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Half-Blood Academy #3
Magic Fury
I'm not what everyone thinks I am.
If they discover what I am, both the gods and demons will hunt me to the ends of the universe.
The revelation of my hidden origin would tilt the scales of the immortal war, but I don't carry this dark secret alone. The sea demigod, my sworn enemy, now carries it with me and leaves a trail of dead bodies behind to keep me--and my secret--safe.
Amid the turmoil and chaos, the God of War returns to the Academy. Obsessed with my uniqueness, he steals me from his son's bed to make me warm his.
So war breaks out between the war god and my demigods while Lucifer's army of demons besieges the Academy. If we all survive the brutal battle, my mates will soon learn the truth about me is dirtier than reality.
Magic Fury is the third book in the Half-Blood Academy series with a badass heroine, four deadly, striking demigods, heart-pounding action blended with super steamy love scenes, and great romance.
If they discover what I am, both the gods and demons will hunt me to the ends of the universe.
The revelation of my hidden origin would tilt the scales of the immortal war, but I don't carry this dark secret alone. The sea demigod, my sworn enemy, now carries it with me and leaves a trail of dead bodies behind to keep me--and my secret--safe.
Amid the turmoil and chaos, the God of War returns to the Academy. Obsessed with my uniqueness, he steals me from his son's bed to make me warm his.
So war breaks out between the war god and my demigods while Lucifer's army of demons besieges the Academy. If we all survive the brutal battle, my mates will soon learn the truth about me is dirtier than reality.
Magic Fury is the third book in the Half-Blood Academy series with a badass heroine, four deadly, striking demigods, heart-pounding action blended with super steamy love scenes, and great romance.
299 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2019
3516 people are currently reading
1806 people want to read
About the author
Meg Xuemei X
110 books2,281 followersMeg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.
Join Meg’s mailing list for new releases, giveaways, and fun stuff: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
July 11, 2022
Meh
Why does the author keep changing the way the main character speaks? Sometimes it’s modern then other times she’ll say stuff like she’s a Shakespearean heroine. It’s jarring
Why does the author keep changing the way the main character speaks? Sometimes it’s modern then other times she’ll say stuff like she’s a Shakespearean heroine. It’s jarring
August 27, 2019
I might actually enjoy this series if not for the 'pet names' the demigods have for Marigold. We have what??? "Lamb, Rosebuds, Cookie and Buttercup." I don't find that romantic or cute. I find it very irritating. Not to mention the book is a series and I have to wait for the next book... argh...
March 29, 2021
While I really do like the overall story a lot - I think the plot is great! - the heroine is getting a little TSTL to me.
Or maybe it's that she's gone from a world-wise survivor to a bratty teenager. IDK.
But this book she kept bitching about having guards, and wanting to be normal and just go to classes. Okay, listen dumbass. You get attacked like every other goddamn minute. You need guards. Secondly, since when did you even want to go to class?
I don't know, it just feels like she's morphed into this spoiled girl who pitches fits now. Not a fan. She can still be badass, and again, I love the overall plot ... but her physical/magical level-up has seeming led to a mental level-down, and ugh.
Or maybe it's that she's gone from a world-wise survivor to a bratty teenager. IDK.
But this book she kept bitching about having guards, and wanting to be normal and just go to classes. Okay, listen dumbass. You get attacked like every other goddamn minute. You need guards. Secondly, since when did you even want to go to class?
I don't know, it just feels like she's morphed into this spoiled girl who pitches fits now. Not a fan. She can still be badass, and again, I love the overall plot ... but her physical/magical level-up has seeming led to a mental level-down, and ugh.
October 11, 2019
I won't lie, I should've left this as DNF. But once I got 30% in I felt obligated to finish it. I won't be continuing this series. Seeing as it's late, I'll keep my complaints short.
- We get it, suddenly Marigold is a special snowflake and can do no wrong. But in reality, it's poor writing to allow her to go from a novice human to some skilled immortal being.
- She's annoying. The special snowflake aspect is irritating, but so is her constant bickering with Paxton.
- The three demigods are morphing into one another. Only one seems to have an original personality.
- The steam is weird. It makes no sense how you'd write one character as timid and gentle, but then he's speaking dirty during the sexy times. It just didn't come off believable in my opinion.
- The main conflict felt rushed.
- INSTA LOVE. The insta attraction in book one was fun and I dug it. But now I kind of want to vomit and throttle Marigold. She's equally annoying as those girl bullies.
I wish I didn't have these complaints because this started off so well. I honestly thought I found an epic story. It slowly went downhill though.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
- We get it, suddenly Marigold is a special snowflake and can do no wrong. But in reality, it's poor writing to allow her to go from a novice human to some skilled immortal being.
- She's annoying. The special snowflake aspect is irritating, but so is her constant bickering with Paxton.
- The three demigods are morphing into one another. Only one seems to have an original personality.
- The steam is weird. It makes no sense how you'd write one character as timid and gentle, but then he's speaking dirty during the sexy times. It just didn't come off believable in my opinion.
- The main conflict felt rushed.
