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Grimmstead Academy #3

Defiant Rebellion

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Fighting evil was not something I signed up for when I accepted a position at Grimmstead Academy, but here I am.

This house is alive, and its mouth is hungry. Chaos flows from it, causing every soul stuck here to be mad. Ian, Dagen, Payne, Koda, Bram, and Lucien—their weaknesses all stem from one man.

Victor Grimmstead.

Victor is back, alive and walking through the halls as if he’d never left. Can he be trusted? The jury’s still out. But it’s not time for uncertainty; it’s time for rebellion, to fight the supernatural power keeping us here. This game will finally end, even if it means I have to give everything to end it.

In Grimmstead, you can’t trust yourself. You can’t trust anyone. The blood, the insanity, the confusion—it all leads to a choice none of us can take back.

Once caught in the web, it never lets you go.


**GA: Defiant Rebellion is the third and final book in the Grimmstead Academy series; it is not your typical academy read. There is graphic violence along with steamy scenes and psychotic love interests. There is no choosing between love interests here.**

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2020

58 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Candace Wondrak

116 books1,845 followers
Hey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.

Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!

If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.

Happy reading!

Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v

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Community Reviews

5 stars
113 (35%)
4 stars
85 (26%)
3 stars
74 (22%)
2 stars
39 (12%)
1 star
11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Gizelle Chia.
562 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2020
I’m still processing wtf just happened?! My heart hurts. It’s a tough one to rate.

All of that suspense kept me hopeful for some real resolution but a part of me withered away with that ending. I was hoping for a HEA. If it was a movie I could’ve accepted that ending but as a book I was left quite unsatisfied. This was a new genre for me and it made me feel fragile. I feel like Thanos just conquered the world.

Bram was my favourite.

The plot reminded me of the Miskatonic prep series but it was executed much better.

The writing is great, the story telling was great. But fuck I feel empty with that ending. *Sobs audibly*
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
April 3, 2020
I love these characters and this author and this series! I hope there is a Felice returns to Grimmstead book again in the future. So much potential and the way it ended was perfect...as it leaves room for so much more if she has time.

This book was about trying to escape the house. But how to so that when you are trapped and dead... read it and find out! It's so darn good. I mean who doesn't love a bunch of murdery psychos? I know I do!

At this point I think I will just read anything Candace writes. She's got talent and she doesn't shy away from violence, insanity, or sex.
Love it!! Such as amazing journey in these books. And it was fun trying to pick out literary references!
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,533 reviews310 followers
April 18, 2021
The authors note in the end really spoke to me because yeah this book was not for me. I get where and why she took it there but I’m not happy about it.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
April 1, 2020
GOTHIC PERFECTION!! 😍😍

This series has been hands down one of my favorites! It is unlike anything else I have ever read! It’s creepy, unique, creative, gothic, steamy as f***, and has a far from typical ending but I loved every single word! I can hardly say that a book or series has ever left me speechless but this one has left me with no words to describe how much I loved this series.

I don’t want to ruin the series so I’ll just say this, I loved that ending! It blew my mind in a good way and left it open for a possible novella if the author chooses to do so.

If anyone is tired of the typical RH, then give this a try. It has so many different elements not found in the stereotypical RH. It’s a combination of classic gothic tales and characters and throw in a murder house (American Horror Story type) and we have a chilling and creepy RH! Just read the trilogy!!!
Profile Image for Cheryl Sedman.
1,159 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2020
Wow this Book took me on a bumpy mind bending crazy ride. With its many many twists and turns that pull you in, wanting to know if they figure out how to escape the clutches of Grimmstead academy.
With wicked strong characters in felice, and the guys we see her opened up more to them all to create a great story. And with an ending that could possibly lead to more but whilst also being wrapped up in a complete way.
Profile Image for Bekah .
66 reviews
April 28, 2020
Terrible, pointless ending. Made reading the whole series feel pointless. No HEA so that let it down as well.
43 reviews
July 17, 2020
Didn't like the ending at all but a good series overall
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
April 26, 2020
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OMG This book was amazing! When I first started reading the series I was so confused and wondering what was going on! Just keep reading! I promise if you keep reading, you are going to fall in love with this series! Once you start to think you know what is going on, something happens and it makes you question everything. Everything I thought I was figuring out only left me with even more questions and wanting to know what happens.
This is a dark Gothic type story that keeps you guessing. This book makes you question your sanity and manages to convince you to like them as characters. The way Candace Wondrak wrote this book was so creative and different.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! If you have not given this book a try, please do and keep pushing through. You will see what I mean!
Profile Image for Jackles.
831 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2020
No one beats Grimmstead

