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Academy Obscura #3

The Searing Trials

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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.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2020

402 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Cassia Briar

26 books464 followers
Hey, 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!

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5 stars
375 (46%)
4 stars
279 (34%)
3 stars
129 (16%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Rose.
457 reviews3 followers
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
Profile Image for Harlequin Madness.
864 reviews22 followers
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.
Profile Image for Angel.
1,189 reviews14 followers
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.
Profile Image for DollyRockerBooksNmore.
276 reviews
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
652 reviews1 follower
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 ?
404 reviews1 follower
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!
56 reviews
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
Profile Image for A E SMITH.
209 reviews
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
Profile Image for Heather Rizkallah.
570 reviews4 followers
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
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
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.
6,491 reviews22 followers
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.
223 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,665 reviews16 followers
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!💕
Profile Image for Leslie R.
448 reviews57 followers
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mandy McKee.
1,226 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,673 reviews2 followers
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!!!
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,528 reviews7 followers
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
Profile Image for Magik.
725 reviews9 followers
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.
9 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Alisha Williams.
Author 90 books1,554 followers
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 😁
Profile Image for Andra Kapule.
553 reviews10 followers
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!!
Profile Image for Miwa.
436 reviews
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.
226 reviews
September 18, 2024
Ganz gute Reihe, aber die wichtigen Szenen wurden so in 2 Seiten abgehakt, der Aufbau dahin waren dafür so das halbe Buch...
Profile Image for Cheyenne Rousseau.
1,513 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2024
Wow

I can not wait to see how this all plays out in the end. I have enjoyed this series so far
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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