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Olde Earth Academy #1
Secrecy: Year One
Before Layla Holden can start her freshman year at Coltin High, she receives an unexpected invitation to attend a private school she’s never heard of. She doesn’t hesitate to accept, eager to escape the close-minded small town where she’s been taunted and teased for seeing otherworldly creatures. Anywhere has to be better than home.
Yet she’s only permitted to go if she brings her twin sister Sabine along for the ride.
Inside the walls of the castle-like fortress on the isolated campus, the girls find many secrets and hidden mysteries. Layla’s never shied from challenges and is determined to pass her first year. However, with more unusual and bigger monsters lurking at the school, she struggles to keep her ability a secret. On top of the pressure to succeed in the competitive school, she also attracts the attention of a new student, Flynn Madsen. He’s not the only one who’s curious about her, but he seems to have the same gift of sensing these supernatural beings.
In a new school, it’s impossible to know who to trust and what to believe. By keeping her own secrets closely guarded, Layla has to have faith in herself. Not her bookish roomie, not the cute new boy who seems too curious about her. Because sometimes holding your own secrets can overpower the need to unravel others—a fine balance of controlling your fears or letting them destroy you.
Yet she’s only permitted to go if she brings her twin sister Sabine along for the ride.
Inside the walls of the castle-like fortress on the isolated campus, the girls find many secrets and hidden mysteries. Layla’s never shied from challenges and is determined to pass her first year. However, with more unusual and bigger monsters lurking at the school, she struggles to keep her ability a secret. On top of the pressure to succeed in the competitive school, she also attracts the attention of a new student, Flynn Madsen. He’s not the only one who’s curious about her, but he seems to have the same gift of sensing these supernatural beings.
In a new school, it’s impossible to know who to trust and what to believe. By keeping her own secrets closely guarded, Layla has to have faith in herself. Not her bookish roomie, not the cute new boy who seems too curious about her. Because sometimes holding your own secrets can overpower the need to unravel others—a fine balance of controlling your fears or letting them destroy you.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2019
234 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Amabel Daniels
66 books277 followersAmabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, three adventurous daughters, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 2, 2019
Her family thought she had emotional/mental issues, but Layla knew what she saw at the lake, or does she? Now, she has a chance to make a fresh start, on her own, away from her twin sister who makes her life a living hell, her father who dotes on her prettier, manipulative sibling. Or will her sister manipulate herself into ruining her chance to go to a private school by insisting she go, too?
Amabel Daniels’s SECRECY: YEAR ONE is a wonderful young adult read with just enough conflict, some family rivalry, and the magic of the secret academy for teens who are special like Layla, because Layla is special, she just doesn’t realize it. But Layla is about to discover a new world she never knew existed with magic and mayhem, and just maybe she will finally feel normal again, if only she can learn who to trust, and to believe in herself.
Ms. Daniels has done a truly creative and believable job of creating a world that comes to life in a big way as one girl goes from being a bullied outcast to finally fitting in and discovering who and what she really is!
Great writing, great plot, can’t wait for more in what looks to be another fabulous series for young adults, no matter how old you are!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Amabel Daniels! I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Series: Olde Earth Academy - Book 1
Publication Date: September 5, 2019
Publisher: Amabel Daniels
Genre: YA fantasy
Available from: Amazon
Pre-order now! Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Amabel Daniels’s SECRECY: YEAR ONE is a wonderful young adult read with just enough conflict, some family rivalry, and the magic of the secret academy for teens who are special like Layla, because Layla is special, she just doesn’t realize it. But Layla is about to discover a new world she never knew existed with magic and mayhem, and just maybe she will finally feel normal again, if only she can learn who to trust, and to believe in herself.
Ms. Daniels has done a truly creative and believable job of creating a world that comes to life in a big way as one girl goes from being a bullied outcast to finally fitting in and discovering who and what she really is!
Great writing, great plot, can’t wait for more in what looks to be another fabulous series for young adults, no matter how old you are!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Amabel Daniels! I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Series: Olde Earth Academy - Book 1
Publication Date: September 5, 2019
Publisher: Amabel Daniels
Genre: YA fantasy
Available from: Amazon
Pre-order now! Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 5, 2019
The cover is SO perfect, like you don't understand until you read it. I freaking love how it is geared for the younger crowd. The slang used, and the inadequate feelings, thinking you aren't good enough. Not to mention, *****!(No spoilers, sorry!)
I am already sitting on the edge of my seat for year two!
I am already sitting on the edge of my seat for year two!
March 9, 2020
What an awesome story.
A little bit about it without spoiling. Layla is a special girl, she can see creatures that no one else can, or so she thought. She is asked to go to the very secretive high school called Olde Earth Academy where she learns that only so many students actually advance to become sophomores. No one really knows why, but the upper class men are not to be bother or talked to. Layla’s twin sister Sabine is also there with her, even thought they hate each other and Sabine was not really who they wanted there, the two figure out that there is something strange happening at the school. With the help of her friends, Layla starts figure out what is going on and why she can see these strange animals.
I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series and figure out what happens to Layla and her friends.
A little bit about it without spoiling. Layla is a special girl, she can see creatures that no one else can, or so she thought. She is asked to go to the very secretive high school called Olde Earth Academy where she learns that only so many students actually advance to become sophomores. No one really knows why, but the upper class men are not to be bother or talked to. Layla’s twin sister Sabine is also there with her, even thought they hate each other and Sabine was not really who they wanted there, the two figure out that there is something strange happening at the school. With the help of her friends, Layla starts figure out what is going on and why she can see these strange animals.
I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series and figure out what happens to Layla and her friends.
August 11, 2021
Content warning: Profanity, swearing.
Layla is not yet 16 and looking forward to beginning high school; to (eventually) get free of the stifling town, poverty, and taunting of her hateful sister and fellow students. Just four years to go.
Then, a seeming miracle appears as a man in a long black car, with an offer of a wonderful and distant academy--free! But her father and sister insist on a condition. Her twin, who is nearly her complete opposite (in academics and temperament), must go too. It's a tough choice, but the chance for a better education wins. (Argh!)
Olde Earth Academy is heavy on academics, with a focus on the sciences and an undercurrent of secrets. At first, it isn't a concern, but as interest naturally turns to the unexplained, Layla wonders whether the academy's plans for her are in her best interest. And Layla is learning who she can't trust. No surprise, her sister is still on the list.
This is listed as "book 1," however, it is actually Part 1, with the end cutting off abruptly after a cliffhanger.
It's a typical "girl goes to academy and discovers she's magical" story, but it is fairly well told, and there are unique elements that make it interesting. I appreciate how Layla maintains her personality by continuing her reluctance to trust at school. She doesn't gush or drop all defenses just to be accepted, or because a guy talks to her. In a phrase, "She keeps her head."
I plan to read book 2 (actually Part 2), but with caution.
The profanity and swearing seems to be for shock value in the first chapter or so, then mostly sprinkled with swearing on occasion. I understand a little swearing but the profanity (which also occurs later), was unnecessary and over the top.
Some unexplained phrases and words the author has Layla use are unfamiliar (to this well-read reviewer), and there are spelling errors and typos from its ebook publication in 2019.
Story 4 Stars
Profanity, swearing, errors -2 Stars
Total = 2/5 Stars; willing to reevaluate following editing.
Layla is not yet 16 and looking forward to beginning high school; to (eventually) get free of the stifling town, poverty, and taunting of her hateful sister and fellow students. Just four years to go.
Then, a seeming miracle appears as a man in a long black car, with an offer of a wonderful and distant academy--free! But her father and sister insist on a condition. Her twin, who is nearly her complete opposite (in academics and temperament), must go too. It's a tough choice, but the chance for a better education wins. (Argh!)
Olde Earth Academy is heavy on academics, with a focus on the sciences and an undercurrent of secrets. At first, it isn't a concern, but as interest naturally turns to the unexplained, Layla wonders whether the academy's plans for her are in her best interest. And Layla is learning who she can't trust. No surprise, her sister is still on the list.
This is listed as "book 1," however, it is actually Part 1, with the end cutting off abruptly after a cliffhanger.
It's a typical "girl goes to academy and discovers she's magical" story, but it is fairly well told, and there are unique elements that make it interesting. I appreciate how Layla maintains her personality by continuing her reluctance to trust at school. She doesn't gush or drop all defenses just to be accepted, or because a guy talks to her. In a phrase, "She keeps her head."
I plan to read book 2 (actually Part 2), but with caution.
The profanity and swearing seems to be for shock value in the first chapter or so, then mostly sprinkled with swearing on occasion. I understand a little swearing but the profanity (which also occurs later), was unnecessary and over the top.
