Voodoo Academy

Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy #1

by Theophilus Monroe

Being possessed has its advantages…

Annabelle Mulledy survived a Voodoo attack on her family as a child—but it left her possessed by the spirit of a nearly 200 year-old-girl. This girl, however, came with strange abilities bestowed upon her in the after life. When Kalfu, an evil Loa, discovers Annabelle he hopes to use her abilities to his advantage—to escape the spiritual realm and take a corporeal form. When Ogoun, the Loa of War, intervenes he recruits Annabelle to join him as a student at the Voodoo Academy. Will Annabelle master the arts, and fend off Kalfu’s spiritual assaults? Or, is she ultimately a puppet in a battle between Voodoo demigods?

Voodoo Academy is the first book in the Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy series. Theophilus Monroe’s Annabelle Mulledy is a snarky badass heroine with attitude. Monroe draws on the legend and myth of Voodoo lore in a way that neither caricatures the arts as “demonic” nor glosses over the dark side of the Voodoo tradition. With dark magic, dragons, vampires, and a slow burn academy romance the Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy series has something for everybody.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Audiobook, Young Adult, Magic

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Theophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.

Reviews

[〰️Beth〰️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting world building. I liked how the author used voodoo /spiritual/religious iconography to establish this fantasy world set in New Orleans. In theory I liked the idea of a modern girl bound with the spirit of a former slave and them learning together to use their individual and combined abilities. Unfortunately in reality I did not feel drawn to most of the characters and character development seemed lacking. It may be just because it is the start of a series but I am uncertain if I want to read further.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle and her sister Ashley are ghost chasers of sorts. One night unexpected someone jumps in front of their car. Who would know that A voodoo Academy existed. Will Annabelle who has a living soul living insider take the chance and go? Will her sister go to the reservation and become a shaman? Can they go their separate ways for awhile? What will Annabelle do? Can she help what's coming?

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

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new adventure. I was attracted by the novelty of a series whose story moved through Voodoo, a religion that for many is cursed. The dynamics and pace are good which gives it a plus, but it gets a little tangled by the amount of names to memorize and the mix of religions and supernatural beings.
I want to keep reading it and I hope the next books will catch my interest even more.

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Story Origin but this review is my own, honest one.

I really enjoyed this book, despite not being a huge fan of Young Adult or Academy themed books. I think the Voodoo aspect of this book, made it so much better and more interesting than the other books in those genres that I have read in the past.

Annabelle and her older sister Ashley encounter a Loa one night and this brings back memories of the time when an evil Loa attacked their family and destroyed it all as they knew it, not that they had ever forgotten about that night, but this brought it all to the forefront again! Annabelle is invited to join the Voodoo Academy, but there's a huge secret she is harbouring that she really doesn't want anyone else to find out! She is possessed by the soul of a centuries old slave girl who has powers of her own. Annabelle copes reasonably well with this possession, but the two girls are not quite at peace with each other.

Back in the Academy, Annabelle and Isabelle both notice something strange going on with some of the other Loa and students and soon realise that they are to be the target. They have to do everything they can to save themselves, their friends and defeat the evil that is coming!

I really enjoyed Annabelle and Isabelle and the interactions between them and how they can swap who is in control. I don't know very much at all about Voodoo, but loved learning about bits of it through this book. Pauli was a great side character and I definitely want to read the next book in this series to find out how he copes with what happened to him in this one. Definitely a fun series on a subject I haven't read before!

[Korra II Allison Baskerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

My feelings on this book are a bit mixed. I’d probably give it a “meh” rating based on the story. What saved it for me was knowing it’s part of a literary universe with another series by the same author which I very much enjoyed. That alone wouldn’t have been enough though.

At times, I enjoyed the protagonist. There were times she had me laughing and I couldn’t get enough of her but at the same time, some of her banter was just insufferable. What really did it for me was this hilarious gay dude she befriends. Sadly I can’t remember his name, which isn’t a mark against the story. I just have a really difficult time remembering names.

Oh em me, that guy was so goddamn funny, he stole the show in nearly every scene he was in. There were times I wished he was the protagonist. I think a bit of what made him great was the narrator giving him personality, but I think even in other formats, he’d be the star of the show.

As for the narrator, good god she was annoying. She kept mispronouncing basic words. I don’t even watch wrestling and I know suplex isn’t sup-lex. That one could be forgiven, but “Ancestrial”, “inother”, and “farmiliar” aren’t words. The constant mispronunciation of basic words has always annoyed me. But even the rest of the performance was lackluster.

Half of the time, I couldn’t tell who was talking because the character voices were often done in the same voice she did the narration in. There’s a character who supposedly has a deep, booming voice. Their speaking voice sounds like any random character or her narrating voice. It made it difficult to follow along in scenes without context clues from the story itself, which defeats the purpose of an audiobook.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

[Ash Holmquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voodoo Academy by Theophilus Monroe has been my favorite book by them so far. The story starts with Paranormal Investigators Annabelle and Ashley, who are sisters, driving around New Orleans. Ashley is passed out drunk in the passenger seat and Annabelle accidentally hits someone who jumped in front of her car. Her soul-bound spirit partner, Isabelle, says he is a "sort of human." They get out and find out he is a Loa - a voodoo spirit named Kalfu. He ends up leaving the boy's body and enters Ashley's body and possesses her. He tries to make a bargain with Annabelle for her sister but is ultimately stopped by Auggie. Who is revealed to also be a Loa but a good one? He's also a teacher at a local Voodoo Academy. He invites Annabelle to attend but does not extend the invitation to Ashley, staying if he has room during the next semester he will invite her as well. Isabelle and Annabelle come to the mutual decision to attend the school - while Ashley is off to the reservation with her boyfriend, Roger, to become a Shaman. Annabelle learns the school is underground, under a huge cathedral. Her classes begin and everyone starts to notice her abilities, especially that she can create portals to the Loa world. Will Annabelle be able to wield her and Isabelles' powers? Will she be able to fight off Kalfu who is bent on revenge? You for sure want to pick this one up! It's a great start to a series!

[Veevee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, it had both good and less good parts.
Let's start with what I did like: the lore. This book focuses on Voodoo (thus the title) but we also see a sprinkling of other religions featured throughout. The Voodoo idea was really interesting to read about and very unique. I *really* liked that. I am always on the look out for something new and this hit that right on the head. I also really like the humour. Annabelle in particular was a hoot and a half.
What I didn't like: the preachy-ness. Hand in hand with seeing so many different religions in one book, there was a lot of info dumping (another one of my gripes) as well as just over the top navel gazing. It left like Annabelle came to some realization that she should be a better person every other chapter. Sure revelations are useful, but they loose their punch if they happen so frequently. Annabelle didn't seem like a particularly bad person, so it felt a little bit forced that she was going through all of these revelations now. To be fair, this sort of stuff doesn't interest me as action and general badassery so I am biased towards this sort of stuff, it just kinda bores me.
Over all this book was not amazing it was interesting, a fun academy style romp with Voodoo.

I was given a review copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle and her sister Ashley had seen their family attacked by zombies whilst they were still children, and they had lost their parents who had become mentally unstable after their ordeal. However Annabelle had been possessed by another soul, Isabelle had possesed her body, but it was not all bad as she came with powers, which in turn made Annabelle very powerful. This power attracted a demon known as Kalfu, he was very powerful but wanted to possess the powers annabelle and isabelle had. A lao came to their defence, and once Kalfu was sent back Annabelle was offered a place at the voodoo academy where she would acquire an aspect and be trained under Ogoun, the lao of war . This is the start of the new series, it comes full of magic, demons and the various beliefs linked to voodooism. Will Annabelle be able to gain the strength she needs to keep Kalfu out of their world? This is a dark fantasy series where voodooism is seen through a neutral lense but shown in all it's dark aspects. I love our kick-ass heroine, the dragon, and the dark magic and look forward to reading book 2.

[Kira Moericke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so badly wanted to like this book - the cover is absolutely incredible! - but it was just so heavy on the voodoo religion that I found myself lost nearly through the entire book. I felt that there should have been a reference in the back of the book listing all the names and phrases that were important to this book, along with their meanings so that readers who don’t quite know voodoo can look it up.

But along with the voodoo religion - none of the characters made that big of an impact to me (though I did enjoy the scenes when Annabelle and Pauli were together). They were all just …blah. Even the bad guy didn’t impress me that much…

And if you’re going into this book, expecting an academy read….well, I didn’t feel that this was that heavy on academia and more focused on stopping the bad guy who came into Annabelle’s life nine years ago…Stop him from what…? Honestly, I can’t even recall what they were trying to stop him from doing.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voodoo Academy is the 1st book in The Voodoo Legacy series. I own all the books, but am working my way through so many things that I am listening to a lot while driving and exercising.

We meet Annabelle and her sister Ashley first in Druidess. They were touched by voodoo at a young age. Fast forward many years, Annabelle and Isabelle(read Druidess as soon as you can to find out about Isabelle) are sharing a body, but haven't quite come to terms with that arrangement. Fast forward, a car accident, a crazy loa, and Annabelle is now a student at the Voodoo Academy. Many adventures to come, a HOT Loa, making friends, and coming to terms with her life as it is, for Annabelle and those around her.

I LOVED the story, and the narration was AMAZING. Sydney was so cute and I think if I imagined Annabelle's voice and attitude, it was nailed by Sydney for sure!

I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dele Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original and interest story

The novel grabs your attention from the beginning, when Annabelle had an accident hitting a boy called Mikah on the road, then an evil being that had possessed Mikah moves to her sister Ashley. The evil being Kalfu, which was trying to get back to the human world becomes Annabelle biggest challenge. Very good story mixing magic, with evil and good. Annabelle and Isabelle, who are bound together in the same body had to train and learn in the Voodoo Academy with Mikah, Nico, Oggie and Pauli. In addition, the twist in the story was good with Baron Samedi as another evil they had to run from or was it Papa Legba that the should fear? The twist just keeps you reading more and more until the end. Good story.

[Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edge of your seat read

Voodoo Academy is book one in Theophilus Monroe’s Gate of Eden: The Vodoo Legacy. This series follows Annabelle Mulledy who is soul fused with a 200 year old familiar named Isabelle.

After an accident that changed her and her sister Ashley’s life, had Annabelle soul fused with a spirit that has Voodoo magic. When on their way home Annabelle hits someone with her car which then changes Annabelle’s life once again. She is now thrusted into the Voodoo world deeper than before, where her knowledge and powers will be expended.

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I was thoroughly enthralled and addicted. The enjoyable world of magic, characters and thrills had be devouring this book in one sitting.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook review———
I wanted to like this book so much. The cover and the title instantly grabbed my attention. As well as the premise.
Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with the narrator. I would recommend that you listen to the sample first to make sure you like the voice. The trouble I had was the constant changing of talking speeds, the volume spoken would suddenly increase, and poor voice inflections overall. It was difficult for me to decipher who was speaking between Annabelle and Ashley.
The story seemed promising with a evil spirit and learning a lot about voodoo but unfortunately I was a bit lost.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voodoo Academy Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy #1) (The Voodoo Queen and the Vampire Witch combined series) (The Voodoo Legacy Omnibus) by Theophilus Monroe can be found on it's own or part of a boxset. Annabelle Mulledy surived a Voodoo attack on her family when she was a child and now shares her body with a spirit with strange abilities. When an evil Loa discovers Annabelle he hopes to use her abilities to his advantage. Another Loa intervenes and recruits her to the Voodoo Academy. Will she master the arts and fend off the spiritual assaults or will she be a puppet between voodoo demigods?

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a couple of this author’s other books in another series, I had to see more and this one did not disappoint.
It’s extremely fast-paced and hilariously witty, packed with voodoo mythology, mystery, and, in what I’m beginning to suspect is Monroe’s specialty, expertly weaves in myths and legends.

Will keep reading/ listening to Monroe for sure, am officially a fan.


4 stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Audio:
This narrator was really good. I sorta got the feeling she was yelling at me the whole time (regardless of volume), but she overall goes a good job. 4-star performance.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC WIT, HUMOR AND GREAT VALUE BOX SET
I have the 5 boxed set of this Voodoo series on audible which is a fantastic bargain for one credit .The box set has Over 26 hrs of good quality story, well written and well narrated. I can totally recommend this as a clean read, just a couple of humoresque references to body parts but no hanky panky. I was quite impressed actually with the solid content, the moral references and good verse evil plot. Solid 5 stars all round. I have the 5 boxed set of this Voodoo series on audible which is a fantastic bargain for one credit .

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free for an honest review .

When Annabelle was young she survived a Voodoo attack on her family but it left her with the spirit of a 200 year old girl who had been given strange powers in the after life. Annabelle is asked by Ogoun to attend the Voodoo Academy where she can master the arts to fend off the evil loa Kalfu who wants to use Annabelle’s spirit Isobel.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed reading it and will likely read the rest of the series.

[Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story using voodoo gods as the hook. They become quite involved with the students of the Academy. The plotting and pace is pretty good. On the other hand, I am a bit tired of the academy/school concept in supernatural novels. I also thought the involvement of different forms of magic as way to smooth the resolution of the plot story as clunky.
Still, it is perhaps enough to be an introduction to voodoo gods in a pretty good novel.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely setting up the series; thus a lot of back story. Scary and frightening not in a “boo” way; to think you could wake up in an asylum w/o any control. Mercy is a strong female with a lot of baggage and uses all of it to her advantage; she doesn’t become a victim. Good read, I recommend this book.

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

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires, Loa, magica, dragon, not quite dead, two souls in one body... At times it can all be a bit confusing. But it is an interesting story! With lot of action and fascinating characters. With the dark past of the south of the USA, slavery, as a background.
When you expect this to be something like Harry Potter, think again. There are aspects which might remind you of those books, but this story is much more complicated!

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, the drama.

This book basically exists with all the characters running on heightened emotions. I don’t think there is a scene where someone - usually the protagonist - isn’t exhibiting some very moody, scared, anxiety ridden, or flat out scared or angry emotion. Emotionally draining.

The story itself was fun, and I loved Beli. Addictive enough that even though the betrayal and machinations weren’t anything new, I still want to see what happens next.

3 stars ⭐️

[Ravenluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new twist on fantasy books!

Voodoo has always intrigued me and I love reading about it. This set of books is so hood it got me edited to read more! I absolutely adore Isabelle and Annabelles dynamic. It's like with Ashley they are actually three sisters. Adding in the aspects of the Loa showing two sides of them each is also something more needed in books about these traditions. Love them all!

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story. The blend of genderbend Supernatural, steamy lovesick girls and sass, was just my jam. It's an easy listen, just 7 hours and it's fun all the time.
At some points, the narrator seems to be in a hurry and that's a shame.

I really liked the deep dive into vodoo, New Orleans and it's combined history.

Thank you to StoryOrigin for letting me listen to this story for my honest review.

[D BIRKHOLZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Magic, Voodoo, Fantasy Novel...

I Loved this book!!! Really loved the magic, voodoo, Shamanism, and fantasy of this story and the way it married all of it together with the garden of Eden... Great characters, setting and location too... I could picture it all... Fast paced and edge of seat suspense added in for a great book! Can't wait to read the next in series... 5 Stars 😄

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I liked the characters. I wish there was a little more information given on some of the voodoo things discussed in the book. There wasn't much detail to go on so I'm still not really sure what some of them are/mean. All and all a good story, and I'll read the rest in the series.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 star

I struggled to finish this one. It's book one of a series, but it feels like a later series book with lots of events it leaves me out of. I never really connected to the characters. And a discussion in one of the earlier chapters just really put me off everything and the story never came together strongly enough to make up for that.

[Michele D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun...and a little confusing for me.

I have a bit of a hard time when there are too many uncommon people names mixed in with all the strange concept and item names. I enjoyed the plot and characters, though and look forward to finding out how these women will stir things up in future books. I like this author's humor a lot.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the story of Annabelle and Isabelle as they start their training at the voodoo academy in Vilokan. There’s a lot happening and we meet a lot of new characters as well as some known ones. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one but have decided to go back and read Druidess first so I can catch up on the back story!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun new series! I loved the premise of this story and it was a lot of fun to read. It had an interesting take on fantasy and I really enjoyed the elements of voodoo that were in it. I’m excited to see where the series will go and what’s going to happen next. The main character was great but I loved a lot of the side characters.

[Shannon Risdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

A first in this series and I think by this author....definitely not last!! Soul fused as a child when her family was attacked life has been interesting...and gets even more when an invitation to a Voodoo Academy means even more magic in her life! An adventure that keeps you guessing with such amazing characters and a journey you'll never want to end!!