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Ocean Academy #1
Secrets of the Past
A social outcast with a chip on her shoulder. A rare magic buried in the past. When one discovers the other, she earns the right to attend the Ocean Academy. But will the gift that qualified her for admittance prove to be her undoing?
Coral’s life on the ocean floor is a lonely one. Being a half-human half-octopus puts a target on her back—one that earns her almost daily persecution from the “high-born” Nymphs. However, after a bloody brawl with some underwater hooligans, Coral discovers she has access to a rare form of magic that her family had long since tried to bury. Her unwitting display of power in front of a professor from the coveted Ocean Academy earns her an invitation to attend the most prestigious prep school in the ocean.
Desperate to change her social status, Coral dives into the opportunity of a lifetime only to discover that magic is hard to master, prejudices run deep, and the powerful prey on the weak. Unwilling to give up or succumb to the pressures of campus life, Coral is convinced the only way she can survive her first year at the Ocean Academy is to unlock the secrets of her past and discover who she was born to be. But can she uncover the truth before her future is ripped away from her?
Coral’s life on the ocean floor is a lonely one. Being a half-human half-octopus puts a target on her back—one that earns her almost daily persecution from the “high-born” Nymphs. However, after a bloody brawl with some underwater hooligans, Coral discovers she has access to a rare form of magic that her family had long since tried to bury. Her unwitting display of power in front of a professor from the coveted Ocean Academy earns her an invitation to attend the most prestigious prep school in the ocean.
Desperate to change her social status, Coral dives into the opportunity of a lifetime only to discover that magic is hard to master, prejudices run deep, and the powerful prey on the weak. Unwilling to give up or succumb to the pressures of campus life, Coral is convinced the only way she can survive her first year at the Ocean Academy is to unlock the secrets of her past and discover who she was born to be. But can she uncover the truth before her future is ripped away from her?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
183 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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September 1, 2021Secrets of the Past is the first book in the YA fantasy Ocean Academy series. This is the first novel I have read by Sarah Elizabeth I found her to utilize crisp dialogue without unnecessary fluff or filler she creates an underwater world that you feel you could reach right out and touch. Her three dimensional characters come to life on the pages and her believable storyline made for a quick, entertaining read. You will find that crisp dialogue without unnecessary fluff or filler, and her three dimensional characters come to life on the pages. She createsa believable storyline which made for a quick, entertaining read.
The is a coming of age story, where a girl from the lower end of the ocean wins the ability to go to the prestigious high school in all of the water worlds. This is a new twist on racism that makes you think twice about the lives we live. She finds that entering the academy has caused her nothing but grief. She is teased and bullied by the "high born" students. How will she learn about her new magical gifts? Will she be able to endure the taunting of the other students? Where will her life go? This is a beautiful story about the “coming of age” of one young girl. If you love fantasy and magical moments, obnoxious divas, and experiencing an entirely new dimension you will love Sarah Elizabeth’s brand new Academy adventure. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.
The is a coming of age story, where a girl from the lower end of the ocean wins the ability to go to the prestigious high school in all of the water worlds. This is a new twist on racism that makes you think twice about the lives we live. She finds that entering the academy has caused her nothing but grief. She is teased and bullied by the "high born" students. How will she learn about her new magical gifts? Will she be able to endure the taunting of the other students? Where will her life go? This is a beautiful story about the “coming of age” of one young girl. If you love fantasy and magical moments, obnoxious divas, and experiencing an entirely new dimension you will love Sarah Elizabeth’s brand new Academy adventure. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.
January 12, 2021
This was my first book ever that I have read about any underworld life. This story took the typical mermaid story (which other than the little mermaid I have never read one) and added other oceanoids characters. The background was amazing, it felt like I could reach out and touch the fish, or even talk to the octopus guardian. The graphic imagery was amazing.
The is a coming of age story, where a girl from the lower end of the ocean wins the ability to go to the prestigious high school in all of the water worlds. Entering the academy has caused nothing but trouble for Coral since the beginning. The was picked on by the "high born" students.
Trying to decipher the new magic she found she had, learning about her family's past, and trying to get through school all at once seems like a lot. Although, along the way, Coral picks up some great friends like Finn, Nixie, and some others.
Trusting her counselor Calypso, they work through some of her problems. Calypso has given Coral so much help to learn who she is, what will she do with the information she finds? Will she allow her "friends" into that personal bubble to help her or not?
The is a coming of age story, where a girl from the lower end of the ocean wins the ability to go to the prestigious high school in all of the water worlds. Entering the academy has caused nothing but trouble for Coral since the beginning. The was picked on by the "high born" students.
Trying to decipher the new magic she found she had, learning about her family's past, and trying to get through school all at once seems like a lot. Although, along the way, Coral picks up some great friends like Finn, Nixie, and some others.
Trusting her counselor Calypso, they work through some of her problems. Calypso has given Coral so much help to learn who she is, what will she do with the information she finds? Will she allow her "friends" into that personal bubble to help her or not?
September 19, 2023
The world-building is so smoothly introduced, and the protagonist is easy to sympathize with. The action scenes are breathtaking. Coral introduces some kind of empathic power. Her magic is called "essence manipulation" and it's similar to what Rogue does: she can draw out others' powers (essence) into herself by touching them. It's temporary and once she's knocked out, the essence goes back to the person it originally belonged to. She accepts feedback from her professors gracefully and without defensiveness in lessons. The hazing, intrigue, and good boy-bad boy love triangle are pretty standard fare, but the way they're executed fit smoothly into the plot. Power in the royal court seems to be extended by invitation based on merit, rather than inherited. A female uses a magic seductive power against a male whom she knows isn't interested in her, and it's actually treated like the heinous act that it is.
I knew who the main antagonist would be, but the conflict is still executed well. I like that Coral has to work hard for all of her victories. Nothing is handed to her, but her struggles are realistic rather than too much.
I knew who the main antagonist would be, but the conflict is still executed well. I like that Coral has to work hard for all of her victories. Nothing is handed to her, but her struggles are realistic rather than too much.
November 5, 2025
Sarah Elizabeth’s Secrets of the Past is an imaginative plunge into a vividly realized underwater world where identity, prejudice, and power collide. With Corala half human, half octopus heroine navigating both external dangers and inner turmoil Elizabeth crafts a story that balances wonder with weight.
What makes this novel stand out isn’t just its worldbuilding, though the shimmering details of oceanic society dazzle at every turn. It’s the emotional current beneath the surface: a story about belonging, courage, and the painful process of uncovering one’s truth. Coral’s journey from outcast to self discovery mirrors the struggles of many young readers who feel unseen or underestimated.
Elizabeth deftly intertwines magic and meaning, allowing the mysteries of Coral’s past to serve as both literal and symbolic keys to empowerment. The novel’s message that strength often emerges from what others see as weakness resonates with timeless relevance.
Secrets of the Past offers more than a fresh setting in fantasy; it offers a mirror to the human condition, refracted through the depths of the sea
What makes this novel stand out isn’t just its worldbuilding, though the shimmering details of oceanic society dazzle at every turn. It’s the emotional current beneath the surface: a story about belonging, courage, and the painful process of uncovering one’s truth. Coral’s journey from outcast to self discovery mirrors the struggles of many young readers who feel unseen or underestimated.
Elizabeth deftly intertwines magic and meaning, allowing the mysteries of Coral’s past to serve as both literal and symbolic keys to empowerment. The novel’s message that strength often emerges from what others see as weakness resonates with timeless relevance.
Secrets of the Past offers more than a fresh setting in fantasy; it offers a mirror to the human condition, refracted through the depths of the sea
July 22, 2022
Better than I was expecting
I went into this book as a total cover buy. The cover just pulled me in & after reading the blurb I decided to give it a try. And it was better then I was expecting it to be.
This is an academy novel but not the usual academy. This one is underwater and is attended by mermaids, nymphs, adaros (half human/half shark), & octopods. Our MC, Coral, is an octopod. This book gives a really good lesson in not judging someone by where they grew up or what part of society they came up in. The most beautiful & powerful can be the nastiest, while the lowest socially can be the most surprising & kind. This is also a series that involves a mystery surrounding Coral's family, her aunt specifically.
I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.
I went into this book as a total cover buy. The cover just pulled me in & after reading the blurb I decided to give it a try. And it was better then I was expecting it to be.
This is an academy novel but not the usual academy. This one is underwater and is attended by mermaids, nymphs, adaros (half human/half shark), & octopods. Our MC, Coral, is an octopod. This book gives a really good lesson in not judging someone by where they grew up or what part of society they came up in. The most beautiful & powerful can be the nastiest, while the lowest socially can be the most surprising & kind. This is also a series that involves a mystery surrounding Coral's family, her aunt specifically.
I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.
July 10, 2023
I only bought this book set because of the cover. I didn't expect much, but I'm so glad I picked it up. I couldn't put this book down. I love Coral. While she irritated me in some places, I really enjoyed being in her head. The mystery behind her aunt and her father is killing me. As well as her powers. I knew something fishy was up with Calypso, but I'm so glad Coral was strong enough to stand against her. But that cliffhanger, ugh! Who is this man who has her father? And I don't want to think her mother is actually dead. I'm so glad Syrena got what was coming to her, and Coral was recognized for her efforts. I love Finn and Brighton. Wonder who will win her heart in the end. I also enjoyed the lesson thrown into the story about judging a person based on looks and their race. Beautifully done 💙
August 10, 2021
This first book of Ocean Academy is filled with the usual anguished teens, but with a twist: all are dwellers of the deep, and not just your usual merpeople. Our protagonist is an Octo - part humanoid, part octopus - who is looked down upon by others because of her race. She is, however, accepted into the academy, an exclusive school open to the elite, because of her talents, and must prove herself in order to make it to her second year.