Some unexplained phrases and words the author has Layla use are unfamiliar (to this well-read reviewer), and there are spelling errors and typos from its ebook publication in 2019.
Story 4 Stars
Profanity, swearing, errors -2 Stars
Total = 2/5 Stars; willing to reevaluate following editing.
August 18, 2024
i didn't like this. the premise had potential but it was so rushed like in one paragraph it goes from the second or 3rd day of school and then 11 weeks later and suddenly agirl is meant to be the h's best friend even though we dont really see them interacting much and the whole book carries on like that with massive time jumps with only a day or two it seems in-between. i really disliked the h she was SUCH a hippocrate (even if she tells you she isn't) yeah i really didn't like the h. :(
June 5, 2020
Secrecy: Year One
Secrecy (Olde Earth Academy Year One)
Amabel Daniels
This book will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. People have always thought and told Layla that she is crazy. She is so ready to be done with school so she can move from her hometown. As luck would have it, a gentleman shows up at her house offering her a chance to attend an elite private school - the Old Earth Academy. She is so ready to go, and is not happy when her twin sister Sabine worms her way into getting an invite too. The school and everything about it is shroaded in secrecy - so much that on the trip there, they aren't told where the academy is located. Once she is there, the campus is almost overwhelming, but she meets a guy that she even thinks is cute. Will she find other people there that are like her or will she continue to be thought of as a freak? What are the secrets that Olde Earthe is hiding? Can others see the magical creatures that Layla can see? Will anyone admit to these ablities? You will need to read this to find out. I can't say enough about how this book kept me enchanted and reading until I finished it. Wow what a cliffhanger!! I need to read the rest of this series so I know what happened and who gets to come back for another year at the Olde Earth Academy. I've read a couple of other books by this author, and I really enjoy how she writes and her style. I look forward to reading many more of her works.
Secrecy (Olde Earth Academy Year One)
Amabel Daniels
This book will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. People have always thought and told Layla that she is crazy. She is so ready to be done with school so she can move from her hometown. As luck would have it, a gentleman shows up at her house offering her a chance to attend an elite private school - the Old Earth Academy. She is so ready to go, and is not happy when her twin sister Sabine worms her way into getting an invite too. The school and everything about it is shroaded in secrecy - so much that on the trip there, they aren't told where the academy is located. Once she is there, the campus is almost overwhelming, but she meets a guy that she even thinks is cute. Will she find other people there that are like her or will she continue to be thought of as a freak? What are the secrets that Olde Earthe is hiding? Can others see the magical creatures that Layla can see? Will anyone admit to these ablities? You will need to read this to find out. I can't say enough about how this book kept me enchanted and reading until I finished it. Wow what a cliffhanger!! I need to read the rest of this series so I know what happened and who gets to come back for another year at the Olde Earth Academy. I've read a couple of other books by this author, and I really enjoy how she writes and her style. I look forward to reading many more of her works.
January 8, 2021
This is more of a 4.5 stars book.
I enjoyed this a little more than I intended due to the fantasy aspect. However, after having read "Seek" by this same author, I knew I would like her storytelling.
The story is slow to start with. Daniels, though quite good with words, uses a lot of words, which can drag the progression of the story, especially at the beginning. Her wordsmithing comes in handy as the story continues. The details are important in this novel as you begin to learn more about Layla and her freaky but supernatural powers.
I have a love-hate relationship with Layla. I like how she's independent and confident in her abilities, but because she has had to hold back her "powers" and speaking out about them for so long, she becomes a little snarky in her comments... that she says in her head.
I can't believe her dad would let her and Sabine go to some random school, but I definitely know that Layla chose correctly to attend. She finally is in an environment where she belongs. Now, she has to find her place.
Sabine is a brat and thinks the world revolves around her, but the ending of the novel puts her in her place.
The ending... OMG... makes me want to get "Discovery" right away!
I definitely recommend this book and for high schoolers. I would totally have put this book on my shelf when I was a classroom teacher.
I enjoyed this a little more than I intended due to the fantasy aspect. However, after having read "Seek" by this same author, I knew I would like her storytelling.
The story is slow to start with. Daniels, though quite good with words, uses a lot of words, which can drag the progression of the story, especially at the beginning. Her wordsmithing comes in handy as the story continues. The details are important in this novel as you begin to learn more about Layla and her freaky but supernatural powers.
I have a love-hate relationship with Layla. I like how she's independent and confident in her abilities, but because she has had to hold back her "powers" and speaking out about them for so long, she becomes a little snarky in her comments... that she says in her head.
I can't believe her dad would let her and Sabine go to some random school, but I definitely know that Layla chose correctly to attend. She finally is in an environment where she belongs. Now, she has to find her place.
Sabine is a brat and thinks the world revolves around her, but the ending of the novel puts her in her place.
The ending... OMG... makes me want to get "Discovery" right away!
I definitely recommend this book and for high schoolers. I would totally have put this book on my shelf when I was a classroom teacher.
March 25, 2020
For her whole life, Layla has been told she has mental issues. It started when she went swimming and was attacked by a creature that no one else could see. Years of therapy, institutions, and side eye looks from people has not helped. So when a stranger shows up at her house and offers her and her not so nice twin a scholarship to an elite school, she is ready to leave her small town for a fresh start.
Olde Earth Academy is a unique school for unique people. As she starts her schooling she starts to question things she is seeing and wondering if her peers will be like her hometown and judge her. But as she learns more, she finds that Old Earth Academy is not quite the school she imagined. She also learns about who she is and that the things she has seen are real.
This is a great YA read. It follows a young girl with special abilities as she navigates through her life and what is to come for her. Amabel Daniels tells a good story and draws you into keep turning pages. I enjoyed the book so much I've already downloaded the second book because I want to see where the story goes. This is a must read for anyone.
Olde Earth Academy is a unique school for unique people. As she starts her schooling she starts to question things she is seeing and wondering if her peers will be like her hometown and judge her. But as she learns more, she finds that Old Earth Academy is not quite the school she imagined. She also learns about who she is and that the things she has seen are real.
This is a great YA read. It follows a young girl with special abilities as she navigates through her life and what is to come for her. Amabel Daniels tells a good story and draws you into keep turning pages. I enjoyed the book so much I've already downloaded the second book because I want to see where the story goes. This is a must read for anyone.
June 13, 2022
The follows most academy storylines..teen gets invited to secret school that has a secret agenda. Teen then has to navigate typical high school woes which most always includes bullying and discrimination. I would have to say this in itself is my least favorite thing.
At the same time, finding the differences from one writers tale of academy life to another, is my most favorite thing. There has to be something unique and hard to discover, and this author delivered that well.
Lydia is the MC. Her and her twin sister Sabine, are like night and day. Sabine is all things popular, Lydia is all things opposite. Lydia gets invited to the secretive academy, Sabine is the pushy tag along.
The academy itself is shrouded in secrets as any good academy tale is. It has its token share of haves and have nots. Year one discloses just enough of some secrets to engage your curiosity to move on to year two. It ends with typical cliffhanger fashion. All in all a quick and easy read. For the most part a clean read suitable for a YA reader. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
At the same time, finding the differences from one writers tale of academy life to another, is my most favorite thing. There has to be something unique and hard to discover, and this author delivered that well.
Lydia is the MC. Her and her twin sister Sabine, are like night and day. Sabine is all things popular, Lydia is all things opposite. Lydia gets invited to the secretive academy, Sabine is the pushy tag along.
The academy itself is shrouded in secrets as any good academy tale is. It has its token share of haves and have nots. Year one discloses just enough of some secrets to engage your curiosity to move on to year two. It ends with typical cliffhanger fashion. All in all a quick and easy read. For the most part a clean read suitable for a YA reader. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
April 19, 2020
I truly loved this book! It was like Harry Potter meets Twilight and maybe The Hobbit in one. But that cliffhanger destroyed me. I didn't realize I was that close to the end of the book and then boom! I gotta read the next one!!!
Layla's life growing up had been awkward and fraught with a dysfunctional relationship with her deplorable vain twin sister Sabine and her flighty dad. Without a mother in the picture, it was a strange family unit. But a new life beckoned for Layla in the form of an invitation to attend a mysterious prestigious private school. This was her chance to get away from her Podunk town and her vicious sister and maybe have a better life. But her father refused to let her go unless her sister gets to go too. It wasn't in the original plans but Layla had to begrudgingly accept that she was saddled with her spoiled brat sister getting her way.
Olde Earth Academy opened up a whole new world for Layla. Even as her sister tried to sabotage anything for her with her antics and diva attitude and vile gossip, Layla was determined her sister wouldn't ruin her plans for a new life. She finds clarity and redemption in the friends she meets, and their adventures. Something from her past comes back to haunt her though and threatens her new found identity.
I will definitely be following this series. I loved this story. It was a great introduction to a new to me author.
Layla's life growing up had been awkward and fraught with a dysfunctional relationship with her deplorable vain twin sister Sabine and her flighty dad. Without a mother in the picture, it was a strange family unit. But a new life beckoned for Layla in the form of an invitation to attend a mysterious prestigious private school. This was her chance to get away from her Podunk town and her vicious sister and maybe have a better life. But her father refused to let her go unless her sister gets to go too. It wasn't in the original plans but Layla had to begrudgingly accept that she was saddled with her spoiled brat sister getting her way.
Olde Earth Academy opened up a whole new world for Layla. Even as her sister tried to sabotage anything for her with her antics and diva attitude and vile gossip, Layla was determined her sister wouldn't ruin her plans for a new life. She finds clarity and redemption in the friends she meets, and their adventures. Something from her past comes back to haunt her though and threatens her new found identity.
I will definitely be following this series. I loved this story. It was a great introduction to a new to me author.
December 17, 2023
This was a terrific first book in a series. For the majority of it, there's an undercurrent of mystery that is slowly unravelled as more and more of the setting is established. As the title suggests there is a great deal of secrecy. All of the characters are seemingly unsure who they can fully trust, each with varying degrees of secrets about what is happening at the school. The sense of wonder in this world that slowly comes into being engulfed in a very real and tightening game of "Who can you trust".
With the way everything was building, I don't think anything could have prepared me for the ending where a situation turns critical before we can get any more answers and as such leave us desperately wanting to know what happens next (I already purchased the second book so will hopefully know the answer before too long)
With the way everything was building, I don't think anything could have prepared me for the ending where a situation turns critical before we can get any more answers and as such leave us desperately wanting to know what happens next (I already purchased the second book so will hopefully know the answer before too long)
March 5, 2020
Not gonna lie, it took me a long while to get into this story... the first part of the book, had a lot of words, but nothing was really clear... this is just my perspective, but the story really gets going right near the end... and then it abruptly ends! This is the first book though, so I’m not sure many books there will be.
That being said, I like the character Layla, and I’m intrigued at the creatures she can see, also I’d like to see how her relationships with Paige and Flynn develop, and I really want to read the next book to know what happens next.
I did enjoy finding out more about the school, and as I said I like the characters, so to sum up, it may have taken me a while to like it, but I do now :)
That being said, I like the character Layla, and I’m intrigued at the creatures she can see, also I’d like to see how her relationships with Paige and Flynn develop, and I really want to read the next book to know what happens next.
I did enjoy finding out more about the school, and as I said I like the characters, so to sum up, it may have taken me a while to like it, but I do now :)
October 27, 2020
Who knew being crazy was normal
Layla can communicate with animals and can see things others do not. Getting the chance to leave the place where all kids think her crazy was a good idea, or at least it was until her twin Sabine insisted on coming as well.
Layla looked over the documents about the school, what kind of school has NDA's?
Still it was a chance to leave hometown. At the new school she and her sister are parted and Layla starts to see things again. The school has more secrets than she imagined. Can she make it through her first year?
A must read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
Layla can communicate with animals and can see things others do not. Getting the chance to leave the place where all kids think her crazy was a good idea, or at least it was until her twin Sabine insisted on coming as well.
Layla looked over the documents about the school, what kind of school has NDA's?
Still it was a chance to leave hometown. At the new school she and her sister are parted and Layla starts to see things again. The school has more secrets than she imagined. Can she make it through her first year?
A must read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
September 8, 2021
This was an introduction to the story, not a complete story itself.
This is sort of reminiscent of Harry Potter, but it falls far short. There's not much magic in this book and details on characters, relationships, and events are in short supply. Large chunks of time are skipped over, which is a wasted opportunity to engage us in the world.
The story is short, there is not much plot, no real antagonist or conflict, and it ends on a completely unnecessary cliffhanger, ended the book just before the school year ends instead of just going the small bit forward to finish it out.
2 1/2 stars. Will not continue the series.
This is sort of reminiscent of Harry Potter, but it falls far short. There's not much magic in this book and details on characters, relationships, and events are in short supply. Large chunks of time are skipped over, which is a wasted opportunity to engage us in the world.
The story is short, there is not much plot, no real antagonist or conflict, and it ends on a completely unnecessary cliffhanger, ended the book just before the school year ends instead of just going the small bit forward to finish it out.
2 1/2 stars. Will not continue the series.
April 4, 2020
I couldn't put this book down. I was hooked. Layla has been picked on a lot and called a freak. She couldn't wait for high school then off to college to get put of her little town. One day a gentleman comes inviting her to the Olde Earth Academy. She couldn't wait to go, till her sister piped in and got herself invited too. Once she's there she finds out the Academy is not what she thought it was. This book will draw you in. This book does leave you with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 19, 2021
Excellent storytelling
Amabel Daniels is one of my favorite authors after reading some of her romantic comedies and romantic thrillers. She is a wonderful storyteller and this book stays true to that impression. Despite being for a tween/young adult audience, similar to the magical worlds in Harry Potter or Shadow and Bone, there are plenty of relatable themes for readers of any age, if you're open to some teenage drama, fantasy and magic.
Disappointed by the cliffhanger ending but hoping to get the next book in the series added to my collection soon.
Amabel Daniels is one of my favorite authors after reading some of her romantic comedies and romantic thrillers. She is a wonderful storyteller and this book stays true to that impression. Despite being for a tween/young adult audience, similar to the magical worlds in Harry Potter or Shadow and Bone, there are plenty of relatable themes for readers of any age, if you're open to some teenage drama, fantasy and magic.
Disappointed by the cliffhanger ending but hoping to get the next book in the series added to my collection soon.
April 14, 2023
I hesitated to read this…
…because it smacked of YA Fantasy, which in my experience usually meant a variation of Twilight or the scifi version of it.
This ended up being an easy read with heart and some depth. I noticed as I neared the end of the book that the descriptions weren’t just for fun or poetic/prose attempts at being literature because the served a purpose to the story while being descriptive.
I like the main character and her support cast and am now on my way to download the next book in the series…until next time…
…because it smacked of YA Fantasy, which in my experience usually meant a variation of Twilight or the scifi version of it.
This ended up being an easy read with heart and some depth. I noticed as I neared the end of the book that the descriptions weren’t just for fun or poetic/prose attempts at being literature because the served a purpose to the story while being descriptive.
I like the main character and her support cast and am now on my way to download the next book in the series…until next time…
January 30, 2020
Book Review: Secrecy: Book one of Olde Earth Academy Series
Author: Amabel Daniels
FIVE STARS
This series was recommended to me by a friend and I found it in Kindle Unlimited and started reading. Ms. Daniels pulls you into this story and you find yourself there like you are one of the characters. This is a YA fantasy story. The adventures they take you on make you feel like you are there doing this with them, sneaking out and hiding in the library, making friends and enemies alike.
There are currently four books out in this series:
Secrecy
Discovery
Mastery
Victory
I admit that I binge read them all in less than 72 hours. I was just so engaged and wanting to know WHAT NEXT!! I hated it when the fourth book ended and you have so many questions left in your mind.
KLH
Author: Amabel Daniels
FIVE STARS
This series was recommended to me by a friend and I found it in Kindle Unlimited and started reading. Ms. Daniels pulls you into this story and you find yourself there like you are one of the characters. This is a YA fantasy story. The adventures they take you on make you feel like you are there doing this with them, sneaking out and hiding in the library, making friends and enemies alike.
There are currently four books out in this series:
Secrecy
Discovery
Mastery
Victory
I admit that I binge read them all in less than 72 hours. I was just so engaged and wanting to know WHAT NEXT!! I hated it when the fourth book ended and you have so many questions left in your mind.
KLH
April 3, 2020
This is an exciting page turner, which ends much too soon. Layla is a terrific heroine, and I love how her confidence grows as the story unfolds. Olde Earth Academy is a fascinating place with so many secrets, and we barely scratch the surface here. I can't wait to read the rest of this series, to see who gets to remain at the school, and what new powers and secrets are revealed. I recommend this book to readers from young adult to old adult, anyone who loves a thrilling adventure of a read!
September 13, 2021
Enjoyable start to a series about a secret school for Children with certain gifts. Magical creatures and lots of withheld information about the real purpose of the school. The MC is fairly immature (she is only 14/15 so I do understand that is normal) but she has a secret about herself that she refuses to share with anyone. And Her sister is beyond despicable. The story does stagnate in the middle but then picks back up near the end.
March 24, 2020
Layla and Sabine are twins who have a strong dislike for each other. Layla is asked to attend and academy and Sabine sees it as her chance to get out of the small town they were born in. As the sisters embark on this journey that will change their lives the secrets just keep unfolding. New friends and new experience. A must read.
March 28, 2020
I was immediately thrown into a magical world when I started this book and I loved the adventure that we are seeing Layla on. As we struggle with Laylas frustration in the beginning and than as she finds her niche in her new magical school I think that this series is going to prove to be a fun and adventurous trip.
April 15, 2020
The book had me on the end and it was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. It feels like you are one of the character, making you feel what they feel. Layla has her hands full and learning about Olde Earth is awesome. Dealing with the enemies and friends and then the cliff hangers, which leave you hanging, wanting more. I give this book five stars. A must read!!
January 11, 2021
Layla was the black sheep in her family. When she was younger, she was attacked by an animal when she was swimming, which left marks on her arms. For years, Her family thought she was mentally ill and has been institutionalized for it. Working at a pet store, she caught the eye of the headmaster of an exclusive school for those with unique talents. Layla has struggled with a power that nobody but her knew about. She can communicate with animals and the ability to see things that a normal person wouldn't. Unfortunately, she also had to bring her annoying sister, who literally forced her way in.
This was such a cute YA story. This had sort of a Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children meets Harry Potter feel to it. Definitely, recommended for those who enjoy these kind of stories!
This was such a cute YA story. This had sort of a Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children meets Harry Potter feel to it. Definitely, recommended for those who enjoy these kind of stories!
August 7, 2021
Good at what it does
It's a good light read. The first half of the book is very mid and the "villains" are ridiculously cartoony but I think there is a lot of good set up here and would like to see where it is going. It would have been nice for the characters to be a little older and for there to be some romance, but it is what it is.
It's a good light read. The first half of the book is very mid and the "villains" are ridiculously cartoony but I think there is a lot of good set up here and would like to see where it is going. It would have been nice for the characters to be a little older and for there to be some romance, but it is what it is.
August 8, 2021
Secrecy
Interesting book. I loved the new world it created, with mystical beasts real or imagined. The story was entertaining, the characters for the most part believable. I felt that Sabine was not entirely true to herself but I will want to know what happens to Layla.
I was disappointed it ends in a cliffhanger.
Interesting book. I loved the new world it created, with mystical beasts real or imagined. The story was entertaining, the characters for the most part believable. I felt that Sabine was not entirely true to herself but I will want to know what happens to Layla.
I was disappointed it ends in a cliffhanger.
August 17, 2021
Feel free to speed read most of this
The whole first part of this book was about useless. Maybe it was an attempt characterization. It was entirely too long winded, whiny and absolutely useless. Everything happened in the last three chapters. Basically, the school is for elves, she really does see mythical creatures and is a pure blood elf. Move on to the next book.
The whole first part of this book was about useless. Maybe it was an attempt characterization. It was entirely too long winded, whiny and absolutely useless. Everything happened in the last three chapters. Basically, the school is for elves, she really does see mythical creatures and is a pure blood elf. Move on to the next book.
December 7, 2021
A series
Actually I really enjoyed the mystery in the story but what I cannot stand is you get involved and just when it reaches a climax it abruptly ends and if you want to finish the story you have to buy the next book and there are 5 books in the series. This is my idea of dishonest publicity. Do not allow yourself to be pulled in!
Actually I really enjoyed the mystery in the story but what I cannot stand is you get involved and just when it reaches a climax it abruptly ends and if you want to finish the story you have to buy the next book and there are 5 books in the series. This is my idea of dishonest publicity. Do not allow yourself to be pulled in!
March 4, 2022
Really annoying, just gotta read the next one
I really don't like female heroines. It's hard as a bloke to relate. Doubly so if they're a teenager! Seeing a world revealed as she struggles to believe what she sees has gripped. I might just have to buy the next book, or heaven forbid, the series.
I really don't like female heroines. It's hard as a bloke to relate. Doubly so if they're a teenager! Seeing a world revealed as she struggles to believe what she sees has gripped. I might just have to buy the next book, or heaven forbid, the series.
April 8, 2020
An awesome read. Fun and twisty, this PNR will keep you entertained. Just as you get invested the story ends, as long as you go in knowing it's a series I think you will enjoy it. I'm ready for book 2 already.
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