The Culling Year - Fall Term

Academy Obscura #1

by Cassia Briar

A flawed heroine. A twisted magical college. Three sexy teachers.

I didn't know magic existed…until I found my birth family after a life in foster care. They tell me there are rules, but I don’t believe them. Naturally, I break one of those precious rules on the night of a full moon, and am forced to enroll at Academy Obscura. But I don’t fit in. After all, I’m not a witch, vampire, fae, werewolf, or shifter. Am I?

Worse, the penalty for messing up at the Academy? Death. My only chance of survival lies in the hands of three frustratingly hot teachers. Jaxon, a powerful but untrustworthy witch. Liam, a fae who avoids my flirtations. And Angel, the alpha werewolf who enthusiastically tears apart my enemies, but openly broods when I’m around.

I am drawn to all of them. But, how can one woman have three men?

Author’s Note: This is a steamy, medium burn, reverse harem paranormal romance featuring shifters, witches, and fae. It includes adult language, violence, and possibly triggering situations. Recommended for mature readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae, Shapeshifters, Why Choose, Magic, Vampires

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Hey, I'm Cassia Briar, author of reverse harem romances.

I live in the Pacific Northwest forest. Coffee addict, cat mom, and avid romance reader.

If you like angsty romance with twisty plots, dark themes, and steam, check out my books.

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If you've read my books, feel free to add them to a list on here in the Listopia section. Doing so helps other readers find them. Thank you so much!

Reviews

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love me some supernatural academy stories. This one had some interesting worldbuilding, but had some serious plot issues. Caprice doesn't ask nearly enough questions. Those around her woefully under-prepare her for life threatening risks. The three love interests aren't very well developed and chemistry really only goes so far. The premise of super-evil supernaturals running roughshod over everyone wasn't working for me. If they could just kill everyone, why have the sacrifices/culling at all? Never really explained.

Some of the characters were very cliched, like the mean girls and mean boys cliques, though they were delicious enough that it was easy to overlook.

The ending was very much a non-ending. It didn't have a cliffhanger and definitely didn't wrap up anything. It was almost as if it ended mid-sentence. Disappointing.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtle errors aside, I'm on the fence about this series but.curious enough to at least but book two.....

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It's nothing new and in my opinion not the best one. I'm not reading the second one.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars
Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions and if you feel differently, that’s okay. Thanks!

Notes: POV = 1st person FMC, plus five chapters in 1st person from the MMCs (2 for MMC #1, 2 for MMC #2, 1 for MMC #3)
Characters: I dislike two of out four of these main characters. Caprice Sorrentino (FMC) is dramatic, a little slow, constantly thinking “oh no that can’t be”, rash, and forgettable. She has grown up in the foster system after her mother's passing because her father couldn't find her. Apparently he didn't know about her until it was too late, then he died and her grandmother didn't know about her until years after that. One would wonder why her father didn't tell her grandmother that he had a daughter he was searching for but who cares about that, right? Jaxon McIver (MMC #1) is an asshole witch. There is no other way to put it. He sucks and I didn't like him at all. Liam (MMC #2) is fae and the sweetest one out of all of them. It makes sense because he can feel other people's emotions, a fae ability in this world. That leaves Angel Cortez (MMC #3) is my favourite; he's a werewolf (which, in my opinion, makes him a shifter but shifters and werewolves are classed separately). We don't get a lot of Angel but I feel bad for him, I'm not sure why. Maybe because he has an actual reason to like Caprice.

Plot/Story: I'll admit that I like the world building and the possible future takedown of the Tromara Vampires… however it doesn't make sense. This plot hinges on things that don't make sense. They don't tell Caprice anything, they bring her to town during the one week that it isn't safe to be there, etc. They purposely keep in the dark, they admit this for no reason! They say it's because that's what they thought was "best" at the moment but then they just keep doing it and nothing changes. Their actions don't make sense unless they wanted her to die.

Romance: This is a lie. She has, like… four encounters with Jaxon, Liam, and Angel TOTAL before they decide they're in love with her. The only one who makes sense is Angel, because she's his Fated mate, but the others? No. And Caprice is falling for them, too, somehow. Specifically, Jaxon, who has done nothing but hurt her feelings on purpose. What? It's not even saved by the spicy scenes because those are mediocre at best.

General: The sentences are really choppy. Periods where there should be commas, commas where there should be period, stuff like that.

Quotes I Really Like:

I’d gotten close to her, inhaled that floral scent of her hair, and my wolf had stirred. Mate. The word-- more of a feeling-- had flooded my chest.

Overall:
It's not good.

[Megan Upton · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like academy you may like this. It wasn’t for me.

I love new adult age academy romance. This had all the check boxes to be an amazing series, and it fell completely flat. The pro is a read the whole book, the con is I debated DNF the book atleast 10 times. Some spoilers ahead to convey how I felt and why so read at your own risk:


The main character is truly unlikable. She was fine the first 1/4 of the book, but I cannot forgive too stupid to live moments... especially when they happened 3-4 times. Going out of a triple bolted house to face a stranger in the garden and not waking up the other adult is STUPID. The main character even said it was stupid and did it anyways. Trying to escape the academy knowing she could kill everyone else was not only stupid but made her seem unlikable and immature. Not worrying too much about shifting because she “forgot” even knowing of the culling makes her unlikable and stupid as well. I can’t stand when main characters have no agency, but are “so powerful”, but are only there to be attemptedly raped, bullied by mean girls (sigh I teach high school no one actually acts that in your face), or to be married off to the big bad guy just because. I don’t even like the main love interest because they have no reason to even love her- have they ever had an actual connected conversation beyond thinking the other is hot? I just can’t. I won’t even get into the lack of information her grandmother conveniently forgot to tell her (which also makes no sense in real life). Sigh.

If you want a book with actual action, characters who ACT powerful and ARE powerful, and the love interests are interesting then this is not the book for you. There is only so many times you can watch a main character be a whiny, selfish punching bag.

[Mandy McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Absolutley loved these Books

I read all four books back to back, i couldn't put them down.

I had to know what happened next, giving worred glances at the percentage left on each book as i followed Caprice on this exciting adventure.

Full of mysteries and reveals, heart and humour, frightning and heartbreaking situations. Cassia Briar wove an inticate and compelling tale of a young woman finding her strength, learning to believe in herself and of course learning just how Bada** she really is. Including hot steamy mates, new friendships and old. This whole series has became one of my favorites.

As this review covers all four books i won't give away any plot points or spoilers but i will highly recomend this Author and this series.

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was sucked in on page 1, of this fast paced, page turner. There's intrigue, suspense, drama, some bullying, sexy teachers. Caprice is a foster kid that grows up not knowing her parents are supernatural. She received a letter from her bio grandma and gets to meet her. What ensues from there? You'll have to read to find out! I loved this book Begining to end and I can't wait to read the next book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Ella J. Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm devouring Cassia Briar's Academy Obscura. What a great read! Caprice has only just aged out of the foster care system and is about to start college. But an unexpected twist of fate finds her at the Academy Obscura where failing has deadly consequences. It's such an awesome series with secrets, double-crosses, red herrings, and a cohesive story that keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning. Seriously, I devoured the first 3 books in 2 days and finishing the final book today. Amaze-balls!

[Andretta Schellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free as a beta reader.

I really enjoyed this story, it is a unique take on a magical academy and on supernatural life in general.

It is a story about a young girl who was in foster care, a odd occurrence at a party the summer before college set in motion events that change Caprice’s life forever.

[Alisha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesssss

Loved this book so much! Leaves you wanting more. And an all teachers Harems. Count me in! Can't wait for more sexy time lol

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is...not good.

I had to abandon it at 24% when cannibalistic vampires made an appearance. Side note to the author: if the vampires were actually cannibals they would be eating vampires, not other supernatural creatures. Eating the other supes just makes them carnivores.

Here's the thing. You can see where Briar wants to go with this story, but the executive is not there.

The FMC is an orphan who was in the foster care system and is about to go off to college. She finally landed in a good home, after years in bad ones, and trusts exactly three people: her foster parents and her best friend.

There is a lot of telling the reader the plot point rather than developing the story.

There is also a significant amount of ignoring how an average person or a character as written would respond to a situation. A foster kid who suffered abuse and is just now in a secure place would not run off across the country to meet a woman who comes out of the woodworks and tells her she wants to meet her immediately, sooner really is necessary, and you must come to me. That throws up all sorts of red flags, both for the foster kid, and her foster parents. Her foster parents, who treat her as their own, aren't going to buy her a plane ticket and send her across the country on her own. Especially not her attorney foster father. Could Briar have written the story in a way that made the trip across the country, alone, a necessity? Sure. Have Granny and her lawyer reach out via letter and phone call. Because Dad wasn't on the birth certificate they were able to access any of her records when she was a minor, but now, these months(?) After she turned 18 they finally found her and need her to come to Oregon immediately or else under the terms of the will or Oregon law she will forfeit her inheritance. Foster parents are concerned and tell her she doesn't need to worry about whatever is in the inheritance, but she doesn't trust they will always be there for her, now that she has aged out. Plus, there are a lot of kids who could benefit from foster parents like them. If she has this inheritance then she doesn't need their money. She persists. Foster parents reluctantly agree. Foster dad suddenly can't go with because he has a case and the judge won't let them reschedule a trial/hearing. Foster mom is going to go with her until the agency needs her for an emergency placement. So she ends up going alone.

Putting that sort of realism in that are true to human nature and to the characters written is especially important in a paranormal story like this, where you are forced to suspend belief. Also, it's an important part of developing your story, getting the readers invested, and creating a rich world. Here Briar has FMC get the letter after coming home from a party where she believes she was almost raped (compelled by a vampire) and she basically forgets the super terrifying events from the night from before (like, I'm sorry, she and her bestie are just like so weird! Hot guy made me unconscious by just saying sleep. We definitely shouldn't tell our parents or the police and will only casually mention it once and then move on) and is like hey I'm going to Oregon and then the story time jumps to three weeks later when she is on a flight to Oregon. There is so much lost potential in that time frame to introduce more of the character and explain how she is feeling about this life changing experience and show her relationship with her foster family and trust issues and such.

I'm really disappointed. The description had so much potential, but this author needs to improve on their craft before this book is worthy of the 4 star rating it has at the time of this review.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caprice is an 18 year old college bound woman that gets sidetracked by a letter from a grandmother she never knew. Meeting her grandmother starts her on a journey that she would have thought impossible a few weeks ago. She ends up in an academy for supernaturals, and she still doesn’t believe that she’s a witch, as her grandmother has told her. But more pressing, is that she MUST get good enough scores so that stays out of the bottom 10% of her class, and right now things aren’t looking so good for her.

I enjoyed reading this book, even though there were a few times I wanted to strangle Caprice and tell her she was TSTL. But then, I love me a good academy story complete with mean girls (and boys), especially when they get their comeuppance. We have also been introduced to the 3 men that will end up being her mates, in the books to come; Jaxon (a witch), Liam (a fae) and Angel (a wolf shifter). In this book the men have just realized, individually, how they feel about Caprice, but haven’t determined how they will move forward. The other big reveal in this book is the King of the Tromara. He has decided that he wants Caprice as his mate. Tromara are so strong that they basically rule over the rest of the supernaturals. The academy has no choice but to do as he says. Offer up Caprice after she graduates from the academy.

I would recommend this book to fans of this genre. Sure it’s pretty formulaic, but it’s still an enjoyable read. This book does end on a cliff hanger so unless you really didn’t like it or you don’t care, you’ll have to read the next book for some type of resolution.

[KLynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vacillating between 2 and 3 stars.

Here's the thing: the writing wasn't bad even if it was supremely frustrating to watch the MFC struggle because she could not access any magic ... For the entire book ! (85% in is when we first see something). But as annoying as that was ... It might have still been 3 stars at this point. The cringe-worthy event happened at 85% when the mmc's that have either avoided her or been rude to her, the whole book, tell her they were in love with her and she wonders if she is in love with them. I mean WTF! They have barely even talked to each other ... Their chemistry is basically zero (refer back to the zero interaction). It would have been more believable if she would have fallen in love with Mae, the female teacher, she wasn't romantically involved with, because they actually had conversations and a maybe friendship.

**This book has just left me feeling grumpy and annoyed ... I can't see myself continuing on with the series**

Side note: this book was revamped with a new cover and new authors name. The other edition only had a 3.4 rating. I guess the rebranding worked, because I never would have read it with that rating. However, I feel like I was tricked!

[Kimberly Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good, it was interesting and had great characters. The thing I like about paranormal is that is basically balls to the wall, whatever you want goes. Let that imagination fly and see what happens. This book shows that imagination, the mixing of all the paranormal beings. I really enjoyed the authors take on the different paranormal beings and how they are with each other.
The h is a little too, I dunno, she isn't whinny, but she isn't the brightest bulb in the socket either. She is like most of us in that she is slightly self centered. She doesn't mesh too well with the others, but I have a feeling there will be character growth in the next books. I can't wait to read the rest.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great slow burn PNR

Caprice has been a foster kid her whole life then is found by her paternal grandmother. She travels across the country to stay with her and then makes one wrong move and is sent to the supernatural academy where she has to fight and study for her life. I loved these characters and the suspense of what caprice actually is, and how she was going to make it through the year alive. I’m looking forward to seeing her relationship with the guys develop more, especially Angel since we really didn’t get to know him much. I highly recommend this and can’t wait to start the next book!

[Jillian Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow! I love the suspense in this book to where you truly have no idea what is going to happen next. Its fun, witty, suspenseful, hot, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am so excited to jump right into the next book. I cant wait to see more of what happens with the hot teachers and crazy council and more of what evolves with Caprice. I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down and stayed up without sleep to finish it. Thank you for such a wonderful book!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It has so much drama and suspense throughout it. It is well written and the characters are stunningly developed. They have fantastic personalities that are felt throughout the story. The mystery that surrounds Caprice and all that she is has you glued to it wondering and trying to figure out how things are going to proceed. It does end in a cliffhanger but boy is the ride getting there so worth it. This is a must read and doesn’t disappoint.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much drama

This book so very relatable even though it's supernatural. Family issues, bullying, feeling unworthy and some romance. I love when there's something about a character that makes them "real". They aren't instantly badass, amazing at everything and everyone worships them. I didn't expect to love this book so much but I do!

[Marion Hermannsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting start to the series

I’m loving this so much! The heroine is relatable, and her love interests are beautifully damaged. The world is scary and exciting with some horrible villains. So much is thrown at the heroine, I’ve got no idea how the author will resolve it. Awesome book 1. Book 2 is an auto-buy ❤️

[Deborah Yunevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting- what is Caprice?

Caprice finds out she has family after growing up in the foster care system. When she goes to visit her unknown grandmother, a while new world opens up.She is thrust into an academy that doesn't know what to do with and there are enemies all around. It feels like Caprice is more than she seems. Interested to move along further.

[GeoD · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing read with a good cast of characters. JJ Krzemien does a good job of balancing story development with enough suspense, action and sexual tension to keep the reader fully engaged.

I see that the next in the series has just gone on pre-order... Can't wait!

[Laura Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start

New author to me. Really enjoyed the concept of this book. Good characters, well written. Now going to buy book 2. I think this is a series I will definitely invest in.

[Jennifer Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Careful what you wish for...

Foster teen Caprice gets more than she bargained for when receiving a letter from her long lost grandmother. After breaking curfew, Caprice is thrown into the scariest and most dangerous academy around. An excellent and captivating story

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!! I loved this story it's well written! Great characters and amazing story flow! I look forward to book 2!!!😍😍

[Jade Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very excited to see what happens next! Really awesome so far! I really love the storyline! I also love the characters! I am looking forward to more! Just wow!

[Heather Rizkallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Caprice had always felt like she didn't being. That use unTil she receives a invite to meet her grandma who she didn't know existed. Once she meets s het, everything falls apart

[DollyRockerBooksNmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Really enjoyed this book and cant wait to get stuck into the next one highly recommend if your into shifter romance

[Cheryl addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome 😎 can't wait to read the next one

[Danielle houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a great book. The synopsis gave nothing away. I did not see that coming at all. What will happen next for caprice.

[A E SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Wow what a great start to this series, I really enjoyed it. It pulled me in straight away and I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next book :)