This has been a very odd series. From pretty early on you get the understanding that Grimmstead is its own entity and once within its walls, you’ll never get out. Take that warning with you throughout this series as Felice tries to find a way to beat and unbeatable game. The guys are stuck in a never ending loop, so why would you ever believe Felice wouldn’t be a part of that cycle once she entered those doors. I think the best part about this series was that epilogue, it truly put into words the unexplainable feeling I had throughout the series: haunted house filled with the ghosts of its past reliving their days within an unbreakable cycle. I had goosebumps throughout the epilogue and I loved every moment of it. Major props to the author for remaining true to her story and not giving this book an undeserved HEA just to please it’s readers.
319 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2020
Wow we are back in Grimmstead with Felice and her guys but with a new addition victor Grimmstead is back and what does he want with Felice. What an intense read with lots of twists and turns for them all that make you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Will they every be able to leave Grimmstead Academy or will they be trapped there for ever. I love all the characters in these book but I do have a soft stop for Koda and Bram I have really loved reading this book it has been a crazy read which has keep you on tender hooks but also amazing read as well.
The ending very clever how Candace has finished the book i loved it could it be a deja vu moment for Felice or the beginning
Profile Image for Jessica Stevens.
432 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2020
What a trip of a series

--- SPOILERS BELOW ---
Wow, what an end to the trilogy and it is quite fitting for the core of story from the beginning. I was not expecting a tragedy and was hoping for an HEA, but as I said, it fits. The relationship development between the characters progressed believably for me throughout the series and the horror and gothic aspects were done really well. The horror aspect especially didn't feel "put on" and is the best I've read in this genre (admittedly few). I still gave it five stars even though it wasn't what I was really looking for because it was really well written, I like the idea of the story, the relationship development between the guys, and the crummy (though truly fitting) ending. I'm glad I read it and hope you will too.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
768 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2020
Unfortunate!

So I actually wouldn't have finished this book had I have known how it was going to end. I'm rather disappointed which is a shame because I've read other books by CW and when she gets it right it's superb. I literally only read this book because I wanted to know how the curse was going to be broken. I didn't get the point in the vampire and I thought felice deserved a better ending. In general I found it a bit did jointed. It has so much potential and it could have been so awesome. Personally it's not a rh for me, yes she sleeps with every individual in the house but they aren't a combined unit. They aren't in a relationship, they are just individuals who have sex because the house demands it in a way.
495 reviews23 followers
April 25, 2020
Bravo!

I am genuinely surprised that there aren't more reviews posted on this fantastic series. You get it all with this series. Love, lust, nail biting, edge of your seat intensity and creep factor. This is one of those stories where there is absolutely NO way to predict the ending but I had so many questions and ideas that pop up along the way, it was so engrossing to speculate although I was ultimately way off with how it ended. This was a fantastic read. You are going to have so many WTF moments. Tons of action. Tons of suspense. Loads of smexy times. Some heartbreak. All the feels. Do yourself a favor and just start it if you haven't already.
Profile Image for Emily Davis.
142 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2021
This series took me a bit to get into, it did not really take off until the second book. The writing is really good, although I did not care for the ending as it was open-ended. While it fits really well with the whole concept of the book, I have learned that I do not care for book that end with out a neat resolution. It does make me wonder how many times has the loop played out and has it always ended the same. I loved the building. I love when buildings are personified and become an active character in books. This series is not for one faint of heart, so other readers do be aware that if you have triggers, please think before you read, otherwise enjoy the haunted house.
Profile Image for Ambisaurus Rex.
384 reviews24 followers
April 7, 2020
A fitting end

I personally appreciated the ending. It made a lot of sense and was unique. That being said, I also really appreciated what this series had to offer. It's gothic and made me want to read classic horror which is not something I ever want to do. Plus the characters were all likeable in their unlikable ways. So, what I'm trying to say is that if you like gothic and sexy times, pick up this book. Also, it has psychos.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
April 16, 2020
Finale in true Psycho Queen style

Why... This final book of the Grimmstead Academy series really was everything I hoped for and more. It was dark, twisted and most of all: expectedly unexpected. Not a typical ending, but I feel like that wouldn't have fit this story either way. I loved how it all wrapped up and I feel like I can imagine this series with Grimmstead in another setting over and over again. Very well done indeed!
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
November 29, 2020
Interesting ending.

