First Term

Dragon Fire Academy #1

by Rachel Jonas

Seriously? Four dragon warriors need to stalk my every move? I get it. They think I'm dangerous, but I'm only on their island to learn. Not to destroy it. This is another unfortunate side-effect of being the freak who descended from all three supernatural lineages. The bloodthirsty dragons, the destructive wolves, and the disloyal witches. Some believe that, when I transition in a few months, there's a slight, teeny tiny chance I could unleash hell on the supernatural world. Call me crazy, but I'd know if I harbored that kind of power inside me. ... Wouldn't I? My entire life, all I've wanted was to be normal. Hence the reason I didn't think twice about trading in my crown for a stack of books. I've got three terms on this island to prove the naysayers wrong, including my chaperones-Kai, Ori, Paulo, and Rayen. These four are gorgeous, but also ominous as heck. Babysitting me has clearly taken their focus off something they've deemed more important. So, now they go out of their way to make my life a living hell, with hopes that I'll give up and leave. Thanks, guys. You could cut the tension between us with a knife, but what's weird is I don't hate them all the time. There are even odd moments when I catch them watching me. And not in their usual "wish-you-were-dead" sort of way. Even if I survive the academy, there's still no guarantee these four and I won't kill each other before graduation.

Note: DRAGON FIRE ACADEMY is an upper YA/NA reverse harem romance. This series will take you on a brand-new journey with a descendant of the beloved Seaton Falls shifters, featured in THE LOST ROYALS SAGA. So, keep an eye out for cameos from some of your favorite characters! New readers, rest assured; it's completely unnecessary to read the previous five-book series before embarking on this fresh chapter, set in a world filled with fierce wolves, hotheaded dragons, and powerful witches you don't want to cross.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Dragons, Romance, Magic, Shapeshifters, Witches

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2019

Reviews

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so meh😑, I'm shocked it has a high rating.

I am to blame, I was in the mood for a RH so I got the first one I saw on KU. I'm usually more discerning.

I'll definitely not be reading the next one ✌.

[Bec · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those books where people are told not to do something and they aren't told why they aren't supposed to do it for reasons. The majority of the grief could be avoided by a simple explanation but then there wouldn't be a plot device to move the story forward. Then add in a not romance and I just can't. There is very little world-building and even the character building is light in this book. If you have not read the "Lost Royals Saga" which this is a spin-off from (I hadn't known that) you are probably going to be confused about some things. DNF at 50%

[Ada · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dragons, witches, magic, academy on a freaking dragon island, contagious evil on the said island reminiscent of demonic possessions.. you would think this can't be something you can go wrong with. But man, I don't think I have ever read anything blander than this book with fucking dragons involved.

I think what bugs me the most is the absolute pointless "plot". Seriously what was the purpose of this book? Does it want to be about exploring Noelle's cocktail powers? Or learning about Noelle being mate to her guardians? Or showing Noelle being a key player to fight this darkness? Listen it tries to reach all these points but does none of them any justice so it ends up looking a book that floats around having no concrete plot. The whole deal with the darkness, dude what's the point of holding back 99% information that could make this book interesting? Even by the end you learn jack shit to feel like it's decent for being the first book in a series.

Noelle had a cool mixture of powers and it would have been nice to see more of that. She was tested rigorously for six months to enter the academy, do we see her actually do any of that? No. Do we see anything happening in the classes to feel like we see how tough it is? No. The academy was like a placeholder just for the sake of having a location to meet the harem. Not even the typical cliches of academy setting RH books are happening here, nada.

The harem was so forgettable. None of the guys are anything beyond a paper thin personality. I saw not even a tiny glimmer of romance. On what foundation does the relationship even began with Noelle is my first question. There is just no transition between anything, nothing is shown and everything is just told. Being told about Noelle's shifting feelings, told about any of the guys seeing her in a different light, whatever man just show me! Give me some content here.

At the end it's the low effort that makes this a one star read. No I did not like this book that doesn't want me to find anything interesting about the darkness, doesn't want to show me any buildup towards the relationship with a boring harem and the kicker of reading a book with dragons involved and not even seeing any of them shift into a fucking dragon! Rude.

[4foxsake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Interesting story of dragons, witches, shifters and a evil darkness that inhabits an island paradise. Not a bully romance but the guys definitely didn’t like Noelle at first. Can’t wait to dive into the world and culture in the best books!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Fire Academy is a spin-off from Rachel Jonas' The Lost Royal Series, but you don't need to have read that series to enjoy this book.
Get ready to follow Noelle's journey as she strives to be accepted at Dragon Fire Academy. She's the daughter of the Queen, and so she's worried that people will judge her based on her family that on her own merit. It's important to her to earn this so she works her butt off. She isn't expecting special treatment so when she gets to the island and learns that she's been assigned four gorgeous mentors, she isn't thrilled. But hey! Neither are the guys. Kai, Paulo, Rayen, and Ori are the newest Hive on the island, but they are also the strongest. They take their job seriously and Ori, as the leader, thinks that Noelle is just a spoiled princess and a distraction. There is something dangerous on the island, and they need to focus on that. But could Noelle be what it is that they themselves need in order to be stronger? The evil that lurks knows of the specialness that is Noelle...the question is...can they keep her safe?
This book is hands-down...AWESOME! The minute I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. The characters are engaging and truly gripping. I love that Noelle isn't full of attitude and confrontational. I was honestly concerned that at some point and time in this story that she'd pull the "princess" card and really go at it with people. Thankfully, that is not the case. This book is really thrilling when you get down to it. You get a taste of what lies on the island, the thing that hides in the shadows. I am curious as to how exactly the people become infected with it. I really hope that the author gives us a scene of when someone is attacked by it itself. The variety of characters is great! I love Noelle's interactions with Toni so much! I hope that they continue to be good friends, but I sense a twist in her fate in the future.
There is honestly nothing that I don't like about this book. Everything is so well done! The author is feeding my suspicions concerning certain characters, hooking me in with each page turn, and leaving me wanting more. I will say that I wish that Noelle has truly shifted in this story, but I love how it brings so many together.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next book in this series! For those who don't like cliffhangers...sorry, but this book has an insane one! But I love it! While I'm waiting on book two, I'm going to be grabbing The Lost Royals Saga and devouring that because if it connects to this series...it has to be awesome!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😲 I’ve just read this in one sitting and when it ended well, I’m just sat here dumb! Well written this academy read hooked me from the very first page. I love Noelle, love her four guardians (Kai is my fav!) love her friends and totally love the storyline and it’s twists with the biggest one at the end!! If you love dragon shifters, witches, wolves, friendship, love, romance and a little action then please read this cause you will love it!

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start, albeit surrounded in all kinds of mystery and secrecy. I've been sucked right into the world. I loved this author's first series in this world, The Lost Royals, and this one is no different for me. Not only that she put a RH spin on it and I couldn't be more tickled pink even if I was the pink panther. That being said reading the first series in this world might provide a reader with a ton of backstory as well as a good time, but I wouldn't say it was necessary to enjoy this story. Considering the plot takes place in a different place, with obviously different rules and for this first book in the series you wouldn't miss anything. Now later on it might make a difference but so far, despite being a spinoff, everything is explained well enough that you wouldn't even notice it.

I feel like for the first book the author did a great job of fleshing out our characters and making them all have different personalities as well as establishing some good connections. I will say our FMC, Noelle is our most confusing character. Despite being a princess, and knowing about her super unique originality, she has some crazy self esteem issues. Also, despite her parents being total freaking bad A's, Noelle has the attitude but seems to be lacking the skills based on her actions. She just really lacks the confidence due to years of bullying and never quite reaching the "greatness" she has been told she was destined for.

This whole plot seems to develop and evolve around a ton of secrets. The island people are keeping secrets, the Alpha seems like he has some shady secrets, the brothers seem to be keeping secrets, and even Noelle is keeping secrets, not sharing her fears about her first transformation, and also even sucking one of the brothers in on her secrets. Secrets don't make friends people..... And in terms of books they never end up helping anything only delaying things. I'm super intrigued by this "red light" that has helped us out in our time of need. Can't wait to see what is next for this world.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This spin off from the authors LOST ROYALS SAGA series has left me speechless and wanting MORE MORE MORE!!! it's definitely not necessary to have read the original series, but it might give you a slight edge regarding the world this book resides in. Noelle is the princess of the Dragon and wolf kind on the mainland. Her mother and father, Evie and Liam both legends among their kind. Come to think of it, so are the majority of her family. Desperate to become a member of The Guard, Noelle had a plan and part of that is to go to the Fire Academy. First of course she must earn entry! Suffice to say that gaining entry was the easy part! Thankfully her parents didn't raise spoiled or weak children 😉. Upon landing on this majestic island that houses the Academy, Noelle learns that FOUR hour, hulking men are to be her mentor/guardians for the duration. As if that doesn't annoy her enough, they all seem to have equally massive chips on their shoulders and think she bought her way into her spot. Oh and there's something odd going on here. She can't put her finger on it, but something kids going on that they're trying to keep a lid on. Watch this fierce, fiesty big hearted, loyal and amazingly strong warrior princess brave everything that comes her way. To top it all off, the time is nearing for her first shift. Until then she's no clue if her dragon, wolf or witch will become dominant. It doesn't help she's the first of her kind to carry all three, and she's terrified of letting her parents down or harming anyone on the island. Strange dreams about Darkness also keep haunting her sleeping hours. Combined with having the hots for the fearsome foursome and have her current situation in a nutshell. I for one was cheering her on every step of the way!!! Oh, and prepare yourself for a jaw dropping cliffhanger making you scream to the sky wanting book two! I've yet to read a book by this author and be disappointed. Glad to see that streak still holds!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when an author takes the time to build the world and characters in their books. This author did exactly that. She didn't rely on sex to hold the book together but instead developed the relationships and made the world come alive for the reader. This land that the school is on seems wild, beautiful, peaceful but yet dangerous all at the same time.

I found the school ceremonies interesting. Of course, they might have to wait before doing another pinning ceremony...LOL. As far as schools go, it seems like your everyday paranormal school.

The island and the firekeepers are what has me most curious. What are the firekeepers protecting the students from? The firekeepers themselves are intriguing and each with their own unique personality. Their symbols are talked about but not as much detail given as everything else in the book. I am sure there is a reason for it and I can't wait to learn what the symbols mean and how their "hive" goes forward. I do think Kai might be my favorite firekeeper at this point but I have a feeling that might change as the series goes on.

Noelle herself is an interesting heroine. She seems determined to follow the path she set for herself. However, she is worried about her first shift and how it will go. I love that she is smart enough to plan ahead for any unexpected issues. She is concerned more about everyone else than herself which makes like her even more. She has me curious as well. Now that she has completed her first shift, what changes will she undergo? Also, how does she feel about her new role in the "hive"? I have so many questions left and can't wait to see where this series leads.

[Hanna Rybchynska · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were a lot of good ideas: dragons, shapeshifters, and an island with mystery. Unfortunately not for me... I don't understand the main character and I don't feel connected to her story. There is a little world-building and not a lot of character building. We have a school but I don't actually see her learning something. There is love somewhere but I don't feel nor see it.
I feel like this is some kind of fanfiction and not an actual book. And this is not the first book of the author, so I am a little bit disappointed.
It's a no no for me.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but..

...but it was too angsty and full of guys who treated the woman like crap, but then thought she should be their mate. Ori was the worst offender, and although he had a reason for his attitude, it was not an excuse to act like an a$$hat.

Interesting world building, the Chief is a bit of a sly character that I didn’t like - he’s up to something- and it left off after an important beat in the story, so of course ya need to read book 2 to find out what happens next.

3 stars ⭐️

[AHCuteArt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I am the minority in this... I could not read this book. The flow was terrible. There were several places and people introduced where the author gave no description on what they looked liked. I had a hard time wrapping my head around what was happening. The author tells us wants going on without showing us what is happening. I just could not read this book without giving myself a headache trying to keep up with all of the jumping from one subject to another.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, still hate the "They were asshats, but what choice do I have but forgive them" romantic thread, but the actual conflict/action plot is interesting. Will try #2.

Still glad this is a unlimited book & didn't shell out cash specifically for it. oO

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Noelle
Kai,
Paulo,
Rayen,
Ori
----------------------------------
What happens?
Noelle is an unchanged shifter/witch hybrid. She fought her way into the academy and then is assigned 4 mentors to allegedly mentor her start in the academy away from being royalty and learning new things.
The shifters looking after her believe her to be a spoiled princess wanting special treatment for very little effort. These shifters are the last Hive assigned to protect the island and its inhabitants from the darkness trying to take over.
Final thoughts
This was a great start to a new series and a new author for me. I've read in another review this is a spin off so I'll go searching for the original series to try and read before I follow on this book and this series.
Its a good read I enjoyed the characters and I thought the hive concept was interesting.
The darkness side is too vague and doesn't seem to have a true bad person as such its so far just about the harem and darkness is used as a loose entity, which is fine but I like having someone to focus on.
Looking forward to exploring this world further.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Theowlsnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tingles ! This book gave me tingles !! From start to
Finish I was completely sucked in noelle is an amazing FMC and she is badass smart and all around perfect !! I also love how she doesn’t .. how do I say this ... be stupid ... she knows when she needs to listen to someone she doesn’t put herself in danger just for fun these things have ruined books for me, she is the ideal FMC and I can’t wait to read more of her and the omegas well what can I say about them but instant love for them they all have these different personalities that you love even ori and his attitude !! This is like a bully without the bullying... they don’t instantly get along which is fun but things turn around it’s not instant love cause well that’s not real there is an attraction but it’s not Instant they get to know each other a find out what they like which makes this an amazing book !! So I won’t put any more spoilers these are spoiling enough but all I need to say is this was a 5 star read from a 5 star author who always leaves us feeling like we made some friends every time we read her books and this book was no different !! The cliffhanger was hard but it was so good I will anxiously await the next book!!! Must read!!

[Jemimah Decker-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Lost Royals Saga by this author (which I loved btw) I was a little hesitant about picking up this book as I'm not a fan of series that follow the children of characters from that series. What swayed me to give this book a try thpugh was the mention of Dragons. Now I love anything to do with Dragons, particularly books about them and I am so glad I decided to read Dragon Fire Academy as I loved it! Noelle is such a great character, I actually found I prefer her to her mother from The Lost Royals Saga. She has spunk and is kickass but she also has a good heart. Now, you don't need to of read The Lost Royals Saga to read this book, but I do recommend you do as it does give you a much better understanding of where Noelle comes from.
I really loved the story line and the four hot Dragons also added to it, I love that we get their POV in the book too. This book really did excite me and I read it all in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the release of book two so that I can read it straight away. Five stars from me for an enjoyable read.

[Alisha Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Success!

I knew that as soon as I started this book I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I was damn right!! I’ve had the biggest book hangover of late but this book here totally pulled me out of it.

This new series by Rachel Jonas is a continuation of the Lost Royals Saga but we now follow Evangeline’s daughter Noell in her quest for independence. Little did she know Spirit has more in store for her than attending Dragon Academy.

This is a slow burn paranormal RH.

I’m intrigued with the storyline and can’t wait to uncover some of the mysteries of the Island and how Noell fits with the Darkness.

I also can’t wait to find out more about the characters. The introduction has set a great foundation I can’t wait to get to learn more about Rayen and Paulo though. This budding relationship is sweet I’ve caught feels! It’s a YA so don’t expect raunchy but hawt tasteful tension building scenes!

[Cherie Lockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!
Loved this so much! The writing is fantastic, the story is phenomenal and different and the characters are lovable but realistic. Definitely a must read!!
Never a dull moment 🤩

The heroine was brilliant; her responses to 4 assholes who think they know everything about her is exactly what I would expect of someone with her background- she wasn’t snarky for the sake of snarky-ness. She had some epic one liners but also knew how to suck it up and ignore dickishness. Really admired this character. Loved how the heroes don’t go from hating her to loving her overnight- they work at it and she has moments where she proves herself to them which I loved. The character growth (which personally is a pet peeve when writers don’t do this) was really well done here.

Really looking forward to Book 2!!

[Wendi Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! I read this in one day because I could NOT put it down! Rachel Jonas creates amazing worlds with unforgettable characters, and this was no exception.
Set on a beautiful island with a deadly secret, attending the famous Dragon Fire Academy is all Noelle ever wanted. What she worked so hard for and succeeded in achieving all on her own. But not everything is as it seems.
Throw in four smoking-hot dragon shifters (literally and figuratively) and you have a book filled with relatable characters, emotional scenes that'll make you cry (I did more than once), sassy scenes that'll leave you chuckling, and an ending that will leave you yearning for more.
Well done. Can't wait for the next!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a continuance of last Royals series new generation and it is fabulous Noelle enrolled in dragon fire academy since she's a princess she is very special and when her birthday comes nobody knows what kind of powers she's going to have and throwing in to paradise with four tribal men protectors hot men their protectors on the island that the dragon fire academy is sectioned on and also the sons of the tribal leader this is a fabulous sexy intriguing start to a new series I thought it was toe curling kept me turning pages and wanting more all the way to the end it was 1 one fabulous book. I loved all the charters in this book so far can't wait for the next book in this series it's a 5 Star read


I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Cathy P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to this paranormal academy romance

There is a cliffhanger, but if you are familiar with this author it's normal.
This is a RH paranormal romance, slow burn. Noelle is the offspring of Evangeline and Liam from previous series. You don't have to read that series for this one, but you will understand just how respected and feared her parents are. Noelle is on her way to the Dragon fire academy. There she is assigned four mentors, meant to be protectors: Kai, Ori, Paulo, and Rayden. Everyone is keeping secrets DNA each one just might get someone killed. That waterfall scene with Kai........
Looking forward to seeing where this goes and how their team develops. Loved the characters and storyline.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were a fan of The Lost Royals Saga and even if you haven't yet read it, you'll love this book. In this book we get to meet Noelle, who has recently left the safety of her home, to attend the prestigious Dragon fire Academy. Hidden away on a tropical island. Lucky girl that she is. She gets four very hot dragon mentors. And while love or maybe just lust,lots and lots of lust is in the air. So is something else and it's dark and stinks to the high heavens. We start to unravel some of the mysterious island's secrets and get a peek at some of the hidden powers that Noelle possesses. And I personally, can not wait for part two to get here.

[Alyrica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. My favorite aspect so far is the main female character, Noelle. She was written beautifully in that she is strong without being abrasive as well as compassionate and kind. Also, she is one of a kind but I will let you discover how by reading. Waiting to find out how these differences would manifest made it a fun read. Since this is the first in a series, only a little information was provided about the main males. It was enough to make me eager for more. The pacing was good and the setting descriptions were rich in detail. If you like paranormal academy books, I highly recommend this one!

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story

After reading this book, I can't believe that this is the first time I've ever read a book by Rachel Jonas. The story and characters just draw you in and won't let you go. The way she describes the island makes me want to go there. The story is so well written that I had a hard time putting it down and kept thinking about when I was supposed to be working. I can't wait to see what happens next and learn more about the darkness, the other students and what exactly Noelle's hybrid form and powers will reveal.

[Gab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising beginning!
As if the first days at a new school weren't bad enough, to be singled out to have four burly men watch every move you make, is more than awkward. Especially if you want to keep a low profile and just be "normal".
Well, "normal" just isn't possible if you're the daughter of two powerful parents.
And it soon turns out there is much more than simply education waiting for the reluctant princess!!
I'm looking forward to the next book. Hurry please!

[Angela James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle

Amazeballs! I loved it. New to me author and series and I'm hooked. Noelle isn't your average princess and her history is intriguing. She just wants to be normal and follow her calling but there's more to it than she could be ever dreamed when she meets her bullheaded but sexy mentors. Very original storyline and I'm excited to see where this author takes it. Bring on book two!

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Start

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Noelle is feisty, but big hearted. Ori, Paulo, Rayen and Kai were pretty unfriendly in the beginning, but they warm up and I was glad to see it. There's actually a lot going on here with the battle against the Darkness which the mainland clearly knows nothing about. I really want to know why the Darkness wants Noelle. There's a lot more to learn here and I'm looking forward to it.

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly delightful!

Kudos to Ms Jonas. This is another grab you by the imagination story. I love the tone, tempo and emotion of this first book in the series.

Characters feel real and the writing is so descriptive you feel like you are with Noelle on her journey. I also just added four new book boyfriends to my list.

Read as an ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

was an enjoyable read, there is a series before this and while it was said it wasn't needed to read this one I feel like you would get more of a background on everything if you did. So I am probably going to go backwards now and read from the start of the other series, I wasn't interested at first but after finishing this one I am. and this was my 200th read of the year!

[Amanda Tregaskis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon fire academy First Term

A promising start to a new series, the characters are good and storyline is well thought out. There were some grammatical errors, but overall a good read.