Well written with regard to the insecurities, pressures, and pettiness the young must learn to negotiate, the characters are diverse and interesting. The oceanic setting is beautiful and dangerous. I found myself rooting for this young lady and exasperated with some of her choices. I would recommend this to anyone, young adult and older.
Well written with regard to the insecurities, pressures, and pettiness the young must learn to negotiate, the characters are diverse and interesting. The oceanic setting is beautiful and dangerous. I found myself rooting for this young lady and exasperated with some of her choices. I would recommend this to anyone, young adult and older.
September 21, 2020
Class rules apply where ever you live
Coral a lowly Octopod swould never have got the chance to go to the academy had it not been for the theft of her bag. In attempting to retrieve it she had used magic at the selection ceremony and had been noticed by the professors trialing would be students. Once there she discovered that the top students were everything she hated in life, various obstacles were put in her path but with perseverance and a few friends she pulls through.
Is she putting her trust in the right people though? An unexpected revelation makes her think again.
A must read for all lovers of adventure and triumph over adversity.
Coral a lowly Octopod swould never have got the chance to go to the academy had it not been for the theft of her bag. In attempting to retrieve it she had used magic at the selection ceremony and had been noticed by the professors trialing would be students. Once there she discovered that the top students were everything she hated in life, various obstacles were put in her path but with perseverance and a few friends she pulls through.
Is she putting her trust in the right people though? An unexpected revelation makes her think again.
A must read for all lovers of adventure and triumph over adversity.
November 22, 2020
This book was amazing. I loved it so much. I have never read a book quite like it.
It's set in the deep sea with all sorts of seas creatures. I love all of it so much, the brand new world and rules. It's just my favourite thing!
Coral is an Octopod, I've never heard of it (same with many creatures in the book), which is why it's such a great series.
The characters develop well, showing true friendship and overcoming fears, and putting yourself first when there's a bully making you think you're weak.
All the characters are people to look up to and Elizabeth has portrayed each and everyone of them really well, in most cases they each have a lesson to be learnt.
It's set in the deep sea with all sorts of seas creatures. I love all of it so much, the brand new world and rules. It's just my favourite thing!
Coral is an Octopod, I've never heard of it (same with many creatures in the book), which is why it's such a great series.
The characters develop well, showing true friendship and overcoming fears, and putting yourself first when there's a bully making you think you're weak.
All the characters are people to look up to and Elizabeth has portrayed each and everyone of them really well, in most cases they each have a lesson to be learnt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
A new kind of underwater adventure
This is so unique that I wasn't sure I would like it. But we have all read mermaid books and nymphs but this is about an octopus and she is just as adorable as she could be. I don't understand her lack of emotion to the death of her mother though who she is super close to. She is 16 and yet she goes through the rest of the school year and a dance with no mourning or feelings for this. It's the only did part for me. Otherwise it's a good start.
This is so unique that I wasn't sure I would like it. But we have all read mermaid books and nymphs but this is about an octopus and she is just as adorable as she could be. I don't understand her lack of emotion to the death of her mother though who she is super close to. She is 16 and yet she goes through the rest of the school year and a dance with no mourning or feelings for this. It's the only did part for me. Otherwise it's a good start.
June 15, 2020
Oceanic mystery
A romance filled with mystery set under the sea. New take on the world below the seas with magic and challenges that surround a heroine that is strong but unaware of the dangers surrounding her. The men in her life still need to prove themselves but so far the novelty has caught my interest, the writing flows smoothly and the characters are starting to come alive.
A easy and entertaining read with a good storyline
A romance filled with mystery set under the sea. New take on the world below the seas with magic and challenges that surround a heroine that is strong but unaware of the dangers surrounding her. The men in her life still need to prove themselves but so far the novelty has caught my interest, the writing flows smoothly and the characters are starting to come alive.
A easy and entertaining read with a good storyline
December 25, 2020
I found this story to be really unique. Everything is set under the sea in an academy. Secrets of the Past is the first book in the Ocean Academy series, filled with mysteries, romance, and a lovely strong female heroine. It's a great starting book with the writing easy to follow along and a great introduction to each of the characters that we will continue to read about throughout the rest of the series. (Also, the twist at the end was really good and a great way to have a cliff hangover)
January 6, 2021
I received this book through Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review. The book is set underwater in a fantasy world however the characters are so well described they feel real. The book covers the issues of class structure, bullying, friendship and self worth in a mystery story with a pinch of romance. Enjoyable YA fantasy story which can be read by OAs too. I’m looking forward to reading the next book on the series.
June 13, 2021
Another reason to love the sea!
I read portions of this book while at the beach and it was lovely to smell the salt air and listen to the waves while immersed in this underwater world! I love “Academy” books and in this series we meet Coral, who has made an unusual and unexpected discovery which catapults her into a foreign and often treacherous environment. As she literally navigates stormy waters, Coral makes unlikely friends and allies. Can’t wait to read Book 2!
I read portions of this book while at the beach and it was lovely to smell the salt air and listen to the waves while immersed in this underwater world! I love “Academy” books and in this series we meet Coral, who has made an unusual and unexpected discovery which catapults her into a foreign and often treacherous environment. As she literally navigates stormy waters, Coral makes unlikely friends and allies. Can’t wait to read Book 2!
June 12, 2020
Coral is different in more ways than one. When she get into a prestigious school, she must fight to prove herself through everything. There are twist and turns and surprises along the way, not to mention the massive surprise at the end. I loved it.
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
December 17, 2020
Ocean Academy Year One
I enjoyed this story about the protagonist climbing up the social ladder by being herself and fighting prejudice. Standing up against bullies and finding friendships within a prestigious school should resonate with many readers. Although this was a YA novel, I was entertaining by the surprises and twists in the story.
I enjoyed this story about the protagonist climbing up the social ladder by being herself and fighting prejudice. Standing up against bullies and finding friendships within a prestigious school should resonate with many readers. Although this was a YA novel, I was entertaining by the surprises and twists in the story.
January 12, 2021
Absolutely wonderful her writing will have you wanting more and loving every single page of this book. I couldn’t put it down it was definitely different and well worth the read Iv read it twice so far just because it’s so good! Lots of details and wonderfully descriptive. Each character was brought to life perfectly.
January 18, 2021
An excellent, engrossing adventure. Very well written for the YA audience (Not me) it captures the attitudes of teenagers very well An exciting story full of action, intrigue, magic, class bias and young love. Harry Potter underwater. An excellent start to a series, I am looking forward to reading the next one
January 25, 2021
Secrets of the Past
This story was very different from my usual read. The more I got into it, the more interesting it became. All about mermen and mermaids. Living under the sea and having an academy for their children to attend and learn magic skills. Just loved this story.
Terrie Stamey
This story was very different from my usual read. The more I got into it, the more interesting it became. All about mermen and mermaids. Living under the sea and having an academy for their children to attend and learn magic skills. Just loved this story.
Terrie Stamey
January 6, 2023
It was an intense story where no one liked an octopus like Coral from the underwater. Coral and her mother had an underwater salon and did hair for most species.
Coral was offered a place in the Ocean Academy because her family had some magic in the past. Little did she know the meanness while life went sour. This is good storytelling.
Coral was offered a place in the Ocean Academy because her family had some magic in the past. Little did she know the meanness while life went sour. This is good storytelling.
June 13, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
June 18, 2020
Exciting!
Loved this book. Intriguing and fun fantasy world that sucks you right in, eager to keep reading and excited to find out what happens next. Had a hard time putting it down!
Loved this book. Intriguing and fun fantasy world that sucks you right in, eager to keep reading and excited to find out what happens next. Had a hard time putting it down!
September 2, 2020
Great read. Easy read to follow, but well done. Loves the characters and getting to them. Descriptions were excellent.
Can’t wait to hear about Finn’s past, where her Aunt and dad are. Waiting anxiously.
I look forward to the next one.
Can’t wait to hear about Finn’s past, where her Aunt and dad are. Waiting anxiously.
I look forward to the next one.
February 10, 2021
This book was good but I found it obvious like I knew the professor was going to be the evil one from the Start I don’t now of this is just me but but that really let t he book down for me overall it was ok and I didn’t hate it but won’t be reading the next one in the series of books
August 5, 2021
An academy tale with a difference
A take on academy that have never read before...and it was a blast!! Strong characters, a few with familiar names, a coming into your own storyline with friends and enemies and tragedy but you will so enjoy the escape...and want more!!
A take on academy that have never read before...and it was a blast!! Strong characters, a few with familiar names, a coming into your own storyline with friends and enemies and tragedy but you will so enjoy the escape...and want more!!
September 21, 2021
I enjoyed this free introduction book from the author. The stories of an Octopod in the midst of school of perfectly made mermen and mermaids with extraordinary talents one person who was rejected all her life became a star.
June 12, 2020
this was again great work from this author loved the plot and characters
July 24, 2020
A good story
I like the story a lot but it would be so much easier to read if it had been properly proofread. The author needs to find some better beta readers 🤔
I like the story a lot but it would be so much easier to read if it had been properly proofread. The author needs to find some better beta readers 🤔
November 17, 2020
I loved this book! It would be great living under water!
November 30, 2020
Oh man I couldn't put it down!! It's so well written, the pages just seem to come to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews