Senior year was supposed to be the best part of high school. I planned to skate by and figure out what I wanted to do with my life— but the universe decided for me. I was promised to some evil witch coven before I was even born. Thanks, Mom. To make it worse, I develop the ‘sight’, which is the snooty way of saying I can see things normal humans can’t. Like my dad’s ex-employee turning into some freakish jaguar-man. Trust me, you don’t want to see what I’ve seen. As if that wasn’t bad enough, I’m orphaned and forced to live with my only remaining relatives. A filthy rich family of monster hunters aka GRIMM, determined to add me to their ranks.
Now, I’m forced to attend their academy filled with the wealthiest and elitist pieces of sh** in Malibu. None more arrogant than Grayson Chapman— a real stickler for rules, that one, but le dang does he look good in uniform.
I promised my cousin a year. With all their stupid policies and grueling training, I’m not sure I can make it a day. They say not all have what it takes to be a GRIMM, but all those with the sight must serve. It’s my duty, they tell me.
Except I don’t do what I’m told.
The academy wants a soldier… I’ll give them a rebellion.
Shifters and Secrets is the first book of an upper YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series set in the Inner World Universe filled with lots of snark (sometimes swearing), all the supernatural and magical beings we love, and an enemies to lovers romance.
R. L. Medina is a Bolivian American author of YA and NA Fantasy. When she first learned to read, she vowed she would hate it forever. That hate quickly turned to love (or obsession) and by age eight she was filling every notebook she had with her own stories. From brooding fae assassins to socially awkward potion witches, her work is filled with diverse characters and happy endings. When she’s not exploring all the magical worlds in her head, she enjoys life with her family in the Sunshine State.
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I enjoyed reading this, I really did. But there's something holding me back from giving it four stars. I honestly felt like this just isn't meant to be the first book in a series but rather a prequel to be released after the publication of the first two or three. I found our main character a little bit annoying, to be honest. Her thought process was so foreign to me and I could not find a way understand why she made a few of her decisions. I will say this, however, I love Grayson and Javi and if I do end up reading further into the series, it will be because of those two. They're simply the best.
“You’re one of us Rose. You’re a GRIMM. The only reason you didn’t have your sight was because your mum put a spell on you. I guess it’s worn off now.” - Javi
Grief stricken over the sudden death of her Papi from a heart attack, seventeen year old Rosa is bitter and resentful when her estranged maternal family, headed by her Tio Javier, assert themselves into her life. An attack by a shifter, moments after her father’s funeral, leads to the shocking realisation that not only has her beloved Papi been less than honest with her about their past but his death was no accident.
With her Tio now assuming guardianship, Rosa must leave behind the only home she has ever known and accompany his family to their home in Malibu, where she must train to become a monster hunter aka GRIMM, at the prestigious GRIMM Academy.
Initially an angry and bewildered Rosa refuses to go, necessitating her Uncle to place her under magical compulsion in order to force her to do his bidding. Unfortunately her Tio has his own reasons for trying to protect her. Before Rose was born, her mother promised her to a powerful witch coven who will stop at nothing to get their hands on her. Her mother eventually left the coven and placed a spell on Rose to prevent the coven from ascertaining her whereabouts. With Rosa vowing to escape her constraints at the earliest opportunity, can her aunt and cousin Javi convince her to stay and complete her training in the safety of the Academy?
Shifters and Secrets is the first compelling instalment of the Grimm Academy series and was my first introduction to the author. From the offset I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the book about a girl who has been shielded from the supernatural community and raised by her father following the death of her mother when she was five. When her father is killed, Rose learns that her mother, Rosita - a former hunter aka Grimm - pledged her firstborn to an infamous witch coven before Rose was born. Deemed a traitor to her kind, Rosita’s name was later erased from the Academy’s records. Now the coven is bent on retrieving Rose while her uncle attempts to keep her hidden and train her to become a GRIMM.
The strength of the book lies in its complex plot as well as the three dimensional characters. Rose is a snarky, resilient and appealing protagonist who readers will instantly sympathise with. Grief stricken by her father’s death, she suddenly finds herself thrust into a whole new world where suddenly all her life choices have been taken away. Her only support seems to come from her aunt, her cousin Javi as well as her roommate Shiloh. Her authoritarian uncle, despite his good intentions, is clearly out of his depth on how to handle a teenage girl which constantly puts them both at odds with each other.
The character I found most intriguing however, was Rose’s mother, Rosita. Her life, her choices as well as the manner of her death are all a mystery at this point and I’m looking forward to learning more about her as the series progresses. Her story is fascinating and would make an excellent prequel series on its own.
I was equally impressed with the author’s fascinating world building. On the one hand we have the supernatural community (extroadinaires) and humans (ordinaire) and on the other hand the hunters (GRIMMs) The GRIMM’s are supposed to protect the ordinaire and conceal magic while policing the extraordinaire. There are hints however that all is not black and white where the GRIMMs are concerned and their methods of policing the extraordinaire border on prejudice and cruelty.
“There is no choice. You will keep me here until you tired of torturing me. And then my body will join the millions that you’ve mutilated and tossed aside. Your law doesn’t make concessions for my kind. No matter what I do or do not do, you always see me as a monster.” - the Vampire Gerard Bergeron
Finally we have the Luna Negra Coven who are intent on creating a new world order that threatens the balance between all three.
All in all, my first introduction to the author did not disappoint. The pacing was perfect, the characters were interesting with just enough mystery to keep the reader engaged. She has set the scene for the next intriguing installment nicely and I for one can’t wait to read it.
This is an upper YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance series set in the Inner World universe and is ideal for fans of Academy books, hunters, vampires, werewolves, wizards and slow burn enemies to lovers romance.
Brilliant book about the supernatural, not like anything I have read before. Rose has lost everything and has her world turned upside down by family that she hardly knows. The characters are really well-written and I was quickly invested in seeing where their stories would go. I particularly liked the relationship between Rose and Javi and seeing how far he would go to help Rose while also trying to be the dutiful son. The plot was fast-paced and was never boring. I received an ARC copy of this book and finished it within 2 days of starting it. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about the supernatural world and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
I love a good academy read and this is definitely a good one! Well written this is the first book of an upper YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series set in the Inner World universe, all different kinds of supernatural and magical beings and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. What more could you ask for? How about a snarky and sassy heroine and a storyline full of twists and turns and emotions and secrets! A highly captivating read, I look forward to reading the next book!
I received an ARC copy for this and it was amazing! The world building was so good and the main character is really enjoyable to read too! ❣️ Glad I read this and looking forwars to the next book ❤
This book was a fun story with a hard core latina female protagonist and some great complex side characters. The main character, Rose, has just lost her father and the beginning does a great job of drawing you into the story, and the complexities of the relationships within Rose's family life. The cultural aspects of Rose's life are weaved in expertly and add a refreshing feel to genre.
The climax and the ending were action packed and exciting. The story line includes everything from a magic academy, and a mysterious backstory to witches, wereworlves, shifters and vampires. Rose is forced to attend the GRIMM academy against her will where she has to learn about how to defend earth from the 'extraordinares' who are magical creatures willing to attack humans. The book hints at a much expanded world with complex reasoning behind the current status quo where everything isn't as good as it seems.
The pacing slowed mid-book. I would have preferred to be dropped into the setting and into the classes themselves so that I could really understand what it was like at GRIMM instead of being taken on a tour of the buildings and layout of the school.
The romance is a slow burn which I liked, and starts out as a kind of a Pride and Prejudice feel. I'll be interested to see how it develops in book 2.
This was a fun book! If you are looking for a book with an uncompromising protagonist, a magic academy, and a compellingly complex backstory, check out Shifters and Secrets!
✴️✴️ONE INCREDIBLE SPIN✴️✴️ Buckle up! Medina delivers one uniquely refreshing approach with this thrilling treat, bringing all the heat, passion and desire that leaves this baby wide open, breaking out the magic and mayhem and catapulting this jewel to life flawlessly. A surging multitude of dubious mishaps and suspicious events, noting the grueling trials and stoked triumphs, stumbling through the perilous twists and hairy turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Shenanigans, escapades and havoc run amuck, exposing daring drama, captivating intrigue, unfolding revelations, escalating danger, spiraling suspense along with a boatload of chaos, you have one intoxicating adventure. Disadvantages are heightened and expanded, unmasking the ferocious facts, fiery feels and frenzied fiascos, igniting a fierce determination with such fervor and vigor, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine formidable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Fantastic job Medina, thanks for sharing this fabulous little bundle with us.
I absolutely loved this book. The basic story follows a young girl named Rose who has her world turned upside by Tio Javier whom she does not really know. This book captured me from the first page and I read it in two days. The raw, authentic emotions by the characters and the fast paced plot kept me interested and engaged in a fantasy story that I felt a part of. The story itself is smooth and captivating, and the authors writing is amazing. The chapters are quite short so it’s easy to read. It was so well written that I was quickly invested in the story and characters. The author also spends time explaining the back story that leads up to the main event yet it didn’t drag on so I was kept in my feet. There were points that I wanted to just reach out and hug the main character Rose, while at the same time wanting to shake some of the family and friends that are "helping" her. After reading this supernatural mash-up I would definitely recommend this book
Rose has just lost her Papi, the only parent she had left in a car accident. Or so she thinks. What happened could not be easily explained since it involves things and creatures that her parents have shielded her from all her life.
Here comes her Tio and his family who forcefully takes her from the only home she’s ever known. Going so far as to bind her to him to keep her from escaping. Here comes the part where she’s taken to one of the most exclusive schools in Malibu with everything you would love to have in it!
However, as she’s dragged deeper and deeper into the world of GRIMMs, the more she learned, the more questions spring up and plague her. Just what were her parents trying to do when they hid her?
This book is a well balanced story that takes the modern day elements, from the gadgets that GRIMMs used to the fancy cars and automated security and payment schemes and blended it so well with familiar creatures of fairytales. We have shifters and vampires, faeries and witches and sprites. It’s a real YA Urban fantasy that would reel you in! I was reading it and when I got to that cliffhanger at the last page, I just noticed that it was already past 1am!
Other things I like about this book: -it took the time to build up the world about the GRIMMs and what they do -the author certainly made me feel how Rose was feeling, from the confusion to the way she felt trapped, and to how much she cared for her cousin Javi -the pacing was just right. In no way did I feel that the book was rushed or dragging. -there are mysterious characters which has me yearning for what’s gonna happen next
Thing I think can be improved: -the imagery was just a bit too much. I think a little less description would be good Beyond this one, I don’t have any other qualms 😊
So if you’re as much of a sucker for the supernatural, as well, with that modern twist, then check out this book! You certainly won’t regret it!
Fascinating world and such an interesting story. RLM has a way of keeping you thoroughly engaged even when there isn't a lot of fighting. She keeps the plot moving and this book brings out her ability to fully bring the reader into the mind if the main character.
Rose is thrown into an unbelievable amount of new things in addition to being attacked more than once and the amount of secrets she is required to keep is enough to make anyone crumble. (However, that bracelet kind of takes care of the secrets part...oh man that's a whole new level of whaaaat right there, but it added such a different dimension to the story because Rose is irrevocably changed because of it) (No spoilers)
Every relationship is layered and complex this making it feel realistic.
I'm excited to see what happens next in Rose's story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good first book in a series that has the potential to be great! While I found the book to be a bit slow overall (not as much action as I personally would have liked), it had enough mystery to keep my interest piqued. It was easy to read and I thought the author did a great job introducing us to this world in which the main character, Rose, was also just discovering for herself. To be honest, I didn’t really love Rose’s character (I’m hoping she grows on me in the next book), but I did really like the side characters; Javi, Grayson and Shiloh. I hope we get to see more of Brady as well in future books as he seems like he might be a fun and interesting character. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Vampires and Werewolves, as I’m really hoping the characters will have more encounters with the extraordinaires!
I picked up this book because of the blurb and cover. I’ve already pre-ordered the second because once I got into the world I couldn’t leave it there, I had to know more about Rose, about the world around her, about the GRIMM and all that went along with it. The story had me hooked from the first chapter and I was desperate to know more and find out what was going to happen to her at this new school, with all these people who’d grown up in this world. I adore the storyline where someone suddenly has new found abilities, and this one didn’t disappoint in that respect, and that ending has made me desperate to read the second book ASAP! Overall, a great read and one I recommend!
This book deserves a 5 star review! I was hooked from chapter one. R. L Medina did a fantastic job. As if losing her mother at age two wasn't bad enough but now her father has died too. Now Rose not only finds herself an orphan but is now forced to live with her bully of an uncle. As if going to live with him wasn't bad enough she now also finds herself sucked into an entirely different world she never new existed and just because things always seem to get worse for Rose, she also learns that her mother promised her to an evil coven and worst of all they're coming for her. This book is defiantly a must read for any fantasy lover! I can't wait to start book two!
Fabulous read! Rose has lost both her parents. Her extended family who she rarely sees comes to the funeral and takes over her life since she is only 17. She now has to live by Tio’s rules, but what are the rules? Rose is seeing some strange things and the only one who is willing to help her out is her cousin Javi and it seems like he might be more of a hindrance than help. So take a journey with Rose as she goes to Grimm school and learns she is way more than just an ordinary girl. She’s Grimm material!
Shifters and Secrets: GRIMM Academy Book 1 by R. L. Medina when I opened up this story and started reading it my brain started sayin Oh My Gosh this is an Amazing story. This is book number one in this oh my gosh amazing start to a brand new series and I am so hooked I can not wait to read the rest of this amazing series. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone who loves reading about witches, magic and paranormal romance.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I absolutely loved this book! Once I started I could not put it down. The raw, authentic emotions shown by the characters and the fast paced plot kept me interested and engaged in a fantasy story that I felt like I was a part of. After reading this supernatural mash-up, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good twist to the magical.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about the supernatural world quite like this one. Rose is everything I love in a female character, someone who lost everything but still over came all the bad that happened to her. The plot was fast-paced and never boring, so I flew through this book. I’m really looking forward to reading book 2. I received this as a free ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable read and I liked there was a backstory leading up to the “main event”. It took me a little bit to get into it, but could totally empathize with the main character. There wasn’t a lot of romance in this one and more of slow-burning that I think will escalate in the next book. I also liked that it was a POC and seemed authentic to the culture. There’s a lot more to unravel with the GRIMMS and I can’t wait to read about it in the next book!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy and am leaving a voluntary honest and unbiased review
Shifters and Secrets Grimm Academy Book One by R L Medina is a story filled with the supernatural.
After losing her family and finding not everything is as it seems by other remaining family members turns Rose’s world upside down.
This book is nothing like I have read before and I absolutely enjoyed it! The relationship that are formed between characters was amazing and to see how far some of them would go to help.
I enjoyed this book about the supernatural and I haven’t read anything like it.
This first book built up the world and showed the background of the main character Rose whose whole world has change after she looses her parents and her remaining family tells her a secret that has been hidden from her.
I really enjoyed the GRIMM Academy and how even those she is supposed to be safe, mysteries still follow her.
I’m really looking forward to the next book and am grateful that I received an ARC copy of the book.
I didn't think I'd like this book as much as I did. I even put it down once or twice. Thankfully, it not only did Rosa's story intrigue me, it captivated me as well. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. For all young adult readers such as myself, this is a definite good book to read.
This was a good series starter. The beginning was a little slow while setting up the story, but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see what happens next.
This was an awesome start to a new series. It was a really cool academy book and I loved every minute. So glad I picked it up. Cant wait to read book 2.
This book had me from the first page. The basic story follows a young girl named Rose who has her world turned upside by Tio Javier whom she does not really know. It was so well written that I was quickly invested in the story and characters. There were points that I wanted to just reach out and hug her while at the same time wanting to shake some of the family and friends are "helping" her. This book was fast paced with great twists and turns. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get lost in a great world! I can't wait until the next book in the series comes along.
I could not put this down! I finished in less than 24 hours. Rose is a believable, relatable character- her pain, frustration, anger, and even her attraction to Grayson. This story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next one! Would definitely recommend!
Senior year of high school doesn't go quite as Rose expects. First after the death of her father, now an orphan, she is forced to go to a new school, a school for GRIMMS. If you are a fan of fantasy Book 1 of GRIMM Academy, Shifters and Secrets by R.L. Medina is a great choice. I received this review copy through StoryOrigin and enjoyed every moment of it. I definitely will be reading other books by this writer anytime I have the chance. This book is available on Amazon