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The Nightwatch Academy #4
Shadow Master
The tide has turned, and chaos hovers on the horizon.
There can be no looking back. There can be no second guessing, because the lives that matter most to me are on the line.
No one gets left behind.
It's time to walk into the storm.
The Vampire Academy meets Game of Thrones in this kick-ass, supernatural academy, Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Why Choose Romance.
There can be no looking back. There can be no second guessing, because the lives that matter most to me are on the line.
No one gets left behind.
It's time to walk into the storm.
The Vampire Academy meets Game of Thrones in this kick-ass, supernatural academy, Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Why Choose Romance.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2019
259 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
137 books2,908 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 12, 2020
First of all...
I WAS TEAM LLOYD. WHY COULDN’T HE BE IN THE HAREM? WHY?.
*dramatic tantrum*
*claims cool and calm demeanor*
I simply don’t understand.
This book was like a bad quickie with some sorry-dicked dude in the bathroom of the mediocre club on a Friday night when all you wanted was Prince Charming and HEAPS of romance on a petal colored bed WITH four posters on an exotic getaway vacation.
Yeah.
Hyde: I seriously lost interest in this back and forth bullshit they had going on but yet.. he made it in to the harem
EVEN THO LLOYD WAS THERE AND AVAILABLE THIS WHOLE TIME.
If this side-plot was exciting for some, I’ll claim agree to disagree. It added zero thrill factor for me.
*claims cool and calm demeanor*
Kash: he was cute I guess. Not sure how he and Brady can have some big-little brother/mentor bond when they’re screwing the same chick but to each their own.
Brady: so glad he returned. I loved him. Their story was so cute.
Harmon: THIS WAS JUST FUCKING AWKWARD I MEAN.... WHAT ABOUT THOMAS??! She just up and “ope, he’s mine now” leaves Thomas in the dust. nah. The transition was all off.
I was just truly disappointed. This book felt rushed and dirty. The finesse was gone.
I loved this series, but certainly not this book.
We got our happy ending I guess so....
Aye, cheers.
I WAS TEAM LLOYD. WHY COULDN’T HE BE IN THE HAREM? WHY?.
*dramatic tantrum*
*claims cool and calm demeanor*
I simply don’t understand.
This book was like a bad quickie with some sorry-dicked dude in the bathroom of the mediocre club on a Friday night when all you wanted was Prince Charming and HEAPS of romance on a petal colored bed WITH four posters on an exotic getaway vacation.
Yeah.
Hyde: I seriously lost interest in this back and forth bullshit they had going on but yet.. he made it in to the harem
EVEN THO LLOYD WAS THERE AND AVAILABLE THIS WHOLE TIME.
If this side-plot was exciting for some, I’ll claim agree to disagree. It added zero thrill factor for me.
*claims cool and calm demeanor*
Kash: he was cute I guess. Not sure how he and Brady can have some big-little brother/mentor bond when they’re screwing the same chick but to each their own.
Brady: so glad he returned. I loved him. Their story was so cute.
Harmon: THIS WAS JUST FUCKING AWKWARD I MEAN.... WHAT ABOUT THOMAS??! She just up and “ope, he’s mine now” leaves Thomas in the dust. nah. The transition was all off.
I was just truly disappointed. This book felt rushed and dirty. The finesse was gone.
I loved this series, but certainly not this book.
We got our happy ending I guess so....
Aye, cheers.
January 9, 2020
I read the whole series in one go. It started strong, but unfortunately went down hill along the books. The harem scenario is always pretty ridiculous. I'm not poly so I need quite a strong story/motivation to believe the romance, and here it was basically unexplained lust. It was purely ridiculous to me, everyone and their uncle fell in lust with her. The most wanted vagina in the world. And all of it in the middle of a catastrophic war to boot.
At the end of the day this is a wish fulfillment story, and not a particularly fresh one. The one where we realize that our family didn't love us, but we are really a changeling and out there our real dad is waiting for us and really want us. Where every guy we meet loves us and we are so special. Ugh. Sorry every story is a little bit of this, but al of it? And so blatant?
Superficial.
At the end of the day this is a wish fulfillment story, and not a particularly fresh one. The one where we realize that our family didn't love us, but we are really a changeling and out there our real dad is waiting for us and really want us. Where every guy we meet loves us and we are so special. Ugh. Sorry every story is a little bit of this, but al of it? And so blatant?
Superficial.
October 12, 2021
**Sigh**
Just like with almost every series from this author, the ending is too abrupt. The last fight is rushed, the 'other world' should have been a bit more developed, and the characters don't get an ending they deserve (yes, I know there's a short story after this one, but still not an excuse).
So, yup, a disappointing end to the series...
Even so, it's definitely worth reading. Even with this, I'd recommend it to anyone. It's relaxing, fun, fast-paced. It's like pizza! Makes you feel better, although there's no real substance to it.
Just like with almost every series from this author, the ending is too abrupt. The last fight is rushed, the 'other world' should have been a bit more developed, and the characters don't get an ending they deserve (yes, I know there's a short story after this one, but still not an excuse).
So, yup, a disappointing end to the series...
Even so, it's definitely worth reading. Even with this, I'd recommend it to anyone. It's relaxing, fun, fast-paced. It's like pizza! Makes you feel better, although there's no real substance to it.
April 16, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
somewhat disappointed in the turn the harem took but loved the ending -as open ended as it was.
somewhat disappointed in the turn the harem took but loved the ending -as open ended as it was.
July 1, 2020
While I did really enjoy the conclusion of this series, I am a little irritated that all my questions weren't answered at the end. Honestly, the author left it open ended in order to possibly make more books with these characters and I see that there is already a novella, For the Love of Justice, out to explain how we didn't quite end up with our HEA. That in itself didn't bother me as much as some of the loose ends with the actual story line.
#1: Why does everyone think the Fomorians are the bad guys? When did that start and why didn't Orion who was obviously around.. clear the air.. so to speak?
#2: Where exactly did the Fir Bolg come from.. while this was explained in some minute details, I don't understand why all of a sudden they were hell bent on getting back to the earth realm. What exactly was driving their mindset? While it worked for the story, it felt like some details were skimped there.
#3: How the heck did Indigo come into possession of her certain... ability? Like why wasn't that explained a little?
Like I said some of this may have been left out so that the author could continue to use these characters in the future, but I really hate to be left wondering. I am going to go ahead and move on to Indigo's cousin's story because I'm not quite ready to leave this world and I might set aside some time to check out the Novella.. I mean our group isn't quite complete. Maybe these answers will come later? Either way I was a tad disappointed that the author introduced some new concepts here at the end and then didn't follow up with some splainin. Still a good series though.
#1: Why does everyone think the Fomorians are the bad guys? When did that start and why didn't Orion who was obviously around.. clear the air.. so to speak?
#2: Where exactly did the Fir Bolg come from.. while this was explained in some minute details, I don't understand why all of a sudden they were hell bent on getting back to the earth realm. What exactly was driving their mindset? While it worked for the story, it felt like some details were skimped there.
#3: How the heck did Indigo come into possession of her certain... ability? Like why wasn't that explained a little?
Like I said some of this may have been left out so that the author could continue to use these characters in the future, but I really hate to be left wondering. I am going to go ahead and move on to Indigo's cousin's story because I'm not quite ready to leave this world and I might set aside some time to check out the Novella.. I mean our group isn't quite complete. Maybe these answers will come later? Either way I was a tad disappointed that the author introduced some new concepts here at the end and then didn't follow up with some splainin. Still a good series though.
April 12, 2020
I love Debbie Cassidy. I see a new book out, I read it, no hesitation, it's how much I enjoy Cassidy's books.
It's not that they're perfect or anything but they're just so damn much fun. This one however, I feel conflicted about.
I was fun for sure but it felt so so rushed. That's not the first time that's happened in the last installement of one of her series. For The Blood's last book had the same issue (fortunately it had an additional book so it resolved that problem).
But that's not the thing that really dampened my enjoyment the most. It may seem like a small thing but what really pissed me off was how the relationship between Thomas and Harmon was handled. Or should I say destroyed?
So Thomas loved Harmon so much he couldn't help but stand up to Shadow Master Henrich and that got him pretty much banned from the Shadow Knights and the Academy. He has no idea whether the man he loves is dead or alive. So what do Justice and Harmon do when Harmon's back? They cheat. Yes, it's cheating. Harmon and Thomas never broke up, so they're still together. Harmon just decides for him that he would never love him the way he is now and apparently that's it. He just moves on. Thomas is probably home miserable as fuck pinning after Harmon with no clue his boyfriend is still alive and kicking... and making out with Indigo, who by the way doesn't seem to give a fuck about Thomas either.
I'm so upset about this bullshit turn of events. Harmon is an asshole and so is Justice.
It's not that they're perfect or anything but they're just so damn much fun. This one however, I feel conflicted about.
I was fun for sure but it felt so so rushed. That's not the first time that's happened in the last installement of one of her series. For The Blood's last book had the same issue (fortunately it had an additional book so it resolved that problem).
But that's not the thing that really dampened my enjoyment the most. It may seem like a small thing but what really pissed me off was how the relationship between Thomas and Harmon was handled. Or should I say destroyed?
So Thomas loved Harmon so much he couldn't help but stand up to Shadow Master Henrich and that got him pretty much banned from the Shadow Knights and the Academy. He has no idea whether the man he loves is dead or alive. So what do Justice and Harmon do when Harmon's back? They cheat. Yes, it's cheating. Harmon and Thomas never broke up, so they're still together. Harmon just decides for him that he would never love him the way he is now and apparently that's it. He just moves on. Thomas is probably home miserable as fuck pinning after Harmon with no clue his boyfriend is still alive and kicking... and making out with Indigo, who by the way doesn't seem to give a fuck about Thomas either.
I'm so upset about this bullshit turn of events. Harmon is an asshole and so is Justice.
December 28, 2019
This book is the last I’m this series. It has a few loose ends but the nightwatch series continues in the story from the mortal realm end. Justice is an alpha female MC, she is written as a leader. I got a little lost with the magical aspects towards the end but over all a very well written ending.
The development of justice is so evident throughout all the books, she comes into her own and it’s brilliant to see a kick arse UF MC who is not afraid to be the leader and think with her head and make the hard decisions. Debbie Cassidy never disappoints when it comes to how she writes tension and relationships, the connection to Hyde is no different. Hyde and justice are star crossed lovers that really get their time on page in this book. No spoilers here darings but honestly it’s a really satisfying ending.
This series is not to be missed :)
The development of justice is so evident throughout all the books, she comes into her own and it’s brilliant to see a kick arse UF MC who is not afraid to be the leader and think with her head and make the hard decisions. Debbie Cassidy never disappoints when it comes to how she writes tension and relationships, the connection to Hyde is no different. Hyde and justice are star crossed lovers that really get their time on page in this book. No spoilers here darings but honestly it’s a really satisfying ending.
This series is not to be missed :)
February 13, 2020
Oh my god I don't know what to do with this book. Or myself.
I absolutely never thought that I would enjoy reading an entire series that was this focused on a reverse harem, but here I am.
Indigo is literally out here juggling four guys (or more?) and I cannot even be mad about it. Yeah, I've taken off a star every time for Archer Hyde, because come the fuck on, he is not the move. But this is so entertaining.
I had a great time. This was genuinely an entertaining series that I could not put down. I definitely want to give this series some recognition because it is pretty damn good. Let's get some talk circulating around this series because I enjoyed this world and I think plenty of others will fall prey to the supernatural academy thing and the reverse harem.
And I'm out.
I absolutely never thought that I would enjoy reading an entire series that was this focused on a reverse harem, but here I am.
Indigo is literally out here juggling four guys (or more?) and I cannot even be mad about it. Yeah, I've taken off a star every time for Archer Hyde, because come the fuck on, he is not the move. But this is so entertaining.
I had a great time. This was genuinely an entertaining series that I could not put down. I definitely want to give this series some recognition because it is pretty damn good. Let's get some talk circulating around this series because I enjoyed this world and I think plenty of others will fall prey to the supernatural academy thing and the reverse harem.
And I'm out.
December 5, 2019
Brilliant ending to the series.
You always know what you're going to get with Debbie, and that is a damned good action packed, kick ass urban fantasy read, with a RH bonus on the side.
Indigo has a lot on her plate and I loved seeing her step up, kick ass and take charge. Her growth from the start of book 1 has been excellent. She is also refreshingly doesn't run around making stupid decision, like you see with a lot of heroines, and thinks with her head here a lot.
What I was the most delighted about was the way her relationship with Hyde develops here. He's always been my favourite, despite his assholeish behaviour in book 2, and I really liked the direction it went in.
If you've loved this series then I really think you'll love this conclusion!
You always know what you're going to get with Debbie, and that is a damned good action packed, kick ass urban fantasy read, with a RH bonus on the side.
Indigo has a lot on her plate and I loved seeing her step up, kick ass and take charge. Her growth from the start of book 1 has been excellent. She is also refreshingly doesn't run around making stupid decision, like you see with a lot of heroines, and thinks with her head here a lot.