- INSTA LOVE. The insta attraction in book one was fun and I dug it. But now I kind of want to vomit and throttle Marigold. She's equally annoying as those girl bullies.
I wish I didn't have these complaints because this started off so well. I honestly thought I found an epic story. It slowly went downhill though.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
August 27, 2019
nah i got a lil disappointed in this one, i feel like the first one started off real good and then the other books continued being worse. I feel like the story needs to be more developed . Or that the books needs to be thicker, cuz in this one i felt like she was kidnapped here and there and that the guys where off running for and after her and be the alpha overprotective guys. I just felt that something missed in this one, if ya know what i mean
even tho i am excited for the next book
even tho i am excited for the next book
October 6, 2019
This book had some slow moments but did leave off on one helluva cliffhanger...
Overall rating:
4*~ A Good Read
Overall rating:
4*~ A Good Read
October 2, 2019
2.5
I'm going with 2.5
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did the others. There's too much intimacy and too little plot to where it becomes dull. The main character is funny at times but seems a little frustrating this time around. The humor is still strong which is a saving factor. I will still read the next book.
I'm going with 2.5
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did the others. There's too much intimacy and too little plot to where it becomes dull. The main character is funny at times but seems a little frustrating this time around. The humor is still strong which is a saving factor. I will still read the next book.
October 11, 2019
Review to come.
June 12, 2024
2 - 2.25 ⭐
Book #3 of 5
(This book ends in a cliffhanger)
⬇️ Greek gods, demigods & descendants
⬇️❌ Supernaturals: shifters, witches, vampires, mages, Fae... (not much is seen)
⬇️❌ 2 academies: Half-blood (for Gods' descendants) & Other (for other supernaturals)
⬇️❌ Apocalyptic word: Lucifer (hell forces) vs Gods
⬇️❌ Unknown powers / Coming into power
⬇️❌ RH
⬇️❌ Romance
❌ Cringey, constant, poorly timed use of pet names
❌ Overdramatic scenes
❌ Every plot opportunity to create unnecessary drama
❌ Tell no show
❌ Emotional behaviour & development
⬇️ MMC: big, powerful guys everyone desires
⬇️ MMC instantly obsessed with FMC
⬇️❌ FMC: extra special one, makes confidence looks stupid, "I bow to no one"
❌ Instinctive, effortless use of powers
❌ Mean girl drama
⬇️❌ Plot: few information, abrupt changes, poor development
❌ World building: bland and basic
***
Notes:
📌 World building: weak foundation
Poor introduction, not many explanations.
📌 Plot: tell no show
🔸no foundations
Not very developed nor detailed.
A lot of it is based on the reader's superficial common knowledge of supernaturals and greek mythology.
🔸 Lacks explanations and introductions
It is all very light on information, especially if you take into consideration that a lot of it would be completely new to the FMC as well but nope, she has no problem in fitting in and surpassing them all.
🔸 Repetitive scenes
🔸 Overdramatic scenes
🔸 Abrupt changes
🔸 Poor planning
🔸Every new scene is a chance for more added unnecessary drama
Everything that could go wrong, goes over dramatically wrong. Everything!
New school -> drama
Being tested -> drama
New powers -> drama
Meeting new people -> drama
Being transported -> drama
Speaking with a boy -> drama
Sleeping in and being late -> drama
New class -> drama
Fighting -> drama
Being attacked -> drama
...
And so on.
🔸Surprise information that conveniently explains the scene
Pieces of information that come out of nowhere but of course it was always common knowledge to everyone even though it is the first time we [readers] are hearing about it and it so conveniently justifies or helps set the scene.
🔸 Inconsistencies, incoherences and loopholes
📌 Half-blood Academy: just background
🔸Trials
No more trials since the one in the first book.
I really don't get all that initial fuss about the Half-death Academy. Or was that just a poor attempt to show how funny, original and oh so not like the others the FMC is??
🔸Classes
The FMC barely goes to class, the few times she does, something happens and she ends up skipping all the classes.
Plenty of instinctive use of powers as we don't see the students train them.
This is supposed to be a military academy but there is very little of the military.
Unless you count the fact that as soon as the students graduate they are to be sent to battle the demons...?
Otherwise, there is very little discipline or battle training.
Moreover, the demigods come and go, interfere with the classes' schedules and plans whenever it pleases them, the headmaster is more of an advisor, the teachers are constantly changing and so are the teaching methods, students miss classes, parties...
Yeah...not very disciplined.
For short, as an academy series there is not much of teaching and learning.
The academy is just the place where they are and a pretty setting to show how the FMC is oh so different from all the other very special students, making her super, extra special and hated by them, a perfect setting for easy, stereotypical, cringey overdramatic mean girls/school scene.
📌 Powers: missed opportunity
This could have really set plenty of the world building and how this society works.
A missed opportunity.
There is not much information regarding which powers belong to each (God) house, besides the obvious like lightning (Zeus), water manipulation (Poseidon)...
It sticks to the bare essential for some dramatic scenes and little else.
📌 Mythology: bland
It is all very superficial, very few details and information.
🔸Greek Gods
Why only the God of War?
Where are the others??
🔸Demigods
With the Gods' proclivity to sex (as anyone can easily check with a simple Google search), how come there are only 4 demigods??? How is that possible?!
🔸Other supernaturals
- Irrelevant (as the plot is)
I don't see the point of introducing them and a 2nd academy to the plot, than to say they are seen as lesser than those who have a God's bloodline and are kept separate from them.
Sure we all know and like these supernatural beings but they bring nothing to the plot, at least the way they were introduced.
The same could have been attained with a social segregation of those with higher vs lesser content of God's bloodline.
- Suggestion: connect the Gods, powers and supernaturals through bloodlines
For me, it would have been very interesting to see that segregation based on the bloodlines and powers.
There would have been a hierarchy as always, because there is always a hierarchy as it is pure animal instinct.
Certain Gods would be considered more powerful than others (as it happens with the Greek's Gods).
They could have a way to trace how closely to a God the descendants are.
(Actually, now that I think about it, is a demigod only a half-God half-human?
Or are there more differences?
What about a child born from two demigod parents? Is it a demigod as well??
Maybe I should go read Percy Jackson...)
The powers they have could also be a discriminating factor.
And the supernaturals can also be introduced in this world building as creatures or powers from those Gods.
For example the shifters being related to Artemis or Selene; witches to Hecate...
Or, certain powers can be exclusive to a certain God, other powers can be common to plenty of bloodlines.
For example, several Gods are able to shift forms thus that would be a common ability for descendants to have but the beings/animals they can shift into would determined by their bloodline and it could also be a way to measure their power with certain shifting forms being considered more powerful than others.
For example: Greek mythology says Zeus has shifted into an eagle, a swan, a bull... and a descendant that could shift into a bull would be considered physically strong, athletic while those who shift into a swan could be seen as proud and cunning, illusionists; and an eagle leaders, hunters.
I don't know...just an idea... that went too long, sorry! 🫣
🔸Lucifer, hell and demons
Very few information other than he wants to take over Earth and is the bad guy.
The new plotlines revolving Lucifer are just some more to add to the plater of unnecessarily overdramatic and poorly developed ones.
📌 FMC: a very, very, extra, unique, not like the others special one
🔸Everyone wants her
There are those that are jealous of her and want her dead but the majority, the really powerful ones, oh they all want her.
It goes like this:
She meets someone powerful.
They try to subjugate her and everyone around.
She, of course, is the only one (plus the demigods) who can resist because she is not the kind of girl that bows to others.
She confronts them and antagonizes them.
They are so surprise by her uniqueness and how she was the only one brave enough to cuss them.
She cusses them some more.
And they decide they must have her.
Yeah...😬
🔸Overconfident
🔸No self-preservation
🔸No self-awareness
🔸Overdramatic impulsive behaviour
For someone who grew up human, she has the unhealthy, arrogant confidence of an unbeatable Goddess.
She doesn't have an inch of self-preservation in a world with so many powerful beings, a lot stronger that a human.
It would be only natural and logic to think twice before putting oneself in harm's way. But not the FMC.
If there is a conflict she has to go there because who else can defend them, especially against super powerful people.
She doesn't know her limits, she isn't careful nor considers the consequences of her actions, she acts as if she was never defeated (which in the world they live in would be impossible).
🔸 Paraphrasing, we have constant cringey, stereotypical "I am so awesome" clichés, like:
- "I bow to no one"
- "[Their/his] power makes everyone kneel but not me. I am not that kind of girl. It only infuriated me."
(Repeatedly)
- "He must be the most handsome man I have ever seen. Everyone is besotted. But not me. I am not influenced. I face him."
(And this one happens with every powerful guy she meets 🙄)
🔸 Confrontation with the big guys
She goes head to head with the most powerful beings that eliminate people for looking at them wrong but of course nothing ever happens to her. Not that she even feared for her life.
They only made her do anything by threatening her friends otherwise "nothing can make her bow down".
🔸The only one who can resist
Be it their powerful aura and commands or their overpowering beauty that makes everyone gaga for them, the FMC is the only one who can resist because "she is not the kind of girl to bend her knees".
🔸"I don't need a babysitter"
Yeah...this scene, over and over.
The "I don't need s babysitter" and then gets attacked.
Every single time.
Surprise!
🔸 Annoying, instinctive powers/know-it-all
Like how she constantly knows when there is danger or someone powerful around but never thinks "huh, maybe I should be quiet, not attract attention and stay this one out" but instead goes to confront them.
I don't know how she is still alive.
The constant need to rate the power of everyone she confronts. Okay, you know the power level but what does that mean???
(And in my mind this line just came with Shania Twain's song:
"So you're Brad Pitt,
That doesn't impress me much"
😂)
Or how she instinctively knows things out of the blue.
🔸Way too special
With each new information revealed, the FMC becomes even more extra, extra special and impossibly powerful.
And of course all this special cookie doesn't need an adaptation period nor training as she instinctively know how to fight and use her powers.
Too much of the special sauce.
📌 MMCs
Of course they are all so awesome, handsome and everyone worships them and are both scared, fascinated and in love with them.
