What do you think?
Rate this book
The Academy Saga #1
The Academy
Kate Connelly should be careful what she wishes for.
Just seventeen, she already feels like she’s suffocating. Since her mother’s death, her father’s basically checked out, so she’s stuck raising her brothers by herself out in the New Mexico scrub. All Kate wants is a little distraction from the same-ole, same-ole that is her life.
When two mysterious guys show up at the diner where she works, she thinks her wish has come true, until they start giving her a hard time. Like her life isn’t hard enough. Something about them niggles her, but she brushes it off. She’s never going to see them again anyway . . . right?
Then they appear in an alley one night to either rescue or kidnap her (she’s still not sure which) before disappearing like figments of her imagination.
Kate decides to put the bizarre encounters out of her mind. She has bigger problems to worry about: like that elite military academy that’s been pursuing her gifted little brother. When one of their cadets shows up at Clovis High School, he creates instant pandemonium. And just happens to be one of those mysterious guys. Coincidence? Mama said there’s no such thing. And to always trust her instinct. But that might be kind of hard, because every time she’s around Cadet Peter Davenport, her gut starts flip-flopping on her. And her heart.
Can Kate keep it together long enough to stop Cadet Davenport’s mission? She’s about to find out. And—once again—how neatly life can be split into before and after.
Just seventeen, she already feels like she’s suffocating. Since her mother’s death, her father’s basically checked out, so she’s stuck raising her brothers by herself out in the New Mexico scrub. All Kate wants is a little distraction from the same-ole, same-ole that is her life.
When two mysterious guys show up at the diner where she works, she thinks her wish has come true, until they start giving her a hard time. Like her life isn’t hard enough. Something about them niggles her, but she brushes it off. She’s never going to see them again anyway . . . right?
Then they appear in an alley one night to either rescue or kidnap her (she’s still not sure which) before disappearing like figments of her imagination.
Kate decides to put the bizarre encounters out of her mind. She has bigger problems to worry about: like that elite military academy that’s been pursuing her gifted little brother. When one of their cadets shows up at Clovis High School, he creates instant pandemonium. And just happens to be one of those mysterious guys. Coincidence? Mama said there’s no such thing. And to always trust her instinct. But that might be kind of hard, because every time she’s around Cadet Peter Davenport, her gut starts flip-flopping on her. And her heart.
Can Kate keep it together long enough to stop Cadet Davenport’s mission? She’s about to find out. And—once again—how neatly life can be split into before and after.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
486 people are currently reading
6204 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Daly
7 books185 followersCJ Daly grew up on the scrabbly plains of Eastern New Mexico. When she was supposed to be helping her six siblings with chores on the family ranch, she was really sneaking behind dusty haystacks to read. And dreaming about becoming a writer.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 20, 2019
After I read this book, I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. I literally can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! I would highly recommend reading “The Academy.” It will definitely take you on a twisty journey and leave you wanting more!
September 1, 2019
Great YA romance with intriguing story and there are more to come in the series! I loved this book, the chemistry between Kate and Pete is white hot and trying to figure out what is going on at the mysterious Academy made it impossible to put down. It’s also longer then a lot of YA books which I loved as they always end too soon. I’m dying to know what happens next and can’t wait for the sequel! This is sexy fun while also being a compelling page turner. Loved it!
July 22, 2019
A marvelous first novel....The Academy is one of the best experiences I have had as a reader in a long, long time! Set in New Mexico's desert, the story unfolds as the main character Kate explores the intricate and often times complicated relationships between family, the turbulence of adolescence, and the growing pains of love and loss. Beautifully and powerfully written CJ Daly is a born storyteller and her brilliant debut novel is destined to suck you in with startling plot twists, richly developed characters, and heart wrenching love triangles.
The Academy is one of those rare novels that, once you've finished, the story and characters stay with you long after, leaving you longing for more! Book #2 PLEASE!!!!!!
The Academy is one of those rare novels that, once you've finished, the story and characters stay with you long after, leaving you longing for more! Book #2 PLEASE!!!!!!
November 26, 2020
The Academy is an easy 5 stars! My only complaint, I must get my hands on book two RIGHT NOW!
Seventeen year old Kate Connelly is being pulled in every direction. A full time student, part time waitress, mother figure, raising her two brothers, and keeping the small farm/household running. Since the death of Kates mother, her father has pretty much checked out.
Just when things couldn't possibly get any worse Kate discovers her father's intent to send her gifted little brother away to an elite military academy. With a promise to protect both of her siblings she refuses to allow this to happen.
And when Cadet Peter Davenport arrives at her school one day everything's turned upside down.
Wow! What a fantastic YA!! The storyline is excellent. Great characters and character development. I very much enjoyed the writing style. Really looking forward to reading the next book!!
Huge thank you to CJ Daly for sending me a copy of her book!
Seventeen year old Kate Connelly is being pulled in every direction. A full time student, part time waitress, mother figure, raising her two brothers, and keeping the small farm/household running. Since the death of Kates mother, her father has pretty much checked out.
Just when things couldn't possibly get any worse Kate discovers her father's intent to send her gifted little brother away to an elite military academy. With a promise to protect both of her siblings she refuses to allow this to happen.
And when Cadet Peter Davenport arrives at her school one day everything's turned upside down.
Wow! What a fantastic YA!! The storyline is excellent. Great characters and character development. I very much enjoyed the writing style. Really looking forward to reading the next book!!
Huge thank you to CJ Daly for sending me a copy of her book!
July 5, 2019
Amazing Start 👍
Intrigued with the blurb I decided to give the book a chance. When starting a new book I'm always open with my expectations, especially with unfamiliar author's, and I have to say this book has left me speechless. It was suspenseful, intense, unique, and definitely worth the read. The compelling characters, well written story, and plot twists (that'll keep you guessing), will encourage you to read from start to finish. That ending though... you just never see it coming. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! All n' all give this book a read you won't regret it.
Intrigued with the blurb I decided to give the book a chance. When starting a new book I'm always open with my expectations, especially with unfamiliar author's, and I have to say this book has left me speechless. It was suspenseful, intense, unique, and definitely worth the read. The compelling characters, well written story, and plot twists (that'll keep you guessing), will encourage you to read from start to finish. That ending though... you just never see it coming. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! All n' all give this book a read you won't regret it.
July 31, 2019
Definitely a page turner! I kept telling myself one more page and then one more chapter! I couldn’t put the book down. The characters come to life on the pages and there are twists and turns that you won’t see coming! Can’t wait for the next one!
September 24, 2019
Wow
I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this. It was an great story. You know you are hooked when you are muttering at the characters and staying up late to finish the story. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this. It was an great story. You know you are hooked when you are muttering at the characters and staying up late to finish the story. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 11, 2019
Unexpected and exciting
Get ready for an all night read. If you like unexpected twists, well thought out plots, heroes, villains, and underdogs, you are in for a treat. I can't wait for the sequel!
Get ready for an all night read. If you like unexpected twists, well thought out plots, heroes, villains, and underdogs, you are in for a treat. I can't wait for the sequel!
October 27, 2019
I DEVOURED this book! I seriously could not put it down! Book 2 needs to come out ASAP!
December 9, 2019
Not your typical academy series
If your tired of the same academy series being rewritten a million different ways but all to similar, then you definitely need to read Daly's Academy book one. I'm only heartbroken theirs not a complete series yet. The characters are truly unique. You will get sucked in and ride an emotional rollercoaster. This is the best academy book ever written!!!
If your tired of the same academy series being rewritten a million different ways but all to similar, then you definitely need to read Daly's Academy book one. I'm only heartbroken theirs not a complete series yet. The characters are truly unique. You will get sucked in and ride an emotional rollercoaster. This is the best academy book ever written!!!
August 28, 2019
Oh my gosh! My bookclub just read this, and I wanted to crawl inside and live in this book! I was a little disappointed we didn't see more of the Ranger character though . . . very intriguing ending. Hopefully, we'll see more of him in the sequel!!
September 2, 2019
Such a well developed story! The chemistry, the mystery kept me turning page after page. You love some characters and then hate others but love them all too. Can’t wait for more books from this writer. Please tell us what happens next!
July 23, 2019
A really captivating and engaging story; piqued my interest very quickly, and held it all the way through. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 21, 2019
Already obsessed! Bummer to have to wait for the next one!
November 14, 2019
Excellently written book
I read this book in one sitting, it was so well-written and -plotted. If you like thrillers with a touch of paranormal, you'll like this.
I read this book in one sitting, it was so well-written and -plotted. If you like thrillers with a touch of paranormal, you'll like this.
December 4, 2019
Great book.
I could not put this great book down. I will anxiously be waiting for the next one! Hurry up please :)
I could not put this great book down. I will anxiously be waiting for the next one! Hurry up please :)
December 6, 2019
Love it
I just loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It took me 2 days to read it. Good thing I'm a stay at home mom 😁
I just loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It took me 2 days to read it. Good thing I'm a stay at home mom 😁
December 13, 2019
Wow! This book hooks you in! The dialogue and characters are phenomenal! You feel like you are right there with Kate. My son woke up in the middle of the night and while he was falling back asleep I had grab my kindle again to see what happened.... next thing I know it’s 5 am! I am on pins and needles for the next one! Fantastic read!
December 27, 2019
I won a kindle edition of this book as a goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next one. A lot of what happened at the end was a surprise even though I had a vague idea that it was the direction that the story was going... the details of what I expected were wrong though.
August 11, 2020
Looking forward to the next book. The ending left me wanting more background on Ranger and slightly confused on who I like better, Pete or Ranger. (Update: I am now team Ranger). There's has to be more to the story.
December 13, 2019
Really ended up loving this book. It was a recommend and I'm not much of a reader unless the book is really good. And this book is really really good. I will definitely be moving onto the next one. Very interested to see where the story goes from here.
September 30, 2019
Just blew me away, got swept up, never want it to end. When is the next one coming?
November 9, 2019
Absolutely loved this! Loved the characters, the slow burn, and the ending! Apart from the fact that I now have to wait to see what happens next. 😬
January 25, 2020
I loved it.
This book was well written and hooked me from the beginning. I loved it. It flew by for being over 500 pages. Very good start to a series.
This book was well written and hooked me from the beginning. I loved it. It flew by for being over 500 pages. Very good start to a series.
January 13, 2020
It's like an exciting novel. I'm glad reading this interesting story. I loved this book, I can' wait for the next scene.
February 14, 2020
OMG
This book was amazing!! It had it all and totally pulled me in with just the first page. I couldn't put it down can't wait for #2.
This book was amazing!! It had it all and totally pulled me in with just the first page. I couldn't put it down can't wait for #2.
October 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this YA/romance. It was in the fantasy genre and I thought the writing was great and the mystery and adventure was exciting!! There were good twists that I didn't see coming which was fun! Definitely recommend, especially for fans of Twilight!
November 7, 2019
Good read! I loved the story and am excited to continue the journey whenever the next book comes out. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long!!!!
October 18, 2020
This is a Young Adult novel and a book one in a series. We follow our protagonist Kate while she is navigating teenage drama, friendships, family, and love. There is a lot of heartache and loss. CJ Daly is a lyrical writer, and I enjoy reading this book. However, I think this could be shorter and with a little less inner monologue. Which made it a bit boring at times. Everything happens in the last 10% of the book, where we are basically told and explained the storyline.
It does end on a cliffhanger...
It does end on a cliffhanger...
May 7, 2020
Very interesting story with dynamic characters. It was a very fun read and I can’t wait until the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews