Grave Digger Academy

Grave Digger Academy #1

by C.A. King

There is a reason why people don’t believe in monsters and it’s not because zombies, vampires, mummies, and ghosts don’t exist...

Welcome to Grave Digger Academy- the last place anyone wants to end up.



****************************************************************


It's Makayla's first year in the paranormal academy system. When all three of the schools she applies to deny her entry, there's only one left. Unfortunately, she's more interested in finding a way out of Grave Digger Academy than in learning its curriculum.


Gravediggers actually do the digging. Grave Diggers, however, keep buried bodies where they belong—six feet under.


This year’s students are about to learn corpses can be temperamental, and when the dead refuse to cooperate, there’s Hell to pay.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal

191 pages, ebook

Published December 13, 2019

About the author

2 time USA Today Bestselling Author, C.A. King, has received the following Awards/distinctions:


Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers' Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards - Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards - Best New Adult
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction - New Adult genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021.

"Hmmmmmm,
Who am I?…Who am I?
Silence…chews pencil…
Who am I?…Who am I?
Hmmmmmm,
I am…
a daydreamer…a hopeless romantic…an optimistic pessimist…a psychic…a childish adult…an animal lover…an over-emotional wreck…an adventurer…an artistic fool…
Aha!
I am…A Fiction Writer!
Nice to meet you!"

About the author!

I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.

Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.

To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn't open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn't need to be a reason or trigger.

People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.


I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don't ever let anyone tell you different.

I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes - I want them to know they are making a difference.

Thank you for reading and writing.

Reviews

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Grave Digger Academy” by C.A King is a little bit “Divergent” mixed with a little bit of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone”, all stirred with a creepy paranormal spoon!

Makayla hopes to be chosen for the school of her choice, like the rest of her six brothers who also attend one of the schools in the paranormal school system. However, Makayla worries that she will be selected for “The Grave Digger Academy”- every students’ last choice, the school for those not accepted anywhere else. At “Grave Digger Academy” they perform spells and potions intended to keep the dead…..well, dead. So when, of course, Makayla is selected for Grave Digger Academy she must face her entire first year alone, with the disappointment of her family heavy on her heart. But Makayla knows she must make the best of it, and when she comes into her powers and realizes that her family has deep secrets that go back generations, she realizes that Grave Digger Academy may be exactly where she was intended to be.

C.A King is an award-winning Canadian author, living in a town that is not too far from my own actually, which made me even happier to be able to promote and praise “Grave Digger Academy”.

The novel is more of a novella, really, at less than 200 pages, and it has short, page-turning chapters. I easily polished this book off in a day. It is also the first in a series of novels, and if the rest are anything like this one, this series will be an instant YA hit.

Makayla is the ideal protagonist- a socially awkward misfit who struggles to fit in, even within her own family. As she comes into herself and makes friends at Grave Digger Academy, it is immediately evident that she will be the one who changes things and makes a difference. She is the character to root for, right from the first page.

With the backdrop of a depressing, neglected school of magic, and quirky, eccentric teachers, “Grave Digger Academy” sets the stage for dark and magical things. The characters were well developed, the plot was poised and had great flow, and the short chapters made the novel a page-turning, addicting experience. I can definitely see King’s “Grave Digger Academy” series becoming the next big YA trend.

[Ayla Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story from the start to finish. The way in which the author created a world for magically academies for students was unique. Who wouldn't be interested in learning more about an academy of magic for keeping the undead from rising. The way she revealed different important bits of information was synced perfectly with the story line. You are never left without some fact or plot moment to keep you interested and needing to read on for the answer. Cannot wait to continue on to the next book in the series!

Makayla finds herself at an important milestone that all six of her brothers before her have already reached; starting an academy in the magical world. With everyone before her, parents included, successful in their schooling paths it comes as a surprise that she ends up at the school which takes all those rejected from all other academies…Grave Digger Academy. A school that teaches students how to keep the dead from rising up. Will Makayla successfully complete her first year and make it out to another school? What does a year of Grave Digging classes consist of? What will her prestigious family think when they find out?

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I was hooked from the very beginning. I love how all the aspects the author used in this book work together perfectly. I could not put it down at times. From the characters to the plot, I wanted more. I highly recommend this book.

[Nikki Landis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique young adult fantasy!

What a pleasant surprise this novel turned out to be! A combination of magic and dark lore that takes place in a young adult fantasy story with plenty of unique twists and turns, interesting characters, and an academy like no other. Loved the descriptive scenes.

Makayla has a lot to discover in year one but she learns the truth is complicated, destiny has a way of making itself known, and personal choice is the most powerful magic of all. An interesting read for sure!

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a good story about witches, and this had a definite Harry Potter vibe to it. There are many academies that young people skilled in the paranormal can go, and one that is least desired of all. Grave Digger Academy. With no other options, Makayla finds herself a student of this very academy.

I loved the way that C.A. King introduced the villain and MaKayla’s background in a way that set the foundation for a long-term series. When I start a new series, I’m always hesitate because sometimes authors can info dump in book one or not put any background info at all. Grave Digger Academy fell pleasantly between the two. I was given some information, but definitely not enough to answer all my questions, and those questions are what will keep me intrigued for more books to come.

This was a fun read. Plenty of lighthearted adventures and characters that seem so real, you’re sad to finish the story. I always love a good paranormal academy story, and this definitely left me with that feeling you get from reading a great book.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great fantasy YA book and this book definitely did NOT disappoint! Makayla wanted to go to a paranormal academy, but unfortunately was not accepted in her first few choices and ended up going to the Grave Digger Academy. You find out that you just do not dig the graves but you need to keep the dead buried. The dead can be "uncooperative" when it comes to staying 6 feet under. I really enjoyed the fantasy mixed with magic and witches in this book. There are some twists, turns and secrets so the book continues to intrigue and is truly hard to put down. I am so looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF'd at 37%. This honestly reads like a bad Mary-Sue off of someone's MySpace page. One-dimensional characters, disjointed narrative, overly aggressive jumps between scenes... don't waste your time on it... just.... don't.

[Ashley Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikayla is the only daughter in a group of seven children. She’s always felt like the misfit of the family. She doesn’t excel the way her brothers do. Including her parents, her family all has blond hair and blue eyes but not Mikayla. Her hair is red and her eyes are emerald green. It is time for Mikayla to start school in the paranormal academies. Her choices are vast, but without excellent grades or skills, she is limited in her choices. She chooses three schools, but to her bewilderment, she doesn’t end up in any of them. On the first day of school, Mikayla wakes up late and has to ride the bus to school. She meets Thomas who winds up being at the same paranormal school as her, Grave Digger Academy.

Travel to the world of witches and follow Mikayle through her first semester at the Grave Digger Academy. With friends such as Thomas, Cali, and Leo, Mikayla starts to achieve in her courses with the help of a special gift from her mom. Keeping the dead in the ground is the main objective of learning so far at the Grave Digger Academy. What will the first years encounter at the paranormal academy that no one wants to attend?

[Heather Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books from this author and she continues to blow my mind with her writing. I love a good paranormal story but she exceeded my expectations all the time. This is the first book in a young adult series called the Grave Digger Academy. I can see this series turning into an amazing movie. I couldn’t put this book down until I was finished. I can’t wait to see what happens to these amazing characters.

This is the first year that Makayla is going to the paranormal school. She doesn’t know what to expect and she is really nervous. Makayla is denied by all the schools she wanted to go to except one the Grave Digger Academy. She downstairs wants to go but she has no other choice but to go. Makayla is shocked at what this academy is actually about. She will be responsible to make sure the dead stay that way. Makayla thought this was going to be an easy year but quickly she learned it is harder than she thought. She never realized that the dead could make things even more harder for her by not listening. Will Makayla get through her first year in this scary school or will it become too dangerous for her?