Powerful, handsome men.
But obviously, as soon as they meet the FMC they only have eyes for her, one way or another.
Even if 1 of the MMC mistreated and nearly had the FMC killed, that's okay because he will continue to insert himself in her life as he had a pact with his cousins and he will not let himself be cut out.
Sure, the FMC doesn't show a wide range of emotions (rage or horny), but that should have been traumatic.
One would suspect the romance would start, all the cute, sweet moments, the pinning, the banter,... But no. No dates as well.
Not very romantic.
📌 Romance: weak
Not much, really.
It is a tell no show based on attraction.
The emotional range of the characters is not the best and their depths are lacking which makes connecting to them difficult.
The way the author goes about to illustrate their romance is quite alarming. This is what they try to pass for romantic behaviour/scene:
- minute shows of human decency,
- basic safety,
- lack of apologies,
- confrontations,
- constant use of cringey pet names (especially at the worst times),
- obsessive, emotionally immature possessive behaviour,
- placating,
- sexual attraction.
I am all for the hot, sexy banter or an explosive relationship where the MCs like to annoy each other or argue because it gets them so mad and hot they have no choice but to kiss each other. But that's not what is going on here.
Because even those explosive relationships have a base.
Here there is close to none open, raw, honest talks, getting to know each other and being vulnerable.
🔸Secrets
Even better, the logic that because the FMC's romantic interests (the MMCs) have not disclosed all their secrets with the FMC, she doesn't need to tell them a secret that has constantly put them in danger and is a crucial piece of information for their survival against their enemies.
This immaturity is prime stuff.
And of course a being as old as a demigod will think it is also better to keep a secret that will influence them all than to share. So quite a predictable plot line ahead.
This book was my last chance to this series, hopping it would get better.
***
My complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
Book #3 of 5
(This book ends in a cliffhanger)
⬇️ Greek gods, demigods & descendants
⬇️❌ Supernaturals: shifters, witches, vampires, mages, Fae... (not much is seen)
⬇️❌ 2 academies: Half-blood (for Gods' descendants) & Other (for other supernaturals)
⬇️❌ Apocalyptic word: Lucifer (hell forces) vs Gods
⬇️❌ Unknown powers / Coming into power
⬇️❌ RH
⬇️❌ Romance
❌ Cringey, constant, poorly timed use of pet names
❌ Overdramatic scenes
❌ Every plot opportunity to create unnecessary drama
❌ Tell no show
❌ Emotional behaviour & development
⬇️ MMC: big, powerful guys everyone desires
⬇️ MMC instantly obsessed with FMC
⬇️❌ FMC: extra special one, makes confidence looks stupid, "I bow to no one"
❌ Instinctive, effortless use of powers
❌ Mean girl drama
⬇️❌ Plot: few information, abrupt changes, poor development
❌ World building: bland and basic
***
Notes:
📌 World building: weak foundation
Poor introduction, not many explanations.
📌 Plot: tell no show
🔸no foundations
Not very developed nor detailed.
A lot of it is based on the reader's superficial common knowledge of supernaturals and greek mythology.
🔸 Lacks explanations and introductions
It is all very light on information, especially if you take into consideration that a lot of it would be completely new to the FMC as well but nope, she has no problem in fitting in and surpassing them all.
🔸 Repetitive scenes
🔸 Overdramatic scenes
🔸 Abrupt changes
🔸 Poor planning
🔸Every new scene is a chance for more added unnecessary drama
Everything that could go wrong, goes over dramatically wrong. Everything!
New school -> drama
Being tested -> drama
New powers -> drama
Meeting new people -> drama
Being transported -> drama
Speaking with a boy -> drama
Sleeping in and being late -> drama
New class -> drama
Fighting -> drama
Being attacked -> drama
...
And so on.
🔸Surprise information that conveniently explains the scene
Pieces of information that come out of nowhere but of course it was always common knowledge to everyone even though it is the first time we [readers] are hearing about it and it so conveniently justifies or helps set the scene.
🔸 Inconsistencies, incoherences and loopholes
📌 Half-blood Academy: just background
🔸Trials
No more trials since the one in the first book.
I really don't get all that initial fuss about the Half-death Academy. Or was that just a poor attempt to show how funny, original and oh so not like the others the FMC is??
🔸Classes
The FMC barely goes to class, the few times she does, something happens and she ends up skipping all the classes.
Plenty of instinctive use of powers as we don't see the students train them.
This is supposed to be a military academy but there is very little of the military.
Unless you count the fact that as soon as the students graduate they are to be sent to battle the demons...?
Otherwise, there is very little discipline or battle training.
Moreover, the demigods come and go, interfere with the classes' schedules and plans whenever it pleases them, the headmaster is more of an advisor, the teachers are constantly changing and so are the teaching methods, students miss classes, parties...
Yeah...not very disciplined.
For short, as an academy series there is not much of teaching and learning.
The academy is just the place where they are and a pretty setting to show how the FMC is oh so different from all the other very special students, making her super, extra special and hated by them, a perfect setting for easy, stereotypical, cringey overdramatic mean girls/school scene.
📌 Powers: missed opportunity
This could have really set plenty of the world building and how this society works.
A missed opportunity.
There is not much information regarding which powers belong to each (God) house, besides the obvious like lightning (Zeus), water manipulation (Poseidon)...
It sticks to the bare essential for some dramatic scenes and little else.
📌 Mythology: bland
It is all very superficial, very few details and information.
🔸Greek Gods
Why only the God of War?
Where are the others??
🔸Demigods
With the Gods' proclivity to sex (as anyone can easily check with a simple Google search), how come there are only 4 demigods??? How is that possible?!
🔸Other supernaturals
- Irrelevant (as the plot is)
I don't see the point of introducing them and a 2nd academy to the plot, than to say they are seen as lesser than those who have a God's bloodline and are kept separate from them.
Sure we all know and like these supernatural beings but they bring nothing to the plot, at least the way they were introduced.
The same could have been attained with a social segregation of those with higher vs lesser content of God's bloodline.
- Suggestion: connect the Gods, powers and supernaturals through bloodlines
For me, it would have been very interesting to see that segregation based on the bloodlines and powers.
There would have been a hierarchy as always, because there is always a hierarchy as it is pure animal instinct.
Certain Gods would be considered more powerful than others (as it happens with the Greek's Gods).
They could have a way to trace how closely to a God the descendants are.
(Actually, now that I think about it, is a demigod only a half-God half-human?
Or are there more differences?
What about a child born from two demigod parents? Is it a demigod as well??
Maybe I should go read Percy Jackson...)
The powers they have could also be a discriminating factor.
And the supernaturals can also be introduced in this world building as creatures or powers from those Gods.
For example the shifters being related to Artemis or Selene; witches to Hecate...
Or, certain powers can be exclusive to a certain God, other powers can be common to plenty of bloodlines.
For example, several Gods are able to shift forms thus that would be a common ability for descendants to have but the beings/animals they can shift into would determined by their bloodline and it could also be a way to measure their power with certain shifting forms being considered more powerful than others.
For example: Greek mythology says Zeus has shifted into an eagle, a swan, a bull... and a descendant that could shift into a bull would be considered physically strong, athletic while those who shift into a swan could be seen as proud and cunning, illusionists; and an eagle leaders, hunters.
I don't know...just an idea... that went too long, sorry! 🫣
🔸Lucifer, hell and demons
Very few information other than he wants to take over Earth and is the bad guy.
The new plotlines revolving Lucifer are just some more to add to the plater of unnecessarily overdramatic and poorly developed ones.
📌 FMC: a very, very, extra, unique, not like the others special one
🔸Everyone wants her
There are those that are jealous of her and want her dead but the majority, the really powerful ones, oh they all want her.
It goes like this:
She meets someone powerful.
They try to subjugate her and everyone around.
She, of course, is the only one (plus the demigods) who can resist because she is not the kind of girl that bows to others.
She confronts them and antagonizes them.
They are so surprise by her uniqueness and how she was the only one brave enough to cuss them.
She cusses them some more.
And they decide they must have her.
Yeah...😬
🔸Overconfident
🔸No self-preservation
🔸No self-awareness
🔸Overdramatic impulsive behaviour
For someone who grew up human, she has the unhealthy, arrogant confidence of an unbeatable Goddess.
She doesn't have an inch of self-preservation in a world with so many powerful beings, a lot stronger that a human.
It would be only natural and logic to think twice before putting oneself in harm's way. But not the FMC.
If there is a conflict she has to go there because who else can defend them, especially against super powerful people.
She doesn't know her limits, she isn't careful nor considers the consequences of her actions, she acts as if she was never defeated (which in the world they live in would be impossible).
🔸 Paraphrasing, we have constant cringey, stereotypical "I am so awesome" clichés, like:
- "I bow to no one"
- "[Their/his] power makes everyone kneel but not me. I am not that kind of girl. It only infuriated me."
(Repeatedly)
- "He must be the most handsome man I have ever seen. Everyone is besotted. But not me. I am not influenced. I face him."
(And this one happens with every powerful guy she meets 🙄)
🔸 Confrontation with the big guys
She goes head to head with the most powerful beings that eliminate people for looking at them wrong but of course nothing ever happens to her. Not that she even feared for her life.
They only made her do anything by threatening her friends otherwise "nothing can make her bow down".
🔸The only one who can resist
Be it their powerful aura and commands or their overpowering beauty that makes everyone gaga for them, the FMC is the only one who can resist because "she is not the kind of girl to bend her knees".
🔸"I don't need a babysitter"
Yeah...this scene, over and over.
The "I don't need s babysitter" and then gets attacked.
Every single time.
Surprise!
🔸 Annoying, instinctive powers/know-it-all
Like how she constantly knows when there is danger or someone powerful around but never thinks "huh, maybe I should be quiet, not attract attention and stay this one out" but instead goes to confront them.
I don't know how she is still alive.
The constant need to rate the power of everyone she confronts. Okay, you know the power level but what does that mean???
(And in my mind this line just came with Shania Twain's song:
"So you're Brad Pitt,
That doesn't impress me much"
😂)
Or how she instinctively knows things out of the blue.
🔸Way too special
With each new information revealed, the FMC becomes even more extra, extra special and impossibly powerful.
And of course all this special cookie doesn't need an adaptation period nor training as she instinctively know how to fight and use her powers.
Too much of the special sauce.
📌 MMCs
Of course they are all so awesome, handsome and everyone worships them and are both scared, fascinated and in love with them.
Powerful, handsome men.
But obviously, as soon as they meet the FMC they only have eyes for her, one way or another.
Even if 1 of the MMC mistreated and nearly had the FMC killed, that's okay because he will continue to insert himself in her life as he had a pact with his cousins and he will not let himself be cut out.
Sure, the FMC doesn't show a wide range of emotions (rage or horny), but that should have been traumatic.
One would suspect the romance would start, all the cute, sweet moments, the pinning, the banter,... But no. No dates as well.
Not very romantic.
📌 Romance: weak
Not much, really.
It is a tell no show based on attraction.
The emotional range of the characters is not the best and their depths are lacking which makes connecting to them difficult.
The way the author goes about to illustrate their romance is quite alarming. This is what they try to pass for romantic behaviour/scene:
- minute shows of human decency,
- basic safety,
- lack of apologies,
- confrontations,
- constant use of cringey pet names (especially at the worst times),
- obsessive, emotionally immature possessive behaviour,
- placating,
- sexual attraction.
I am all for the hot, sexy banter or an explosive relationship where the MCs like to annoy each other or argue because it gets them so mad and hot they have no choice but to kiss each other. But that's not what is going on here.
Because even those explosive relationships have a base.
Here there is close to none open, raw, honest talks, getting to know each other and being vulnerable.
🔸Secrets
Even better, the logic that because the FMC's romantic interests (the MMCs) have not disclosed all their secrets with the FMC, she doesn't need to tell them a secret that has constantly put them in danger and is a crucial piece of information for their survival against their enemies.
This immaturity is prime stuff.
And of course a being as old as a demigod will think it is also better to keep a secret that will influence them all than to share. So quite a predictable plot line ahead.
This book was my last chance to this series, hopping it would get better.
***
My complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2019
Excuse me while try to gather my thoughts... This one took an unexpected turn, and now I'm dying to find out where the story goes from here. How long until the next one? If it isn't coming out tomorrow then it's too far away for my nerves to handle. I try to be patient with my authors because I know that genius doesn't happen over night, but this wait just might kill me.
This isn't a story that can be read before reading the other books in the series, so please start with book 1, Magic Trials. I also recommend buying the entire series all at the same time so you won't have to wait to dive into the next one. Also, these stories might have the word "academy" in the title, but they aren't really for younger readers. There is a lot of hot, graphic action between Mari and her men. Please know what you are diving into before picking these up.
There were a lot of surprises in this one. People I thought could be trusted can't. People who I thought were pure evil might not be. Situations I thought I had figured out took a sharp left turn. Everything about this one was a surprise, other than the relationships between Marigold and her men (for the most part), and those between her and her friends. I'm still not totally sure who can be trusted, but I am fairly sure of who can't be. That's one of the things that keeps me coming back to Meg's books. She does a fantastic job at keeping me guessing as to what is truth and what is lies hidden in truths. I also love the way her characters are both so strong and so insecure at the same time. I saw a meme that sums up her stories completely. It said something like, "Knowing it could hurt and doing it anyway is brave. Also, knowing it could hurt and doing it anyway is stupid." This is what I think about when I'm inside Marigold's head. She is both brave and stupid, depending on the outcome of her actions. It makes her a believable and relate-able character. She is stubborn, headstrong, brave, loyal, and generous. She is also insecure, slow to forgive, and selfish. Shed wants to stand on her own feet and protect those around her, but she also is very afraid of being alone again. She is a handful, and might bring chaos wherever she goes, but she does it all with good intentions (mostly). It is a good thing that she has 4 mates because I don't think there is any one man, real or fictional, that could handle all of her many sides. And the more they try to protect her the more she will fight to escape. I can't always tell who is in the driver seat in their relationships.
My word of advice to anyone before jumping into this book is make sure you have a chunk of time set aside to read it. You won't want to put it down until you finish. It's action-packed, full of steamy, passionate mate time, and will leave you with your heart in your throat. Prepare for a massive book hangover, and indulge in some chocolate because Cookie/Rosebud/Lamb/Buttercup is about to take you on a wild ride.
This isn't a story that can be read before reading the other books in the series, so please start with book 1, Magic Trials. I also recommend buying the entire series all at the same time so you won't have to wait to dive into the next one. Also, these stories might have the word "academy" in the title, but they aren't really for younger readers. There is a lot of hot, graphic action between Mari and her men. Please know what you are diving into before picking these up.
There were a lot of surprises in this one. People I thought could be trusted can't. People who I thought were pure evil might not be. Situations I thought I had figured out took a sharp left turn. Everything about this one was a surprise, other than the relationships between Marigold and her men (for the most part), and those between her and her friends. I'm still not totally sure who can be trusted, but I am fairly sure of who can't be. That's one of the things that keeps me coming back to Meg's books. She does a fantastic job at keeping me guessing as to what is truth and what is lies hidden in truths. I also love the way her characters are both so strong and so insecure at the same time. I saw a meme that sums up her stories completely. It said something like, "Knowing it could hurt and doing it anyway is brave. Also, knowing it could hurt and doing it anyway is stupid." This is what I think about when I'm inside Marigold's head. She is both brave and stupid, depending on the outcome of her actions. It makes her a believable and relate-able character. She is stubborn, headstrong, brave, loyal, and generous. She is also insecure, slow to forgive, and selfish. Shed wants to stand on her own feet and protect those around her, but she also is very afraid of being alone again. She is a handful, and might bring chaos wherever she goes, but she does it all with good intentions (mostly). It is a good thing that she has 4 mates because I don't think there is any one man, real or fictional, that could handle all of her many sides. And the more they try to protect her the more she will fight to escape. I can't always tell who is in the driver seat in their relationships.
My word of advice to anyone before jumping into this book is make sure you have a chunk of time set aside to read it. You won't want to put it down until you finish. It's action-packed, full of steamy, passionate mate time, and will leave you with your heart in your throat. Prepare for a massive book hangover, and indulge in some chocolate because Cookie/Rosebud/Lamb/Buttercup is about to take you on a wild ride.
October 12, 2019
I just can’t finish this. Book one was good, two was ok, But I just can’t take the way these Demigods talk. “Don’t hurt my little lamb!” “Come here cookie” “ I’m all my little lamb needs” seriously just shut up already. This made the men in this book just seem like a bunch of weenies. Pet names are good and all but the way these guys talked just drive me nuts. I will not be finishing this series.
June 28, 2021
Sweet Jesus…the nicknames….🙄
I understand that RH writers use nicknames to try to create pockets of intimacy for the characters but no one uses someone’s name or nickname that many times in conversation! It felt so forced and almost like they were talking about a dog instead of a grown powerful person. It completely takes away from the plot line with useless whiny repeating of the nicknames.
I understand that RH writers use nicknames to try to create pockets of intimacy for the characters but no one uses someone’s name or nickname that many times in conversation! It felt so forced and almost like they were talking about a dog instead of a grown powerful person. It completely takes away from the plot line with useless whiny repeating of the nicknames.
December 31, 2019
Well we are finally getting some story line, so she's a demon not a god. How did they miss that in the trails. The guys are still fighting and she's getting even bitchier if it's possible. I can't see her as cute she's annoying more then anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
DNF @ 10%
October 14, 2021
DNF: There Is Only So Much I Can Take
Oh no! I have two powerful Gods after me. But no. Don’t protect me! I need my space! Oh I know they could kill me. But dang it I’m an independent woman!
This BS trope is so overused. I tried. I really tried. But between the awful pet names and this petulant self centeredness. None of these characters are likable. None of them. Like I hope Marigold does a horrible death - and you NEVER want the lead character to die a horrible death. Sloppy writing. Uninteresting.
Oh no! I have two powerful Gods after me. But no. Don’t protect me! I need my space! Oh I know they could kill me. But dang it I’m an independent woman!
This BS trope is so overused. I tried. I really tried. But between the awful pet names and this petulant self centeredness. None of these characters are likable. None of them. Like I hope Marigold does a horrible death - and you NEVER want the lead character to die a horrible death. Sloppy writing. Uninteresting.
July 4, 2025
I’m still only here for the plot… everything else is horrible. The grammar is atrocious, the sex scenes are cringey, the pet names are horrific and the relationships are so imbalanced.
You can tell exactly which is her favourite, which to me is a no-no in a why choose. We barely see her interact with Zak, Paxton is still being iced out, and she clearly loves Héctor the most, and they all know it.
You can tell exactly which is her favourite, which to me is a no-no in a why choose. We barely see her interact with Zak, Paxton is still being iced out, and she clearly loves Héctor the most, and they all know it.
dnf-books
March 2, 2021DNF
July 7, 2022
Still love the story
Still absolutely hate the petnames
Who on earth decided to suddenly go for the worse french accent (in the audiobook?)?!?!?! WHY TT_TT
Still absolutely hate the petnames
Who on earth decided to suddenly go for the worse french accent (in the audiobook?)?!?!?! WHY TT_TT
August 7, 2023
this has the driest smut i've ever read. was decently entertaining though. i appreciate that meg tried to do some plotting, even if it took most of the book for it to really go anywhere
August 8, 2021
Marigold now has to deal with Ares as he came to know about her and he won't stop at nothing to get her even if it means killing his own son.
There is still a lot of confusion in the story, and many times we find out how something happens, not because the action is described but because when something else happen, the FMC says how she resolved the previous problem.
There is still a lot of confusion in the story, and many times we find out how something happens, not because the action is described but because when something else happen, the FMC says how she resolved the previous problem.
September 19, 2020
I'm not really sure why i'm still reading this series - maybe it's that i've come this far I might as well keep going? Plus i'm curious as to how it ends....it's unfortunate that it's not getting better though...
It really makes no sense that Mari would listen to Paxton of all people on keeping a secret from the guys she actually cares about who actually care about her. I mean if Paxton of all people knows her secret and is still supporting her, she's mated to the others, and she knows about the pact they all have; it really only makes sense that the others won't really care either...
But the keeping secrets and her knowing best are only part of it..
You've got these demigods who have been dealing with demons for a while, and an initiate even calls out demon traits; and yet the demigods don't put two and two together with Mari's actions and 'needs'?
I had like Mari's loyalty to her friends, but didn't quite get why after fighting demon and risking their lives, she had a stronger reaction to her newer friends and barely a nod to her former 'team' that she'd been with for longer..
Kinda over the secrets, thinking she knows best, and TSTL moments...
It really makes no sense that Mari would listen to Paxton of all people on keeping a secret from the guys she actually cares about who actually care about her. I mean if Paxton of all people knows her secret and is still supporting her, she's mated to the others, and she knows about the pact they all have; it really only makes sense that the others won't really care either...
But the keeping secrets and her knowing best are only part of it..
You've got these demigods who have been dealing with demons for a while, and an initiate even calls out demon traits; and yet the demigods don't put two and two together with Mari's actions and 'needs'?
I had like Mari's loyalty to her friends, but didn't quite get why after fighting demon and risking their lives, she had a stronger reaction to her newer friends and barely a nod to her former 'team' that she'd been with for longer..
Kinda over the secrets, thinking she knows best, and TSTL moments...
November 2, 2023
I was hoping Marigold would get better
But she definitely has not. Honestly I'm not sure I've ever had a fmc get on my nerves as much as her. I was able to kinda ignore it in the first books hoping her holier-than-thou attitude would get better but I think it may have gotten worse 🤔 she's whiny and doesn't take into consideration anyone's feelings other than her on. Her NEED to be me little miss independent puts others in danger. And the way she trys and fails at being dominant. I will finish because I want to know what happens but unfortunately this will never be on my reread list
But she definitely has not. Honestly I'm not sure I've ever had a fmc get on my nerves as much as her. I was able to kinda ignore it in the first books hoping her holier-than-thou attitude would get better but I think it may have gotten worse 🤔 she's whiny and doesn't take into consideration anyone's feelings other than her on. Her NEED to be me little miss independent puts others in danger. And the way she trys and fails at being dominant. I will finish because I want to know what happens but unfortunately this will never be on my reread list
August 25, 2019
Who wouldn't love a h.o.t demi God sandwich 4 ways
Omg these books just keep getting better and better. You will learn more about Mari and her powers and see the bonds grow and become more solid with the demi Gods. All while being taken on a whirlwind of a ride through many twist and turns to come to an explosive ending leaving you needing to know more. I think you all need to get on this train and come for the hot and steamy ride and enjoy a nice saucy sandwich if you know what I mean 😉❤
Omg these books just keep getting better and better. You will learn more about Mari and her powers and see the bonds grow and become more solid with the demi Gods. All while being taken on a whirlwind of a ride through many twist and turns to come to an explosive ending leaving you needing to know more. I think you all need to get on this train and come for the hot and steamy ride and enjoy a nice saucy sandwich if you know what I mean 😉❤
May 30, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. If your into fantasy and sexual fantasy read this run of books! I screamed when I found out that the 4th isn’t coming out until feb 2020 I have to wait another 2 months until I can read the next one !! Ugh seriously though I’m 29 years old and I am obsessed with the series !
September 18, 2019
Magic fury
I couldn't wait for this book to be released and wasn't disappointed. November can't come fast enough. In this book, Marigolds and Paxton reconcile, but aren't bonded yet. She captures the notice of an obsessive Area. Numerous attempts to capture her are made by both Ares and Lucifer while the demigods struggle to keep her safe. Great storyline, non-stop action.
I couldn't wait for this book to be released and wasn't disappointed. November can't come fast enough. In this book, Marigolds and Paxton reconcile, but aren't bonded yet. She captures the notice of an obsessive Area. Numerous attempts to capture her are made by both Ares and Lucifer while the demigods struggle to keep her safe. Great storyline, non-stop action.
August 29, 2019
The extreme overuse of pet names has become very annoying. This whole book really felt a bit over the type across the board, from the guy's overdone machoism to Marigold handwringing. Not sure I'll continue on with this one.
September 6, 2019
The series is just okay. For whatever reason, I'm not as fond of this author's writing styles as I am of other styles. The story itself is interesting - I just have to force myself to continue reading to find out what will happen next.
November 28, 2023
barely finished. too dragged out and couldn't hold interest anymore
September 18, 2019
Running out
The secrets are coming out. Mari is running out of time on her secret. The forces to win the Earth are slim, but I hope in the end there is something good comes out.
The secrets are coming out. Mari is running out of time on her secret. The forces to win the Earth are slim, but I hope in the end there is something good comes out.
November 14, 2019
A million kidnapping attempts later...
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