It left a lot of questions unanswered and a bit of meh feeling. Definitely a great horror story - unusual but great world and character building. Not a fan of the ending myself, especially with a book title of Defiant Rebellion. It seemed like we were gearing up for an epic fight against evil and it was like, nope, boop your nose. And the epilogue was a little unfulfilling despite it feeding into the no one gets out alive schtick.
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books82 followers
April 1, 2020
Must read

Wow! Dark, twisty & just amazing. This series fast became my favourite I devoured it. The harem has the perfect mix of alpha, nerdy, sadistic & protective. So many twists and turns I just didn’t know what was going to happen next. THe ending was seriously intense and you’ll be left wondering.
146 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2020
Ok

Hi...this story must have been hard for you to write...I was absorbed in to a lot of it...Ending was disappointing...I was looking forward to it to find out what happened to that horrible academy....and finding some peace for the poor characters...but it's just been left on a continuum...But well done as an Author as the story was original and I did enjoy it.💗
Profile Image for Katie.
1,990 reviews16 followers
April 4, 2020
Another amazing story from this author. This is book 3 in series and many questions were now answered. Entire storyline was amazing. Starting of book 3 I was so confused. Mainly trying to figure out what in the world is going on. Don’t worry everything makes sense. Loved this entire series. Author has always been a favorite of mine. Can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Profile Image for Karah.
196 reviews
April 6, 2020
4⭐️

Twisted right up till the very end. As usual the writing was wonderful and you couldn’t see the twists coming. I did take off a star for the ending though. If you are looking for your typical HEA, you won’t find it here. The series is strong, steamy, and incredibly different though. Worth taking a chance on.
Profile Image for Hakima Lamour.
41 reviews
April 15, 2020
Different but Good

I actually liked this series. I don’t agree with the way it ended but I get why it did. I loved all of the guys except Victor and I’m a bit miffed that Felice didn’t get somewhat of a happy ending with her guys but at least she got a second chance. Hopefully the author will write a follow up cause I’m dying to know what happens when she goes back.
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,868 reviews7 followers
April 19, 2020
Woah, this book was a crazy ride. This is one amazing series!
Felice is stuck in the academy along with others who are... not quite sane, or normal or in anyway fit for human consumption, but hey here she is and there is something about these men and this place that sucks you in and tries to consume you. The characters really grab you and the storyline is good.
I loved reading this.
Profile Image for Kelsey Schaeffer.
Author 11 books5 followers
April 26, 2020
This was a pretty good series, but I prefered the second to this one. There was so much build up, and the end seemed a bit rushed. There was too much mystery. A random baby? It was just weird. I wasn't crazy about Felice, but I liked all the other characters . I feel like so much was missing. The book just needed more before the weird, abrupt end. I liked it. I was just disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
June 13, 2020
A total mind trip

I Loved this series! It's not something I would normally read but I couldn't put it down, my curiosity to figure everything out won. I wish there was more HEA but still worth it, or maybe it's just a twisted HEA! This was well written and thought out and completely different from anything else I have read, in a good
40 reviews
June 21, 2020
Holy creepiness

This whole series was so well written and super creepy and I loved every bit of it. I had weird dreams for days but I couldn’t not finish this series. I have never read anything like this, especially since it says academy, but it’s not academy and thank god it’s not teenagers. And what was Midnight to the house? Also, what was up with Lucian at the end?
18 reviews
October 12, 2020
This book was good up until the last chapter. I enjoyed the series as a whole up until the last chapter. Then it was ruined for me! You do not find out what happens. The guys disappeared the girl was in a room and that was it. There is no ending i was so into this and it was such crap the way to end it. I gave it a 2 star because I did enjoy this book up until the last chapter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
March 3, 2021
Wow

I’ve been in a serious book slump but I DEVOURED this series. It was all so unexpected but in a great way. If you’re a fan of American Horror Story this is right up your alley. I really really hope the author decides to continue with these characters even though this is technically the end. So so so good!
Profile Image for Tiffiny.
533 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2021
Not your typical ending but really this wasn’t your typical series. To be honest, I liked the ending. Not HEA but also could be interpreted as one? I don’t know, I think I like that it isn’t your normal conclusion that makes me enjoy it so much.

Great series, very different, would recommend for those who like unique stories.
Profile Image for Lizz Fenton .
68 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2022
I really struggled to stay with this book, the ending was literally atrocious. I really enjoyed the first two and a half books and I'm so upset by book 3.


*spoilers ahead*
The fact that the house just takes over Lucien and everyone is just gone? And now Felice is a baby??? Literally what the heck? Id rate the last few chapters of this book a 0, honestly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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