Almost Dead

Blackwell Academy #1

by Rae Hendricks

I get an invite to the mysterious Blackwell Academy two weeks after I almost die... 

I want to ignore it, but it promises too much. Like a scholarship. Access to Ivy League Schools. The best education.

But when I get there, it's not just a regular academy. It's imbued with dark magic. Magic I apparently have now, thanks to that near-death experience. 

Brady Huntington is supposed to show me around, but the guy is a Grade-A douchebag. But then he winds up dead - for real this time. 

Now, I need to figure out what happened to him because I'm the prime suspect - as if I wasn't isolated enough as a scholarship student. Not just that, but I am afraid he won't be the last.

One-click the first in this paranormal romance academy trilogy perfect for fans of Bella Forrest and Meg Xuemei X. 

Blackwell Academy Book 2 - Coming December 2019 (On Pre-order Now!)

Blackwell Academy Book 3 - Coming March 2020 (On Pre-order Now!)

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2019

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise poorly executed & presented - managed to force myself to read ten chapters but had to give up so can't say where the plot was heading.

Particular areas needing significant improvement were:

Dialogue - unbelievable and completely inauthentic in places (e.g. a 'lad from Liverpool, UK' speaking using American English), a confusing mishmash due to lack of dialogue tags.

Pacing - rushed, jumping all over the place.

Plot holes / lack of 'realism' - notwithstanding that it's a fantasy title... Established in the first chapter - protagonist is a HS student with one year left to go who comes home post events (trying to avoid spoilers) to find an envelope inviting her to attend an academy that she didn't know existed, and hadn't applied to... The sum of her reaction 'oh' (slightly hyperbolic, but no curiosity, concern or confusion shown whatsoever... From letter to acceptance in half a dozen lines!)

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interesting part about this book is that this girl ends up in a school for the magical not because she is a witch who has no ideas about her powers, or who suddenly gets her powers from somewhere, but because she has a near death experience that gives her certain powers to connect with the non-physical realms.

The sad part, aside from the book being too short and ending at a cliffhanger is that the characters don't have time to grow or develop.

Hopefully book 2 will have more for its readers and we will see a longer book along with more depth in the story as well as characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost Dead was a quick read, with a somewhat different take on the supernatural. While I was interested in the premise, that story felt surface-only, like I was only dipping into the shallow end of what had potential to be so much more. The characters also have a lot of promise, but again, they were portrayed only superficially and I couldn't really get a feel for them. I did enjoy the main idea behind the story so I am likely to check out book two to see where it all goes. Hopefully, the second book will be able to dig deeper into the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life seemed normal until she was almost killed in an accident and now her life has changed. She now see and hears the dead, she has also received a letter saying she has a place at a school she never applied to. She is about to learn her life is never going to be normal again. Students are dying and some believe she is behind it while others tell her she is very special. How is her life going to,change? Can she prove she is innocent? What is she destined to become? See just what she is about to become

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great plot

I loved the plot of this book. But,the writing and especially the fact the author didn't catch where she left out words and even used the wrong word like in one sentence using ether instead of either and constantly using different names through out the story for the male main characters dormitory showed lack of proper editing and proofreading. I loved the characters and the story and if you don't mind the other problems I find with , I recommend this book to all paranormal suspense and romance lovers.

[Heather Quarnstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great book that pulled me in right away. I loved Anastasia so much and the troubles she kept finding herself in. I loved her new friend at the academy and the drama that occurred at the academy.

I can't wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the Blackwell Academy series and follows the main character Anastasia (Ana) as she starts the story rebelling against her parents and going to a party with a young man called Michael, but them both being almost killed in a car accident on the way there. Ana had an out of body experience at the side of the road, whilst paramedics worked on her body and this has led to her being invited to study at Blackwell Academy on a full scholarship, once she recovered.

She gets to the school a few weeks after the other students have started the new school year, and is given an induction tour of the academy by one of the rich frat boys, called Brady Harrington. But her tour is not exactly a pleasant experience, as he is a total douche bag and tries to get very hands on with her. She gets away from him, after a bit of a fight, only for him to turn up dead the next day and her being the main suspect! The only person that is on her side is one of the girls from her dorm and the main bad boy, who she gets warned off from.

There is a lot more going on at the school than she knows and she starts to see and hears things which she doesn’t understand. Since her near death experience, she has seen colours around people, but now she is seeing people that no-one else can! It seems that Blackwell Academy is for students with a magical ability following a near death experience like hers. Some of the students come from well-known families, all the way back to the beginning of the academy on those grounds and are from well off families. They look down on those like Ana, who are scholarship students and ones like Brady like to use his influence on girls at the school and abuse them.

Ana has to find out what powers she has been granted by her experience, but she is running out of time. A long dead vampire and a group called the Circle, are trying to gain the power they once had and if they do, life will not be worth living for Ana and those like her. She is somehow important to these plans, but she has little time to figure out what she can now do and how it should be used for good, when others want her for evil purposes.

This book ends on a real cliff-hanger, only being 134 pages long, so don’t read it, if you hate those sort of endings! It certainly gives you the beginnings of a good magical academy tale, but leaves you hanging right at the point of the major action! Ana’s friendship with the young vampire, the grandson of the very nasty and powerful vampire involved in a previous battle for power. A good start and needing more time for the characters to be developed further and for Ana to come into her abilities more. I received an ARC of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on how Supernatural powers get "gifted". It was a good story with interesting characters, drama, conflict all within a dynamic environment.

Will Anastasia and Desmond get to know each other better and become an unlikely couple? Read it!

I received this as an Advance Reader Copy from Booksprout with the hopes I would review it.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story it’s about Anastasia who has a near death experience but she comes back and with powers she is invited to attend the Blackwell Academy on a full scholarship. Anastasia is shown around the academy by a douche but he ends up getting killed and Anastasia gets the blame. I enjoyed this story it’s a little bit dark but it’s a great read and I recommend this book.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the kind of book that I love reading, the first in an academy themed mystery. After a near death car accident, the heroine Anastasia acquires a powerful clairvoyant ability that sees her entering the prestigious Blackwell Academy and finding herself caught up in a magical, mystical and quite deadly supernatural world of witches, vampires, shapeshifters and ancient prophecies. And a little romance to sweeten the pot. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia has a near death experience when she’s in a serious car accident. A couple weeks later she’s accepted into Blackwell Academy. Turns out it’s a school for the supernatural. She starts to learn about her powers that have started to manifest after her near death experience. This book is easy to read and exciting. There’s lot of mystery as the murder of a student is investigated. My only complaint is that this book is too short and it ends on quite the cliffhanger - you’ve been warned.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series, this book hooked me from start to finish. Great storyline with dark themes, well written characters, excellent plot twists and great narrative. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book in this new series. Anastasia thought this guy, Michael, really liked her and she went out with him only to be involved in a "near" fatal accident. After waking up, she started seeing strange things and colours. When she got home from the hospital she received an invitation to attend a premier boarding school on a full scholarship. As money was always tight at home, she accepted - as she could get a great education without the big price tag. Upon reaching the school she finds that it isn't a regular school. The staff and students all have some sort of magical powers. Anastasia finds that she has a couple of different powers - and new ones keep turning up. She falls for a guys, but doesn't know if she can trust him. Only time will tell. What she does find is that a group called "The Circle" want her. What she hasn't figured out is why they want her so badly. Again - only time will tell.

[Stacey Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, the development of the characters was great. The story was well written and the chemistry between the characters was awesome. From start to finish, the book was filled with mystery, romance, suspense and ended with a massive cliffhanger that left me wanting more. Can't wait for the next book, I would definitely recommend this fantastic book to anyone who likes acadamy or paranormal books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Rae Hendricks, and a step away from the genre of books I normally read. I found it a struggle to get into to start with, but once I got going I did enjoy it. The way Rae writes is brilliant, so I will definitely be reading more of Rae's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. As a series it has potential as it is about what happens to Anastasia after a near death experience. It had teenage angst, regret, a new exclusive school, a mystery, and murder wrapped up in an interesting story. It did make me keep reading to find out what was going on and who all the bad guys would end up being. It really focused on Anastasia and not so much about others and just introduces what is possibly going on. I cannot wait to see what happens next. It was a quick fun read that did not dwell on anything too deep or too long. Just a fun read.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great dark story with a good plot line. Anastasia starts a new school after a tragic accident . Lots of teen angst and mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paul Cobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Hendricks, and it definitely won’t be the last. I really enjoyed reading it, and really got into the story and the characters.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a story that will have you coming back for more. The plots within plots keep you reading to find out what else is going to happen. Conspiracies, danger and death, the author has it all. This was an exciting story to read from start to finish, I would recommend this book to all. Cannot wait for the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and the views and opinions are my own.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Dead by Rae Hendricks is a very amazing story that I hve had the privilege reading. This is book number one in this amazing series and I can not wait to read the rest of this amazing series. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone who loves reading about magic, fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Devin-cristobal Salcedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that draws you in from first page to last. Characters that you will love and amazing world building.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside a day for this PG13 cautionary tale of what happened to Anastasia Perez when she decided to NOT be a good girl just this one time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Blackwell Academy series. Anastasia's near death experience from a car accident has her developing supernatural powers. Easy to read with twist and turns. Looking forward to reading book two from Rae Hendricks!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it has a few good points (primarily Anastasia), it is primarily a dreary tale of death and destruction for the lust of power. I don't even feel like it is a complete story. It seems to simply be the introduction to a larger one.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift.  This is my honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it quite interesting,and can't wait for the next one to come out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have given this book 5 stars as it is a very engaging story, but the editing is woeful, hopefully that will be fixed before it is released. I have read quite a few academy based books, this was really good an not like any others I have read. There was friendships, intrigue and of course a bit of romance. The ending left me desperate for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a good story. I thought the characters were well written and the storyline interesting. I would recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written series!! I loved the characters and world building! I couldn't put this story down! I'm off to start book 2!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful new series

The storyline and characters are great, with lots of action, twists, and supernatural beings. Some of the students there are a result of a near death experience that gifted them with powers. Only four stars due to editing still allowed spelling and grammar errors. I am looking forward to book two anyway!!

[Tera Bunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad things happen when you don’t follow the rules.

Anastasia finds this out the hard way when she goes out with Michael. Getting an invite to a prestigious school after her accident is the best thing she could have hoped for....... until it’s not. Powers aren’t always what they seem. Hopefully Anastasia can figure things out, and fast.

The characters could have used a little bit more development, but overall a great story. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Anastasia and Desmond next.