What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fae Academy #1
A Gift of Magic
A snarky mage.
An arrogant faery.
Species aren't supposed to mix, but now they're sharing the same school...
Vienna is sick of her bloodthirsty, throne-stealing parents. So when she's Chosen by an advanced academy she's never heard of, she thanks the gods above. When she realizes the school isn't supposed to exist, and that it's in fae territory...
Well... bring it on.
--
Tavi is oath-sworn to keep his powers secret. And for most of his life, he's done so.
But once the Carthian Princess invades his world, the walls he's built so high begin to crumble.
Vienna is reckless, and trouble clings to her like perfume. No sooner does she arrive at the Fae Academy than a cloud of darkness threatens to sweep them all away.
If not for her stubborn spirit, battle skills, and a group of powerful new friends, she wouldn't stand a chance.
--
This is Book 1 of a complete series (trilogy). This story is full of friendship, epic adventure, and the trials of finding your true self - a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers academy fantasy for young adult & new adult readers. Includes some adult language and intimate scenes later on in the series.
An arrogant faery.
Species aren't supposed to mix, but now they're sharing the same school...
Vienna is sick of her bloodthirsty, throne-stealing parents. So when she's Chosen by an advanced academy she's never heard of, she thanks the gods above. When she realizes the school isn't supposed to exist, and that it's in fae territory...
Well... bring it on.
--
Tavi is oath-sworn to keep his powers secret. And for most of his life, he's done so.
But once the Carthian Princess invades his world, the walls he's built so high begin to crumble.
Vienna is reckless, and trouble clings to her like perfume. No sooner does she arrive at the Fae Academy than a cloud of darkness threatens to sweep them all away.
If not for her stubborn spirit, battle skills, and a group of powerful new friends, she wouldn't stand a chance.
--
This is Book 1 of a complete series (trilogy). This story is full of friendship, epic adventure, and the trials of finding your true self - a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers academy fantasy for young adult & new adult readers. Includes some adult language and intimate scenes later on in the series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
413 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 14, 2020
2.75 ungifted STARS ★★✬✩✩
⤐ Overall.
Most noticeably, I realised that although a new author, Julianne has very good writing skills, if we were to separate the content of a book from the art of writing itself. There's many spaces for metaphors and idiomatic writing, which - if used properly - offers just the right amount of prose to make it a dreamy writing style. The second book is even better in this regard.
I feel like too few books out there underline the importance of female friendships as the main theme of a book, and that's what I really really loved most about this first instalment of The Fae Academy series. I always feel like friendships are so much easier to form and stronger in their making than romantic relationships and I'm glad this is such an upfront topic in A Gift of Magic. (As I'm writing this review, I'm almost through with the second instalment, however, and I know that these will still be a major theme, but some sort of weird romance will take over significant on-page time.) That's pretty much all the overly positive stuff I noted.
Mostly, the arch of suspense never really picked up in my eyes. As soon as there was finally some action involved, the story ended - and not in a plausible cliffhanger kind of way.
The whole frenemy-thing between Vienna and Tavi is very elusive and exaggerated at the same time. Mostly initiated by Tavi, it fluctuates very much as Vi responds strongly to his change in (public) demeanour. Don't we all love a dude who acts like an oblivious twat in public, making us feel insecure and undesirable?
And then, when we're all alone he 'looks at us like a starved man laying eyes on his first meal'. Toxicity right there, folks. I dunno, I just didn't enjoy whatever this weird dynamic was at all.
Now to the most important part of the rant: Imagine being an 18-year old and a terrible danger is threatening the academy you're studying at. You have valuable clues that most certainly would boost the investigation. What do you do?
Vienna:
Lovely, innit?
I'm also doubting whether this whole academy narrative - in general not just in regard to this particular book - is something I'll ever warm up to. It's either Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts or nothing.
⤐ What’s happening.
Vienna is eager to leave her parents behind so she's mostly glad to just get away to Noqtu Academy, but how much potential can a school offer that does not only let mages and faeries mingle, but at the first school day already has to deal with a bloody massacre and let's students get threatened by ominous messages?
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 3*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 2*
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Julianne Berokoff (and her fiancé TJ), who provided me with this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is for you if… I would like to keep this part of my review open until I’ve read the second book. I really couldn't find a proper way to express this fixed part of my reviews this time around. Not exactly a good sign, if I'm honest. TW: mentally abusive parents.
⤐ Overall.
Most noticeably, I realised that although a new author, Julianne has very good writing skills, if we were to separate the content of a book from the art of writing itself. There's many spaces for metaphors and idiomatic writing, which - if used properly - offers just the right amount of prose to make it a dreamy writing style. The second book is even better in this regard.
I feel like too few books out there underline the importance of female friendships as the main theme of a book, and that's what I really really loved most about this first instalment of The Fae Academy series. I always feel like friendships are so much easier to form and stronger in their making than romantic relationships and I'm glad this is such an upfront topic in A Gift of Magic. (As I'm writing this review, I'm almost through with the second instalment, however, and I know that these will still be a major theme, but some sort of weird romance will take over significant on-page time.) That's pretty much all the overly positive stuff I noted.
Mostly, the arch of suspense never really picked up in my eyes. As soon as there was finally some action involved, the story ended - and not in a plausible cliffhanger kind of way.
The whole frenemy-thing between Vienna and Tavi is very elusive and exaggerated at the same time. Mostly initiated by Tavi, it fluctuates very much as Vi responds strongly to his change in (public) demeanour. Don't we all love a dude who acts like an oblivious twat in public, making us feel insecure and undesirable?
And then, when we're all alone he 'looks at us like a starved man laying eyes on his first meal'. Toxicity right there, folks. I dunno, I just didn't enjoy whatever this weird dynamic was at all.
Now to the most important part of the rant: Imagine being an 18-year old and a terrible danger is threatening the academy you're studying at. You have valuable clues that most certainly would boost the investigation. What do you do?
1. You decide to investigate on your own. As things get beyond your non-existent expertise, you tell the authority figures everything you know.
2. You immediately turn over all the evidence.
3. You act as if nothing were amiss and put students and staff in further danger while acting out on your adventurous drives.
Vienna:
Lovely, innit?
I'm also doubting whether this whole academy narrative - in general not just in regard to this particular book - is something I'll ever warm up to. It's either Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts or nothing.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Miss Defante is urged to bring her cat, but should be reminded that Academy mice are here for reinforcement, not snack.’
Vienna is eager to leave her parents behind so she's mostly glad to just get away to Noqtu Academy, but how much potential can a school offer that does not only let mages and faeries mingle, but at the first school day already has to deal with a bloody massacre and let's students get threatened by ominous messages?
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 3*
plot development = 3*
characters = 3*
enjoyability = 2*
insightfulness = 2*
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Julianne Berokoff (and her fiancé TJ), who provided me with this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
For the very first time, I am in a unique position to be the first to review a book. I want to be fair, but for me, this book was on the lower spectrum of average.
*Mild spoilers ahead*
To be totally honest, I went into this book with very low expectations - a first-time author writing an overused idea of 'academy' story with magic in it, was not a novel concept. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the time I was a couple of chapters in. The writing, the world-building, the heroine and the plot interesting enough to be engaging.
I was quite immersed in the book, and had high hopes for this book; until somewhere in the middle, this plot and the characters kept going downhill for me. It started when the heroine started hiding things from the teachers and her friends for no particular reason.
She is a mage, living in the world where demons and curses are known 'thing', going to a very magical academy that suddenly started taking in students after more than 300 years, and still she thinks she is going 'mad' by an unknown illness and tries to hide it instead of going to the teachers who can help her? This is where it all started unravelling for me. She is attacked multiple times, she attacks others multiple times and nobody realizes that she is being targeted by something?
The other thing of note is the Harry Potter references. The author borrows heavily from the series, including introducing a Hermoine like character. The world-building while kind of 'interesting', is also unoriginal and rushed. There are so many things that could have been better explained and explored. The romance part of the book was also a bust for me. Not only was there little to no romance, but I also didn't care much for Tavi. The potential of the book was huge, but I feel that it fell short.
I would also recommend better editing of the book. There are many spelling mistakes and grammatical errors; as well as some contradictory phrases and words used, sometimes in the same sentences. With some well thought out plot and better character development and heavy editing, this book could become a winner.
*Mild spoilers ahead*
To be totally honest, I went into this book with very low expectations - a first-time author writing an overused idea of 'academy' story with magic in it, was not a novel concept. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the time I was a couple of chapters in. The writing, the world-building, the heroine and the plot interesting enough to be engaging.
I was quite immersed in the book, and had high hopes for this book; until somewhere in the middle, this plot and the characters kept going downhill for me. It started when the heroine started hiding things from the teachers and her friends for no particular reason.
She is a mage, living in the world where demons and curses are known 'thing', going to a very magical academy that suddenly started taking in students after more than 300 years, and still she thinks she is going 'mad' by an unknown illness and tries to hide it instead of going to the teachers who can help her? This is where it all started unravelling for me. She is attacked multiple times, she attacks others multiple times and nobody realizes that she is being targeted by something?
The other thing of note is the Harry Potter references. The author borrows heavily from the series, including introducing a Hermoine like character. The world-building while kind of 'interesting', is also unoriginal and rushed. There are so many things that could have been better explained and explored. The romance part of the book was also a bust for me. Not only was there little to no romance, but I also didn't care much for Tavi. The potential of the book was huge, but I feel that it fell short.
I would also recommend better editing of the book. There are many spelling mistakes and grammatical errors; as well as some contradictory phrases and words used, sometimes in the same sentences. With some well thought out plot and better character development and heavy editing, this book could become a winner.
January 1, 2020
Being new to the Academy fantasy genre in general, I fell quite quickly and hard into Vienna Defante’s story as she tries to navigate her way through her first semester of higher education. She is Chosen by the newly-awakened Noqtu Academy with its powerful ancient magic. Her status as a Princess of the Carthian mages, a title gained by her parents’ thoroughly bloody coup d’état the year before which saw them crowned, is anything but an advantage in this unique Academy. And any coup as bloody as theirs makes enemies – lots of them. If Vienna is to survive being Princess on her own, she must keep her wits about her, be on the alert, and know who to trust. After all, how can you trust anyone, peers or especially adults, after seeing what her parents did in order to reach their goals?
But how can you trust anyone when you are sent not only to an Academy that has been inactive for over three centuries, but one that mixes mages and fae – two groups whose only commonality is to fight the violent demons that slip through the ether in the Darklands? Other than a shared enemy, mages and fae do not mix, not any more than strictly necessary, barely avoiding being openly hostile towards each other. But Noqtu is determined to see mage and fae blended into one population. In addition to her fellow mages Gretchen and Juo whom she meets early on, there is also Kala, a fae girl who quickly attaches herself to Vienna, and the fae boy Tavi who always seems to be in Vienna’s path like a regular stalker. Vienna has her work cut out for her in determining who to trust, who is a danger, or who is a help.
Vienna must learn to navigate this new setting, determine who she can trust and with how much, and who she wants to be. Her slate may not be completely clean because of her parents’ actions, but maybe this distance from them can give her the room to be more true to herself. If she can survive, that is. Because with ancient magic comes an eager darkness, one that is determined to make the most of this unusual opportunity. And Vienna will find herself at the center of it. But will it end with her, or is this just the beginning?
Vienna is an engaging, believable character: she has seen her parents be monsters in order to become King and Queen, and with such a betrayal, how can she easily trust any other adult in authority who “claims” to have her best interest at heart? The only person Vienna can trust is herself. And maybe, those whom she deems worthy of her trust – but that will not come easily. Vienna could have closed herself off completely after everything she has been through, but she decides to (re)invent herself – who she wants to be – at Noqtu. If she can’t be herself in front of her blood family, maybe she can be herself in front of her chosen almost-family. Yet the walls and barriers she has built around herself, the tough, independent exterior she has so carefully built up in the past year, still has less strong points – not weak points, but places where she hasn’t yet managed to craft an impenetrable wall. Just enough of a wall that she is still willing to go it alone, even when there are others who have come to care about her and are willing to back her up.
Tavi is an enigma. It may seem classic – and a bit of a callback to Rogue of X-Men in its presentation – but he is always wearing gloves. When he takes them off, we know about it, because he makes a big deal of it. But why? Add that to the mountain of secrets he alludes to, and you find yourself hungry for more about him and what he is hiding, what he knows, who he is really. Where Vienna has a straight-forwardness in her characterization while still being nuanced, nothing about Tavi is straightforward and everything about him is outright complex. We’re given so many tantalizing tidbits that are like eating cotton candy: they’re so sweet and take up so much volume, we think we should get full by eating it but we’re really not much less hungry once we’ve eaten it all than when we started it. But we’re so, so happy with what we have eaten, that we know we’ll just go for another as soon as we can! (I know I will!)
As for the events of the story, of Vienna and Tavi’s first semester at Noqtu, I found there to be a steady build-up of inciting events, of clues and danger and action, with equally satisfying and intriguing reveals. I, for one, am eager to see where this is all going, and who – or what – is behind the desecrations at the school, the mysterious notes Vienna receives, and what the connection there is to Noqtu, if indeed the connection is to the school, and not something or someone else. Even with the satisfaction I felt from the reveals by the end, there are also new questions to tie into the forthcoming books. While I was less appreciative of the very obvious hook for the next story (not really my style, personally), it works, and like I said, there is enough satisfaction in what we do learn – but not too much – to make me interested and eager to see where this is all going. And I’m glad we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment!
I worked as editor for this book, and this is my honest review, given with permission from the author Julianne Berokoff.
But how can you trust anyone when you are sent not only to an Academy that has been inactive for over three centuries, but one that mixes mages and fae – two groups whose only commonality is to fight the violent demons that slip through the ether in the Darklands? Other than a shared enemy, mages and fae do not mix, not any more than strictly necessary, barely avoiding being openly hostile towards each other. But Noqtu is determined to see mage and fae blended into one population. In addition to her fellow mages Gretchen and Juo whom she meets early on, there is also Kala, a fae girl who quickly attaches herself to Vienna, and the fae boy Tavi who always seems to be in Vienna’s path like a regular stalker. Vienna has her work cut out for her in determining who to trust, who is a danger, or who is a help.
Vienna must learn to navigate this new setting, determine who she can trust and with how much, and who she wants to be. Her slate may not be completely clean because of her parents’ actions, but maybe this distance from them can give her the room to be more true to herself. If she can survive, that is. Because with ancient magic comes an eager darkness, one that is determined to make the most of this unusual opportunity. And Vienna will find herself at the center of it. But will it end with her, or is this just the beginning?
Vienna is an engaging, believable character: she has seen her parents be monsters in order to become King and Queen, and with such a betrayal, how can she easily trust any other adult in authority who “claims” to have her best interest at heart? The only person Vienna can trust is herself. And maybe, those whom she deems worthy of her trust – but that will not come easily. Vienna could have closed herself off completely after everything she has been through, but she decides to (re)invent herself – who she wants to be – at Noqtu. If she can’t be herself in front of her blood family, maybe she can be herself in front of her chosen almost-family. Yet the walls and barriers she has built around herself, the tough, independent exterior she has so carefully built up in the past year, still has less strong points – not weak points, but places where she hasn’t yet managed to craft an impenetrable wall. Just enough of a wall that she is still willing to go it alone, even when there are others who have come to care about her and are willing to back her up.
Tavi is an enigma. It may seem classic – and a bit of a callback to Rogue of X-Men in its presentation – but he is always wearing gloves. When he takes them off, we know about it, because he makes a big deal of it. But why? Add that to the mountain of secrets he alludes to, and you find yourself hungry for more about him and what he is hiding, what he knows, who he is really. Where Vienna has a straight-forwardness in her characterization while still being nuanced, nothing about Tavi is straightforward and everything about him is outright complex. We’re given so many tantalizing tidbits that are like eating cotton candy: they’re so sweet and take up so much volume, we think we should get full by eating it but we’re really not much less hungry once we’ve eaten it all than when we started it. But we’re so, so happy with what we have eaten, that we know we’ll just go for another as soon as we can! (I know I will!)
As for the events of the story, of Vienna and Tavi’s first semester at Noqtu, I found there to be a steady build-up of inciting events, of clues and danger and action, with equally satisfying and intriguing reveals. I, for one, am eager to see where this is all going, and who – or what – is behind the desecrations at the school, the mysterious notes Vienna receives, and what the connection there is to Noqtu, if indeed the connection is to the school, and not something or someone else. Even with the satisfaction I felt from the reveals by the end, there are also new questions to tie into the forthcoming books. While I was less appreciative of the very obvious hook for the next story (not really my style, personally), it works, and like I said, there is enough satisfaction in what we do learn – but not too much – to make me interested and eager to see where this is all going. And I’m glad we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment!
I worked as editor for this book, and this is my honest review, given with permission from the author Julianne Berokoff.
December 13, 2019
First off, I feel some of the other ratings and reviews for this book have not entirely been fair. When you read a genre novel, it is best to set your expectations. The book has "Academy" in its title, so being upset that it was "just another Academy" book seems pretty short sighted.
This is a great read if you enjoy UF (Urban Fantasy) and the many tropes that make the genre fun to read. Academy books are a niche within UF that still have a huge market. I tend to love them, but there are certain elements you simply can't escape. If you tell a story of mages and one of the friends is bookish, she might come out smacking of Hermione. Have you ever read a dragon slayer book that doesn't have a sword wielding knight?
It is always fair to criticize an author's method of using said tropes, but to criticize their existence doesn't make sense.
This book has a fun romance between MC and a character named Tavi. I loved the distinct differences in their voices, and the awkwardness and tension they build as the novel progresses. This is not an instant romance, no high steam scenes. It is awkwardness, enemy to lover, slow burn style. I personally loved it.
Also, I'm a nerd, so I loved the action/fight scenes, the system of magic is fairly soft but mysterious and appealing. World building was quirky and fun. Lots of humor sprinkled throughout as well.
The writer is new, and so the writing isn't perfect. Yet despite some errors, I found many of the lines vivid and incredibly descriptive. So many of the brick and mortar YA Fantasy books have clean but lack luster writing, so I found this book fun to read.
Hope I was objective enough. I'll be looking to read more in the series, and I hope the books continue to be good. So many drop off a cliff after the first novel. We will see!
This is a great read if you enjoy UF (Urban Fantasy) and the many tropes that make the genre fun to read. Academy books are a niche within UF that still have a huge market. I tend to love them, but there are certain elements you simply can't escape. If you tell a story of mages and one of the friends is bookish, she might come out smacking of Hermione. Have you ever read a dragon slayer book that doesn't have a sword wielding knight?
It is always fair to criticize an author's method of using said tropes, but to criticize their existence doesn't make sense.
This book has a fun romance between MC and a character named Tavi. I loved the distinct differences in their voices, and the awkwardness and tension they build as the novel progresses. This is not an instant romance, no high steam scenes. It is awkwardness, enemy to lover, slow burn style. I personally loved it.
Also, I'm a nerd, so I loved the action/fight scenes, the system of magic is fairly soft but mysterious and appealing. World building was quirky and fun. Lots of humor sprinkled throughout as well.
The writer is new, and so the writing isn't perfect. Yet despite some errors, I found many of the lines vivid and incredibly descriptive. So many of the brick and mortar YA Fantasy books have clean but lack luster writing, so I found this book fun to read.
Hope I was objective enough. I'll be looking to read more in the series, and I hope the books continue to be good. So many drop off a cliff after the first novel. We will see!
March 15, 2020
Fascinating
This one is not quite what I expected. It's very unpredictable and wonderfully entertaining. Magic with elves and humans against the encroach of demons, spattered with a bit of the gods. If that isn't enough there is strife in factions and intrigue in the mysteries of the past. I predict a love interest in bloom between races that should never mix. It's a good beginning to a fascinating world.
This one is not quite what I expected. It's very unpredictable and wonderfully entertaining. Magic with elves and humans against the encroach of demons, spattered with a bit of the gods. If that isn't enough there is strife in factions and intrigue in the mysteries of the past. I predict a love interest in bloom between races that should never mix. It's a good beginning to a fascinating world.
August 5, 2020
What a beautiful and unique fae academy book. I loved the different types of magics and how they interact with life forces, runes and potions. This story keeps you engaged in the story with its striking plot and mystery. It keeps moving at a steady pace and the characters are wonderful. Vienna is a strong and fierce mage and I loved her tenacity. We also meet a fae, Tavi, who is definitely intriguing. I really enjoyed this and have high hopes for the next book!
April 27, 2020
Amazing
This book was so freaking good and I was hooked from start to finish. I really liked Vienna and Tavi quite a bit. She gets chosen by a school in faery territory with no clue why. I just really couldn't put down and enjoyed this so much!
This book was so freaking good and I was hooked from start to finish. I really liked Vienna and Tavi quite a bit. She gets chosen by a school in faery territory with no clue why. I just really couldn't put down and enjoyed this so much!
March 23, 2020
What a great start to the series! I throughly enjoyed this book. The world the story takes place is unlike anything I have encountered. I could see the bright colors of the fae surroundings as I read the story. There are some chapters that are in the point of view of other characters, but it is done strategically to give the story more depth. All in all a great read!
April 27, 2020
Amazing book with a great story line full of twists and turns. I can't wait for the next installment.