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King

Grave Digger Academy is a wonderfully written YA/Paranormal Fantasy that I truly enjoyed reading. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I’ve read other books by this author and her style of writing and attention to detail along with amazing characters make for a epic story. Makayla is fairly new to the academy system and has been denied to three she’s left with Grave Digger Academy. She’s not thrilled about it and is but trying to figure out how to dig herself out of it. She’s about to discover how temperamental corpses can be especially when they don’t want to cooperate. I highly recommend reading this fast-paced action packed story to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get my hands on Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King. It is a YA paranormal fantasy, that gives us a light hearted look at young Witches at the Grave Digger Academy and one in particular who has newly learned of her abilities and doesn’t want to be there. This book had a Harry Potteresque feel to it, I mean who doesn’t love Potter? and it is a fun read. This adventurous tale flows nicely and is excitingly intriguing. With great world-building, and delightful characters CA has set the scene with multiple layers to be explored and revealed and a plot going forward that looks exciting and promising. It is an Academy that is full of secrets and things that are hidden within the grounds and in the dark. It is a great start to this series.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makayla is not sure what school she will be chosen too, there are so many options in the paranormal academy but the one no one wants is the Grave Digger Academy. Her first day is met with confusion and when she finds out she is assigned to the Grave Digger class, she is less then thrilled. That being said, none of her talents appeared until her class and now she seems a bit ahead of the curve. Something is going on though and only Makayla seems to be able to unravel it but could it end up costing her more then she thinks?

I thought this was really good. I felt for Makayla, she is trying to find her footing and with a bunch of older siblings to live up to it is even more pressure added on her. Well written and was one you kept reading until the very end.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Grave Digger Academy is a really fantastic paranormal YA story by C.A King. This is the second time that I have read it and have enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time around.
Makayla is about to start off her academy education- unfortunately she missed out on placement in her preferred academies- which means her only choice is the one academy that no one really wants to attend, Grave Digger Academy. But there just might be more to Grave Digger Academy than Makayla expects- and so her supernatural adventure begins.
A fun read!

Thank you, C.A King!

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grave Digger Academy” is book one in a new fascinating series and I already can’t wait for the second one to come out! The plot revolves around Makayla, a young girl who, after being sent to the Academy, begins to discover not only her own hidden abilities but also uncover the truth about her own family secrets. What I loved the most about Makayla was her inner moral compass that guided her through all of the trials; on her personal example, she proved that she’s in charge of her own decisions and not her supposed “nature.” It’s always easy to follow the dark path and the powers the dark side offers are certainly limitless; however, it’s heroines like Makayla that remind us how important it is to take personal responsibility and choose what is right instead of what is easy.
The riveting plot, great world-building, unforgettable characters - I’d highly recommend this book to all fans of the genre!

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King a fantastic five-star read. This is number one in the Grave Digger Academy series, and I am so excited for more. I love how C.A. King creates this environment that sucks you in and wraps you in the story straight away, the characters feel fully formed straight away, you don’t need pages and pages to get to know them. I adored the light-hearted moments in this story, it added a levity that balanced so well. Do not miss this amazing start to what I am sure will be a sublime series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost didn't pick this one up to read but thought, why not? I'm so glad I took a chance on it!

It's Makayla's first year to attend academy and she spent some time choosing her top 3 picks, just like all witches get to do when they come of age. Her picks are in and she waits but hears nothing prior to the start of school. She wakes up late and misses her ride so she's doomed to take the bus. No one but losers ride the bus the school! She arrives at the door to the academy but isn't sure which specific realm she's assigned to. She quickly learns that she has to learn everything for herself. She's from a strong family of witches who've been accepted to the best and most prestigious schools so she has high hopes.

Makayla soon learns that she didn't get any of her top 3 choices, so the only other option was an assignment to the Grave Digger Academy. NO ONE applied or wanted the Grave Digger Academy and just wait until her dad hears about this.....her life is over!! Things start to come to light and Makayla begins learning more about her family, along with the mysterious amulet her mother gave her shortly before boarding the bus. Will she survive her first year? Even better, what about summer vacation after her first year?

This was a super fun read. There are elements of comedy (I laughed many times!), romance (very subtle), and paranormal activity. It is a very well written story that kept my attention throughout. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Makayla can't catch a break at home or when she's off to school. The last place anyone wants to end up is Grave Digger Academy, but Fate seems to have a reason for her to be there. This book is a great introduction to this new series by CA King.
The story is intriguing and moves quickly. Makayla make friends at GDA but just about as many enemies. She's headstrong and inquisitive and her questioning of authority often ends her up in the headmistress's office. Necromancy has been outlawed but someone is pushing those boundaries and Makayla may be the key.
This story moves right along and chronicles Makayla's difficult first year at GDA, much to the dismay of her mother, though her ancestry may be the reason her daughter is there. I can't wait to see where the adventures of year two lead.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow… This is one of the worst books I have read. I’m only giving a two stars because I like the concept. There’s very little story development or character development, there’s no backstory to understand the world of magic in which the main characters live. It’s really one of the most one-dimensional books I’ve ever read. Again, it gets two stars because it’s a quick read AND I like the concept of a school of magic devoted to people who fight the undead. To be honest I’ll probably read book 2 and three because I hate to leave a series unfinished even if I don’t like it… But I wouldn’t start the series if I were you

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book and needless to say this is a start to an amazing series, and was very well done and I'm quite eager for me! I loved the authors techniques in writing this amazing novel, from the characters and how they grew and changed, from how words played to describe not only the events and the scenery, but as well as the minds of the characters very thoroughly, this was a rare gem and left me very impressed and happy to pick up this novel and look forward to where the characters are at, to what hey will face next, with it be good intentions or perhaps something more of a more darkening sense?

The main character which to me is so relatable in more ways than one is named Makayla...she is to study at what is called The Grave Digger Academy. Trust me, she was deeply against being there in the first place more less, although perhaps she would learn soon enough that the the old saying the universe has a plan always, maybe there was more truth in the sentence than she was willing to believe?

Makayla is very headstrong, and doesn't want her life mapped on a star collision for her life. She wants to choose her own destiny and make her own decisions that will make forth a path that only she can follow as it will be the one she has chosen and willingly made. People she meets quickly choose a side to love or hate her. As much as people she could trust join one more side, the ones perhaps with less good intentions quickly make a side. But will this dividing up impact her more than she believes or again is this something the universe is planning as if all the students of the academy are more less like pawn sin a chess game? waiting till one is knocked out to reach the one piece that is desired most?

The novel ends at a good standing point as well. It was a fast and brisk read for me. It didn't drag or make you feel bored, but more less the complete opposite.

I loved this book for so many reasons, and I truly am eager to see what Makayla will go through next. Again she makes her own path, but is there truly any way to escape destiny? Sometime we can evade but some things no matter how hard you try, you cant run from some things that tru1y have a way of finding you.

I cant wait to see how she progresses and more of her path and what is already chosen and set for her. As well as how she is to be "shaped" for the continuation of the series. I always loved reading, understanding, as well as witnessing the growth of a character. And I already know with Makayla there is to be anything but slow motions. She truly is set up already to a force that if reckoned with, well you may have doubts for doing that in the first place.

This was my first novel/series I have read by C.A. King ...my only regret is I have not gotten to enjoy more books by them until I discovered this one! This was a fun and brisk read, and I will be eagerly awaiting for the continuation of the series

Well done C.A King, you have truly left me wanting more, and needless to say, very impressed!
Do pick up this wonderful book my fellow readers, and join me in attending the "orientation" for The Grave Digger Academy...surely we do not want to be late do we?

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first thing I have ever read by C.A. King, and I couldn’t put it down. The world building is amazing I found myself seeing the images in my mind of similar places I have seen. Makayla is a very relatable character not only for physically looking different from her family but in her thinking. Good or bad Makayla had questions that she shouldn’t leading to an interesting first year.
Makayla is the seventh born child in her family, having six older brothers, she was the only one with red hair and bright green eyes. Growing up she was always treated differently from her brothers by her family, her one hope was that she would get into a prestigious academy and would make her parents proud. On the morning of her first day at academy Makayla’s mother gives her a family heirloom, it is said that it hasn’t worked in 3-5 generations or more, the necklace refusing to even stay on her when it was passed to her, only now the clasp as disappeared the moment it was placed on Makayla, surprising both herself and her mother. The biggest fear was not getting accepted into her three choices, which would send her straight to Grave Digger Academy (GDA). Over the years it has been the most neglected profession in the magical world, despite being one of the most crucial jobs. The first lesson she learns is the difference between gravediggers and grave diggers. Gravediggers are the ones who dig the holes for the coffins, while grave diggers are those who prevent the already dead from returning. What started off as a disappointment at being sent to GDA quickly became a bigger mystery. Starting with the well-known urban legend of the seventh born in a family of witches. Immediately Makayla and her friends are invested in the thought of it being possible as the physical attributes of the seventh born were true for Makayla. For the first time she has friends but after an impossible moment she is kept from them, until the end of the semester.
From the first day of classes Makayla had questions about a now illegal practice of magic, seeing glimpses of the long-forgotten academy across the graveyard flickers of light seen inside makes her determined for some answers. She is finally reunited with her friends at the end of the semester, their stories of that night filling in the questions she had only now they had a plan. Knowing a glimpse of her heritage Makayla and her friends leave with missions during the break. Accepting they will be back at Grave Digger Academy soon for year two. Cali is determined to find out more about her mysterious classmates’ pasts. Thomas is to learn more about portals from his parents. Makayla is determined to learn more about her family history. They are to meet on the first day of year two and fill each other in on what they learned during the break. I cannot wait to begin reading Grave Digger Academy 2 and learn more about Makayla’s family history and why her mother kept it secret from her father.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makayla is part of a big family, she her mum, her dad and also has six brothers and they are all older than she is, the only difference is that they are a magical family and when they come of age, they go to a magical academy and now this day has finally arrived for Makayla, so here she is in their pristine, white living room and about to choose where she wants to apply. As she leafs through the ancient tome in front of her, she looks at each of the academies, what she needs to get into them and which would be best suited to her, she narrows the choices down to the three that she would like, she is torn between choosing the ones she will get into and the one her family expects her to apply for.

It is sometime later when Makayla is woken up by the sounds of her brothers going down for breakfast and the first day of term, but when she eventually goes downstairs, there is no start of year gift and no breakfast ready for her, instead there is an empty place and a gift from her mum instead. She is now running late and almost misses the bus, but with no letter to say which academy she is at, she is lost when she gets to the campus, but nobody is willing to help her until she makes it so that they can’t ignore her. However, there are still no clear instructions and she struggles to find her way, but she isn’t on her own and soon runs into a couple of other kids who are in the same situation, they work together to figure out the first lot of instructions, but are soon separated to find their own way. As the tests and instructions present more obstacles to cross, Makayla eventually finds her way back to the others and into the campus she is being sent to and unfortunately, it isn't one of the ones she has chosen, it is the least popular choice, the Grave Digger Academy.

The whole situation looks bleak, the building, the surroundings, the interior decoration and even the classes when they start up, but Makayla has made some friends and that helps to deal with the challenges and things which crop up in their studies. The first thing they learn is the difference between a gravedigger who prepares the graves and a Grave Digger who stops whatever is buried from coming back up, but things aren’t always what they seem, so will Makayla be able to keep up with her studies and make it through the year, or will she get in over her head in more ways than one? This is a fantasy tale of what happens when the dead come back to haunt us and the who the people are who are the only barrier between us and them and it is a tale which pulls you through all the way through it to the end.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not wait to read books 2 and 3!!! I LOVED this book! I love most supernatural books, but I love seeing the character's at a young point and then watching them grow. In this book we are talking about academy age. So your reading about young witches and different skills they can have or already do. Just like everything you have to learn the skills you are meant to have and then develop them. Makalya is entering her first year of the paranormal academy system, but first she must pick where to go! She gets three choices and if none of those accept her, she goes to the back up academy that no one EVER picks themselves! When she gets no word on the first day of school she has to find her own way with a slip from the library. Talk about a crazy adventuress first day! She's thrown into a sink or swim maze to find where she needs to be. Unfortunately all three of her picks didn't accept her and when she finds her path it is right to Grave Digger Academy!! All of her other six siblings went to great top schools. What is she to do, being the first of the family to be put into the worst of the worst!?? She hears of a way out of the school and being transferred to another school, but there is no way she will ever earn the top of the top marks in a curriculum that she's not even interested in learning! She has more than one scolding about her interests, but looking for answers about illegal witchcraft and her being the seventh born are at the top of her priorities right now. As school progresses she's half learning about grave diggers and what they do, but it's not until she is thrown into a bet with another student that she wishes she paid more attention! Something is off at the Gave Digger Academy and she's only just beginning to learn some of it. Will she make it through the year? Does she even want to, when she has to face her family once she returns home?! With the crazy start to the year, how will the year end? They is certainly a lot to learn about the corpses and how temperamental they can be! Will she survive the dangers of the school or will the headmaster expel her before she can get any real answers. Why does she have more questions than answers?! Mystery, danger, adventures, and lots of witches! Read this young adult paranormal fantasy to learn more! I'm off to get book 2!!

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witch's placement in one of their chosen academies is an important day. What they don't want to find is that they have been assigned to the Grave Digger academy. Makayla, who already feels like an outcast when it comes to looks and magical affinities when it comes to her family, is really hoping to get into one of her first choices. But, when she wakes up and sees no notice from an academy, she has a feeling that this isn't going to end the way she wants it to.

After an eventful trek to her new campus, she quickly learns that everything at Grave Digger Academy is not as it seems. She quickly finds herself under the watchful eye of those in charge because she has more questions than answers...and she just keeps asking them. When a bout of boredom leads her wanting to take a trip into town, Makayla finds herself in a situation that begins to shed light on what is really going on....but also allows her to learn more about herself than her parents (or any teacher) ever told her. But...not that she knows...what is she going to do about it?!?

This story moved quickly through a year at Grave Digger Academy. There is a lot of information about the witching world given...and a lot of questions left unanswered. I found myself invested in Makayla's situation and am interested in finding out what happens next.

[Darla Yocom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of a paranormal book series surrounding a strong and witty female lead character. So I was excited to jump head first into this book. Now that I am finished, I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3.

Like most young folks, Makayla hopes to get into the school of her choice but there is always a chance of only getting accepted to the Grave Digger Academy. When she finds out that she was chosen for the inevitable Grave Digger Academy, she is crushed, and her family is heartbroken. What’s a girl to do other than make the best of her situation since she has no other options, right?

I enjoyed how easily the story flowed and found that I read this in one sitting. While I experienced this in a short period of time, I found that it packed a punch. It had everything that you need: a great plot, well developed characters, and a lot of activity to keep you enthralled throughout the pages. Plus, who doesn’t love a good story that has a magical fantasy plotline? You’ll enjoy reading through M’s progress from someone who hates the idea of attending the academy to maturing to a talented student.

I think anyone of any age will enjoy this book and be intrigued to try the entire series. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and I admit it took me a couple of days to get into the story (maybe due to timing more than anything else) but once I got to grips with the reasoning behind Makaylas dislike with being sent to Grave Digger Academy instead of one of the other better thought of academies in the paranormal academy system, I fell hard into the story. There is a distinct building of character and plot which holds you in their world.
Makayla is a seventh born to a witch family, this in itself is a thing of myth, as well as being the only girl this continues to follow the myth. First years of school are not allowed access to areas or town, they have not been taught the art of the Grave Digger, but Makayla and her counterparts (as friends is a too strong description) are determined to find their own way. We discover as we wave through the story that there are secrets a few generations ago and this along with magical jewellery, is Makayla the one to bring back to force the art of Necromancy. Once the first years have found their familiars Makayla stands out even more. Add to the intrigue the seemingly forgettable Griffin and possible Tutor turner evil Professor Wooly.
I cannot wait for the next in the series as I know I will enjoy reading how the story continues.

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've heard of necromancers, but have you heard about the witches that stop the dead the necromancers have risen? This book takes a very well known dark magic and tells it from the other side. The good guys, the Grave Diggers.

I really enjoyed this book. I love tales about witches and other supernatural beings. This book was filled with fables and had a Harry Potter Vibe to it which was a bonus in of itself.

Makayla, the main character, is an outcast. In her family, she is the only girl, the only one with red hair and the only one sent to the Grave Digger Academy. With Necromancy being illegal, and as far as anyone is concerned, a "dead" craft, the Grave Digger Academy is where all of the untalented and rejected witches go.

Makayla starts off hating the fact that she is there but as time goes on, she realizes that maybe she, perhaps, belongs there. Things seem to be easier for her and all of the fables point to her being there.

The ending leads into another book being written. I can't wait to read the next one in the series! I also think I found a new author to look into their other books!

[Amy Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a handful of novels by this author, and she has yet to disappoint. Her ability to bring the characters to life, and to have the reader feel as though they are standing inside the world of the characters, is something to cherish. I was very much looking forward to reading this series, as one of my favorite television shows has the same sort of feel and antics so I dove head first. And came up for air at the end of this novel, that same day. It appears that this is something that a few readers so far have done. Devoured it.

All families have secrets, and much to Makayla's dismay, she discovers more and more throughout her stay at Grave Digger Academy, through her own research, and the information presented to her through other characters. The way she handles and stands up for herself is wonderful, and she is a strong, independent female character that I look forward to experience further adventures with. I cannot wait to jump into the next installment, which will likely be this weekend. Goosebumps, shivers and laughs have me highly recommending this experience, well done!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Digger Academy 1 was a good book, that quickly drew me in, and I look forward to book 2. It is a short book, that I was able to read in a day or 2, as I didn't want to put it down. The characters are well written and each have their own personality, which comes through very well. I am not typically big on paranormal books, but the cover art drew me in. The author does a good job of laying the ground work, and providing the details for us to envision this world. We follow Makayla, in her first year of the paranormal academy, which seems similar to college. She applied to 3, and was denied from all but this school- which is the taboo school no one wants to go to, as it seems to be the last resort for the rejects. I was a little confused why there are grave diggers and Grave Diggers, and why they aren't given different names.... but I hope that will become more clear later in the series. Makayla has a bit of mystery to her, and we slowly learn that she is more important than she seems at first- Made me think of Harry Potter, in the importance and history. I recommend this book and am dedicated to the series now- keep them coming!

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Digger Academy is a fun YA fantasy novel. It’s perfect for fans of magic boarding schools! This story sees Makayla failing to live up to the expectations of her parents and older brothers, but finding her own place and path in the world.
There’s a fun cast of characters! Makayla soon gets to know classmates such as Thomas, Cali and Leo who are united by not having applied to Grave Digger Academy but ending up there anyway. And there are the teachers, such as Tallen, Ms Moth, and Ms Dred. Makayla’s never had much talent for getting on with people, and has to learn to make friends and work with others.
The world building is lovely – the school is very well described as Makayla arrives and gets to know it, and it’s so atmospheric and captivating! I really felt like I’d been transported to a new and magical world – so much food for the imagination!
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to confident teen readers and young adults who’ve enjoyed magic school books in the past such as the Children of the Red King series and are looking for something new to fall in love with.

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Series Book 1)
By C.A King
4 Stars

I’m so happy this book is a series. It was so original and not what I was expecting. I loved it! I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books and have never been disappointed. I found this book to be different from her others but just as good. Makayla is a witch and is starting her first year in the paranormal academy system. She gets the option of choosing three schools which she would like to attend but in the end, the school chooses you. It’s quite interesting the way it happens. She ends up at the academy where no one wants to go. A grave digger’s main purpose is to keep the dead, well, dead. There is more going on beneath the surface (pun intended). Makayla has a lot to learn and secrets to uncover.

This book is a wonderful fantasy filled with twists and turns. Makayla is headstrong and doesn’t want to accept fate, she wants to forge her own path. This should lead to some interesting scenarios with the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to it.