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Academy Obscura #3
The Searing Trials
Tick. Tock. The culling approaches and rebellion is in the air.
Spring term at Academy Obscura is unbelievable. In addition to my regular classes, there are the Trials. Each student has to face three specially designed ordeals. And after all the rules I've broken? The Trial Master seriously has it in for me.
As if that weren't enough to keep me on my toes, several political truths, and betrayals, surface that leave me reeling and questioning who I can trust.
This horror just got real—and grew teeth.
How will the guys and I survive what the puppet masters have in store for us?
Author’s Note: This is a steamy, medium burn, reverse harem paranormal romance featuring shifters, witches, and fae. It includes dark themes, adult language, violence, and possibly triggering situations. Recommended for mature readers.
Spring term at Academy Obscura is unbelievable. In addition to my regular classes, there are the Trials. Each student has to face three specially designed ordeals. And after all the rules I've broken? The Trial Master seriously has it in for me.
As if that weren't enough to keep me on my toes, several political truths, and betrayals, surface that leave me reeling and questioning who I can trust.
This horror just got real—and grew teeth.
How will the guys and I survive what the puppet masters have in store for us?
Author’s Note: This is a steamy, medium burn, reverse harem paranormal romance featuring shifters, witches, and fae. It includes dark themes, adult language, violence, and possibly triggering situations. Recommended for mature readers.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
About the author
Cassia Briar
24 books469 followersHey, I'm Cassia Briar, author of reverse harem romances.
I live in the Pacific Northwest forest. Coffee addict, cat mom, and avid romance reader.
If you like angsty romance with twisty plots, dark themes, and steam, check out my books.
For updates, join my newsletter.
If you've read my books, feel free to add them to a list on here in the Listopia section. Doing so helps other readers find them. Thank you so much!
I live in the Pacific Northwest forest. Coffee addict, cat mom, and avid romance reader.
If you like angsty romance with twisty plots, dark themes, and steam, check out my books.
For updates, join my newsletter.
If you've read my books, feel free to add them to a list on here in the Listopia section. Doing so helps other readers find them. Thank you so much!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 12, 2020
Twists and turns,
The saga continues. I’m a little bit frustrated with Angel, I don’t feel like he’s invested enough in Caprice, he’s got a lot of work to make me love him. Now Montrell, I’m loving him. Can’t wait for them to come together and explode. But massive shout out to Brody, my new albino hero. Loved him! Looking forward to book 4
The saga continues. I’m a little bit frustrated with Angel, I don’t feel like he’s invested enough in Caprice, he’s got a lot of work to make me love him. Now Montrell, I’m loving him. Can’t wait for them to come together and explode. But massive shout out to Brody, my new albino hero. Loved him! Looking forward to book 4
January 10, 2021
Caprice and her three mates have completed their bond and entered a binding spell to protect their secrets. Now they have to find out the truth behind the Tromara and the council, and Caprice’s grandmother’s part in it. In the middle of all this personal turmoil, Caprice must prepare for, and take part in the 3 trials. And given what the Tromara have cooked up, it may end up breaking her.
Man oh man oh man!! What a wild ride. I couldn’t put this book down! Just when I think I’ve got the plot figured out, Ms. Briar turns the tables. The universe building and character development are top notch, and the story arc and timing are spot on. And oh Montrell, my heart. I thought Jaxon was my favorite in this series, but I think Montrell just usurped him. There’s family intrigue, diabolical betrayal, mean girl academy bullshit, teacher/student machinations, love, envy, geez, you name it and Ms. Briar managed to weave it into the plot.
Do I recommend this book? Oh hell yeah. But read the series. In order. You’ll thank me for it.
Man oh man oh man!! What a wild ride. I couldn’t put this book down! Just when I think I’ve got the plot figured out, Ms. Briar turns the tables. The universe building and character development are top notch, and the story arc and timing are spot on. And oh Montrell, my heart. I thought Jaxon was my favorite in this series, but I think Montrell just usurped him. There’s family intrigue, diabolical betrayal, mean girl academy bullshit, teacher/student machinations, love, envy, geez, you name it and Ms. Briar managed to weave it into the plot.
Do I recommend this book? Oh hell yeah. But read the series. In order. You’ll thank me for it.
February 20, 2024
Dnf! 45%!
This series and the one I read just before ARE THE EXACT SAME FRIGGIN STORY!
I held out hope but it's the same thing.
Dragon queen. Didn't know about supernaturals.
Blah blah blah mates.....
Boring.
This series and the one I read just before ARE THE EXACT SAME FRIGGIN STORY!
I held out hope but it's the same thing.
Dragon queen. Didn't know about supernaturals.
Blah blah blah mates.....
Boring.
January 21, 2025
Another great book. It has me hooked and wanting to read more. That ending!!
November 12, 2020
Gah
Cant believe i have to wait two weeks for the final book come on super naturals speed up time so i get it quicker
If u havent noticed im kinda excited to read the last book soo get your read on
Cant believe i have to wait two weeks for the final book come on super naturals speed up time so i get it quicker
If u havent noticed im kinda excited to read the last book soo get your read on
March 22, 2021
Things are heating up
The trials before the culling are coming up and they are nasty. Isabella's plans are discovered and what role does Montrl play? Can the Tromara be destroyed ?
The trials before the culling are coming up and they are nasty. Isabella's plans are discovered and what role does Montrl play? Can the Tromara be destroyed ?
July 28, 2020
Now have to wait argghhh!
March 3, 2021
Twists and turns
Oh my goodness, what a ride! There were twists and turns aplenty keeping me on the edge of my seat. I’m immediately diving into book 4! Sleep and life can wait!
Oh my goodness, what a ride! There were twists and turns aplenty keeping me on the edge of my seat. I’m immediately diving into book 4! Sleep and life can wait!
July 19, 2020
Well that was fun
I really enjoy this series its fun alil evil lol love the guys and of course the leading lady can't wait to read more
I really enjoy this series its fun alil evil lol love the guys and of course the leading lady can't wait to read more
February 23, 2021
Great series
I'm really enjoying this series so far. I'm sure the last book won't disappoint. I love reading about a strong female character especially one that has empathy for others
I'm really enjoying this series so far. I'm sure the last book won't disappoint. I love reading about a strong female character especially one that has empathy for others
July 12, 2020
Wow
Caprice had het hands full. With her three mates and the school to survive she needs to madness it work. Butt with the new light shredded towards the council, things will get bad
Caprice had het hands full. With her three mates and the school to survive she needs to madness it work. Butt with the new light shredded towards the council, things will get bad
June 29, 2020
What a wonderful read this was.
Love how well fleshed out the characters are and how well the banter flows between them.
Excellent plot and story line that kept me engaged from the start.
Wonderful world building that enhances the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
I received an ARC from booksprout and this is my honest voluntary review.
Love how well fleshed out the characters are and how well the banter flows between them.
Excellent plot and story line that kept me engaged from the start.
Wonderful world building that enhances the story.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
I received an ARC from booksprout and this is my honest voluntary review.
June 17, 2020
Well rounded and dynamic characters and the action packed plot make this story a page turner. There is great chemistry between Caprice and her men. This is well written and has made me excited for the next book.
June 21, 2020
Twists
Characters that stand on their own; keeps our heroine on her toes. It’s not always clear who she can trust or should trust and refreshing to watch her figure out. A great read; chardly wait for book 4.
Characters that stand on their own; keeps our heroine on her toes. It’s not always clear who she can trust or should trust and refreshing to watch her figure out. A great read; chardly wait for book 4.
June 16, 2020
Book 3 keeps the action going!💕 This series is so well written and the characters are dynamic and have great chemisrty ive enjoyed the journey so far and look forward to book 4!💕
March 17, 2026
4.5⭐|2🌶|6%🌶frequency
You know when there is a point in a story where they have a solution for the problem and start winning? Yeah? Good, but that's not what happens in this story 🙈 I just say there are SOOOO many intrigues and betrayals 😱 The twists just get through against you while reading. I didn't get any of them. I'm still flabbergasted. My mind got blown away 🤯 I hope I'll find it again 🙈🤣
Again, it's really hard to say more, because everything would be a spoiler. It's already almost impossible (at least for me) to pick favorite quotes. That won't say the book is bad! It's just that I can't pick something that would give anything away.
I try to be better with the last book, but I'm already afraid it won't help.
And I have to make it short here, because, holy crap, this ending, I really need book 4 right away.
Does this review suck? Maybe, but it is how it is. Hopefully, it'll just bring attention to this series, and you want to give it a try 🤞
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
You know when there is a point in a story where they have a solution for the problem and start winning? Yeah? Good, but that's not what happens in this story 🙈 I just say there are SOOOO many intrigues and betrayals 😱 The twists just get through against you while reading. I didn't get any of them. I'm still flabbergasted. My mind got blown away 🤯 I hope I'll find it again 🙈🤣
Again, it's really hard to say more, because everything would be a spoiler. It's already almost impossible (at least for me) to pick favorite quotes. That won't say the book is bad! It's just that I can't pick something that would give anything away.
I try to be better with the last book, but I'm already afraid it won't help.
And I have to make it short here, because, holy crap, this ending, I really need book 4 right away.
Does this review suck? Maybe, but it is how it is. Hopefully, it'll just bring attention to this series, and you want to give it a try 🤞
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
July 22, 2022
This book series has definitely gotten better as it goes.
For the first two books, I've definitely felt like the supernatural "good guys" in the world Caprice has stumbled into are not very "good."
In this book, we find out that the Tromara and the Queen / Council has been on the same side THE WHOLE TIME.
Not only that, but the students chosen for the Culling have always been chosen because of their rebellious tendencies. When we get to the trials, it was giving me very Divergent vibes.
I'm pretty impressed by Dragon powers overall too. Caprice is easy to sympathize with, and I'm glad she has held her own this whole time.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
For the first two books, I've definitely felt like the supernatural "good guys" in the world Caprice has stumbled into are not very "good."
In this book, we find out that the Tromara and the Queen / Council has been on the same side THE WHOLE TIME.
Not only that, but the students chosen for the Culling have always been chosen because of their rebellious tendencies. When we get to the trials, it was giving me very Divergent vibes.
I'm pretty impressed by Dragon powers overall too. Caprice is easy to sympathize with, and I'm glad she has held her own this whole time.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
I Absolutley loved these Books
I read all four books back to back, i couldn't put them down.
I had to know what happened next, giving worred glances at the percentage left on each book as i followed Caprice on this exciting adventure.
Full of mysteries and reveals, heart and humour, frightning and heartbreaking situations. Cassia Briar wove an inticate and compelling tale of a young woman finding her strength, learning to believe in herself and of course learning just how Bada** she really is. Including hot steamy mates, new friendships and old. This whole series has became one of my favorites.
As this review covers all four books i won't give away any plot points or spoilers but i will highly recomend this Author and this series.
I read all four books back to back, i couldn't put them down.
I had to know what happened next, giving worred glances at the percentage left on each book as i followed Caprice on this exciting adventure.
Full of mysteries and reveals, heart and humour, frightning and heartbreaking situations. Cassia Briar wove an inticate and compelling tale of a young woman finding her strength, learning to believe in herself and of course learning just how Bada** she really is. Including hot steamy mates, new friendships and old. This whole series has became one of my favorites.
As this review covers all four books i won't give away any plot points or spoilers but i will highly recomend this Author and this series.
August 17, 2021
Academy Obscura - The Searing Trials: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance
OMG 😱 !!!! There is so much going on, tons of plot twists that clear up some of the prior terrible decisions of main characters!
I cannot believe the deceit going on within families…smh 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ the book captured me right back in and I cant wait to read the next book! Thank goodness this series is completed or I would of freaked on the wait from cliffhanger……
I definitely recommend this book!!!
OMG 😱 !!!! There is so much going on, tons of plot twists that clear up some of the prior terrible decisions of main characters!
I cannot believe the deceit going on within families…smh 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ the book captured me right back in and I cant wait to read the next book! Thank goodness this series is completed or I would of freaked on the wait from cliffhanger……
I definitely recommend this book!!!
December 29, 2021
fantastic
Love this series! This book we see it all come to head, the lies and untruths unravel. There are lots of action - steamy or otherwise.
New alliances arise.
It’s honestly fantastic- I couldn’t put it down until the last word. I’ve already downloaded the next book in this series and can’t wait to get stuck in
Love this series! This book we see it all come to head, the lies and untruths unravel. There are lots of action - steamy or otherwise.
New alliances arise.
It’s honestly fantastic- I couldn’t put it down until the last word. I’ve already downloaded the next book in this series and can’t wait to get stuck in
August 22, 2025
Same issues I had with the first two books persisted with this one. I did like how there was a dystopian feel to the story though. Like, it was particularly interesting to me since it takes place in like modern USA but there's this secret dystopian society hidden in plain sight. Idk. It was just an interesting idea to me. Liam is still best boy.
February 15, 2026
Spice: 🌶️ x3
‼️ Do not read if you have not read the previous books ‼️ The whole series is available on KU. Plot twists were amazing! My heartached for the FMC so many times. So many more “wow I didn’t expect that” moments. The series just keeps getting better. The relationship just keeps building so much. This one as well ends in a cliffhanger 😡!
‼️ Do not read if you have not read the previous books ‼️ The whole series is available on KU. Plot twists were amazing! My heartached for the FMC so many times. So many more “wow I didn’t expect that” moments. The series just keeps getting better. The relationship just keeps building so much. This one as well ends in a cliffhanger 😡!
August 19, 2026
I am loving this series and I’m thinking about it even when I’m not reading it.
Love the twists and turns I didn’t see coming and the end makes me excited for the next book!!!!!!!
Can’t wait for her to mate with Montrell
Sometimes I confuse Liam and angel tbh
Angel is My least favourite he is so busy to care enough for our girl
Aimes being a good guy kinda I didn’t expect
Love the twists and turns I didn’t see coming and the end makes me excited for the next book!!!!!!!
Can’t wait for her to mate with Montrell
Sometimes I confuse Liam and angel tbh
Angel is My least favourite he is so busy to care enough for our girl
Aimes being a good guy kinda I didn’t expect
April 28, 2025
Couldn't put it down
Third book in a great series. Not often that I chain read a series but this is one. Giving up sleep making do with 4 to 5 hours a night to keep reading. Can't wait to start the next book.
Third book in a great series. Not often that I chain read a series but this is one. Giving up sleep making do with 4 to 5 hours a night to keep reading. Can't wait to start the next book.
January 16, 2021
DNF 43%
April 5, 2021
need the next book
Loving how this story is going! Can't wait to see what happens next. Hoping her last mate is who I want it to be 😁
Loving how this story is going! Can't wait to see what happens next. Hoping her last mate is who I want it to be 😁
June 11, 2021
WHY
I can’t believe I waited SO LONG to read this series!! WHY DID I FREAKING WAIT SO LONG!?! I absolutely love this world!!
I can’t believe I waited SO LONG to read this series!! WHY DID I FREAKING WAIT SO LONG!?! I absolutely love this world!!
March 13, 2022
Wow the action at the end!!!
July 2, 2022
3.5 Stars
February 8, 2024
3.5⭐️ quick read, kept me captivated but I feel all the mates are lacking in connection. It’s not super disappointing which is what i was expecting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews