Academy of Extraordinary Creatures

Vesely Academy #0.5

by Silvana G. Sánchez

Your quick Magic Academy fix!

Kurt's habit of skulking at the Bellevue Café finally pays off when he meets Emma Summers, an exchange student at Vesely Academy.

The promise of true love beats in Kurt's heart when he meets Emma, but appearances can be deceiving.

One of them is not what they seem.

One of them has kept a secret for three hundred years.

True love, ancient magic, and unspeakable evil clashes in a world where the thread that binds the extraordinary has been broken, and a fated romance may be lost at the break of dawn.

64 pages, ebook

Published August 15, 2020

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Silvana G. Sánchez weaves tales of forbidden love and redemption. Her pen blurs the lines between good and evil, writing compelling heroes and irresistible villains with a heart of gold.
She lives her own happily ever after with her dashing prince, Eric, and darling son, David, in their home in the mystical city of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Don’t be afraid to drop her a line. She doesn't bite. Not always, anyway.

Reviews

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vesely Academy is the first novel in the Academy of Extraordinary Creatures: A Paranormal Academy Mini-Series, which is quite a mouthful, isn't it? This is a prequel for the other series to follow, and it worth checking out for the fantasy and urban fantasy fans in the audience.

Emma Summers is an exchange student heading to Vesely Academy – a school specifically designed for the paranormal. Her appearance is about to shake things up, especially for Kurt and the crew. Enter concerns revolving around true love and ancient evils, which is not normally something you'd expect to hear in the same sentence.

Vesely Academy was a quick and fun read. I think it ended up totaling somewhere around 60 odd pages? So you can imagine how quick of a read this was for me! (and any other reader out there, of course).

It was enough time to get a general feel for the series while still having many questions about the characters and their goals. So while I did enjoy the read, I don't really feel like I have a good bead on them. Not yet, at least. If I end up continuing the series, I imagine that will change rather quickly!

I can tell you that this series will be absolutely full of drama – of the fantasy variety. That should be more than enough to keep us readers from getting bored, don't you think?

Thanks to BookSprout for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got an hour you can read this. Not sure really what I think of this story. At first I thought this is good, but then everything changed at the end. Not sure if I like that part. Will wait to see if it changes in the next book. Basically you only have 4 characters, but really only 3. You have Kurt, Mary, Emma, and Drahoslav.

[K. Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to more in this series with these great characters and perfectly written original storyline. Well done!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a wonderfully done fantasy romance novel, the characters were beautifully done and I enjoyed the storyline.. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ChattyChik21 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was great, the execution needed some work

This book is like a 'winks' cartoon or a Tinker Bell cartoon in book form the concepts are so simplistic. I see where it was going, but it just never completely got there. This should really be billed as a prequel I think I would have enjoyed it more knowing it was a collective and not a standalone full story. There were several plot and characters who were underdeveloped and the dialogue was so silly. A bit less of the inner monologue, would have improved the flow -- it was silly I just wish it had been better developed. I thought the main character was a fun character as was the lead male and hopefully their story will get better fleshed out in subsequent books.

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

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 drama and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

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

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academy of Extraordinary Creatures by Silvana G. Sánchez is an utterly captivating dark prequel to the Vesely Academy series. If you adore gothic romance, dark academia, and morally grey characters, this book is everything you’ve been searching for. With its haunting Prague setting, ancient magic, and love that teeters on the edge of tragedy, this prequel sets the stage for a story that’s as enchanting as it is chilling.

The novel introduces Drahoslav, a Guardian Angel who has silently watched over Vesely Academy for centuries. When Emma Summers, an American student with dormant magical abilities, receives a mysterious scholarship to the academy, Drahoslav senses something extraordinary about her—and so does Kurt Engel, a villain with an ancient vendetta. His plan to use Emma’s power to resurrect his lost love unfolds with shocking twists, pushing Drahoslav into an impossible position. Should he fulfill his sacred duty or defy divine will to protect Emma from a tragic fate?

Sánchez’s writing is atmospheric and immersive, with the academy itself feeling like a living, breathing entity. The dark secrets that lie within its ancient walls are so intricately woven into the story that they almost become characters in their own right. The morally grey nature of Drahoslav, struggling with his duties and emotions, adds a layer of complexity that makes him incredibly compelling. And then there’s the heartbreaking romance—Emma’s awakening power and the twisted love story between Drahoslav and Kurt—rich with betrayal and ancient revenge.

What I loved most about this book was how it explores the price of magic and love. The tension between Drahoslav’s divine role and his growing feelings for Emma is palpable, and the tragic twists keep you hooked, even as your heart aches for the doomed characters. The world-building is rich, the characters are beautifully flawed, and the ending leaves you with a bittersweet longing that makes you desperate for more.

Academy of Extraordinary Creatures is the perfect introduction to the Vesely Academy series, blending dark academia aesthetics with a gothic romance that burns. If you’re looking for a story filled with ancient curses, immortal love, and a plot that will have you questioning fate itself, this book will leave you spellbound.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A tragic, enchanting prequel that beautifully sets the stage for a dark, unforgettable series!.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story. I found the connecton Kurt makes with Emma to be confusing at first. The anticipation that he shows to Emma, who is naive, is misleading as we find what he really wants. This story doesn't really let you know what the academy is really about. It introduces you to witches only. Perhaps the next book will explain it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is shy, and doesn't typically send a note to a male (in a coffee cup), but he has intrigued her for a while. Kurt approaches her and talks to Emma, although Emma's nervousness sends her running, not to long after their introduction. I enjoyed this short romantic tale with it's twist, although Kurt doesn't really even attend Vesely Academy.

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

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interested to see where this goes. A vampire uses the body of a descendant to bring back an old love. My question is how could he possibly fall in love with Mary in less and 24 hours. Plus, what happens to Emma? And why does Draho even agree to bring her back. Wouldn’t he now there’s a price to pay? So many questions that I have and I hope they’re answered in book 1.

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

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary indeed!!

A tale of dark academia is what drew me in to read this prequel to the Vesely Academy series, and it was well worth it! The gothic Prague setting with rich detail and even more layered complexity of its characters. Morally grey in the most delicious way, twists that I didn’t see coming had me ordering the first book of the series. I need more of Drahoslav!!.

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

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequels are a gift to all readers. It's like a little peak into the world we are about to explore. An intro to all the mysteries, characters, and a world we can only imagine. I enjoyed the authors writing style and flow, it brought the story to life in my mind, getting get attached to the characters and what is about to be an amazing adventure.

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

[Pam Monty · Rating 3 out of 5]

☆ 3,5

Esta historia es super corta. Si bien no hay mucha información, sobretodo de la academia, me pareció interesante y seguramente siga con el siguiente libro.

Tiene un giro que sinceramente no me esperaba. Siento que la historia nos guía hacia un lugar para, de pronto, terminar en otro lado completamente diferente.

No sé si me gustó el final, pero lo entendería si es para impulsar la historia en los siguientes libros.

[Amber Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick story of magic and creatures.

A quick moving romance of a young witch with a vampire. Interesting developments at every turn with an ending that will raise an eyebrow or two. It will leave you with questions and thirsty for more.

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

[K Huskić · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story about a young witch who studies at a prestigious paranormal school, and a vampire who has an invested interest in her. There were some surprising twists (especially the ending) but I would have loved for the story and characters to be fleshed out more. A lot happened in such a short book.

[Heather Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I love the book cover and that is what first caught my attention. It’s a good book with an interesting storyline. The character work is good and I’m looking forward to the next book. I would recommend reading.

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

[Lisa Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book that is a lead on into what may be a great series. At first I really liked Kurt but by the end of the book I wanted to hunt him down and hurt him. While I kinda understand his reasons, Emma was a person too and should not have been treated as she was. Hoping that she comes back later in the series. This book only took about 2hours to read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic start to a new series. The world building is done enormously well. The plot is intriguing and sucks you right in. And the, characters, don't get me started on them. They are colorful and their development is spot on.
I look forward to all the twist and turns this series takes us on. Forget about 5 stars, this is 10 star worthy

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked a lot of this prequel. You have magic and a love that never dies. And see Emma discover her magic is really interesting, but I guess has a lot new things she will need to deal with.

Curious to read the other books and I recommend it, especially if you like magic/vampire books. ;).

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

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect choice of a book for me. I love this genre and Ms. Sánchez did an amazing job separating her book from others I have read. This delighted me to no end. This book was fun, exciting, extremely hard to put down and never left me with a dull moment. That makes this a winner for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really know how to form an opinion about this upcoming series yet. It started promisingly, but at the end it seems to be a lot about drama and that's not really my thing. Give part 2 a chance and from there I will decide whether it is worth reading.

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

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Vesely Academy series. I love the way Silvana G. Sánchez writes her books. This short story is also fantastically written and has an exciting storyline that just drew me in. If you love gothic romance and dark academia books, this story might be for you.

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

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good prequel book now if you’re just going through this book, it’s really sad of what happens to Emma. I liked Emma so much and don’t like Mary whatsoever. she’s vain and childish. She’s basically a horrible person to think only about herself.

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

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, fun and an excellent prequel to a series that will absolutely delight readers. Silvana G. Sanchez is a such a fun and descriptive writer. Her stories are unique and interesting and always fun to read - even if dark acadamia.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel. Wonderful setup for the series. The world building was excellent and well developed. The characters were so well written and fascinating. Plot was intriguing and exciting and left me wanting more. Can't wait to start in on book 1. Highly recommend this book.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful quick read. It’s fast paced due to the length of the novel. Interested in book two. This could definitely be expanded on to add more back story to the characters.

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

[Cheryl Sedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gives a quick look into Emma and Kurt. We get to see Kurt's past over the centuries in parts as a vampire,to Emma asking him to join her.
From here it gets a little twisty and crazy with an outcome that will leave you in shock.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK STORY
This story is about a Emma a witch and Kurt a vampire.
They become involved.
There is many twists and turns about magic ,creatures very much detail put into a short book,great read.
The outcome is not what you would expect.
More could be added as it leaves you high and dry?

[Deb Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. Good introduction to a series, well constructed and written with good character work. I really liked Emma who was trying to find her way in a world of magic, wonderful surprise at the end - I did not see that twist coming!

[Rachel Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma had no idea what was going to happen when Kurt found her. This book was so great. Felt so realistic to me. Can't wait to get into the series.

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