What do you think?
Rate this book
Aiden Cross: Academy Outcast #1
The Loner
I always knew I was different, but I never knew why. My name is Aiden Cross, and if you asked me a month ago if this type of thing existed, an academy for the exceptional, I’d call you a liar.
The supernatural exists, and apparently, I’m one of them. It’s in my DNA, just like all of the other students here at the academy.
I thought it was cool to be around others like me, but it turns out that this school is like high school on steroids. Having powers just makes things worse.
There’s Tristen, a pyro, who bullies me every chance that he gets. His powers are more developed than the rest, so he has no problem pushing me around. If that wasn’t enough, his goons also join in on the fun, especially when Kaci is around. I like her. I think she’s amazing, but I’m pretty sure Tristen likes her, too. And who wouldn’t? She’s smart, funny, resourceful, and can move things with her freaking mind.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why sharing a crush with your nemesis sucks. Him showing off usually means me looking like a loser, and I already have a hard enough time as it is fitting in.
And then, there’s another girl, Summer. A literal ice queen who does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Her parents picked her name as a cruel joke, because anything bright and sunny is like death to her, and to be honest, I don’t even know how she’s still at the academy. I’m sold on the idea that she high-key hates everybody and everything, but we always seem to cross paths at the worst times.
Which…yeah… (Is her hair really jet-black? She has to dye it, right? That’s not natural, right?)
Anyway, my classmates aside, the academy is full of its own challenges. The classes are tough, the exercises are brutal, and to top it off, I’m at a major disadvantage because I can’t access my powers at will, and I'm in the advanced courses.
I’m doing my best to stay afloat, but Tristen isn’t making it easy. The academy is fast-paced, but I still have other things to focus on besides academia, like why I was attacked before I came here and the true nature behind my abilities.
And don’t even get me started on dealing with the wild things that pop up at any given time on this crazy campus.
*This series is not a Harem*
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2019
178 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 25, 2020
Rating 2.5 stars
I liked the idea of this book but the execution was poor. It had all the elements that I love. A guy with superpowers goes to school to learn how to use them. Pretty standard stuff. The specifics are where the author went wrong. I couldn't tell after reading this book the purpose of telling the story.
It feels like the author put a bunch of different popular tropes together but didn't know what he wanted to focus on or where to take the story. It was pretty good in the moment, but the bigger picture was very much lacking.
I liked the idea of this book but the execution was poor. It had all the elements that I love. A guy with superpowers goes to school to learn how to use them. Pretty standard stuff. The specifics are where the author went wrong. I couldn't tell after reading this book the purpose of telling the story.
It feels like the author put a bunch of different popular tropes together but didn't know what he wanted to focus on or where to take the story. It was pretty good in the moment, but the bigger picture was very much lacking.
November 27, 2019
I had so much fun with this book! Alex really showed some real talent for writing about college kids with powers. Aiden is an interesting young man who had a troubled upbringing, without it being your usual abuse type past. His past caused his issues with his power and watching him learn to overcome these issues endeared him to me. The rest of the crew have some very diversified personalities (I've developed a favorite in Summer!), and the school had some interesting ways of teaching the use of powers. There is drama among the students without it being angst, which I personally appreciate since there's nothing I dislike more than teenage angst. But there certainly were some growing pains, and Alex handled those really well. If I could just do something about the word "manifest" I'd be one happy camper!
I'm very pleased with this book, and it's books like this that have me enjoying this Academy genre which is fairly new to me. I'm definitely excited waiting for book two!
Very well done, Alex. Truly, very well done!
I received this book as an ARC and give this review of my own volition and in my own words. As always.
I'm very pleased with this book, and it's books like this that have me enjoying this Academy genre which is fairly new to me. I'm definitely excited waiting for book two!
Very well done, Alex. Truly, very well done!
I received this book as an ARC and give this review of my own volition and in my own words. As always.
November 21, 2019
A supercharged, magical book. Aiden is an awesome character. The academy is very amazing and the classes, especially their combat training one is excellent. The supernatural magic is too good and I love it. Very amazing start to an awesome series.
I received a review copy for my honest review.
I received a review copy for my honest review.
November 18, 2019
What an amazing story. Aiden never thought a supernatural like him existed, how wrong. There’s definitely more. Intriguing story all the way. Can’t wait for more.
March 2, 2020
Secret school for kids with abilities
Many academy books I read our kids in adult situations. While this school has a combat class, it definitely reads like kids in high school. I wish more was said about his family. Yes he was adopted, but it feels like he almost has a disconnect from them. Granted, they died so it could be his trauma from that incident. This book makes a great introduction to the series, and isn't overwhelming . A few potential issues are introduced and it will be interesting to see where the series goes next.
Many academy books I read our kids in adult situations. While this school has a combat class, it definitely reads like kids in high school. I wish more was said about his family. Yes he was adopted, but it feels like he almost has a disconnect from them. Granted, they died so it could be his trauma from that incident. This book makes a great introduction to the series, and isn't overwhelming . A few potential issues are introduced and it will be interesting to see where the series goes next.
March 6, 2020
I picked this book up because of the blurb and the cover. I adored Adien and his story, it was engaging and pulled me in from the first page. His journey through finding his ability and everything else that the academy threw at him, was amazingly written and beautifully crafted. It was a quick read because once I started, I didn't want to put it down. I adored the book and will be looking forward to the sequel! Highly recommended!
November 27, 2019
If your looking for an fast paced read. That grabbed me from the first page to the last and had me on the edge of my seat, I definitely recommend this read. The Author has done a fantastic job at bringing The story to fruition. And the scenes are written so well I could picture the scenes in my minds eye. The Characters are developed well. I highly recommend.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
December 13, 2019
I still have so many questions about Aiden's powers, but what a great book! I love reading about this from the point of view of someone with so much insight. Often you'll read about someone with powers who has no idea what is happening, so this is refreshing. I loved the plot and can't wait for book two!
November 24, 2020
The overall story is enjoyable however at times the background details feel lost. Better character description on the characters and background would be helpful in following the story. However, the action sequences are well written and thought out leading to some intense and continue interest.
July 13, 2020
Great story!
I absolutely loved this story. Can't wait to read the second one! Even bought the preorder already :)
If you love magic academy books check this one out :)
I absolutely loved this story. Can't wait to read the second one! Even bought the preorder already :)
If you love magic academy books check this one out :)
January 6, 2021
Great start
Nice story line . good character development . Entertaining and involving . Refreshing having male main character . . .
Nice story line . good character development . Entertaining and involving . Refreshing having male main character . . .
April 26, 2020
Having a super power is no walk in the park.
Aiden is sent to the academy after investing the killers of his adopted parents. He had no idea about his powers, or how to get them to work, already at a disadvantage he dwells from several attacks by his classmates.
Learning to control his powers is not as easy as he hoped. However he has friends on his side who help him.
No-one can help when a student on an illegal drug attacks him and he finds the strength to overcome the problem.
An excellent book that brings together power and strength, with a running theme against the power of illegal drugs.
Aiden is sent to the academy after investing the killers of his adopted parents. He had no idea about his powers, or how to get them to work, already at a disadvantage he dwells from several attacks by his classmates.
Learning to control his powers is not as easy as he hoped. However he has friends on his side who help him.
No-one can help when a student on an illegal drug attacks him and he finds the strength to overcome the problem.
An excellent book that brings together power and strength, with a running theme against the power of illegal drugs.
October 8, 2022
Orphaned and alone, Aiden finds himself in a magical academy.
This was a fun magical academy read to get lost in. It barely scratched the surface and I honestly can’t wait to return and read book 2. It was reminiscent of Harry Potter due to magic and academy but it was different. I liked Aiden and Summer! Aiden is trying to redeem himself at a new school and find his magical talents. New school, bullies, and drama. What more can you ask for?
I couldn’t help but love Aiden’s character.
The narrator, Jake McAskill did a wonderful job brining the characters to life.
This is a very promising new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This was a fun magical academy read to get lost in. It barely scratched the surface and I honestly can’t wait to return and read book 2. It was reminiscent of Harry Potter due to magic and academy but it was different. I liked Aiden and Summer! Aiden is trying to redeem himself at a new school and find his magical talents. New school, bullies, and drama. What more can you ask for?
I couldn’t help but love Aiden’s character.
The narrator, Jake McAskill did a wonderful job brining the characters to life.
This is a very promising new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
June 29, 2020
Good beginning
I believe this is a good beginning to a hopefully great series. The story flowed very smoothly, and before I knew it I was done with the book. There were a few spelling errors, but that happens. I just hope that the other books are individually longer, but that’s just a reader hoping that the book doesn’t end!
Thank you Alex
I believe this is a good beginning to a hopefully great series. The story flowed very smoothly, and before I knew it I was done with the book. There were a few spelling errors, but that happens. I just hope that the other books are individually longer, but that’s just a reader hoping that the book doesn’t end!
Thank you Alex
August 29, 2020
Alex Villavasso has created an awesome world of superheros in training that did a great job of tying in the training/academia of fantasy and world building. I truly enjoyed the challenges the main character Aiden had to overcome, and I'm excited to read book 2 which i've already purchased. Great things to come from this series!!
December 12, 2021
Academy Superhero
I gave this book five stars because there was good constant action that moved the plot along. Character development was excellent. Main characters showed growth as well as having to deal with a few flaws. I definitely will look for this writer again and I can't wait for the next book.
I gave this book five stars because there was good constant action that moved the plot along. Character development was excellent. Main characters showed growth as well as having to deal with a few flaws. I definitely will look for this writer again and I can't wait for the next book.
Read
June 15, 2020Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!!
Great book, already caught my attention with powers and training but with “real” people who aren’t like most anime’s. And Aiden being an underdog reminded me Midoriya from My Hero so i was locked in.
Great book, already caught my attention with powers and training but with “real” people who aren’t like most anime’s. And Aiden being an underdog reminded me Midoriya from My Hero so i was locked in.
January 15, 2020
A short and pleasant read. And I'm curious enough to seek out the next one.
May 2, 2020
Not my cup of tea
June 22, 2022
Nice book
I always love books about powers. The only complaint I have is that it's to short. I could have kept reading more I'm just glad there are more books
I always love books about powers. The only complaint I have is that it's to short. I could have kept reading more I'm just glad there are more books
December 2, 2019
This is book one in the Aiden Cross Academy Outcast series and sees Aiden a couple of weeks into the advanced course at a high school for the magical blessed. A few weeks before, Aiden had never even heard of such a school and didn’t even know that he had any magical powers. The first occurrence was during a stressful situation when his parents were killed in front of him. His uncle has some magical ability or more like knowledge, and managed to get him into this academy, where he is a total outcast! Every other student has control of their powers and can use them at will.
This had led to Aiden being a loner, but not keeping him out of the way of the academy bully Tristen and his followers. Every chance they have, they pick on him, trip him up or try to knock into him accidently on purpose! Basically bullies, one and all. Now one of they all have one of their advanced classes, Advanced Battle Tactics, where they practising using their powers in actual battle situations. One of his team Summer, wonders why they are being trained in battles and what the academy is training them for! Summer is an icy figure, with power to project ice as her magic power.
The girl Aiden really likes, Kaci, has no idea. Kaci is always around whenever Tristen seems to act out and make Aiden look like a fool, so maybe he likes her as well? Tristen and Kaci end up on the opposing team to Aiden and his two teammates for the first battle. Trying to stay out of Tristen’s way is now not even an option! Whether he can survive or learn how to access his powers in time, is for the reader to find out. Thus is certainly setting up as a great start to a series and one that I will definitely be looking out for more from. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and I have given my own opinion of the book above.
This had led to Aiden being a loner, but not keeping him out of the way of the academy bully Tristen and his followers. Every chance they have, they pick on him, trip him up or try to knock into him accidently on purpose! Basically bullies, one and all. Now one of they all have one of their advanced classes, Advanced Battle Tactics, where they practising using their powers in actual battle situations. One of his team Summer, wonders why they are being trained in battles and what the academy is training them for! Summer is an icy figure, with power to project ice as her magic power.
The girl Aiden really likes, Kaci, has no idea. Kaci is always around whenever Tristen seems to act out and make Aiden look like a fool, so maybe he likes her as well? Tristen and Kaci end up on the opposing team to Aiden and his two teammates for the first battle. Trying to stay out of Tristen’s way is now not even an option! Whether he can survive or learn how to access his powers in time, is for the reader to find out. Thus is certainly setting up as a great start to a series and one that I will definitely be looking out for more from. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and I have given my own opinion of the book above.
November 21, 2019
I always knew I was different, but I never knew why. My name is Aiden Cross, and if you asked me a month ago if this type of thing existed, an academy for the exceptional, I’d call you a liar.
The supernatural exists, and apparently, I’m one of them. It’s in my DNA, just like all of the other students here at the academy.
I thought it was cool to be around others like me, but it turns out that this school is like high school on steroids. Having powers just makes things worse.
There’s Tristen, a pyro, who bullies me every chance that he gets. His powers are more developed than the rest, so he has no problem pushing me around. If that wasn’t enough, his goons also join in on the fun, especially when Kaci is around. I like her. I think she’s amazing, but I’m pretty sure Tristen likes her, too. And who wouldn’t? She’s smart, funny, resourceful, and can move things with her freaking mind.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why sharing a crush with your nemesis sucks. Him showing off usually means me looking like a loser, and I already have a hard enough time as it is fitting in.
And then, there’s another girl, Summer. A literal ice queen who does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Her parents picked her name as a cruel joke, because anything bright and sunny is like death to her, and to be honest, I don’t even know how she’s still at the academy. I’m sold on the idea that she high-key hates everybody and everything, but we always seem to cross paths at the worst times.
Which…yeah… (Is her hair really jet-black? She has to dye it, right? That’s not natural, right?)
Anyway, my classmates aside, the academy is full of its own challenges. The classes are tough, the exercises are brutal, and to top it off, I’m at a major disadvantage because I can’t access my powers at will, and I'm in the advanced courses.
I’m doing my best to stay afloat, but Tristen isn’t making it easy. The academy is fast-paced, but I still have other things to focus on besides academia, like why I was attacked before I came here and the true nature behind my abilities.
And don’t even get me started on dealing with the wild things that pop up at any given time on this crazy campus.
What a wonderful new series starter!!
The author has done an excellent job at writing about academy life.
The plot and story line were excellent for me. Wonderful world building in this as well
The characters have been written so well and there are very many different types in this so it keeps you on your toes.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next on their journeys.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The supernatural exists, and apparently, I’m one of them. It’s in my DNA, just like all of the other students here at the academy.
I thought it was cool to be around others like me, but it turns out that this school is like high school on steroids. Having powers just makes things worse.
There’s Tristen, a pyro, who bullies me every chance that he gets. His powers are more developed than the rest, so he has no problem pushing me around. If that wasn’t enough, his goons also join in on the fun, especially when Kaci is around. I like her. I think she’s amazing, but I’m pretty sure Tristen likes her, too. And who wouldn’t? She’s smart, funny, resourceful, and can move things with her freaking mind.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why sharing a crush with your nemesis sucks. Him showing off usually means me looking like a loser, and I already have a hard enough time as it is fitting in.
And then, there’s another girl, Summer. A literal ice queen who does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Her parents picked her name as a cruel joke, because anything bright and sunny is like death to her, and to be honest, I don’t even know how she’s still at the academy. I’m sold on the idea that she high-key hates everybody and everything, but we always seem to cross paths at the worst times.
Which…yeah… (Is her hair really jet-black? She has to dye it, right? That’s not natural, right?)
Anyway, my classmates aside, the academy is full of its own challenges. The classes are tough, the exercises are brutal, and to top it off, I’m at a major disadvantage because I can’t access my powers at will, and I'm in the advanced courses.
I’m doing my best to stay afloat, but Tristen isn’t making it easy. The academy is fast-paced, but I still have other things to focus on besides academia, like why I was attacked before I came here and the true nature behind my abilities.
And don’t even get me started on dealing with the wild things that pop up at any given time on this crazy campus.
What a wonderful new series starter!!
The author has done an excellent job at writing about academy life.
The plot and story line were excellent for me. Wonderful world building in this as well
The characters have been written so well and there are very many different types in this so it keeps you on your toes.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next on their journeys.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 3, 2019
Aiden Cross Academy Outcast-
Aiden has powers he can not manifest himself, but they happen during times of extreme stress, and he is in a school for those with powers. Read and see how he deals with it all.
This is a great start to a new series, one which is highly recommended.
Received this ARC and am leaving an honest review.
Aiden has powers he can not manifest himself, but they happen during times of extreme stress, and he is in a school for those with powers. Read and see how he deals with it all.
This is a great start to a new series, one which is highly recommended.
Received this ARC and am leaving an honest review.
December 4, 2019
What a brilliant realistic book - not usually my go-to genre but I thoroughly enjoyed this read and felt like I could imagine the academy in my head. I really got into the story and involves with the characters and I cannot wait to read book 2!
December 2, 2019
I like the story. It still is school though. I liked Aidens attitude. At first he was shy then he gained more confidence in himself. He worked very hard. The school year is not over yet. I wounder will the next book start from were it ended or will it began in the next year. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
December 1, 2019
This is just awesome! Fast paced and filled with action, drama and passion this world that the author has built is fantastic and will hook you from the very start! Great storyline with relatable characters, I could not put this down and cannot wait for the next book!
November 30, 2019
There is a slow start to this family-friendly tale of academy (roughly college) life that can be read in less than a day. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
November 25, 2019
Alex Villavasso definitely knows how to do paranormal well, and his take on the new trend of “academy” stories is a real doozy (that’s a very good thing) of a fun tale. The Loner (Aiden Cross: Academy Outcast, Book 1) is a perfectly plotted and very imaginative supernatural superhero academy story which actually presents a believable setting and story for this sort of tale, an impressive achievement in my opinion. I really enjoyed following along with Aiden across the (e-)pages of this book and am very much looking forward to the series’ continuation.
November 24, 2019
A fantastic and exciting start of series. My attention was held through out the book and I had a hard time putting it down. I became extremeley invested in Aiden's journey and I am excited to learn more about him and his class mates - especially Summer, that girl has many layers under her icey persona! I really like the world the author has created - it is original and unlike the other Academy series out there. I can't wait for more!
May 9, 2020
Great Opening Book
A coming of age tail with a unique magic system, likable characters and well written. I can't wait for the next book
A coming of age tail with a unique magic system, likable characters and well written. I can't wait for the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews