to Europe may possibly had a lot to do with Katrina. 🤔
All in all, this was a well executed, fast paced and compelling introduction to what looks to be an exciting series. My only small criticism were the grammatical errors that seemed to occur rather frequently. This is no way ruined my enjoyment, however, and I’m sure a good editor will clear these up in no time.
Highly recommended to fans of Academy books, dark urban fantasy, witches, vampires, werewolves, fae, mysteries and secret societies.
January 3, 2020
This review is coming in a bit late, but I have been so swamped and I read this book as soon as I could. The book I think was released sometime in December, but I am not 100% certain of the actual date...oopsie 🙊but hopefully a review now is better than none at all.
Okay, okay...hmm where to start. I'm actually a little lost with the full scale of my feels with this one. Like I enjoyed it and definitely found aspects of it intriguing and wanted to read on to find out more. Hmmm...The best way for me to describe it, it's what maybe I'd more class as an easy read. I feel, maybe this book is more setting the stage for the next one, and the story development should grow a lot more. I can see a lot of potential for it, for sure though.
I don't know why I struggled to get my head into this book...but I got easily distracted with it and I really can't work out why (I have been a lot sicker so maybe my brain power was low?). I think maybe it could've also been to do with that, for me, it didn't seem to have a lot happening (or to the point I needed with my brain really tired...I tend to find I need something more intense to click my brain into gear when it's like this - so do please keep this in mind).... Having said that, looking at it from a readers view, I did personally feel that the beginning of the story felt like it took a little while before I felt any serious growth. But hey stories need growth time and an information download section, for world setup.
Don't get me wrong guys, I think a lot of you could really enjoy this. So don't let this dissuade you from reading this book. I actually really did love the uniqueness of some of its concepts - like a witch and vampire hybrid...Never read anything like that before...So that was fun and interesting. I can't wait to see how that part of the story spins itself.
I also loved the characters and growth that Katrina made. As you probably have worked out by now character development for me is really important in a book. I feel like towards the end she's a lot more accepting of both her sides and the potential she has being what she is.
You want deets on the book...
So it starts off on Katrina's birthday and a witch reading, that shows that she's not just a Crystal Witch, a witch of light, but is also half Vampire. She holds both light and darkness insider her and to the Coven this is not acceptable. As the Crystal Witches and Dark-blooded ones, such as Vampires and Werewolves, are basically enemies of each other....you can see how this may have been taken.
Nope it definitely didn't. Katrina was basically shunned from her coven immediately, only one of her friends Safi, stuck by her and didn't get all weird about it...but being half vampire, which is considered darkness to these witches...she is whisked away to St. Erzsebet Academy. It was a place run by and for Vampires either born or made. It also schooled other dark-bloods like the shifters but they were pretty much considered beneath the Vampires. Here the Vampires ruled...And yet unlike her Coven who turned their back instantly, they took her in, ready to develop the source of her powers.
"There was no escaping it. They’d turned their back on me and betrayed me. Unlike the vampires. The darkest of all supernatural creatures had stood by me and taken me in, when even the Supernatural Light Alliance had turned its back. The truth stung."
As Katrina tries to take on board who she truly is...she learns that she has more power than she ever could have believed...But when you have been brought up taught to despise the one thing she now is, she struggles to embrace that side of her.
"Being a Crystal Witch and a vampire shouldn’t have been a source of terrifying weakness, it should have been a huge strength. No one else had the magical advantage I did and I needed to start acting like it. If only I could find a way to access the source of my power."
With time she slowly begins to accept this side but it's a work in progress. It definitely helps when the friends you make, are as kind and caring as her room-mate, Natalie. They click immediately and it helps Katrina see that not all Vampires are bad. Some are just trying to learn to control their urges.
But we can't have an Academy without the residential mean girl and her posse. And oh how snobby they are and determined to bring her down.
You see, even the Vamps have a hierarchy so to speak. There are two types of Vampires the Sanguine (pure-blooded born) and Novus (turned). The Sanguine look down on Novus Vamps but now that Katrina has come in, the first of her kind, it definitely stirs up a lot, they see her as less...Which sorta puts her in a position of receiving a lot of unwanted attention. As things proceed though, they realise just how powerful she could be and that seriously does not sit well with many.
I think I'm going to leave it at that...because I feel I could accidentally let something slip that could be classed as a spoiler lol. And today is not the day to break my non-spoilerish reviews.
Join a world where good and bad isn't as simple as one originally thought. Darkness and light can dwell together and it can be damn powerful.
A huge thank you to Ahava for this chance to read and review your book! I look forward to seeing where this journey will lead...and can't wait to see more of Ulric lol. Bring on that romance haha.
All in all I did have fun reading this book and I can't wait to hear your thoughts of it as well. If you have happened to have read it by now, comment below or get in touch. I'm always happy talking books.
Anyways
Okie doke...Happy Reading My Nerdy Friends
Okay, okay...hmm where to start. I'm actually a little lost with the full scale of my feels with this one. Like I enjoyed it and definitely found aspects of it intriguing and wanted to read on to find out more. Hmmm...The best way for me to describe it, it's what maybe I'd more class as an easy read. I feel, maybe this book is more setting the stage for the next one, and the story development should grow a lot more. I can see a lot of potential for it, for sure though.
I don't know why I struggled to get my head into this book...but I got easily distracted with it and I really can't work out why (I have been a lot sicker so maybe my brain power was low?). I think maybe it could've also been to do with that, for me, it didn't seem to have a lot happening (or to the point I needed with my brain really tired...I tend to find I need something more intense to click my brain into gear when it's like this - so do please keep this in mind).... Having said that, looking at it from a readers view, I did personally feel that the beginning of the story felt like it took a little while before I felt any serious growth. But hey stories need growth time and an information download section, for world setup.
Don't get me wrong guys, I think a lot of you could really enjoy this. So don't let this dissuade you from reading this book. I actually really did love the uniqueness of some of its concepts - like a witch and vampire hybrid...Never read anything like that before...So that was fun and interesting. I can't wait to see how that part of the story spins itself.
I also loved the characters and growth that Katrina made. As you probably have worked out by now character development for me is really important in a book. I feel like towards the end she's a lot more accepting of both her sides and the potential she has being what she is.
You want deets on the book...
So it starts off on Katrina's birthday and a witch reading, that shows that she's not just a Crystal Witch, a witch of light, but is also half Vampire. She holds both light and darkness insider her and to the Coven this is not acceptable. As the Crystal Witches and Dark-blooded ones, such as Vampires and Werewolves, are basically enemies of each other....you can see how this may have been taken.
Nope it definitely didn't. Katrina was basically shunned from her coven immediately, only one of her friends Safi, stuck by her and didn't get all weird about it...but being half vampire, which is considered darkness to these witches...she is whisked away to St. Erzsebet Academy. It was a place run by and for Vampires either born or made. It also schooled other dark-bloods like the shifters but they were pretty much considered beneath the Vampires. Here the Vampires ruled...And yet unlike her Coven who turned their back instantly, they took her in, ready to develop the source of her powers.
"There was no escaping it. They’d turned their back on me and betrayed me. Unlike the vampires. The darkest of all supernatural creatures had stood by me and taken me in, when even the Supernatural Light Alliance had turned its back. The truth stung."
As Katrina tries to take on board who she truly is...she learns that she has more power than she ever could have believed...But when you have been brought up taught to despise the one thing she now is, she struggles to embrace that side of her.
"Being a Crystal Witch and a vampire shouldn’t have been a source of terrifying weakness, it should have been a huge strength. No one else had the magical advantage I did and I needed to start acting like it. If only I could find a way to access the source of my power."
With time she slowly begins to accept this side but it's a work in progress. It definitely helps when the friends you make, are as kind and caring as her room-mate, Natalie. They click immediately and it helps Katrina see that not all Vampires are bad. Some are just trying to learn to control their urges.
But we can't have an Academy without the residential mean girl and her posse. And oh how snobby they are and determined to bring her down.
You see, even the Vamps have a hierarchy so to speak. There are two types of Vampires the Sanguine (pure-blooded born) and Novus (turned). The Sanguine look down on Novus Vamps but now that Katrina has come in, the first of her kind, it definitely stirs up a lot, they see her as less...Which sorta puts her in a position of receiving a lot of unwanted attention. As things proceed though, they realise just how powerful she could be and that seriously does not sit well with many.
I think I'm going to leave it at that...because I feel I could accidentally let something slip that could be classed as a spoiler lol. And today is not the day to break my non-spoilerish reviews.
Join a world where good and bad isn't as simple as one originally thought. Darkness and light can dwell together and it can be damn powerful.
A huge thank you to Ahava for this chance to read and review your book! I look forward to seeing where this journey will lead...and can't wait to see more of Ulric lol. Bring on that romance haha.
All in all I did have fun reading this book and I can't wait to hear your thoughts of it as well. If you have happened to have read it by now, comment below or get in touch. I'm always happy talking books.
Anyways
Okie doke...Happy Reading My Nerdy Friends
March 14, 2020
This was pretty good in all categories.
Was it a bit on the younger side than my usual academy preference yes. It defs seems more teen academy level than adult romance thats for sure and the girls 17 so she acts her age and is pretty likeable not my usual punch first ask questions later sassy sarcastic bamf that i usual love to read whos more adult experienced and adult but still very enjoyable nice storyline and characters are done pretty well the mean girl trope is again one im super fucking over unsurprisingly and not be be punny but also i love puns so fuck it its been done to death im sick of it. Is every female gonna get along no but ffs its 2020 people lets raise eachother up and support our sisters. The basic mean girl trope is just honestly if the book hadnt ended well and thankfully the mean girl in this was tolerable the amount she was innit or i wpuldve ditched the book thats how much it puts me off. Like i get characters who happen to be female being true villians and everything else but having bitchy mean girls from the get go is like some shitty starter pack of YA lit that girls it a bad name and should die along with love triangles. Seriously think of something else for the love of god. Anyhoo mini rant over book was good read it one sitting ill be reading the secondone for the plot since the romance is like barely there vompared to adult romance and certainly compared to rh which is my main romance read. This is defs emphasis on FANTASY storyline school her ans her awakening and not romance like dont get me wrong not a bad thing but i mean the blurb made it out like this was a shifter meets his mate goes a bit barbarian caveman on her as shifter males tend to do and they have a sparky fun romantic banter til they get together. Thats the vibes i got anyway until i read the book and the first meeting read like that and there were slight hints of that general flirty banter deal but basically fuck all. Anyhoo read it if you like set in new orleans books it touches on that and vamp stuff there is some witchy and werewolf stuff but its mostly vamp series and mostly supe politics so yeah oh and her growing into her abilities etc.
Was it a bit on the younger side than my usual academy preference yes. It defs seems more teen academy level than adult romance thats for sure and the girls 17 so she acts her age and is pretty likeable not my usual punch first ask questions later sassy sarcastic bamf that i usual love to read whos more adult experienced and adult but still very enjoyable nice storyline and characters are done pretty well the mean girl trope is again one im super fucking over unsurprisingly and not be be punny but also i love puns so fuck it its been done to death im sick of it. Is every female gonna get along no but ffs its 2020 people lets raise eachother up and support our sisters. The basic mean girl trope is just honestly if the book hadnt ended well and thankfully the mean girl in this was tolerable the amount she was innit or i wpuldve ditched the book thats how much it puts me off. Like i get characters who happen to be female being true villians and everything else but having bitchy mean girls from the get go is like some shitty starter pack of YA lit that girls it a bad name and should die along with love triangles. Seriously think of something else for the love of god. Anyhoo mini rant over book was good read it one sitting ill be reading the secondone for the plot since the romance is like barely there vompared to adult romance and certainly compared to rh which is my main romance read. This is defs emphasis on FANTASY storyline school her ans her awakening and not romance like dont get me wrong not a bad thing but i mean the blurb made it out like this was a shifter meets his mate goes a bit barbarian caveman on her as shifter males tend to do and they have a sparky fun romantic banter til they get together. Thats the vibes i got anyway until i read the book and the first meeting read like that and there were slight hints of that general flirty banter deal but basically fuck all. Anyhoo read it if you like set in new orleans books it touches on that and vamp stuff there is some witchy and werewolf stuff but its mostly vamp series and mostly supe politics so yeah oh and her growing into her abilities etc.
December 24, 2019
If you enjoyed the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, or you are attracted to tales of loners finding their own voice, I think you will enjoy Magic Within. Katrina Snow Quartz describes herself as an abomination - ar least this is how she thinks her counterparts view her. Katrina is a special kind of good witch; 'At least I thought I was until about two minutes ago, when I found out that lo and behold, I'm also a vampire'. This quirky opening drew me into Katrina's formative supernatural years, her witch powers developing (nicely told as 'blooming'). Katrina is then disowned by her coven and sent to the Bloodline Academy which is full of vampires and a werewolf who happens to be good looking — written with themes of friendship and loyalty, good and evil. I especially liked it that Goth Girl was the villain - made me come out in a rash just reading that bit... And the supernatural was peppered with real-life feelings and problems - dealt with like a modern-day trouper. Just the right amount of explanation of the genre, if vampires never run out of energy but sleep because they eat more, then I'm in! A satisfying resolution with enough loose ends for the next in series. I knew I would side with the witches...
January 5, 2020
A riveting read, different than other academy novels. With a main character who captured me from the start and unexpected plot twists, a strong series starter. I can’t wait to see where Katrina’s unexpected powers take her next!
August 4, 2020
Brunette, half-witch half-vampire protagonist? Check.
Generic hot muscly werewolf? Check.
Creepy Gothic school for bitchy vampires? Check.
If you love supernatural YA stories set at some elite academy, this is definitely written for you. Honestly, if I was still 13, this would've blown my mind.
Sadly, I'm old and cynical. This felt like a concentrated attempt to slap every vampire/werewolf/witch trope into a single story. The plot's been done, the characters have been done, the powers have been done... While some of the prose was lovely, the story was really let down by consistent issues with grammar and punctuation. I spent half the time I was reading just thinking, 'stop using so many commas!'. It's a pet peeve. Anyway. Lots of tropes, none of them subverted, and nothing that challenges the reader.
The positives: strong female friendships and an interesting magic system which was based on crystals and sparkly tattoos.
The negatives: so. Many. Tropes.
Generic hot muscly werewolf? Check.
Creepy Gothic school for bitchy vampires? Check.
If you love supernatural YA stories set at some elite academy, this is definitely written for you. Honestly, if I was still 13, this would've blown my mind.
Sadly, I'm old and cynical. This felt like a concentrated attempt to slap every vampire/werewolf/witch trope into a single story. The plot's been done, the characters have been done, the powers have been done... While some of the prose was lovely, the story was really let down by consistent issues with grammar and punctuation. I spent half the time I was reading just thinking, 'stop using so many commas!'. It's a pet peeve. Anyway. Lots of tropes, none of them subverted, and nothing that challenges the reader.
The positives: strong female friendships and an interesting magic system which was based on crystals and sparkly tattoos.
The negatives: so. Many. Tropes.
January 1, 2020
This book was awesome with non stop action and drama from start to finish.
Katrina is a Crystal Witch that finds out on her 17th birthday she is also part Vampire! She is sent to St. Erzsebets Academy for Vampires and Werewolves. Escorted to the Academy by a werewolf named Ulric.
Her best friend Safi is upset that Katrina was sent away and they were able to establish a connection to each other. At the Academy Katrina meets a Novus Vampire named Natalie and they become fast friends. A group of Sanguine Vampires are out to get Katrina but are warned to stay away from her but don’t listen.
I am in love with this book and I can’t wait for the next book.
Katrina is a Crystal Witch that finds out on her 17th birthday she is also part Vampire! She is sent to St. Erzsebets Academy for Vampires and Werewolves. Escorted to the Academy by a werewolf named Ulric.
Her best friend Safi is upset that Katrina was sent away and they were able to establish a connection to each other. At the Academy Katrina meets a Novus Vampire named Natalie and they become fast friends. A group of Sanguine Vampires are out to get Katrina but are warned to stay away from her but don’t listen.
I am in love with this book and I can’t wait for the next book.
December 25, 2019
After reading the blurb, this book intrigued me so I requested a review copy.
I'm happy to report that I've now found myself another new author to add to my collection of favourites!
This book is chock full of action! A real page turner that I finished in 2 days (an epic feat given the busy Christmas holidays and kids running around all day!).
The characters are well fleshed out and the world building is descriptive without being overly so.
Looking forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2!
I'm happy to report that I've now found myself another new author to add to my collection of favourites!
This book is chock full of action! A real page turner that I finished in 2 days (an epic feat given the busy Christmas holidays and kids running around all day!).
The characters are well fleshed out and the world building is descriptive without being overly so.
Looking forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2!
January 5, 2020
I enjoyed this story but I think it was a little too slow for my taste and I would have love more interactions between Katrina and Ulric although I think we will have plenty of it in the second book.
This First book only introduce the world and the characters so I am looking forward to read further about Kat, her lineage and future adversaries.
This First book only introduce the world and the characters so I am looking forward to read further about Kat, her lineage and future adversaries.
December 29, 2019
Magic Within: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Novel (Bloodline Academy Book 1) by Ahava Trivedi is wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new seris writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading abut magic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 9, 2020
Meet Katrina Quartz, a crystal witch who has just turned seventeen, an exciting time in her life when she receives a witch reading to inform her future. Unfortunately, this reading isn't what she imagined it to be when it uncovers that she's more than just a crystal witch. In fact, she's a hybrid of the worst type - from two sides of the supernatural world that can't stand each other. Talk about complicated. Because of her darker side, she heads to St. Erzsebet Academy which is full of cliquey vampires and werewolves. The response of her fellow students to her attendance is about what you would expect to having a student who is a half witch. Her coven completely abandons her because of her vampiric side. When you thought all was lost, she does begin developing a friendship with her roommate, one of the nicer vampires who just wants to help her understand and begin to embrace the vampire within. As the story develops, Katrina tries to unlock the implications of her being a half breed and how it drives her powers. This was just an okay academy story for me. It was definitely a slow build which ultimately lead to a rushed climax. There were times during the story when I forgot that it was taking place at an academy when the teenagers would jump into dialogue.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
April 19, 2020
3.75*
Writing: 4
Originality: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characters: 4
In the beginning, I thought that a half witch/ half vampire sounded ridiculous. It just seemed impossible in my head. However, the autor managed to make it work and make me accept that it was not as ridiculous as initially thought. I loved the characters and the writing.
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it very much but I still think there was something missing. The story seemed to be too short. I found the relationships were too rushed (Kat and Lilith how they immediately became enemies and Kat and Ulric barely even had moments together but Kat immediately grew kind of fond of him). I wished there were a lot more moments between those characters in order to understand their relationships better. But, I have to say this book definitely caught me by surprise and I'm definitely going to read the second one. This reminded me of Vampire Academy and was yet very different. Very excited about the next one. This was a fun quick read.
Writing: 4
Originality: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characters: 4
In the beginning, I thought that a half witch/ half vampire sounded ridiculous. It just seemed impossible in my head. However, the autor managed to make it work and make me accept that it was not as ridiculous as initially thought. I loved the characters and the writing.
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it very much but I still think there was something missing. The story seemed to be too short. I found the relationships were too rushed (Kat and Lilith how they immediately became enemies and Kat and Ulric barely even had moments together but Kat immediately grew kind of fond of him). I wished there were a lot more moments between those characters in order to understand their relationships better. But, I have to say this book definitely caught me by surprise and I'm definitely going to read the second one. This reminded me of Vampire Academy and was yet very different. Very excited about the next one. This was a fun quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
Starting this book it was a tad slow only bcuz there was a lot of backstory and information that’s needed to understand. Once that was done the story picked up and I honestly fell in love with the characters. They all struggle trying to find out who they are in a society where their told exactly what they are supposed to do and side with. New friendships form out of unlikely situations while old friendships struggle to survive. Kickass fights with something unseen brewing. A new world you can’t help but see yourself with the characters. New rules you must follow to stay alive. New loyalties that are both confusing and dangerous. Vampires, witches, werewolves, and so much more. Definitely recommend!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. By no means did that make me write a good review just because.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. By no means did that make me write a good review just because.
January 2, 2020
I love Academy stories. This one just ranked OK for me. There was smatterings of background information throughout the story but I really felt the world building was lacking. I never really got a great sense of how this supernatural world worked in the grand scheme and in the "real" world. The dialogue between teen characters was very unusual and formal sounding and not very natural. The premise of the story and the specific traits about Kat and vampires were interesting. The book was much too short and rushed for the build up required for this story line. I'm not even certain how many days/weeks progressed because there wasn't a very clear timeline. Also nothing really shocking happened. Everything was expected. I liked most of the characters, including Kat, though all of them could use more depth. Overall, it was an OK story but it's not the best academy story I've read.
January 7, 2020
I was intrigued by Katrina Snow Quartz, a former orphan turned teen witch who discovers she is also half vampire. With her coven abandoning her and sending her to the school of vampires and werewolves hungry for witch blood, how will she survive? I enjoyed the characters and their dynamic between cliques of vampires, a kind hearted werewolf, and some newbie vamps who fall into friendship with Katrina. I just wish there was more world building to the story. I feel like Trivendi has a good story to share, and that more could've been done to elaborate that story. The buildup to the climax also felt rushed. Overall, I enjoyed the story and it was an easy read, but I am hoping for more development in book 2.
July 8, 2020
Good book to introduce people into the genre. I feel like the book is suited better for young teens and I think the cliques could be relatable.
Usually when you think of witches you think of a sisterhood, family. I couldn’t believe it when her coven basically abandoned Kat. Although vamps are technically the bad guy it’s great that they’re loyal to her and take her in because of her being a vamp. They could have easily drank all her blood and got in on the witchy goodness but didn’t.
The friendship in this book is also great, it gives you hope for other supernatural creatures that could possibly have a play later on. The build up in the end gets you excited for what could happen next and how much more power Kat can get.
Usually when you think of witches you think of a sisterhood, family. I couldn’t believe it when her coven basically abandoned Kat. Although vamps are technically the bad guy it’s great that they’re loyal to her and take her in because of her being a vamp. They could have easily drank all her blood and got in on the witchy goodness but didn’t.
The friendship in this book is also great, it gives you hope for other supernatural creatures that could possibly have a play later on. The build up in the end gets you excited for what could happen next and how much more power Kat can get.
February 25, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this!
I am a fan of supernatural paranormal academy stories. This one did not disappoint. I really liked the story line. The main character Kat has so much potential to be such a kickass strong character. Her life was turned upside down but she’s been able to deal with everything as best as she can. I loved how her friends are really loyal. Also I have to admit I am so hoping for a romantic relationship between her and a certain werewolf haha. They are soo good together! Overall this story has lots of surprises and action. I definitely look forward to reading more! Highly recommend this.
I am a fan of supernatural paranormal academy stories. This one did not disappoint. I really liked the story line. The main character Kat has so much potential to be such a kickass strong character. Her life was turned upside down but she’s been able to deal with everything as best as she can. I loved how her friends are really loyal. Also I have to admit I am so hoping for a romantic relationship between her and a certain werewolf haha. They are soo good together! Overall this story has lots of surprises and action. I definitely look forward to reading more! Highly recommend this.
January 2, 2020
I received a copy from the author.
DNF @ 60%. I tried. I tried to hold onto till the end. It was a disappointing read to start 2020 off with. It was a very slow start that throws a lot of information at the reader. I found often that the dialogue was more formal than it should have been, considering it is teenagers doing the talking. It started to pick up shortly after she arrives at the school, but it soon takes a turn down and I found myself skimming it a lot before deciding to give it up entirely. I had high hopes for this book since it sounded really good.
DNF @ 60%. I tried. I tried to hold onto till the end. It was a disappointing read to start 2020 off with. It was a very slow start that throws a lot of information at the reader. I found often that the dialogue was more formal than it should have been, considering it is teenagers doing the talking. It started to pick up shortly after she arrives at the school, but it soon takes a turn down and I found myself skimming it a lot before deciding to give it up entirely. I had high hopes for this book since it sounded really good.
January 11, 2020
This is the first instalment of the new series Bloodline Academy and frankly I need to know more!
This story follows Katrina Quartz, a Quartz witch, but the biggest question she faces, is she only a witch?
This story pulled me in from the beginning, setting a scene of a troubled youth thinking she fit in until her world was rocked upside down. This story is clever, incorporating multiple mythical creatures in an interesting and captivating way.
The story delves into abandonment, dishonour, friendship, bullying, sacrifice and so much more.
I can not wait to read more about Katrina’s journey.
This story follows Katrina Quartz, a Quartz witch, but the biggest question she faces, is she only a witch?
This story pulled me in from the beginning, setting a scene of a troubled youth thinking she fit in until her world was rocked upside down. This story is clever, incorporating multiple mythical creatures in an interesting and captivating way.
The story delves into abandonment, dishonour, friendship, bullying, sacrifice and so much more.
I can not wait to read more about Katrina’s journey.
August 8, 2020
The story of Katrina Quartz was a tizzy. Quite the whirlwind of emotions and feelings and uncertainty. What a story. The way she doesn’t know who she is, the loyalty despite what has been said and done is inspiring. And the way the story unfolded was quite eye catching. The characters kept you on your toes. You never knew how they might react to what and what their goals are exactly. One things for sure. Never underestimate anyone. I wonder what happens next?
Thank you for Voracious Readers Only and Ahava Trivedi herself for the opportunity to receive this free review copy.
Thank you for Voracious Readers Only and Ahava Trivedi herself for the opportunity to receive this free review copy.
August 15, 2020
A great story about a girl who grew up as part of a coven of crystal witches who finds out when she comes of age that she is half vampire. Then she is sent away by her coven to join a vampire school where she is surrounded by vampires who want to drink her blood in order to grow more powerful. It is a fascinating story of friendship, survival and magic that you will love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
January 18, 2023
This is a young adult story and a great start to this series I enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series which I bought as well. Great characters with Katrina a crystal witch who had her hopes crushed when she finds out that she is half vampire and she is sent to an academy for vampires who hate each other. Great story I enjoyed it immensely and I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2019
It started out a bit slow at the beginning. I would stop reading it for a bit, then come back to it. It wasn't a bad read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would. The characters are likeable.
It does pick up, but it was still a little slow in spots.
I would recommend this book to people. The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book. My review is solely by me
It does pick up, but it was still a little slow in spots.
I would recommend this book to people. The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book. My review is solely by me
August 20, 2020
Amazing!
I'm not normally a big fan not vampire books I tend to go for other supernatural like witches and dragons etc but same this book has changed my mind! I was hooked from the beginning and I really love the main character she was easy to like and the same with her friends too. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I'm not normally a big fan not vampire books I tend to go for other supernatural like witches and dragons etc but same this book has changed my mind! I was hooked from the beginning and I really love the main character she was easy to like and the same with her friends too. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 31, 2019
A wonderful book about Light and Dark. Kat, Safi, Ulrich, and Natalie are wonderful friends. The premise of this book is very different but very interesting. I love the conflict that Kat deals with and how she comes into her own at the end. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 3, 2020
This was an amazing book. I couldnt put it down.The characters were real and well developed. The story was action packed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cant wait for the next book to come out.
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.
January 5, 2020
I enjoy the book. The whole reality is great ,very dark., full of well created characters. A girl raised to love light is forced to explore darkness within her. All together a good 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.
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January 16, 2020Magic within
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
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