January 26, 2020
Really enjoyed this one!! Characters are amazing and I’m so ready to jump into book 2
June 8, 2020
(4.5 stars) - exciting & a little different
You can't have an academy book without following at least the basics of the trope, but the world building is different & interestingly complex without overwhelming you with the details.
Vienna is quite old for someone so young, but life has taken her down a dark, grisly path, & that ugliness will age you fast.
When she winds up at Noqtu Academy, she's caught between the darkness that's been stalking her, and a life with friends who care about her as she has come to care about them for the first time in her life.
Tavi is there, too, and if you're expecting a lot of romance in book 1, don't. This one is setting up the story & building the conflict. Tavi & Vienna are very much at the enemies stage of this enemies-to-lovers series. It's mostly just "I don't like you, so why am I so attracted to you" encounters here (as is pretty much expected of a slow burn series).
The ending is a to-be-continued rather than a cliffhanger (also pretty typical of series in this genre - luckily the next is already out). I will definitely be continuing to book 2!
*Clean romance level: too soon for much, but there is a scene where the hero ends up on top of the heroine & they're both aroused by their contact, though there are no graphic details
*Language: mild to moderate use of the common ones, plus a half dozen f-bombs
*Religion: I really appreciate that the author doesn't use the Lord's Name in vain, as so many inconsiderately do these days, but I must admit that "gods damn" still makes me squirm.
You can't have an academy book without following at least the basics of the trope, but the world building is different & interestingly complex without overwhelming you with the details.
Vienna is quite old for someone so young, but life has taken her down a dark, grisly path, & that ugliness will age you fast.
When she winds up at Noqtu Academy, she's caught between the darkness that's been stalking her, and a life with friends who care about her as she has come to care about them for the first time in her life.
Tavi is there, too, and if you're expecting a lot of romance in book 1, don't. This one is setting up the story & building the conflict. Tavi & Vienna are very much at the enemies stage of this enemies-to-lovers series. It's mostly just "I don't like you, so why am I so attracted to you" encounters here (as is pretty much expected of a slow burn series).
The ending is a to-be-continued rather than a cliffhanger (also pretty typical of series in this genre - luckily the next is already out). I will definitely be continuing to book 2!
*Clean romance level: too soon for much, but there is a scene where the hero ends up on top of the heroine & they're both aroused by their contact, though there are no graphic details
*Language: mild to moderate use of the common ones, plus a half dozen f-bombs
*Religion: I really appreciate that the author doesn't use the Lord's Name in vain, as so many inconsiderately do these days, but I must admit that "gods damn" still makes me squirm.
August 23, 2020
Cool
This is a really fun story. The characters are quite engaging. I have enjoyed following them through their adventures. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is a really fun story. The characters are quite engaging. I have enjoyed following them through their adventures. I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 10, 2020
I don't usually read academy UF but was extremely happy to try this one out.
The characters are very fleshed out and it was so refreshing to read a real bad-ass female character.
The paranormal world seems grand and well-thought out, while the magic system is structured but leaves enough space for it to retain its mystical nature.
I would definitely recommend this book. Such a great and easy read.
tl;dr : Bad-ass female MC. Real page-turner.
The characters are very fleshed out and it was so refreshing to read a real bad-ass female character.
The paranormal world seems grand and well-thought out, while the magic system is structured but leaves enough space for it to retain its mystical nature.
I would definitely recommend this book. Such a great and easy read.
tl;dr : Bad-ass female MC. Real page-turner.
April 11, 2020
Was a slow start but loved it by the end
April 13, 2023
2,5/5 stars
The setting is interesting. The MCs parents killed the last king and queen of the mages to become the ruling royals themselves. the MC is now princess but does not support this.
When it is time to be chosen for a magic academy she is chosen for a long dead and suddenly resurrected academy where mages and fae learn together. A practice long forgotten. But there is something demonic lurking...
I couldn't really get into the story. The changes of POV to the second character Tavi who i could not sympathize with wasn't helping. Also there were not enough hints for me as reader to think with the story. I just had to be clueless like the MC all the time and that was tiring in the long run.
Too bad - the family stuff was refreshing new and the girls the MC befriended with were different in character and therefore gave a nice dynamic. But there was too much in the void all the time and that was unsatisfactory in the end.
The setting is interesting. The MCs parents killed the last king and queen of the mages to become the ruling royals themselves. the MC is now princess but does not support this.
When it is time to be chosen for a magic academy she is chosen for a long dead and suddenly resurrected academy where mages and fae learn together. A practice long forgotten. But there is something demonic lurking...
I couldn't really get into the story. The changes of POV to the second character Tavi who i could not sympathize with wasn't helping. Also there were not enough hints for me as reader to think with the story. I just had to be clueless like the MC all the time and that was tiring in the long run.
Too bad - the family stuff was refreshing new and the girls the MC befriended with were different in character and therefore gave a nice dynamic. But there was too much in the void all the time and that was unsatisfactory in the end.
April 25, 2020
Nice try but didn't hold my interest
The plot was unique for being an academy book but the story flow and style of writing did not hold my interest. I thought I was going to read about a princess that can fight with romance on the side except that is not the case.
Too much detail descriptions given of the surroundings from how the fae looks to how the house/chairs looks and on and on. A lot of telling and enough showing. Couldn't connect with the mc or the secondary male mc. No characters development or my pet peeves no romance or chemistry. Nice try but I guess this book wasn't for me.
The plot was unique for being an academy book but the story flow and style of writing did not hold my interest. I thought I was going to read about a princess that can fight with romance on the side except that is not the case.
Too much detail descriptions given of the surroundings from how the fae looks to how the house/chairs looks and on and on. A lot of telling and enough showing. Couldn't connect with the mc or the secondary male mc. No characters development or my pet peeves no romance or chemistry. Nice try but I guess this book wasn't for me.
April 15, 2022
The Fae Academy 1: A Gift of Magic
What a great start to this series! I really enjoyed this book. Vienna, a mage Princess, and Tavi, a gifted fae, are both complex people, and where Vienna is more straightforward, Tavi is quite the paradox. Their friends are definitely one of a kind each in their own way, but bring so much character to the book.
The story takes place is like anything I have encountered in the past years of reading YA. I could see the bright colors of the fae surroundings as I read the book. I felt like I was there with the fae and mages…
I would definitely recommend this book!!
What a great start to this series! I really enjoyed this book. Vienna, a mage Princess, and Tavi, a gifted fae, are both complex people, and where Vienna is more straightforward, Tavi is quite the paradox. Their friends are definitely one of a kind each in their own way, but bring so much character to the book.
The story takes place is like anything I have encountered in the past years of reading YA. I could see the bright colors of the fae surroundings as I read the book. I felt like I was there with the fae and mages…
I would definitely recommend this book!!
March 6, 2023
This is a very slow burn romance. No, unfortunately, it is not a reverse harem. I didn’t even think Tavi, is a prospect lover at this point. There is no real connection between Vienna and Tavi at all. I suspect Tavi is a Prince of sorts. In the end, Tavi rescued Vienna. And this is going to be a trilogy. I will not finish. I didn’t like the overall plot, so, meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
I loved this books so much, the characters are so badass and lovable. The plot is brilliant and I loved all of the little details in it. Also the slow burn was perfect ❤️🔥 I honestly just loved everything about this book.
March 9, 2021
TAVI This book was great!! loved it!
November 23, 2021
DNF. 18% of the way through and she just got to the academy. I was so bored I had to stop.
June 1, 2022
fae mage academy
School has never been so fun. Guys are not the focus but demons are. Parental drama in the background spewing forth
School has never been so fun. Guys are not the focus but demons are. Parental drama in the background spewing forth
June 21, 2022
Wonderful adventure
A princess is in the academy. A down-to-earth princess in the academy helping to solve mysteries, protect her friends faces complex problems.
A princess is in the academy. A down-to-earth princess in the academy helping to solve mysteries, protect her friends faces complex problems.
added-it
September 24, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/24/2022)! 🎁
December 17, 2024
Was a slow start but loved it by the end
January 4, 2021
Hmmm
So good
I don’t waste my time reading bad books and this is a good one
I like Vienna’s snarky aditude and I don’t take s$*t from no one
It a fantasy romance but just the right amount of romance
Recommend to lots of people
So good
I don’t waste my time reading bad books and this is a good one
I like Vienna’s snarky aditude and I don’t take s$*t from no one
It a fantasy romance but just the right amount of romance
Recommend to lots of people
December 18, 2020
Tried twice.
Tried to read this book twice but couldn’t ever get into it. Just didn’t really like it. Might just be me though
Tried to read this book twice but couldn’t ever get into it. Just didn’t really like it. Might just be me though
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews