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Blackbriar Academy #2
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy
I made it through the trials, but now the real test begins.
Year One classes have begun in the enchanted halls of Blackbriar Academy, and they're more challenging than anything I've ever faced in my life. Surviving the Academy means brutal training, advanced magic, and a bloodthirsty student who is developing a dangerous hunger for my power.
Worst of all, it's clear someone knows my secret. And they have my father locked away.
Deep in the rubble of an ancient ruin, we find evidence of a ritual. One we don't fully understand, but one which most definitely involves me in some way. And as time runs out, we have to find out who's behind this before they kill everyone I love.
The traps are set. The clock is ticking. And I absolutely must save my father before he's slaughtered.
God help whoever dares hurt him. I'm not the weak, naive girl I was when I came to Blackbriar.
My magic has never been stronger, and I've never had more control. I don't care if I risk going dark—I'll do whatever it takes to save the only family I have left.
Or die trying.
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy is a full-length novel with a powerfully magical heroine, a riveting storyline, and an alternative relationship dynamic that supports our badass heroine's right to choose more than one man. Get ready for a breathtaking story, soulmate romance, lip-biting love scenes, mind-blowing magic, one kickass heroine, four gorgeous men, lots of toned muscles, fights to the death, and edge-of-your-seat action. This is a heart-pounding story filled with an academy fantasy romance unlike anything you’ve read before.
Buckle in for heart-pounding action, breathtaking magic, deadly assassins, four drop-dead gorgeous leading men, lots of toned muscles, and most importantly—a young woman’s journey of justice, self-discovery, and freedom.
READ THE WHOLE SERIES
The Blackbriar Academy: a riveting and addictive academy fantasy romance series.
Book 1: The Trials of Blackbriar Academy
Book 2: The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy
Book 3: The Hex of Blackbriar Academy (Aug 2019)
Book 4: The Blood Oath of Blackbriar Academy (Sept 2019)
Book 5: The Battle for Blackbriar Academy (Oct 2019)
Publisher’s Note: The Blackbriar Academy saga is a reverse harem fantasy romance series with explicit scenes and is meant for mature readers who enjoy spellbinding stories with a few very steamy, fan-your-face moments in their fantasy fiction.
Year One classes have begun in the enchanted halls of Blackbriar Academy, and they're more challenging than anything I've ever faced in my life. Surviving the Academy means brutal training, advanced magic, and a bloodthirsty student who is developing a dangerous hunger for my power.
Worst of all, it's clear someone knows my secret. And they have my father locked away.
Deep in the rubble of an ancient ruin, we find evidence of a ritual. One we don't fully understand, but one which most definitely involves me in some way. And as time runs out, we have to find out who's behind this before they kill everyone I love.
The traps are set. The clock is ticking. And I absolutely must save my father before he's slaughtered.
God help whoever dares hurt him. I'm not the weak, naive girl I was when I came to Blackbriar.
My magic has never been stronger, and I've never had more control. I don't care if I risk going dark—I'll do whatever it takes to save the only family I have left.
Or die trying.
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy is a full-length novel with a powerfully magical heroine, a riveting storyline, and an alternative relationship dynamic that supports our badass heroine's right to choose more than one man. Get ready for a breathtaking story, soulmate romance, lip-biting love scenes, mind-blowing magic, one kickass heroine, four gorgeous men, lots of toned muscles, fights to the death, and edge-of-your-seat action. This is a heart-pounding story filled with an academy fantasy romance unlike anything you’ve read before.
Buckle in for heart-pounding action, breathtaking magic, deadly assassins, four drop-dead gorgeous leading men, lots of toned muscles, and most importantly—a young woman’s journey of justice, self-discovery, and freedom.
READ THE WHOLE SERIES
The Blackbriar Academy: a riveting and addictive academy fantasy romance series.
Book 1: The Trials of Blackbriar Academy
Book 2: The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy
Book 3: The Hex of Blackbriar Academy (Aug 2019)
Book 4: The Blood Oath of Blackbriar Academy (Sept 2019)
Book 5: The Battle for Blackbriar Academy (Oct 2019)
Publisher’s Note: The Blackbriar Academy saga is a reverse harem fantasy romance series with explicit scenes and is meant for mature readers who enjoy spellbinding stories with a few very steamy, fan-your-face moments in their fantasy fiction.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2019
683 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Ash
36 books196 followersBadass heroines. Sexy leading men. Steamy romance. And, of course, heart-pounding adventure filled with magic, whimsey, humor, and justice.
Olivia Ash spends her time dreaming up the perfect men to challenge, love, and protect her strong heroines (who actually don’t need protecting at all).
Reviews are the best way to show Olivia that you care about her stories and want other people to discover them. If you enjoyed any of her novels, please consider leaving a review here on Amazon. Every review helps her and she appreciates the time you take to write them.
Olivia Ash spends her time dreaming up the perfect men to challenge, love, and protect her strong heroines (who actually don’t need protecting at all).
Reviews are the best way to show Olivia that you care about her stories and want other people to discover them. If you enjoyed any of her novels, please consider leaving a review here on Amazon. Every review helps her and she appreciates the time you take to write them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 24, 2019
DNF @ 11%
The first book was good but somehow i’m struggling to read this one:(
The first book was good but somehow i’m struggling to read this one:(
April 21, 2021
Well, I definitely did not like this book as much as the first book. Things began to annoy me, and when that starts to happen...it's never a good thing. For one thing, there was the overuse of certain phrases or actions- for example, the female MC Wren must have "giggled" at least once a paragraph. I'm exaggerating, but once it started bothering me, it happened OVER and OVER.
Then, there is the phrase, "a pinch forms in the middle of my forehead" between that and, "he pinches the bridge of his nose" those phrases were repeated over 20 times...that I counted. I am NOT a reader that cares that much about grammar or mistakes, so if something gets to the point that it bothers me, then there is definitely something there.
This book just seemed to have a lot of fluff. There is just not really anything in this book that moves the plot forward until the very end. Yes, she sleeps with Jessie, so now there are two. But even that takes a while to happen. It is also fairly obvious who a certain "bad guy" is and I cannot believe that Wren cannot see it.
To me, the world building was also lacking. There were many opportunities to spend time going over things to help the reader, but that never happens. Here is just one little example: Anderson is at the Academy because of a Treaty, yet he is a danger. He is a magic stealer. He has no magic but is a magical entity? Are there more like him? What treaty, was there a war? Can he work magic at all? Things like that bothered me. We are just given information without any background to help build the world.
So, I enjoyed it for a couple of books, but I think that I will consider this series complete.
Then, there is the phrase, "a pinch forms in the middle of my forehead" between that and, "he pinches the bridge of his nose" those phrases were repeated over 20 times...that I counted. I am NOT a reader that cares that much about grammar or mistakes, so if something gets to the point that it bothers me, then there is definitely something there.
This book just seemed to have a lot of fluff. There is just not really anything in this book that moves the plot forward until the very end. Yes, she sleeps with Jessie, so now there are two. But even that takes a while to happen. It is also fairly obvious who a certain "bad guy" is and I cannot believe that Wren cannot see it.
To me, the world building was also lacking. There were many opportunities to spend time going over things to help the reader, but that never happens. Here is just one little example: Anderson is at the Academy because of a Treaty, yet he is a danger. He is a magic stealer. He has no magic but is a magical entity? Are there more like him? What treaty, was there a war? Can he work magic at all? Things like that bothered me. We are just given information without any background to help build the world.
So, I enjoyed it for a couple of books, but I think that I will consider this series complete.
July 7, 2019
I had issues with the first one so I probably should have skipped the rest of this series. This second installment just dialed up the rushed, sloppy feel of the first and compounded it.
My entire takeaway from both of these books is that the series is a slapped together attempt to capitalize on the RH academy trend currently happening and really doesn’t give much value to plot and character.
I skipped SO many passages that were just filler and repetitive content, and not even information that mattered to the plot or characters. There are pages of dialogue that lead to nothing. I don’t care that you wandered into a garden to talk to a boy and then left. It adds nothing to the story. This books has so much useless fluff that never moves the story forward.
There are also some really obvious villains and willful ignorance about them on the part of the MC, who is supposed to be intelligent and badass, but she’s just meh. She keeps repeating “mess with the bull, get the horns” about herself which is not only trite af but more than once in a book? Weird. She also never really follows it up with any good action. She says over and over how she’s not going to stand for things happening to her family and yet...does nothing? Other than engage in truly awkward dialogue.
The relationship with the headmaster is wonky at best. There are two other younger guys she’s into but they seem extraneous tbh. Soren is interesting tho. I’d read a book about him instead.
My entire takeaway from both of these books is that the series is a slapped together attempt to capitalize on the RH academy trend currently happening and really doesn’t give much value to plot and character.
I skipped SO many passages that were just filler and repetitive content, and not even information that mattered to the plot or characters. There are pages of dialogue that lead to nothing. I don’t care that you wandered into a garden to talk to a boy and then left. It adds nothing to the story. This books has so much useless fluff that never moves the story forward.
There are also some really obvious villains and willful ignorance about them on the part of the MC, who is supposed to be intelligent and badass, but she’s just meh. She keeps repeating “mess with the bull, get the horns” about herself which is not only trite af but more than once in a book? Weird. She also never really follows it up with any good action. She says over and over how she’s not going to stand for things happening to her family and yet...does nothing? Other than engage in truly awkward dialogue.
The relationship with the headmaster is wonky at best. There are two other younger guys she’s into but they seem extraneous tbh. Soren is interesting tho. I’d read a book about him instead.
January 12, 2024
I loved this book and will return to read more books from this author.
August 30, 2019
Good fun read. I do sort of feel like this is a spin off from a main series because there are things mentioned that are never fully explained like the capabilities of magic and different types. The relationship is progressing but feels kinda stilted with some guys like she is dating one at a time not all of them. Also they never disscus the boundaries of their relationship or the social impacts and views which is kinda unrealistic. The headmaster/student thing is sort of weird as well because he's super young apparently? Not sure how I feel about it. Also her relationship with Milo and Gideon feels like they kissed once, had UST every two seconds and never spoke about the relationships or personal lives but would now die for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2022
AMAZING MUST READ SERIES
This series was suggested to me to read with the reverse harem in it. It's not to steamy to where your like oh okay that graphic , yes yes I like those also but it is still spicy for the not to graphic and dirty minds. The relationships shes building is nice to see as well. I cant wait to read the next book which be right after I leave this review !!
This series was suggested to me to read with the reverse harem in it. It's not to steamy to where your like oh okay that graphic , yes yes I like those also but it is still spicy for the not to graphic and dirty minds. The relationships shes building is nice to see as well. I cant wait to read the next book which be right after I leave this review !!
November 25, 2022
Compelling mystery plot.
Some light and some more serious moments, I liked it. The prose reminds me of Percy Jackson, it swings between light and serious without kissing a beat!
Some light and some more serious moments, I liked it. The prose reminds me of Percy Jackson, it swings between light and serious without kissing a beat!
March 27, 2021
I liked this book, just not quite as much as the first book in the series. I think part of it is Wren’s stubbornness when training, and planning. I don’t think the guys are treating her like a porcelain doll. I think they have some valid concerns, and ideas, but she refuses to listen to them because she thinks she’s all big and strong and can take care of herself. Although that storyline seems inevitable in most academy series.
She has finally sealed the deal with Jesse, and that made me so happy. I do love all her men, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that Jesse was my favorite. He is just so charming. Although, I kinda can’t wait for her turn with Gideon. But I think Milo will be next. I’m not mad about it. At all. While reverse harems aren’t really my thing, this one seems more like what a harem is, to me. Multiple partners, but not all at the same time.
One thing I do really miss, is a mean girl. Sure, Anderson causes the tension that would normally be supplied by a mean girl, but it’s a different kind of tension. I love the envious, jealous type of tension that a mean girl in love with, say, Soren would have provided.
I do recommend this book, and the series, to anyone that is a fan of academy books.
She has finally sealed the deal with Jesse, and that made me so happy. I do love all her men, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that Jesse was my favorite. He is just so charming. Although, I kinda can’t wait for her turn with Gideon. But I think Milo will be next. I’m not mad about it. At all. While reverse harems aren’t really my thing, this one seems more like what a harem is, to me. Multiple partners, but not all at the same time.
One thing I do really miss, is a mean girl. Sure, Anderson causes the tension that would normally be supplied by a mean girl, but it’s a different kind of tension. I love the envious, jealous type of tension that a mean girl in love with, say, Soren would have provided.
I do recommend this book, and the series, to anyone that is a fan of academy books.
February 8, 2020
It's just so good! *contains spoilers*
Wren really grew in this book and so did her men. I love that they are training her so fiercely. Finally getting to see her with Jesse was amazing! Whew! Those moments were on fire!
Anderson is a slimy thing. I'm glad he won't be at the school anymore, but I fear his knowledge of Wren is going to cause some serious problems.
Gideon is possibly my favorite, but honestly the guys are all so different and each bring a wonder element to the table. Jesse is a total goofball and I absolutely love that! Milo is so darn sweet! I could go into more on him but I believe I'll save that for now. Soren is so full of fire and passion!
Something is completely off with Wren's aunt... I am not getting good vibes there and honestly the fact that Deacon knew her doesn't sit well with me.
I love the world that Olivia has made in this series! It is so beautiful and mystical. I need to know more about the gnomes...
Wren really grew in this book and so did her men. I love that they are training her so fiercely. Finally getting to see her with Jesse was amazing! Whew! Those moments were on fire!
Anderson is a slimy thing. I'm glad he won't be at the school anymore, but I fear his knowledge of Wren is going to cause some serious problems.
Gideon is possibly my favorite, but honestly the guys are all so different and each bring a wonder element to the table. Jesse is a total goofball and I absolutely love that! Milo is so darn sweet! I could go into more on him but I believe I'll save that for now. Soren is so full of fire and passion!
Something is completely off with Wren's aunt... I am not getting good vibes there and honestly the fact that Deacon knew her doesn't sit well with me.
I love the world that Olivia has made in this series! It is so beautiful and mystical. I need to know more about the gnomes...
November 9, 2022
Took me longer than most books to get through, it just didn't hold my attention for long but I had already invested so much time I was determined to see the series through.
I find the story okay if a little bland but how many times can a girl chuckle? It was like almost every paragraph at one point and became annoying.
The story is totally unbelievable , I mean what headmaster would be openly kissing a student? But then this is fantasy so yeah..
I find the story okay if a little bland but how many times can a girl chuckle? It was like almost every paragraph at one point and became annoying.
The story is totally unbelievable , I mean what headmaster would be openly kissing a student? But then this is fantasy so yeah..
November 14, 2022
3.5 - Loved the first book, but this book spoke in circles. The amount of times the main character mentions adoring her men was frustrating. The concept is still great, I just wish more progression had been done in the characters relationship with each other instead of the constant circles of adoring men and training etc. I’m excited to read the next book.
May 6, 2021
Ok so this Idiot made love with two different guys, oh and that is not all she also made out with 2 other completely different guys, multiple times. But, I really like the plot. Might keep reading the series might not. Have fun!
May 20, 2021
Skipped to the end
Same stuff different book. Everybody tries to keep Wren safe and she refuses with complete disregard for her safety. Over and over and over again. I can’t read the same thing over and over again.
Same stuff different book. Everybody tries to keep Wren safe and she refuses with complete disregard for her safety. Over and over and over again. I can’t read the same thing over and over again.
August 26, 2023
I will never know how this series ends because I can’t take another chuckle, bottom lip bite, and heat between her legs. I really enjoy the action storyline but how the heck are “her men” ok with her jumping in one bed to the next?!
January 18, 2024
I actually listened to the audiobook, which doesn't seem to be an option here. Not a bad story, and well read, but it seems like it took awfully long to get to where it went, with some excessively long scenes.
February 8, 2021
Pretty good
Some of the phrases are repeat a little to much, but not enough for me not to want to know what happens next.
Some of the phrases are repeat a little to much, but not enough for me not to want to know what happens next.
May 17, 2021
25% DNF. It was just blah.
June 30, 2021
This book is just so cheesy. Too many overused phrases, cliches and fluff…I didn’t DNF but I skimmed through the last 20%.
October 20, 2021
worse than the first.
November 4, 2022
Great
So I'm loving this series so far and I can't wait to see what happens with them all next they have gotten closer and she has gotten better at her magic and they as a team
So I'm loving this series so far and I can't wait to see what happens with them all next they have gotten closer and she has gotten better at her magic and they as a team
August 11, 2024
I just got finished listening to this on audible. It was a great book to listen to while bustling about the house. I had so much cleaning to do, and listening this book made it so much easier to get done.
This book series is turning into a reverse harem with tons of action and magic. I'm loving it, and can't wait to listen to the next book.
This book series is turning into a reverse harem with tons of action and magic. I'm loving it, and can't wait to listen to the next book.
September 11, 2024
Wow
I am enjoying this series and I can not wait to see how it all continues to play out from here
I am enjoying this series and I can not wait to see how it all continues to play out from here
January 24, 2020
This is such a great sequel to The Trials of Blackbiar Academy. I can't wait for the next one to be released.
January 10, 2020
Audio book review
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy Is book 2 in the series. It picks up where book 1 ends . Wren and her four guys .
Wren needs to train to find her father and save him. Wren and her guys need to win over the black shadow creatures . In this book 2 there is a lot of fighting training . Wren still has a strain relationship with her Aunt . I think her aunt is up to something.
Wren saves her father but is her father playing dirty with magic .
Amanda Dolan performance was great. Voice is strong and smooth
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy Is book 2 in the series. It picks up where book 1 ends . Wren and her four guys .
Wren needs to train to find her father and save him. Wren and her guys need to win over the black shadow creatures . In this book 2 there is a lot of fighting training . Wren still has a strain relationship with her Aunt . I think her aunt is up to something.
Wren saves her father but is her father playing dirty with magic .
Amanda Dolan performance was great. Voice is strong and smooth
January 13, 2020
What a great series. I love all of it!!
December 27, 2019
Slow
Yea I said it, this book is so slow! I love the story line, Wren and all four of her hot guys, but good grief everything is moving so slowly I actually stopped reading for a while and read other books. Hopefully; the rest of the books move a little faster.
Yea I said it, this book is so slow! I love the story line, Wren and all four of her hot guys, but good grief everything is moving so slowly I actually stopped reading for a while and read other books. Hopefully; the rest of the books move a little faster.
July 2, 2019
All in all, I enjoyed the book very much. I like all of Wren's posse/harem. In this book she and Soren grow even closer as they train and make love. Jesse is finally able to gain ground and get his chances to wow her. Milo proves himself to be an intricate part of the group as he is able to use his "nerdness" to great advantage. Gideon must remain slightly aloof as he is the headmaster, but he gets his chance to train Wren when Soren is out of town. Samantha is a surprise when she shows up at the exact time her help is needed during a battle.
Wren is on a mission to find her father before his captors manage to weaken him to the point of death, and her team has to rein her in on more than one occasion. She has to learn how to work with a team and use her magic along with her fighting skills. Her father's sister, Aunt Patricia, shows up to visit several times, and Wren can't manage to get a good read on her intentions. Her aunt is aloof and polished, but she seems to be hiding something. Wren is afraid to confide in her about her father's situation. We also have Anderson still hanging around trying to steal power from Wren. This book ends with many questions still unanswered.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Wren is on a mission to find her father before his captors manage to weaken him to the point of death, and her team has to rein her in on more than one occasion. She has to learn how to work with a team and use her magic along with her fighting skills. Her father's sister, Aunt Patricia, shows up to visit several times, and Wren can't manage to get a good read on her intentions. Her aunt is aloof and polished, but she seems to be hiding something. Wren is afraid to confide in her about her father's situation. We also have Anderson still hanging around trying to steal power from Wren. This book ends with many questions still unanswered.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
July 7, 2019
I love everything about Blackbriar Academy, Olivia Ash’a fantastic academy reverse harem fantasy romance adventure series. I want to be Wren, she’s becoming just the sort of kick-a** and take no prisoners type of gal I wish I was, and her guys? Oh. Dear. Lord. I don’t know which one I prefer the mist but I do know that Soren, Gideon, Jesse, and Milo are one sweet package. Following along as they deal with everything in the latest series book,
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy, is one extended pleasure rush. Super exciting thrills and action plus great paranormal action in a wonderfully plotted story that well written and filled with well-crafted characters. You just gotta love (and eat up) this stuff. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to The Hex of Blackbriar Academy, the next book in this series.
The Shadows of Blackbriar Academy, is one extended pleasure rush. Super exciting thrills and action plus great paranormal action in a wonderfully plotted story that well written and filled with well-crafted characters. You just gotta love (and eat up) this stuff. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to The Hex of Blackbriar Academy, the next book in this series.
July 31, 2019
This is the second book in the Blackbriar Academy series, and continues from the first. I loved seeing a deeper relationship develop between all the characters, and seeing their personalities come out more too. While there was more of a physical relationship in this book than the first, I wouldn't let this put you off reading it, as those are short sections that you can easily skip over if they're not your cup of tea, and the rest of the book is a great read. I highly recommend this series for all lovers of magical reverse harem stories, and grown-up magical academies (think an adult version of Harry Potter!), and I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment to find out what happens next.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews