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Spellwood Academy #1
Spellwood Academy
The whimsy of Harry Potter meets the dark seduction of Holly Black's The Cruel Prince in a tale perfect for fans of academy fiction
It all started when I almost died.
First, I was healed from my wounds by a mysterious stranger masquerading as a doctor. A stranger who then vanished.
Two weeks later, a letter was delivered to my house by smoke and spiders inviting me to a place called Spellwood Academy.
As it turns out, I’m half mortal, half fae. My mother and grandmother have been keeping secrets from me. Who my father really is, where I’m really from. And, most recently, that the "accident" that nearly killed me was no accident at all. Someone is trying to kill me. Someone not human.
Now, in order to stay safe from whoever is trying to kill me, they’re sending me to a magical boarding school for those of both fae and mortal blood.
Everyone has to join a society at Spellwood. There’s Toadcurdle for the students who like machinery and nerdy games, Dewdrop for those who prefer cupcakes and books to adventure, Stormtongue for the clever who drink tea and debate mermaid philosophy, Flameforge for the brave and fearless, and Briar and Basilisk for the snobby elites.
There’s a lot of things to remember besides the school’s rulebook—Don’t go into the crypt at night. Don’t go in the labyrinth ever. Don’t attend any Basilisk parties (they’re dangerous). Don’t attend any Toadcurdle parties (they’re boring). Don’t go into the south woods alone at night. Don’t go into the west woods alone in the winter. In fact, avoid being in the woods alone at all times.
And absolutely no spells, charms, or curses allowed on school grounds.
My room is at the top of a vine-covered tower with a winding staircase, like I’m Cinderella or something. The headmaster has feathered wings like an angel, and my roommate keeps asking me why we mortals set our birthday cakes on fire. A beautiful, golden-skinned fae prince from the sun court is relentlessly pursuing me, but I can’t stop thinking about Lucien, the boy with dark hair and antlers whose golden-green eyes that pin me in place whenever he looks at me.
I don’t have the slightest idea what I’m doing, but I've already survived one murder attempt.
How hard can this be?
Click now and enjoy the most whimsical academy book you'll read this year!
The Spellwood Academy Series:
Book 1: Spellwood Academy
Book 2: Briar Blood (available for pre-order now!)
Book 3: TBA
Book 4: TBA
Book 5: TBA
Book 6: TBA
It all started when I almost died.
First, I was healed from my wounds by a mysterious stranger masquerading as a doctor. A stranger who then vanished.
Two weeks later, a letter was delivered to my house by smoke and spiders inviting me to a place called Spellwood Academy.
As it turns out, I’m half mortal, half fae. My mother and grandmother have been keeping secrets from me. Who my father really is, where I’m really from. And, most recently, that the "accident" that nearly killed me was no accident at all. Someone is trying to kill me. Someone not human.
Now, in order to stay safe from whoever is trying to kill me, they’re sending me to a magical boarding school for those of both fae and mortal blood.
Everyone has to join a society at Spellwood. There’s Toadcurdle for the students who like machinery and nerdy games, Dewdrop for those who prefer cupcakes and books to adventure, Stormtongue for the clever who drink tea and debate mermaid philosophy, Flameforge for the brave and fearless, and Briar and Basilisk for the snobby elites.
There’s a lot of things to remember besides the school’s rulebook—Don’t go into the crypt at night. Don’t go in the labyrinth ever. Don’t attend any Basilisk parties (they’re dangerous). Don’t attend any Toadcurdle parties (they’re boring). Don’t go into the south woods alone at night. Don’t go into the west woods alone in the winter. In fact, avoid being in the woods alone at all times.
And absolutely no spells, charms, or curses allowed on school grounds.
My room is at the top of a vine-covered tower with a winding staircase, like I’m Cinderella or something. The headmaster has feathered wings like an angel, and my roommate keeps asking me why we mortals set our birthday cakes on fire. A beautiful, golden-skinned fae prince from the sun court is relentlessly pursuing me, but I can’t stop thinking about Lucien, the boy with dark hair and antlers whose golden-green eyes that pin me in place whenever he looks at me.
I don’t have the slightest idea what I’m doing, but I've already survived one murder attempt.
How hard can this be?
Click now and enjoy the most whimsical academy book you'll read this year!
The Spellwood Academy Series:
Book 1: Spellwood Academy
Book 2: Briar Blood (available for pre-order now!)
Book 3: TBA
Book 4: TBA
Book 5: TBA
Book 6: TBA
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2019
508 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
82 books896 followersI've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 16, 2019
*Source* Kindle
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Spellwood Academy is the first installment in author Kate Avery Ellison's Spellwood Academy series. 17-year old Kyra Solschild's world is abruptly turned on its head when she survives an accident which should have killed her all thanks to a mysterious stranger seemed to appear out of nowhere to keep her alive. After watching spiders deliver an acceptance letter with her name on it, her mother and grandmother are forced to tell the truth. Finally. Kyra is actually 1/2 fae which means that she must attend Spellwood Academy along with other mix bloods and fae.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Spellwood Academy is the first installment in author Kate Avery Ellison's Spellwood Academy series. 17-year old Kyra Solschild's world is abruptly turned on its head when she survives an accident which should have killed her all thanks to a mysterious stranger seemed to appear out of nowhere to keep her alive. After watching spiders deliver an acceptance letter with her name on it, her mother and grandmother are forced to tell the truth. Finally. Kyra is actually 1/2 fae which means that she must attend Spellwood Academy along with other mix bloods and fae.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 26, 2019
This was a good book to read. It starts out slow and builds with a bunch of unexpected situations. I love how Late builds the characters throughout the book. So you will pretender the feel of who you want to like and dislike.
Now, you will read about Kyra who has a life altering accident that changes her life course. She finds out that there is a school she is invited to attend that she knows nothing about. So what is so special about this school, Well it's for the Fae. What's that you say? Yes, that was basically her reaction to this knowledge. So she heads off to this school. Does she accept this new path for her? Will she be able to succeed at school? While she is attending school, she makes friends and meets Lucien and Griffin. So what will happen there? There is some sinister stuff at work as well. There will be betrayals, a little romance.
My only drawback was I wanted Kyra to be a little more stronger and smarter. In the beginning it sounds like she is pretty smart for being ahead of all her classes. Hopefully the next book she will be stronger.
*** This is an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.***
Now, you will read about Kyra who has a life altering accident that changes her life course. She finds out that there is a school she is invited to attend that she knows nothing about. So what is so special about this school, Well it's for the Fae. What's that you say? Yes, that was basically her reaction to this knowledge. So she heads off to this school. Does she accept this new path for her? Will she be able to succeed at school? While she is attending school, she makes friends and meets Lucien and Griffin. So what will happen there? There is some sinister stuff at work as well. There will be betrayals, a little romance.
My only drawback was I wanted Kyra to be a little more stronger and smarter. In the beginning it sounds like she is pretty smart for being ahead of all her classes. Hopefully the next book she will be stronger.
*** This is an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.***
November 5, 2019
Kyra is a typical teenage girl living with her mom and grandmother in a small town in North Carolina. After being in an accident Kyra comes to find out that the accident was no accident at all but an attempt on her life. Soon she finds out that her mom and grandmother have been lying to her and she is actually half fae. In order to protect her they send her to Spellwood Academy, a school for half fae, half mortal teens that can teach her about her fae ancestry while teaching her how to protect herself. But everything is not as it seems at Spellwood, and Kyra ends up learning a lot more then she expected.
This story starts off pretty slow, and to be honest I really did not like Kyra in the beginning. She was supposed to come off as strong, independent and to me she was just really whiny and needy. I will say once she goes to Spellwood Academy, you see her in a different light and she becomes a much more likable character. Kate does an amazing job with character descriptions and growth, and her world building is fantastic. I've read several books by her and I plan on continuing with this series as more books are released.
I received an advance reader copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts off pretty slow, and to be honest I really did not like Kyra in the beginning. She was supposed to come off as strong, independent and to me she was just really whiny and needy. I will say once she goes to Spellwood Academy, you see her in a different light and she becomes a much more likable character. Kate does an amazing job with character descriptions and growth, and her world building is fantastic. I've read several books by her and I plan on continuing with this series as more books are released.
I received an advance reader copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2019
This was a cute, magic-rooted story. Definitely Harry Potter elements with the romance elements of ACOTAR. I don't know that I'll continue the series becuase it wasnt anything new or original, but it would be good for teen girls to get into!
It made me want to reread ACOTAR, honestly.
It made me want to reread ACOTAR, honestly.
August 3, 2019
Harry Potter meets The Cruel Prince ... but better so, so much better than either of those.
December 27, 2019
Preface: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant surprise! Honestly, half of the books I review I take on because the description sounds like it'll be a dumpster fire to poke fun at, and this was one of them. I was braced for a lame protag, sucky sulky love interest, cliche destiny bs...the whole nine yards. But this really had none of those things. It was genuinely enjoyable. And, I got a shock when I reached the end and realized the author had written another book I'd absolutely despised and dragged in another review (Red Rider. Don't read it.) This is much, much better than that, so much so it's difficult to believe they were even written by the same person. But I digress.
As I said, the premise lends itself to a lot of cliches, most of which are thwarted. Our protagonist, Kyra, isn't one of those not-like-other girls types. Nor is she sulky, or mopey, or timid. She's pretty forward and brave, without being irritating - except in how she reacts to the love interest, Lucien. She's a reactive jerk to him for some reason, which is puzzling, because he isn't the normal bad-boy type that generally gets that treatment. Lucien is, in fact, pretty refreshing as a love interest. He is definitely set up to be that bad boy type - so much so that I rolled my eyes when he was introduced - but he never actually behaves badly. He's just a quiet nerd who wants to read, and for whatever reason, Kyra is really hostile toward him whenever they interact, until he eventually gains her trust.
Aside from that, Kyra's a-okay. And, as mentioned, Lucien was great as far as love interests go. There is some silly prophecy stuff from a well, and pieces of it are really obvious - delight in darkness, huh, wonder what that could be - but there was a twist that genuinely surprised me and left me interested to see where the involved characters will go in the future.
There are a few weaknesses to the story, however - namely that the plot is pretty threadbare. Kyra is sent to the school because someone is trying to kill her, but that sense of urgency never really reappears until the end. She just kinda piddles around with her new friends doing school stuff until the climax. But, honestly, I didn't mind. Her set of gal pals were nice enough (Lyrica is my fave, the lil airhead), and it was fun learning more about the world. The society stuff was kinda boring/underwhelming, but other than that, it was nice.
The story's one big problem is that parts of it feel /very/ derivative. Let's be honest: Harry Potter set the gold standard for magical school fiction. You would think an author would want to distance themselves from anything that would remind of the reader of Hogwarts, in order to stand out on their own. Not so! Rather, Spellwood Academy contains a number of details that really drag you right back to HP. Revelation of magical heritage via magical letter in the mailbox? Check! Evil society of ambitious elites framed around snakes (literally named Basilisk)? Check! A society all about being smart? Check! Another society about being brave? Check! A society of cuddly nice people that kinda get whatever's left? Check! Evil forest students are supposed to stay clear of? Check! A teacher who seems to have it out for the main protagonist (and teaches the fae equivalent of DADA)? Check! Snobbishness about blood and birthright versus Muggleborn--I mean, middlings? Check! There's more, I just can't remember all the details off-hand.
(For full disclosure, there are two more societies, but one is just the female-evil-elites, and the other is genuinely just weirdos-who-don't-belong.)
Anyway, that's really this book's biggest problem - it kinda stands on the shoulders of giants without actually being more interesting than them. Not that it isn't perfectly serviceable fantasy - because it is. It just doesn't quite stand alone. I'm interested to see where it goes in the future - I feel like it will set itself apart more as the author gets to play with the world. But we'll see! Until then, I'd recommend this book if you're into relatively light, clean fantasy novels without that nasty bad boy stuff. It's not high art by any means, but it's a fun little read.
This book was a pleasant surprise! Honestly, half of the books I review I take on because the description sounds like it'll be a dumpster fire to poke fun at, and this was one of them. I was braced for a lame protag, sucky sulky love interest, cliche destiny bs...the whole nine yards. But this really had none of those things. It was genuinely enjoyable. And, I got a shock when I reached the end and realized the author had written another book I'd absolutely despised and dragged in another review (Red Rider. Don't read it.) This is much, much better than that, so much so it's difficult to believe they were even written by the same person. But I digress.
As I said, the premise lends itself to a lot of cliches, most of which are thwarted. Our protagonist, Kyra, isn't one of those not-like-other girls types. Nor is she sulky, or mopey, or timid. She's pretty forward and brave, without being irritating - except in how she reacts to the love interest, Lucien. She's a reactive jerk to him for some reason, which is puzzling, because he isn't the normal bad-boy type that generally gets that treatment. Lucien is, in fact, pretty refreshing as a love interest. He is definitely set up to be that bad boy type - so much so that I rolled my eyes when he was introduced - but he never actually behaves badly. He's just a quiet nerd who wants to read, and for whatever reason, Kyra is really hostile toward him whenever they interact, until he eventually gains her trust.
Aside from that, Kyra's a-okay. And, as mentioned, Lucien was great as far as love interests go. There is some silly prophecy stuff from a well, and pieces of it are really obvious - delight in darkness, huh, wonder what that could be - but there was a twist that genuinely surprised me and left me interested to see where the involved characters will go in the future.
There are a few weaknesses to the story, however - namely that the plot is pretty threadbare. Kyra is sent to the school because someone is trying to kill her, but that sense of urgency never really reappears until the end. She just kinda piddles around with her new friends doing school stuff until the climax. But, honestly, I didn't mind. Her set of gal pals were nice enough (Lyrica is my fave, the lil airhead), and it was fun learning more about the world. The society stuff was kinda boring/underwhelming, but other than that, it was nice.
The story's one big problem is that parts of it feel /very/ derivative. Let's be honest: Harry Potter set the gold standard for magical school fiction. You would think an author would want to distance themselves from anything that would remind of the reader of Hogwarts, in order to stand out on their own. Not so! Rather, Spellwood Academy contains a number of details that really drag you right back to HP. Revelation of magical heritage via magical letter in the mailbox? Check! Evil society of ambitious elites framed around snakes (literally named Basilisk)? Check! A society all about being smart? Check! Another society about being brave? Check! A society of cuddly nice people that kinda get whatever's left? Check! Evil forest students are supposed to stay clear of? Check! A teacher who seems to have it out for the main protagonist (and teaches the fae equivalent of DADA)? Check! Snobbishness about blood and birthright versus Muggleborn--I mean, middlings? Check! There's more, I just can't remember all the details off-hand.
(For full disclosure, there are two more societies, but one is just the female-evil-elites, and the other is genuinely just weirdos-who-don't-belong.)
Anyway, that's really this book's biggest problem - it kinda stands on the shoulders of giants without actually being more interesting than them. Not that it isn't perfectly serviceable fantasy - because it is. It just doesn't quite stand alone. I'm interested to see where it goes in the future - I feel like it will set itself apart more as the author gets to play with the world. But we'll see! Until then, I'd recommend this book if you're into relatively light, clean fantasy novels without that nasty bad boy stuff. It's not high art by any means, but it's a fun little read.
August 26, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Spellwood Academy series. I borrowed this for my Kindle through Kindle Unlimited.
Story (4/5): The story starts out pretty typical. Kyra finds out she has fae blood after someone tries to kill her and is sent by her mother and grandmother to Spellwood Academy (a school for part-fae) to keep her safe. Spellwood Academy channels very serious Harry Potter vibes but has more of a YA paranormal feel to it than pure fantasy. Kyra has to navigate the school and choose her House and (on the side) try to figure out who is trying to kill her.
The story was fast-paced and fun. In general I enjoyed it. It’s similar to a lot of other YA magic academy types of books out there. I did enjoy the fantasticalness of Spellwood Academy (very Harry Potterish). Although there is a bit more romance here and more beautiful descriptions than in Harry Potter. The book was very short and, aside from Kyra getting to the school and choosing her house, not a ton happens.
Characters (4/5): I like Kyra as a character and really enjoyed her roommate too. The leading male characters that were introduced: Griffin and Lucien were very brooding and mysterious and I enjoyed them as well. Although we are just introduced to the characters in this book, I think they show a lot of potential to be intriguing.
Setting (4/5): I loved the setting of Spellwood Academy. Even though it was very Hogwartish at times, I still really enjoyed it. The setting is a bit darker than I expected and I can’t wait to delve deeper into it.
Writing Style (4/5): This was very easy to read and engaging. This was also very short, it only took me a couple hours to read. This is more of an intro to the story, however I enjoyed the setting, characters, and mystery enough that I plan on continuing the series. Ellison does a good job with creating interesting characters and also created an amazingly imaginative setting for the story. I love some of the mysteries here but we will have to see how the story progresses since this was such a short book it’s hard to judge where the story is going.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this. I love reading about faeries and this book presents some fun characters, an intriguing mystery, interesting magic, and a magical setting. The book is incredibly short but shows promise. I plan on continuing with the series to see how things pan out in the second novel. I would recommend if you like YA books in an academy setting and enjoy magic and faerie.
Story (4/5): The story starts out pretty typical. Kyra finds out she has fae blood after someone tries to kill her and is sent by her mother and grandmother to Spellwood Academy (a school for part-fae) to keep her safe. Spellwood Academy channels very serious Harry Potter vibes but has more of a YA paranormal feel to it than pure fantasy. Kyra has to navigate the school and choose her House and (on the side) try to figure out who is trying to kill her.
The story was fast-paced and fun. In general I enjoyed it. It’s similar to a lot of other YA magic academy types of books out there. I did enjoy the fantasticalness of Spellwood Academy (very Harry Potterish). Although there is a bit more romance here and more beautiful descriptions than in Harry Potter. The book was very short and, aside from Kyra getting to the school and choosing her house, not a ton happens.
Characters (4/5): I like Kyra as a character and really enjoyed her roommate too. The leading male characters that were introduced: Griffin and Lucien were very brooding and mysterious and I enjoyed them as well. Although we are just introduced to the characters in this book, I think they show a lot of potential to be intriguing.
Setting (4/5): I loved the setting of Spellwood Academy. Even though it was very Hogwartish at times, I still really enjoyed it. The setting is a bit darker than I expected and I can’t wait to delve deeper into it.
Writing Style (4/5): This was very easy to read and engaging. This was also very short, it only took me a couple hours to read. This is more of an intro to the story, however I enjoyed the setting, characters, and mystery enough that I plan on continuing the series. Ellison does a good job with creating interesting characters and also created an amazingly imaginative setting for the story. I love some of the mysteries here but we will have to see how the story progresses since this was such a short book it’s hard to judge where the story is going.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this. I love reading about faeries and this book presents some fun characters, an intriguing mystery, interesting magic, and a magical setting. The book is incredibly short but shows promise. I plan on continuing with the series to see how things pan out in the second novel. I would recommend if you like YA books in an academy setting and enjoy magic and faerie.
August 14, 2020
Strong start, Cliff hanger ending, everything in the middle unsatisfactory
My largest complaint with this book was that things only got exciting at the very beginning and at the very end of the book. Everything in between didn’t add anything to the story.
The MC is a bit naive but seems to be a solid human being. I was pleased that the main love interest didn’t follow the typical characteristics of being a brute attractive man.
My other complaint is that the author lacks the ability to paint a picture when she is describing characters or places. It made the read a little dry and I found myself skimming passages to only have to go back to re-reading paragraphs.
That being said the book does have some positive qualities such as an initial strong start and ending the book on a cliff hanger. I haven’t decided if I will read the next installment since I wasn’t over-joyed; however, everyone deserves second chances right?
My largest complaint with this book was that things only got exciting at the very beginning and at the very end of the book. Everything in between didn’t add anything to the story.
The MC is a bit naive but seems to be a solid human being. I was pleased that the main love interest didn’t follow the typical characteristics of being a brute attractive man.
My other complaint is that the author lacks the ability to paint a picture when she is describing characters or places. It made the read a little dry and I found myself skimming passages to only have to go back to re-reading paragraphs.
That being said the book does have some positive qualities such as an initial strong start and ending the book on a cliff hanger. I haven’t decided if I will read the next installment since I wasn’t over-joyed; however, everyone deserves second chances right?
October 4, 2020
So glad I stumbled upon this author! Just my type of book! Mostly lighthearted, entertaining, engaging, and clean. Of course there is magic and some darkness (the main character does have murder attempts against her), some mean girls and mean boys, some kissing, but it's not TOO dark or too sexual... (lately some "YA" books I've read have been psychotically dark and blatantly sexually twisted-to the point of abuse being condoned as good).
I want magical adventure and mystery in an imaginative new world...a sweet romance with a sprinkle of danger... a thrilling escape from our currently dark and depressive world. I'm not looking to plunge myself into an even more dark and depressive world that leaves me feeling disturbed or dirty.
The Spellwood world is magical, and mysterious... a fun read... exactly what I think the YA paranormal genre should be. Happily reading book 2 next and feel it is a book that I would allow my 14 year old daughter to enjoy as well.
I want magical adventure and mystery in an imaginative new world...a sweet romance with a sprinkle of danger... a thrilling escape from our currently dark and depressive world. I'm not looking to plunge myself into an even more dark and depressive world that leaves me feeling disturbed or dirty.
The Spellwood world is magical, and mysterious... a fun read... exactly what I think the YA paranormal genre should be. Happily reading book 2 next and feel it is a book that I would allow my 14 year old daughter to enjoy as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
Great Start to a New Series
With so many authors attempting to create a magical school series of books, it is tough to get a new vision on how to put together the magical school setting and story. Kate Ellison has successfully created the setting and characters that will lead you to not to want to sit down the book until it is done and then immediately regret that you cannot continue the story. As any good story, there are lots of surprise twists and turns and an ever pervading mystery in the background.
Can't wait to read the next one.
With so many authors attempting to create a magical school series of books, it is tough to get a new vision on how to put together the magical school setting and story. Kate Ellison has successfully created the setting and characters that will lead you to not to want to sit down the book until it is done and then immediately regret that you cannot continue the story. As any good story, there are lots of surprise twists and turns and an ever pervading mystery in the background.
Can't wait to read the next one.
March 10, 2022
A deadly game of truth or dare
Fancy almost dying, being told you are Fae and then having g to go to Spell wood Academy. Filled with the typical mean girls, bad boys and nerds except there is magic and someone trying to kill you. Fun times for Kyra and the best is yet to come. Secrets are revealed that put her life in even more danger. Lucien is her friend but he is from the dark court a d even that could be dangerous for Kyra if she makes the wrong decision . I am interested in seeing what happens next and what choices Kyea makes.
Fancy almost dying, being told you are Fae and then having g to go to Spell wood Academy. Filled with the typical mean girls, bad boys and nerds except there is magic and someone trying to kill you. Fun times for Kyra and the best is yet to come. Secrets are revealed that put her life in even more danger. Lucien is her friend but he is from the dark court a d even that could be dangerous for Kyra if she makes the wrong decision . I am interested in seeing what happens next and what choices Kyea makes.
April 26, 2020
needs work
This read like a cheap rip off of Harry Potter. The story was clunky and confusing. Despite it being a short story, it was filled to the brim with unnecessary information. A truck load of info dumping. I liked the concept of Lucien, though. And the fact that the kiss could poison instead of heal. I'm not really interested in reading the next one.
This read like a cheap rip off of Harry Potter. The story was clunky and confusing. Despite it being a short story, it was filled to the brim with unnecessary information. A truck load of info dumping. I liked the concept of Lucien, though. And the fact that the kiss could poison instead of heal. I'm not really interested in reading the next one.
December 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was filled with so much fae lore, magic, secrets, and forbidden romance. It’s very much a Harry Potter meets Cruel Prince sort of deal and it actually worked. The story is solid and the world is unique. Kate Avery Ellison is an awesome writer, and I’m ready for the next one
March 31, 2020
Good read
I read it quickly, I love books like this. A little cliche but still loved it. It needs edited really badly though. Misspelled words were constant. I will probably finish the series though.
I read it quickly, I love books like this. A little cliche but still loved it. It needs edited really badly though. Misspelled words were constant. I will probably finish the series though.
June 17, 2020
Fun Series
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good mix of adventure, love interest, mystery, and fun. I also enjoyed the rest of the books in a series. I'm bad about actually completing a whole series, but this one was engaging and I found myself enjoying them all.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good mix of adventure, love interest, mystery, and fun. I also enjoyed the rest of the books in a series. I'm bad about actually completing a whole series, but this one was engaging and I found myself enjoying them all.
January 10, 2022
Magical!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Quite a bit of mystery, and a load of fantastical fae. The different fae courts enamored me, I have always loved this genre; fantasy that is... The characters have grown on me, and I can't wait to read the next in this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Quite a bit of mystery, and a load of fantastical fae. The different fae courts enamored me, I have always loved this genre; fantasy that is... The characters have grown on me, and I can't wait to read the next in this series!
March 26, 2022
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, if I'm being 100% honest. I was hesitant going into it but I enjoyed it quite a lot. The pacing was quick and very easy to get through. And even though I had a feeling about one of the characters? It was still very fun!
February 17, 2020
This is definitely a YA tale but every bit as engaging as Ellison's other series. She is a gifted writer with fabulous world building skills. 4 stars.
February 22, 2020
Excellent book! Good story, great twists, & a quick read.
April 9, 2020
Super short read but I really enjoyed it. Loved picturing the academy and various different societies.
May 13, 2020
Good story
The story was good. But there are a lot of twist that you dont see coming. Whats to happen to her now?
The story was good. But there are a lot of twist that you dont see coming. Whats to happen to her now?
June 1, 2020
This just felt a little disjointed. I liked the characters, unfortunately it all just fell flat. Once she got her riddle the story was pretty much solved. 2.8 over all
August 7, 2020
Kyra
Knowing now she has magical powers. Will it make her more dangerous or more endangered?
My thoughts go immediately to what Lucien said about a kiss from her will poison him.
Knowing now she has magical powers. Will it make her more dangerous or more endangered?
My thoughts go immediately to what Lucien said about a kiss from her will poison him.
December 20, 2022
Loved it!!!
April 18, 2023
She's doing it again. Kate Avery Ellison is engaging me in a wonderfully imaginative fantasy series. She sure can write! I love how every series she writes in a completely distinct way. I loved this magical, beautifully descriptive story. I sure am glad there are five more for me to read.
August 6, 2023
Vraiment mauvais, je suis désoler, c'est probablement un livre que j'aurais aimé plus jeune, mais aujourdh'ui, c'est juste un non.
August 21, 2024
A pretty decent story, I like the world building and cast of characters. The writing needs to be tightened up, but this was definitely better than that Zodiac Academy dumpster fire.
July 24, 2020
Reviews were spot on about this series - very Harry Potter meets The Cruel Price. Nothing ground breaking but still something fun to sink your teeth in to on a rainy weekend.
3.5 🌟
3.5 🌟
December 10, 2019
Good for YA
It's a solid YA novel, but probably not the type that will draw adults into the series. The characters are somewhat flat and there isn't much plot other than someone trying to kill her.
It's a solid YA novel, but probably not the type that will draw adults into the series. The characters are somewhat flat and there isn't much plot other than someone trying to kill her.
November 11, 2019
I really liked Kyra, the half-human / half-fae (though the latter is newly discovered) lead in Kate Avery Ellison’s Spellwood Academy (first book in the series of the sane name). There are lots of “academy“ series three days. Many are junk. Done are well written but “do what” nothing special. A few are both well written and imaginative enough to be really worth reading. This is one of those few, and it’s easy to recommend.
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