What I was the most delighted about was the way her relationship with Hyde develops here. He's always been my favourite, despite his assholeish behaviour in book 2, and I really liked the direction it went in.
If you've loved this series then I really think you'll love this conclusion!
Read
January 6, 20203 days left!
June 25, 2021
Not bad
I still want more. I am a bit bummed if this is where the series ends. I do see there’s another one coming though so I have to see if it’s out yet or not.
Overall I did like this book but I am still confused on the details. Also there were many characters and sometimes I kept forgetting who people were due to suddenly knowing their names or getting minimal descriptions to remind me who it was. It took a while to figure out.
Tons of people die in this book. Including one character I really liked and didn’t deserve to die. Overall the ending wasn’t bad. I am interested in the other series except for the fact it isn’t a reverse harem.
I liked all the guys, but I wish Hyde did more groveling. I felt like their attraction overrode the way he treated her. Also Orion’s law was never explained.
We also barely talked about Minnie or Lottie losing their memories never fixed that. Didn’t do much with the weaves and where did Fiona go? Also some people didn’t really react too much to the death that happened either. So I felt some actions weren’t explained well enough. Some details got lost in the fray.
Still not a bad series.
I still want more. I am a bit bummed if this is where the series ends. I do see there’s another one coming though so I have to see if it’s out yet or not.
Overall I did like this book but I am still confused on the details. Also there were many characters and sometimes I kept forgetting who people were due to suddenly knowing their names or getting minimal descriptions to remind me who it was. It took a while to figure out.
Tons of people die in this book. Including one character I really liked and didn’t deserve to die. Overall the ending wasn’t bad. I am interested in the other series except for the fact it isn’t a reverse harem.
I liked all the guys, but I wish Hyde did more groveling. I felt like their attraction overrode the way he treated her. Also Orion’s law was never explained.
We also barely talked about Minnie or Lottie losing their memories never fixed that. Didn’t do much with the weaves and where did Fiona go? Also some people didn’t really react too much to the death that happened either. So I felt some actions weren’t explained well enough. Some details got lost in the fray.
Still not a bad series.
January 16, 2020
Update for the little Hypocrites (wink)
Didn't like this last book, and let me explain why, this is not a finished book to a good series, no this is something else. We have the push and pull between Hyde and our heroine throughout the whole series, the issue, he's not the only lover, yet that's pretty much how it felt, no one got any real spot light except these two which is kind of sad seeing she had others that were really there, my thing, why make this a RH? It didn't feel like a RH at all, it was just a continuous push and pull that by the 4th book was just so daunting already. Then we get a 4th lover which shocked me, hurman? Why? I won't lie, this actually sickens me, because he had a lover, one that loved him so dang much in return, we see this because the guy is a wreck as has to be removed as a cadet, yet when hurman comes back a different creature entirely, he confided in our heroine that no one can love him like this, and our heroine knowing what the other guy went through ( hurman lover), seeing him fall apart says " oh they aren't together now I'm going to tell him how I feel" so they get together, hurman says his lover only liked good looking ppl, but never is this ridiculous notion commented on, no it's just thrown in there to justify what just happened, now my question is, if this was her female friend instead of him being a guy would we have still excepted this? If our heroine would have swooped in after her girlfriends man? It left a bad taste in my mouth. And to add injury to insult he really isn't a add in really, yes they kiss, have a few moments because this is the last book, we get a ending where hurman has to leave, it's not said what will happen, if he will move on,find a change, nothing, that's how that ends, my thing, why add him if you knew you weren't going to really add him like the others? And her shadows? Not really explained, but then again there wasn't anymore room in this book for explanation, which makes sense since her other lovers barley got a spotlight themselves, anyways somehow she has the magic in her all along, convenient? I thought so myself. Is that what the shadows are? And what was that power at the end that killed all the enemy? We Just know everyone is ash, I'm not really sure what happened here in this last 4th book, it honest to God felt like a sprint to the finish, does it really have to make sense? No, not really as long as I give everyone a happy ending. I won't be reading anymore from this author myself, I don't like getting evolved in a series that just ends any kind of way as long as it just ends. I get some like to start on other books, and want to move on to other projects, but I don't appreciate just ending it with a what ever kinda attitude either. Give the series and characters the love and respect they deserve.
Didn't like this last book, and let me explain why, this is not a finished book to a good series, no this is something else. We have the push and pull between Hyde and our heroine throughout the whole series, the issue, he's not the only lover, yet that's pretty much how it felt, no one got any real spot light except these two which is kind of sad seeing she had others that were really there, my thing, why make this a RH? It didn't feel like a RH at all, it was just a continuous push and pull that by the 4th book was just so daunting already. Then we get a 4th lover which shocked me, hurman? Why? I won't lie, this actually sickens me, because he had a lover, one that loved him so dang much in return, we see this because the guy is a wreck as has to be removed as a cadet, yet when hurman comes back a different creature entirely, he confided in our heroine that no one can love him like this, and our heroine knowing what the other guy went through ( hurman lover), seeing him fall apart says " oh they aren't together now I'm going to tell him how I feel" so they get together, hurman says his lover only liked good looking ppl, but never is this ridiculous notion commented on, no it's just thrown in there to justify what just happened, now my question is, if this was her female friend instead of him being a guy would we have still excepted this? If our heroine would have swooped in after her girlfriends man? It left a bad taste in my mouth. And to add injury to insult he really isn't a add in really, yes they kiss, have a few moments because this is the last book, we get a ending where hurman has to leave, it's not said what will happen, if he will move on,find a change, nothing, that's how that ends, my thing, why add him if you knew you weren't going to really add him like the others? And her shadows? Not really explained, but then again there wasn't anymore room in this book for explanation, which makes sense since her other lovers barley got a spotlight themselves, anyways somehow she has the magic in her all along, convenient? I thought so myself. Is that what the shadows are? And what was that power at the end that killed all the enemy? We Just know everyone is ash, I'm not really sure what happened here in this last 4th book, it honest to God felt like a sprint to the finish, does it really have to make sense? No, not really as long as I give everyone a happy ending. I won't be reading anymore from this author myself, I don't like getting evolved in a series that just ends any kind of way as long as it just ends. I get some like to start on other books, and want to move on to other projects, but I don't appreciate just ending it with a what ever kinda attitude either. Give the series and characters the love and respect they deserve.
January 11, 2020
Ugh. What is up with all these annoying end of series books?? Why have the last few that I've read left me with more questions than answers and super unsatisfied?? Ahem, ahem...HARMON!!!!
August 18, 2020
4.25 stars!
I was thoroughly entertained. Great plot, it was action packed, suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. The heroine and her harem had amazing chemistry. The team work was strong, I felt "the dream work". The heroine herself was a superstar, witty, passionate, sensible, a fighter, a realist, and her character growth was A+. The supporting characters did their job. Looking forward to reading more from Debbie Cassidy.
I was thoroughly entertained. Great plot, it was action packed, suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. The heroine and her harem had amazing chemistry. The team work was strong, I felt "the dream work". The heroine herself was a superstar, witty, passionate, sensible, a fighter, a realist, and her character growth was A+. The supporting characters did their job. Looking forward to reading more from Debbie Cassidy.
March 1, 2022
sooo much stuff happened but it didnt feel like it because of how fast it was 😭😤 i need more time with them 😤
March 7, 2020
Well, that was quite the ending.
Really enjoyed this. Very fast paced and action packed with real consequences for the characters. Found Indigos overall character arc to be quite fitting as she goes from the unwanted child to a leader. Orion was quite the dark horse, and Indigos growing stable of men was unexpected. Hyde was still moody, and I think Brady was the best fit for our leading lady.
Quite a few twists that really took the story in a few unexpected places, but overall a solid series that seems to have a spinoff in the works.
3.75 stars ⭐️
PS. Athos is a sweetie 🥰
Really enjoyed this. Very fast paced and action packed with real consequences for the characters. Found Indigos overall character arc to be quite fitting as she goes from the unwanted child to a leader. Orion was quite the dark horse, and Indigos growing stable of men was unexpected. Hyde was still moody, and I think Brady was the best fit for our leading lady.
Quite a few twists that really took the story in a few unexpected places, but overall a solid series that seems to have a spinoff in the works.
3.75 stars ⭐️
PS. Athos is a sweetie 🥰
January 8, 2020
Debbie Cassidy has quite quickly become one of my favorite authors to read! She writes amazing FC that think with their head and they can take charge- Justice is definitely not a shrinking violet in this series!
At long last we finally see the ending we want for Justice and her boys! The plot does thicken and the action never stops in this book. The characters are thrown another set of trials in this installment and to see how they get on and work through it together is quite extraordinary. The development of the characters themselves have come into fruition and they are real, tangible people that you really come to care for.
We have quite a nice and tidy clean up with the ending of the story, but there is also room for another book or two. Most of the endings have been sewn up and it never once felt fake or rushed. I really do recommend this series and author as I feel you get everything you could possibly want and are never left dissatisfied!
At long last we finally see the ending we want for Justice and her boys! The plot does thicken and the action never stops in this book. The characters are thrown another set of trials in this installment and to see how they get on and work through it together is quite extraordinary. The development of the characters themselves have come into fruition and they are real, tangible people that you really come to care for.
We have quite a nice and tidy clean up with the ending of the story, but there is also room for another book or two. Most of the endings have been sewn up and it never once felt fake or rushed. I really do recommend this series and author as I feel you get everything you could possibly want and are never left dissatisfied!
January 10, 2020
Shadow Master is the final book in the Nightwatch Academy. I was very much looking forward to this book, not because it was the last one in this series, but because of the cliffhanger of the last book. I had to know what happened next. And oh boy what an ending. As always Debbie had me on the edge of my seat with her writing style, the pace of the story and her ability to make her words seem like watching a movie play out.
A lot of things happen here, the past is exposed and Debbie does an excellent job of combining the past and the present. Yes there are some twists and turns, lots of action, things that I saw coming and some I did not. Indigo is such a strong character that has been through so much, and man she is sure put through so much more here. I rooted for her so hard here. She is seriously one of my favorite female leads.
So get ready for a hell of a ride on this final installment for the Nightwatch Academy. I loved it!!!!!
A lot of things happen here, the past is exposed and Debbie does an excellent job of combining the past and the present. Yes there are some twists and turns, lots of action, things that I saw coming and some I did not. Indigo is such a strong character that has been through so much, and man she is sure put through so much more here. I rooted for her so hard here. She is seriously one of my favorite female leads.
So get ready for a hell of a ride on this final installment for the Nightwatch Academy. I loved it!!!!!
January 6, 2020
Yet another completely captivating book by Debbie! We saw an incredible amount of growth in the FMC Indigo. She is handed a lot of responsibility and she takes it in stride. Her relationships really grow as well and it was heartwarming to see. I still need answers when it comes to Harmon so I really hope we see more of this crew! As always with Debbie, plenty of action and drama, mystery and steam that flows well and reads at a comfortable pace. Most loose ends were tied up, but there were a few that we left open, that makes me curious to see what Debbie has planned. This is the last book in this series and ties in with her other series featuring Indigos cousin Kat. I highly recommend both this series and that one!
November 14, 2021
The end was a rushed mess in every single way:
- the main plot: new plot lines appearing left and right, new character, new armies, new powers and to top it al off a nice deus ex machina. The book should've been stretched out in 2-3 books: 1) Organizing defenses, 2) Saving Brady & Talisman Quest, 3) Travelling back and final battle
- the romantic plot: all of them feel off. Like second thoughts, going through the motions, stereotypical, superficial.
"Oh wait turns out I had feelings for you all along, never mind my partner"
"I'm your teacher and being with you would have terrible consequences for both of us but never mind that"
"I make good cocoa. I need mate."
"My lips smell like peaches and I'm pretty and my new super abilities will save the world"
- the main plot: new plot lines appearing left and right, new character, new armies, new powers and to top it al off a nice deus ex machina. The book should've been stretched out in 2-3 books: 1) Organizing defenses, 2) Saving Brady & Talisman Quest, 3) Travelling back and final battle
- the romantic plot: all of them feel off. Like second thoughts, going through the motions, stereotypical, superficial.
"Oh wait turns out I had feelings for you all along, never mind my partner"
"I'm your teacher and being with you would have terrible consequences for both of us but never mind that"
"I make good cocoa. I need mate."
"My lips smell like peaches and I'm pretty and my new super abilities will save the world"
December 25, 2019
What a way to go out with a bang! This was such an amazing conclusion to a great series. This book had you on the edge of your seat right from the beginning and didn't let up. The only thing I would change is the issue with Harmon. I hate the way it ending for him and I hope that he will get a happy ending at some point.
January 8, 2020
This has been a great series, one that once I started I just could not put down and this is an epic finale! Carrying on from book 3 this action packed tale has a fantastic storyline as we continue to follow Indigo to step up and make some tough decisions. Tons of action and excitement , danger and fighting, romance and some hot and steamy scenes and I’m very sorry this has come to an end!
January 10, 2020
2.5 stars
September 15, 2021
this could have been an epic series but it kind of just gets too complicated and you stop caring what happens
July 26, 2020
4 You All Along Stars
Shadow Master is the fourth installment in The Nightwatch Academy series by Debbie Cassidy.
Such a prolific battle feels shackled in the pages of only book. The resolution and final measures felt somewhat rushed. And Indigo’s war-ending miracle lacked finesse. There was no build up to that point, just poof extra magical snowflake.
The whole situation with Lugh and Brady was a very interesting addition to their groups structure. It’s feels particularly vital to learn more and have him influence the scene to a deeper degree. Slightly upsetting that his introduction into the story lacked any true affect.
It keeps bugging me that Minnie and Indie still haven’t reaffirmed their friendship. However, throughout this entire series she has shown her honor and care for even those outside of her realm of love. The fact that she has stood by this decision, up to this point, is respectable. I do still hope they can start again.
What is up with that weird random voice that speaks to Indigo when she’s in desperate life saving mode with her powers?
I’m overflowing with happiness for not only the relationship and connection she has with her men. But the new fomorian characters introduced. The camaraderie and team effort put in by all those at the academy to face this deadly threat. You can feel change brewing. I wonder how far it will reach in the next book?
Shadow Master is the fourth installment in The Nightwatch Academy series by Debbie Cassidy.
Such a prolific battle feels shackled in the pages of only book. The resolution and final measures felt somewhat rushed. And Indigo’s war-ending miracle lacked finesse. There was no build up to that point, just poof extra magical snowflake.
The whole situation with Lugh and Brady was a very interesting addition to their groups structure. It’s feels particularly vital to learn more and have him influence the scene to a deeper degree. Slightly upsetting that his introduction into the story lacked any true affect.
It keeps bugging me that Minnie and Indie still haven’t reaffirmed their friendship. However, throughout this entire series she has shown her honor and care for even those outside of her realm of love. The fact that she has stood by this decision, up to this point, is respectable. I do still hope they can start again.
What is up with that weird random voice that speaks to Indigo when she’s in desperate life saving mode with her powers?
I’m overflowing with happiness for not only the relationship and connection she has with her men. But the new fomorian characters introduced. The camaraderie and team effort put in by all those at the academy to face this deadly threat. You can feel change brewing. I wonder how far it will reach in the next book?
January 26, 2026
I very much enjoyed this series. It was unique in many ways.
The FMC is strong. She is allowed her weak moments, without being shown or seen as weak. The issue with Hyde is handled well: he doesn't truly mistreat her (although some of the reviews kind of imply that) - he is struggling with wanting her so much, but can't have her. His reactions are logical.
Her instant attraction to some of them was a bit much: if she was already in love with others, why was she so quick to fall in bed with another? Before she really knew them at all? That part of the romance development was a bit weak. Also, what was even the point of the multiple men? Usually the FMC needs them for some reason. That didn't seem to be the case in this series.
It's a Why Choose romance, and yes, the FMC ends up with multiple partners. However, it's not much hotter than a cozy, and there's never a single scene with multiple partners. It's always just her and one other... That is not what most envision in a Why Choose/RH novel.
The worldbuilding was unique, with the mist and the twist with the formorians. It was done well, with information added only when needed, and not just dumped on the reader.
Overall, 4 stars because I did enjoy the series, but I'm not sure I would read it again. I will definitely pick up more from the author.
March 8, 2024
2.5 stars ⭐️
This series could’ve been so good 😭 I’m so disappointed and sad. The characters would’ve been so good had they been developed a bit more, and the relationships with the FMC just fell so flat most of the time. The harem seemed very weak and boring tbh. Archer? Absolutely yes. Brady? Absolutely yes. Kash? Okay, I guess. Harmon? Big no wtf was that. The worst choice ever sorry.
Also the main storyline- so many unanswered questions and undeveloped history and explanation. Like was anything really answered about why or how things were happening? Like the Fomorian history and why they were they bad guys, or where Indie’s shadow power came from (and then it just kept developing into different things with no explanation).
Also the ending was so rushed like it was literally all over in one page??
This could have been a great series if it was properly developed and not so rushed. And if the harem was actually a harem and not just… whatever that was. I’m still giving it a few stars because the vibes were there, just not the execution.
This series could’ve been so good 😭 I’m so disappointed and sad. The characters would’ve been so good had they been developed a bit more, and the relationships with the FMC just fell so flat most of the time. The harem seemed very weak and boring tbh. Archer? Absolutely yes. Brady? Absolutely yes. Kash? Okay, I guess. Harmon? Big no wtf was that. The worst choice ever sorry.
Also the main storyline- so many unanswered questions and undeveloped history and explanation. Like was anything really answered about why or how things were happening? Like the Fomorian history and why they were they bad guys, or where Indie’s shadow power came from (and then it just kept developing into different things with no explanation).
Also the ending was so rushed like it was literally all over in one page??
This could have been a great series if it was properly developed and not so rushed. And if the harem was actually a harem and not just… whatever that was. I’m still giving it a few stars because the vibes were there, just not the execution.
April 29, 2024
I enjoyed this series, the world building, the academy setting the MMCs and the fact that the reader didn’t really know who would end up in her harem.
What I don’t unterstand is the society, and why this series ends without a change in leadership. The council apparently knows who their Allie’s are and that they can’t survive the mist, and they also know that the enemies can survive the mist and that the mist keeps the monsters alive, so even if they are selfish and stupid, shouldn’t they have thought of the possibility to shut down the mist? Seems like that should have been the first step in keeping everyone safe? So we don’t get a satisfactory conclusion about the political system, also we don’t Lear why the fox guy is still there, we don’t have a conclusion about the FMCS father and about the fourth guy in her harem. (Although there is a book about that part so there’s that)
But even with all those things missing I loved the series and enjoyed each book.
What I don’t unterstand is the society, and why this series ends without a change in leadership. The council apparently knows who their Allie’s are and that they can’t survive the mist, and they also know that the enemies can survive the mist and that the mist keeps the monsters alive, so even if they are selfish and stupid, shouldn’t they have thought of the possibility to shut down the mist? Seems like that should have been the first step in keeping everyone safe? So we don’t get a satisfactory conclusion about the political system, also we don’t Lear why the fox guy is still there, we don’t have a conclusion about the FMCS father and about the fourth guy in her harem. (Although there is a book about that part so there’s that)
But even with all those things missing I loved the series and enjoyed each book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2020
Enjoyable series
I really liked this series and read all the books in a couple of days. The characters were engaging and relatable. This book had the typical sexual component of multiple partners which is not really my thing but I was interested in the story and the way the author draws you into their world of magic and mayhem. Indigo was such a great lead character, tough yet damaged by parents who didn't love her. She was so resilient and defiant, not backing down from a fight so the Shadow cadets became her family. I am not sure that those macho men like Brady and Hyde would actually share Indigo but the author makes you believe they want to try. I wish Harmon had gotten his HEA as that was the only thread left to tie up. I am a fan and will be reading more from this author now that I have discovered her books.
I really liked this series and read all the books in a couple of days. The characters were engaging and relatable. This book had the typical sexual component of multiple partners which is not really my thing but I was interested in the story and the way the author draws you into their world of magic and mayhem. Indigo was such a great lead character, tough yet damaged by parents who didn't love her. She was so resilient and defiant, not backing down from a fight so the Shadow cadets became her family. I am not sure that those macho men like Brady and Hyde would actually share Indigo but the author makes you believe they want to try. I wish Harmon had gotten his HEA as that was the only thread left to tie up. I am a fan and will be reading more from this author now that I have discovered her books.
February 19, 2023
Argh DNF at about 20%. Just got bored... Maybe it's not you, it's me. Maybe I'll come back to this series and finish it off, especially as it's such an unsatisfying conclusion to the journey.
The problems for me began with the random journey to another world- I appreciate the author's attempts to avoid plot holes with the whole Lunar Creek thing but it still came across as about three potential story lines smoooshed into one. I couldn't decide if the rest of the team (Lloyd, Carlo, etc.) were love interests and now I will never know. Plus the whole thing with the saviour, Shadow chief yada yada.. it just lost its spark for me. Sad times.
Enjoyed the rest of the series, well done to the author for a very well written set of books. Good characters, plot, and world building. Just a bit too much for me, it became a bit jumpy and incoherent. Sorry.
The problems for me began with the random journey to another world- I appreciate the author's attempts to avoid plot holes with the whole Lunar Creek thing but it still came across as about three potential story lines smoooshed into one. I couldn't decide if the rest of the team (Lloyd, Carlo, etc.) were love interests and now I will never know. Plus the whole thing with the saviour, Shadow chief yada yada.. it just lost its spark for me. Sad times.
Enjoyed the rest of the series, well done to the author for a very well written set of books. Good characters, plot, and world building. Just a bit too much for me, it became a bit jumpy and incoherent. Sorry.
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