Academy 7

by Anne Osterlund

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin -- son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance -- consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship -- and romance -- begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined...

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Dystopia, Teen

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2009

About the author

Anne Osterlund grew up in the sunshine of Eastern Oregon and graduated from Whitworth College. She lives in a cute little yellow house with her best feline friend, Simba, and her own library of young adult books. She enjoys immersing her students in language, literature, and imagination. Anne has written five novels: Aurelia, Exile, Redemption, Academy 7, and Salvation. She has dreams of many more in the future. Unveil the intrigue on her website. www.anneosterlund.com

Reviews

[Tamora Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the cover fool you--and it does, completely. It's science fiction. I think there probably is romance, too, but the science fiction is the main element. The story snaps along. It believably shows how the philosophical split between the brightest students in the ruling stellar government's top academy resulted in revolution, and how their children, all unknowing, must live with the results. There's plenty to think about in regard to governments and the governed, and some thought-provoking questions about just what schools teach us.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I enjoyed the writing style in Academy 7. It didn't feel like the typical young adult book - the writing and vocabulary seemed more mature. I also appreciated the subtle building of characters through their actions and dialogue.

The futuristic setting at an elite school and the two well constructed characters, each with different histories, caught my attention immediately. Unfortunately, what goes on between the two of them takes up most of the story. I would have liked to understand more about their world, and to see further development/interaction with secondary characters. On the other hand, this book left me with a clear picture of the characters in mind. They felt very real, each with their own internal struggles.

As I was reading the last couple pages, I couldn't help but imagine a sequel. It seems like the perfect start to a new adventure, now that so much has been discovered. I would definitely not pass that up!

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every young citizen of the Alliance between the ages of sixteen and seventeen is given the Academy Entrance Exam. The results of the test determines which Academy the student will attend. Academy 7 is the most prestigious school in all of the Alliance and only the students with the top 50 scores are invited to attend each year.

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin both receive invitations to Academy 7 and both decide to accept for their own, very different, reasons. Aerin has some deep, dark secrets that could ruin her chances at the Academy and guards herself against exposure by isolating herself from others. She spends her time studying about the politics and history of the Alliance in order to excel in her classes so she can secure a return invitation the next year.

Dane is the son of a very powerful man. Not only is his father a successful General, but he is also on the Council, the small group of people who governs the Alliance. Attending Academy 7 isn’t Dane’s dream, but in order to spite his father, he decides to make the most of his time there. Dane soon excels in his studies and holds the number one position in every class except one - Personal Combat. There is one person that bests him in Combat on a daily basis - Aerin.

After a disciplinary action forces Aerin and Dane to work together, he tries to break through the wall that she has created. Slowly, as they learn more about each other, their secrets come out and, together, they come to terms with their problems.

Anne Osterlund has created an interesting science fiction world for ACADEMY 7. Both Aerin and Dane change and grow throughout the course of the story and witnessing their failures and triumphs is interesting. The story has a satisfying ending and could easily be a stand alone novel, but on the other hand, there are story lines that could definitely continue. We’ll have to wait and see what the author has in mind. Click here to visit her website.

[TheBookSmugglers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers

Since the age of eleven, all Aerin has known is pain and brutality. After their ship crashes on the x-factor planet of Vizhan, Aerin's father - the only family and other person she knows in the entire universe - dies, and Aerin is sold into slavery. Six years have passed since that terrible day, and Aerin has learned to fight, to fend for herself, and, most importantly, how to break free. Making a desperate last gambit for her freedom, Aerin is able to salvage her father's crashed spaceship and escape Vizhan. But escape is only the beginning - and Academy 7 is not about Aerin's daring escape. It is the story of what happens after she is intercepted by an Alliance ship, and she tests into the most prestigious school in the civilized universe.

Like Aerin, Dane Madousin is brilliant and resourceful; unlike Aerin, Dane has grown up with privilege and power (albeit with a controlling, hateful, and abusive family). The son of a powerful Alliance General and Council Member, the roguish Dane has also made the tough academic cut to get into Academy 7 - and it is here Dane and Aerin will meet, where the unlikely pair will become friends, and where they will learn that their pasts intersect in unexpected and tangled ways.

Academy 7 is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading from Anne Osterlund, and holy freaking crap, Han Solo, I loved it. The first thing that needs to be said - and I know every review has pointed this out, but it NEEDS to be emphasized - Academy 7 is a science fiction book. I know, the cover makes it look like a YA boarding school paranormal romance, possibly set in the past (not that there's anything wrong with historical or PNR!), and I get that the publisher wanted to capitalize on Osterlund's brand and made this book look very much like Aurelia and Exile . However, this packaging is incredibly misleading, because (I repeat): this is a science fiction novel. It's not a half-hearted science fiction novel, it's not a fantasy novel with loose SF elements, it is an honest to goodness science fiction novel. With spaceships. And different planets. And souped up technology (ok, mostly science fantasy technology, but don't let that put you off).

Now that we've got genre classification out of the way, on to the good stuff - the story proper, and the wonderful dual protagonists. I love the actual writing style and plot of Academy 7 - yes, this is a book set in a boarding school (think more Hogwarts than Vampire Academy), but it is an incredibly competitive and selective academy that has nothing to do with one's birthright or money and everything to do with one's scholastic aptitude. And, as luck would have it, the two top students in the school are our main characters, Aerin and Dane, who vie for the top marks in all of their classes. I love that the two are not thrown into insta-love/super-magnetic-attraction mode when they first lay eyes on each other, and they become gradual confidants and friends - with romance only coming much, much later as a slow-simmering build up. Even better than that, Aerin and Dane are separate people, that exist and breathe and come to life outside of a relationship with each other - I love the fire of Aerin's convictions and her opinions about intergalactic politics and her need to make the most of the chance she's fought so hard for, just as I love Dane's warring desires to do well and defy his family, tempered with timidity of actually breaking away from his family once and for all. We sympathize with Aerin as she grapples with the trauma of her past, the lessons she has taken to heart to survive and finally live as a free woman; we ache with Dane as we learn the truth of his family, and the cruelty of his father and brother. And we are so, so happy when Aerin and Dane find and confide in each other, two lonely souls that are able to find some peace together.

And then there's the actual story and world, too. The plot is surprisingly insular, more about two students trying to find their place in the world than about big action or explosions or conflict (which suits me just fine). The underlying mystery and driving force of the book is Aerin and Dane's relationship, and the secrets that lie in their pasts (and their uniquely intertwined family heritages). From a worldbuilding perspective, there is plenty going on to satiate the keen SFF fan. The universe of the Alliance is one fraught with internal tensions and political complications. The Alliance relies on an idyllic Manifesto that is great in spirit but often conveniently ignored when it comes to tricky situations or economic motivations - turning a blind eye to x-planets like Vizhan and its validation of slavery. There's a cutthroat Trade Union that is amassing power and opposing the Alliance at every turn, and much at stake for the future of intergalactic peace and travel. In the middle of all this turmoil, Aerin, Dane and their fellow cohorts at Academy 7 are being challenged and educated to grapple with these incredible challenges, which is really, really cool.

In terms of shortcomings, I only have a few, very small nitpicks when it comes to Academy 7. Aerin's father's story and the reason for his exile from the Alliance feels a little underdeveloped, and the answers all come very conveniently (via magical hologram/simulator technology, no less). The writing leans a little towards the overwrought end of the spectrum. Finally, so much of the action happens off screen, related in class lessons or simulations - and that's all fine and good, I do wish that there was more going on in realtime with Aerin and Dane.

All things said, I truly loved this book. Academy 7 is a great choice for readers who might be a little tentative to dip their toes into the science fiction genre - but it's also a great book for longstanding fans of SF, too. All in all, I loved this book and absolutely recommend it as a notable read of 2013.

(So...I'm guessing Aurelia is worth the time and money? I'm excited to read more of Anne Osterlund's work - if you've read her books, please let me know!)

[jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was really good (though i noticed that i change the rating on this book a lot of times). i read it in one sitting that's how much it captivated my interest. there wasn't much action or suspense though. but that was ok. there are some really interesting debate scenes though, which gives the reader food for thought.

i was a little disappointed that the main characters were the only ones who were fleshed out. i would have liked to read more pages dedicated to dane's dad for example. while it is explained why he did what he did (no spoilers, right?), because his wife died, it wasn't enough for me. but that's probably only me ...

the main characters were fully developed. unfortunately, i had a hard time imagining some things, like how does this planet look like? more like a plain, cold laboratory look with some plants here and there?

and yes, i agree with those who think the book cover doesn't completely fit with the story itself.

i liked the fact that although the focus lies on romance, it didn't overwhelm the story at all. they didn't fall in love at first sight. not at second or third sight either, for that matter. many authors tend to write about characters which instantly fall in love, especially in the ya-genre. first it was suspicion and curiosity between those two. then respect and care. at last came affection and with that the love they felt for each other. it was like watching a pumpkin grow.







from
     equilibrium,
     minority report,
     the golden compass

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one thing I hate about this book: it's too damn short! I could have kept on reading Academy 7 for another 500 pages - it was just that good.

Don't be fooled by the cover: Academy 7 is Science Fiction YA. But like all good Science Fiction it is about so much more than space, it's about character. And even while it is all about character, it's also about politics, and intelligence, and standing up and thinking for yourself. Academy 7 managed to weave a complex world behind the main narrative - a world both believable and intriguing that would have kept me hooked even if I hadn't liked the main story. It's part what makes any book great, but in Academy 7 it is what made it brilliant.

While there was a romance between the two main characters - Aerin and Dane - Academy 7 wasn't about them getting together... it was about them getting over the misery that had been their lives. Both Aerin and Dane reminded me, in a way, of Katniss from The Hunger Games. Neither one of them wanted to open up to each other, but life brought them together to do just that. I love it when characters need to overcome real emotional obstacles... when their bond with another character develops out of the mistrust that everyone feels for strangers. Aerin and Dane were complex individuals, and watching them grow together was just beautiful...

I also loved how intellectual this book was. Academy 7 is an institute that brings together the brightest minds in the galaxy, and it shows. Aerin and Dane are there because of their extraordinary intelligence, and Anne Osterlund lets it shine through the pages.

In case you hadn't gathered, I just loved this book. There were a few flaws, mainly due to the short length of the novel. I think Anne Osterlund had enough plot to fill at least 100 more pages and it was a shame to see some pretty key scenes rushed into a few pages. But the somewhat-uneven pacing is not enough to distract from the sheer brilliance of this novel.

Bottom line? Academy 7 is a stunning, emotional, and realistic novel. I adored the characters, the verse, and - hell - even the villains. When I say YA fiction can be astounding, this is the type of novel I'm talking about!

http://deadbookdarling.blogspot.com/2...

[Reynje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Academy 7 was a step outside of my usual reading tastes, but one I’m glad I took. I am all about expanding my book horizons, these days.

The story revolves around two central characters, Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin, who initially manifest with distinct polarity. Aerin is an orphaned fugitive, making a desperate escape from years of slavery on a despotic planet that has cast off technology and progress in favour of cruelty and “culling”. Dane is the son of a decorated military general, a gifted and stubborn young man dogged by family discord and public notoriety. Both become students at the illustrious Academy 7, the educational pride of the Alliance, to discover that their lives are inexplicably linked, and may harbour a secret with universal (tee-hee) ramifications.

Before I began reading, I’ll admit that I was expecting heavy science fiction with the kind of world building and technological detail that tends to go flying over my head. I was uncertain whether this would be the type of book I could connect with, or derive enjoyment from reading. Happily, I did both.

In Aerin and Dane, Osterlund has created two strong and complex characters, who carry the story admirably. It would have been easy for them to slip into cliché or archetypical territory – the “strong female” and her “cocky male” counterpart. However, the attention to detail and the carefully constructed back stories of both Aerin and Dane render them more nuanced, giving their personalities and actions a believable context.

In an early scene where Aerin (formidable in physical combat, reticent in social situations) faces off in a debate with one of her instructors, her intensity of character really shines. As a young woman who has fought for survival, is concealing her true identity, and is driven by strongly entrenched personal principles, she is an interesting and compelling character. Likewise, while Dane initially appears to be self-indulgent and arrogant by means of his position, Osterlund doesn’t play to the stereotype, and gradually deconstructs his facade to reveal a troubled history and complicated situation in life. Despite the differences in their lives, there is a certain affinity between the convictions they hold and the sense of personal alienation that surrounds them. In terms of the relationship between the characters, there is more a hint of romance as opposed to a deluge of it. While the connection Dane and Aerin form is central to the story and takes up a large part of the plot, it is more based around the development of mutual trust and understanding.

Academy 7 raises some interesting questions about war, abuse and freedom, the misuse of power and words vs action as a force for change. There are no answers in the text – the issues are put to the reader in a manner mirroring the academy’s debate classes, in that Osterlund poses some thought-provoking points through the set up of her universe and leaves these open to discussion, to be argued by the reader. In this sense, the story had a topical relevance I was not expecting, and I felt it strengthened the story.

I did feel the absence of some action during the climax of the novel – much of the intensity is internal and the actual conflict takes place a little “off-page”. It’s not a major complaint, but I suppose I just wanted more of everything, wanted the culmination of the story to be amplified, wanted to be more present in the moment, wanted to see more of the universe. However, the tension is well-done, and the novel sustains a brisk pace, suspenseful and tight as Aerin and Dane come closer and closer to uncovering the truth.

The writing is quite descriptive and dense in parts, but I feel that this gives the book a vivid feel that suits the style and genre of the story. It’s an interesting book to visualise, given the scope of the world and the variation in the planets and their social systems. As mentioned previously, I would definitely have liked to see this explored further. (Although granted, there is limited space for that within one book.)

Overall, while not wowed, I was entertained by Academy 7. It’s a solid story with interesting characters and a setting that’s both imaginative and familiar.

Also, there are lasers :)

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey of two young people on the threshold of adulthood! Thank you, joE mo, for listing this as one of your all-time favorites. I would not have seen this author otherwise.

Set in a futuristic society similar to Earth, Aerin Renning is a seventeen-year-old orphan trying not to appear needy. Her past is murky when she is saved by a captain of the Alliance. He tests her without her knowledge and sends off for the results. Because of her high scores she receives an all-paid admission into The elite school with a capital T: Academy 7.

Dane Madousin is on the other end of the scale. Born into a priviledged family, schooled by some of the best, he seeks application to the Academy 7 as a means to get back at this father, the well-known and popular General Madousin. He is accepted because of his marks but knows it is only for a short time. His father hates the school for some reason. Dane realizes that he will be pulled out as soon as the man returns from a mission The Council has sent him on.

From there, the adventure for these two begins. The author does a great job of pulling you in. I started this book one evening and finished it the next day. If I didn't require some sleep I would have finished it that night.

Though I would have liked to know a bit more about some of the secondary characters, Aerin's and Dane's dispositions were explained completely by the end of the book. You knew why they behaved the way they did. A clean romance, this story was refreshing. Did fate take over their lives? Only you will be able to determine that.

Lastly, let me say that it was so nice that the author didn't make it necessary to read a sequel, trilogy or series to continue the storyline. I will look for more stories by this author.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Is the cover misleading or what? LOL It's definitely a sort of science fiction romance book but it is definitely not how the cover portrays the book. I think this might the only science fiction book that didn't confuse me with a bunch of terms!

1. I love Aerin and Dane's relationship. They don't fall in love right away like most teens in young adult books. They both have special abilities that the other doesn't have which is nice. They sort of complete each other (like a puzzle piece) :D
2. I like how the author interchanges between the perspectives of both characters but does it in such a subtle way. You can definitely tell who's talking but it's not like blatantly announcing as the title that Aerin is talking or Dane is talking.
3. The terms were not too hard to follow. In a lot of sci fi books, I just get bored because all of the terms just confuse me. But this one didn't! (:
4. I like how for most of the book, it's very mysterious. You don't get a lot of info on the characters but slowly, the details unfurl and in the end, you're left going "ohhhhhhhh so that's what happened"
5. Aerin is definitely a strong female lead (which I love!) She's not a damsel in distress. She can KICK BUTT (literally! LOL)
6. I also love the depth behind the characters. They both have secrets that they're unwilling to tell and they're f;awed, like real people.
7. Computer hacking and combat fighting. I want to go to Academy 7 >_______>

Overall, an amazing unexpected read that I flew through. Absolutely loved it! GO GO GO GO check it out.

[Sherwood Smith]

Finished last night. I so would have loved this book as a teen: a boy and girl, both brilliant, both driven to excel, in competition then driven toward friendship because of desperate circumstances.

As an adult reader I could have wished for more resolution, though if this is the first book of a series (and I hope it is) the open threads are understandable. I also wish I could have seen more of the school. The story really focused in on Aerin and Dane and their problems--but one of the joys of school stories (especially special schools) is kid dynamics. We really only saw the one obnoxious girl.

Small creebs, though. The gradual truth unfolding about their families was well handled, the climax quite exciting. And I thought Dane and Aerin quite well done. The surprise about her was very poignant. (See above about hoping there are more books in this story.)

[Estara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended specifically by this review: http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/01/b...
----
Huge Spoilers of Frustration!
__________

Well, it doesn't happen often that I so totally disagree with a Booksmuggler review, but I have to admit reading this book left me wondering if we had been reading two different ones.

My first little hiccup, being a very visual reader, was the overuse of adjectives in the first pages of the story (this habit mostly stops once we get to the school) - when the author talks about the round fingertips of the captain I was wondering why it had to be explained and whether the other people had rectangular ones.

When Aerin opened or closed her protective lid, I was wondering if it was a genetic modification or she had alien blood or whatever.

Getting past those little niggles down the back, the beginning was terrifically dramatic until Aerin gets taken on by that starship and seems to see no one important except the captain. At least that's the only soul I'm introduced to on this ship. This proves typical for the book - a huge amount of plot is brushed by or told and not shown, in order to get to the stuff that interests the author more. That doesn't work for me so well.

So Aerin remains consistently on her toes and just wants to grab her chance at this top school of the universe (which has been suffering from reduced funding for years which is why one of the punishments is cleaning and repairing stuff - but they do have high end computers... - and they have the best knowledge library in the world we find out, you know ... - and they have the most advanced holographic system except for one other planet where the creator installed it to impress the leaders of that world with taking care of the beauty there and they did... - while that young woman was still a young postgrad... and in connection with the computer knowledge base it can show you the past, even in places that would not have a camera installed... bzzzuh?)

I amalgamated info from various bits in the novel about that particular spire - and two students created the outward security system! because they were the best students! and it was to deter others to get inside, but really there is also an elevator! but no one knows this except the creating students! because of course the money was given... by whom? The Academy? The government? Are you sure they wouldn't have wanted blueprints with an investment like that at the time, even if they thought those four young people the future of the Alliance? Only four? How big is that Alliance anyway?

To get back to Aerin - initially she is consistent and the way she is introduced to Daine and vice versa, the way their initial connection develops makes sense for both. The debating class really worked for me, showing how Daine can dominate there. Which is important as he initially comes across as somewhat beleagured but also spoilt - but that is shown not to be true.

And this is where I go bzzuh again, because the next few hundred pages are mostly Daine manpain (deserved and hard to swallow) and his development. Aerin is just his foil to explore his past and look at his life differently. Daine and Aerin are the viewpoint characters - except for ONE outside point of the Director of the Adademy, which if you ask me could have been equally well shown by overhearing her talking to someone and gives away that she's more important than anybody else in the book.

There's the abuse Daine gets from his dad (but in the flashback his dad is heroic!) and his brother, who never touches him but seems to be the reason why his dad hits him. Why? We never explore that (oh right, this is a series - and if actually Daine is more important, of course we'll see that explored some more, after all it is DAINE's father who runs the military in the Alliance - Aerin's parents are both dead and both had lost any outward influence before then).

And, you know, Aerin's father - so he goes out on his own after disagreeing with his BFF at the academy and manages SINGLEHANDEDLY in his 20s to get a whole PLANET to raise up against its king and try to become a democracy. But he's too stupid to realise this might bring upheaval which is why his wife (the princess, who fell for him and was cast off by her father, of course) gets strung up. Bzzzuh?? Did they not teach history at their Academy 7? Because Aerin, Daine and their agemates at least discuss politics - and what good is that if you don't understand where the resentments come from?

And wile the Booksmugglers wondered about the cover, I had the feeling that the bit on Daine's homeplanet and the development of Daine and Aerin's romance was a lot like that stereotypical historical romance cover, really. Especially the less agency Aerin got, only supporting Daine's discoveries and questions with her leet computer skills.

At the end, when the mystery of Aerin's parents (with magical holographic transcript of the important bits) gets explored, she gets more focus again. But it really wasn't the book I had expected and I won't follow this story again.

Sherwood Smith and the Booksmugglers both saw something of value in this, and I didn't - so YMMV.

Re: Ala's question abou the Setari vibe: since only one female and seductively scheming stereotype of an agemate in their yeargroup ever gets any screentime, you can definitely not compare the students of this Academy with the Setari.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometime in the unidentified future, a consortium of planets known as the Alliance runs the universe. Led by the a group of appointed leaders known as the Council, the Alliance enforces a charter designed to encourage peace, harmony and unity among the planets -- that is, when politics doesn't get in the way.

Sound familiar? Probably: because Gene Roddenberry created a little something like it called Star Trek more than half a century ago.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Anne Osterlund is gushing her heart out. Sadly, the effort falls flat.

While many science fiction books --and Star Trek itself-- eschew any explanation of the time-space logistics involved in interplanetary travel, the omission depends on excellent storytelling. In other words, the story must fill the gap left by the scientific exclusion. Gene Roddenberry does this with finesse. Anne Osterlund does not.

Really, Academy 7 is nothing more than a teen romance set in "space" -- where "space" is a planet exactly like Earth. None of the characters differs in any way from a typical human; indeed, the characters are so archetypally human that it renders the entire story's space setting moot.

What's upsetting is that the story's basic plot --that of a former slave invited to attend the universe's most elite academic academy, where she meets the abused son of the Alliance's most powerful general-- could have been quite interesting in more competent hands. With better writing, this book could have had a lot to say about governance and the powerless (including the effects of child abuse). Unfortunately, the writing embraces Harlequin rather than Tor, so there is no redeeming quality to the book -- at all.

For teens who enjoy futuristic plots with a little romance --a la The Hunger Games, Enclave, Under the Never Sky or even Gone-- Academy 7 is a waste of a read.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually a science fiction literature fan, but Academy 7 has become an exception. Contrary to their futuristic setting the characters are easily relatable to today’s teen. They have many of the same struggles, dreams and desires. Aerin and Dane were well developed and captivating characters to read about.

From the synopsis I was expecting more sinister plot twist than what the story ultimately revealed, but I still really enjoyed the seamlessly intertwined plot that Osterlund surprised me with. The subtle releases of the Aerin and Dane’s backgrounds had me frantically flipping the pages to find out the connection.

I was absolutely intrigued by the world Osterlund created. I might just have to change my outlook on Sci-fi. This was just a fantastic novel all around. I’ll be on the look out for more novels by Osterlund.

[Elevetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

While objectively not perhaps worthy of 5 stars, I still do love this rather a lot. It does leave a lot to be desired as far as backstory, more in-depth plot, and a resolved ending. However, for what it is, it definitely still held up for me. I almost think it should be marketed as a novella, because it reads a lot like one.

Fan Mix

1.All I need (Within Temptation) - Aerin
2. Be Still (The Fray) - Dane’s POV
3.In My Veins (Andrew Belle ft. Erin Mcarly) - Dane's POV & Aerin
4.Lifeline (Mat Kearney) - Aerin & Dane
5.Open up your eyes (Daughtry) - Aerin
6. Save You (Simple Plan) - Dane’s POV

[Sophia Sardothien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty surprise when I found out this is a sci-Fi novel. It was a fun entertaining read but wasn't the best. The romance was not INSTA love which I really appreciate however it was a little bit too slow xD

[Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few.... perhaps only (my memory really sucks sometimes) science fiction books I've read. And loved every page of it. The cover art and synopsis don't really give much indication that this book is science fiction, but whether you're a sci-fi or not, this is a book for every fan of YA.

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin are invited to attend the most-exclusive school in the Universe: Academy 7. They accept the honour, but both are running or hiding away from something - .harbouring painful secrets which they've tightly wrapped in an iron-clad prison around their hearts that in the end, can only be unlocked by each other.

Aerin desperately needs to blend in among the other citizens of the Alliance and hide the dark past she's running from. For a girl of such a young age, the past 6 years of her life have been a horrific ordeal. She can't afford to be found out, the consequences are extreme. But then, she didn't count on ever befriending Dane Madousin.

Dane is the son of the the General of the Alliance. Meaning his father is verrrry powerful. The father and son do not get along and despite Academy 7 having it's awe-inspired reputation, the General is furious when he learns Dane has accepted the invitation and is already a few weeks into his education. He has a bad grudge against the school for some unknown reason, something that adds to the developing mystery. Aerin and Dane quickly lead the pack among the students in terms of academics. The pair absolutely wipe the floor of any competition in combat class. Aerin in particular polishes that floor of Dane ;) That is one girl you do not want to mess with in a dark alley. It's no surprise they're paired up to be training partners.

Aerin is extraordinarily talented, her intelligence and fighting abilities far outstrip the majority of her classmates. But there's the times where she is absolutely clueless. In Debate particularly, Dane trumps her. Simple historical facts and that she didn't even know how to turn on a computer, when five minutes later she bypassed the entire security system on the very same computer. Dane notices and it's not too long after that he uncovers part of her secret.

The mystery develops at a comfortable pace. Anne Osterlund sprinkles clues along at various intervals - actually, I remember something she wrote about Aerin from Dane's POV, which I thought nothing of until we see a memory (called a Simulation) near the end of the book and literally a few pages before something big is revealed I had my "AH HA!" moment where I remembered what Dane observed early on and I was spot on. Okay, I'm making a big deal over nothing. It was one-word clue. But... I still figured it out before it was revealed :)

What I loved the most about Academy 7 was the relationship between Aerin and Dane. In a genre where there are quite a few books I've read where the girl and guy fall head over heels in love with each other before the 5th chapter, the pace and realism of which Aerin and Dane's relationship progressed was really nice. The transition from dislike, to rivals, to tentative friends, to a beautiful friendship hinting at something more to... well, I don't want to spoil the ending for you! Don't dive into this book expecting an explosive, hot and heavy romance. It's not that, it's much deeper. I love the way their connection to one another unfolds. At times it seems so fragile because the characters themselves are fragile, yet at the same time, they're incredibly strong. Much stronger than any of their classmates. Physically and emotionally.

They need one another to unlock the mystery of the past, their parents and what's really going on outside the Alliance. Along the way they learn to trust, to open the window to their souls so they other can see in. I loved the way it progressed and the ending was perfect. I am really, really, really hoping there's a book 2. I did a quick search on Google and read something about a possible trilogy, but nothing definite. A trilogy would be fantastic - a book for each year at the Academy? I want to see Aerin and Dane's story further explored!

I will definitely be checking out Anne's other books!

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at PaperbackWonderland

This was quite the addictive story.
Set in a futuristic sci-fi future, in which space is used just like any other road, spaceships are as common as cars are in our days, and education is considered fundamental in the development of humankind's future (someone should give this book to the Portuguese education minister...).

There is a lot of messages in this book, notwithstanding the power of education, and friendship.
Do not think however, that this ends up being preachy or boring. It doesn't!
The narrative is fluid, and its plot had me completely engaged.

In fact this "academy 7" concept left me with the feeling that this could be the dream of many teachers....well, at least the ones that care...
A place that thrives in creating leaders. People with ideas and ideals...

Although set in a distant future, I felt like I could relate to the characters...they had problems and situations to conquer and deal with, just like the rest of us.

The main characters, Dane and Aerin were complex intelligent characters, whose growth one accompanies throughout the book. I loved that.
They're not ya stereotypical teenagers.

There's a budding romance in the story, but do not expect it to take over the book. If some may dislike this aspect, I found it realistic and appropriate considering what the characters had gone through in the past. In this story, there's no romance created in order to disguise the lack of plot!!

So yes, I'm happy I read it :)
My only question is......:
For when a sequel????? lol


Oh, and this could have been my first Anne Osterlund book, but it definitely won't be my last!!

[Libro Joven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instructions to prepare an Academy 7 à l’orange:

-Take one really fresh Harry Potter and spread it over one cover. Make sure it is absolutely clean of Voldemorts and Prophecies.

-Spread over that a ripe Star Wars. It must have a good dose of spaceships, or else the dish wouldn’t be tasteful. Take away from it the Jedi and the Prophecies, and spread over that a very juicy Anakin Skywalker. It would be better if it was one taken from Attack of the Clones: young, very handsome, a little know-it-all, without a dark side (or black masks whatsoever) and with a love for fast flying. Dye his hair black.

-Last, but not least, sprinkle a little spoon of Romeo and Juliet, but it must be really (I mean it: really) calorie-free and tragedy-free.

-Turn it a couple of times in a frying pan, and let it rest in a fresh and dry place.

-Serve really cool in the afternoon, with an orange juice and preferably outside.

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this years ago, and I can't remember a damn thing, so I guess that's an "It's ok."

[Elizabeth Aguilar · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[Arminzerella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aerin Renning doesn’t really know anything about her past, but when she is accepted into the elite Academy 7, she fears that her coming from outside of the Alliance will give the school a reason to send her back to the slave planet she escaped from. At the Academy, she meets Dane Madousin, the rich, handsome, privileged (and reckless) son of General Madousin. Dane’s father is a cruel, sadistic man who blames Dane for the loss of his wife, and takes his anger and frustration out on him physically. The General tries to pull Dane out of the Academy, but the head of the school refuses to allow it. Dane, expecting the worst, inadvertently gets Aerin in trouble and the two are thrown together as part of their punishment. They’re both brilliant students, but Dane excels in debate, while Aerin excels in physical combat. They combine forces and learn to work together, becoming friends in the process, and eventually they reveal their deepest fears and secrets. Aerin learns that her father was once a student at the Academy and that all of the information about him in the Academy’s database is classified. She and Dane make it their mission to uncover the truth about their pasts and those of their parents by breaking into the Spindle (where the Academy houses its most secret information) – even if it means their expulsion from the Academy.

I liked this book, but I often wished for more details as I was reading it. Aerin and Dane’s world could have been a much richer place, and their characters more vibrant had the author really made an effort to build up their world and bring them to life. Most teen readers probably won’t be disappointed by the lack of information - the story is strong enough to hold their attention, and it’s a good and brief introduction to the science fiction genre. Those already familiar with sci-fi will probably long, as I did, for a richer experience.

[Mav · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first heard about Academy 7 through a blog review, which was overwhelmingly positive. A YA SF Romance? I'm in. I finally got the book, after some delays, and found myself disappointed.

First off, I'm not entirely sure whether to call this a SF Romance, or a Romantic SF. Normally, the genre labels wouldn't matter because YA is an all encompassing "genre". But the difference in labels matters to me because they raise you entirely two different set of expectations.

On the SF side, the world building is severely lacking. I have trouble believing in this world. There's the time issue. Space travel across universes is possible, but everything is talked about in days. Also, the academies. Are these high schools? Colleges? How does the education system work? Why are the protagonists all 17 when they start Academy 7? And why are there only 7 academies in this entire nation-universe?

As for the romance, while I'm glad that its a pair that respect each other, I'm not feeling the chemistry. Most of the conflict depends on them keeping secrets and their families and the council keeping secrets, which is sort of interesting...except everything is entirely too convenient. The simulator is just way too convenient. How in the world did it get all that data?

Which all brings me back to trying to decide whether the book was a SF romance or a romantic SF. From the blurb, you can pretty much figure out where the relationship is going to end up. The plot concerning the council's secrets got more emphasis in the plot though, and was resolved pretty quickly, leaving us with the typical romance ending.

Maybe I'm being too harsh. Perhaps I've read too much SF&F and expect too much worldbuilding from a YA novel. Perhaps I've read too many YA and SF&F books where the romance isn't the focus, but gosh, was a lot better written.

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the futuristic world, where life is not restricted to one planet only but extends to other planets as well, this is a blend of science fiction, romance and mystery.

It narrates the story of Aerin Renning, a girl with a tough past and Dane Madousin, a boy with a lot to live up to. There story seamlessly merges with the fictitious world the author has created, that you are drawn into.

It is confusing in the beginning but the mind of the reader grasps the concept soon enough, If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be: "Intelligent".

There are a lot of dialogues in the book, conversations, thoughts of our two main characters that are worth reading and understanding.I specifically liked the parts with the debate raging in the classroom. The arguments, though fictitious, have substance and have not been written for the sake of it. You feel as if you are really witnessing a real debate with all the facts and passion fused together.

However, Aerin's initial "response" to Dane was a bit hard to digest, though her initial behavior towards him is understandable in accordance with what she has been through.

Some may find the book a bit slow because some conversations, like the part where Dane teaches Aerin how to form an argument in a debate, are quite unrelated to the plot of the story. However, as I said, these conversations are intelligent and actually helps to understand the bond between Aerin and Dane, which slowly through these conversations blooms. The past of both the characters plays a huge role in the story's outcome and the ending was quite explosive and a bit heart wrenching too.

I would advice the readers to read Academy 7 without any other book lined up to distract them.

In one line, the fictitious world of Academy 7 is worth diving into.

[geekgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Posted on my blog here

This was a great read! Don't let the cover fool you (this coming from a self-proclaimed Cover-Judger), it's not what it appears to be. It appears to be a (possibly) historical-type romance. In actuality, it's a gripping science-fiction adventure.

This was thrilling and I loved it.

The characters come from completely different worlds--Aerin, an on-the-run ex-slave, and Dane, an unloved second son to a very wealthy and powerful man.

Against all odds, both Aerin and Dane end up at Academy 7, a school revered above all others in the universe, where leaders are created. Neither feels like they belong...but someone at the Academy wants to keep a close eye on them, and they are thrown together. And they both begin to unravel the secrets of their pasts.

I adored this book. It was exciting and fast-paced and I'm a closet sci-fi addict, so I loved that aspect of it.

I also loved the idea of two outsiders coming together, and creating something for themselves.

Loved it!
-geekgirl

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for enjoyment, though the story itself was rather slight. I would've loved this as a full blown school story! I loved how they were taught and the glimpses we had of the teachers. There just wasn't enough of that.

And the romance was also pretty slight, which was disappointing because it's totally my kind of ship.

Might check out more by the author.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this on a list of must-read y/a scifi along with a number I have read and liked, so thought I'd give it a try and found that I liked it.

In the epilogue, Aeren Renning is in a battered space ship sending out a distress call when she is rescued by a new ship. She has had many tragedies, etc, in her past, but gets tested and placed into the top school (yes, another brilliant female scifi protagonist, but I have to say I enjoy this--and she's no wuss, either, but flawed enough to make her a good female POV). This is a romance, and the male POV is Dane Madousin, the son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance, but all is not well on the home front, to put it mildly. You guessed it--he also tests into the school and goes, sure that his father will pull him out so he can get him back under his thumb.

The blurb says more, and as a romance at least one thing is predictable, but there is a good tale along the way with character growth, etc.

[Jade Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I will start the book by pointing out to confused readers that despite the absolutely gorgeous cover suggests, this book is not a contemporary/historical novel. On the contrary, it is set very far into the future, though the exact date is never stated. The book also suggests that romance plays a massive part in the novel, an idea I disagree on.

I have a thing about books with spaceships and planets and space and stuff. I really do, I actually originally ordered this book thinking it was historical and didn't realise my mistake until it arrived. Well, not mistake... I loved it! As I neglected reading the blurb when it arrived and just dived right into it, I read a few pages and though- hey... this isn't right! But I carried on reading and after an uncomfortable first chapter, I settled right into this book. One thing I will say is that the first few chapters are a little boring... but after that the story got fantastic.

The characters are one thing I have to comment on. Our two main characters are Aerin and Dane. Aerin is a brilliant fugitive who just tries to stay unnoticed and Dane is the equally rich boy who won't let her do that. Aerin is lovely, she is shy but opinionated, stubborn. She makes the wrong decisions sometimes but not in a stupid way. We all make mistakes, don't we, and it makes her a little more believable. Dane is believable as a bit of a snob to start with, but we see him change and I enjoyed his transition. Sounds like a fuzzy romance story? I think not. There is of course, some romance, but it is very subtle in the way that you know it's there but it is soft and develops slowly and doesn't really fully develop until the last chapter or so. I like that as I have been reading so many books with a fast developing romance I needed this! The romance was written absolutely perfectly, as were the characters.

The plot is great as well, though the book is set far into the future, when humans inhabit faraway planets and skip from one to the next so easily, you can relate the political problems to todays world in a way that makes the reader almost uncomfortable. We see X grade planets being ignored because they aren't important enough, despite the slavery going on in them, and we hear of the brutality first hand from Aerin. I loved the development of the stories, the plot turns and twists until you don't know what will happen, and while there really is no *big* climax, because the novel is soft all the way through (and by soft I don't in any way mean it is an easy read, just the tone and pacing), the fact that no massive event happens doesn't really matter.
And what can I say for the ending without spoiling it? One of the best endings ever.

My only flaw with this book is the cover. It's misleading! (sadness!)

I adored this book, its quick and paced so well! The characters are perfect, the plot is perfect!

5/5

[Debrarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this book began as a 3 but lost momentum and coherence by the end. I'd give it a 2.5. The main characters were likable but patchily developed; I was happy the scarred, scrappy heroine and sensitive bad boy didn't conform to stereotype, but I wasn't always convinced they would behave as they did. The rest of the cast was cardboard, and I'm sorry we didn't see any other students developed - with so many worlds represented, there could have been some interesting cultural variations.The SF inconsistencies were legion and distracting.

Spoiler alert:

Given Aerin's ghastly history of enslavement outside the Alliance, I expected her to be much more scared and confused in her present situation at the Academy. There's so much basic cultural information she's missing, I figure the other students would sniff out her weirdness right away, and reading history wasn't going to make up for that.

It seemed odd that her last name was not generally known - seems like plenty of the students' parents would have gone to school with Tony Renning and known all about his history. And I didn't buy that she'd drag Dane up the tower the night before the graduation ceremony, imperiling her chances to stay in the school - she'd wait a day till graduation was in the bag.

All kinds of logical inconsistencies offended my SF-loving sensibilities: The Alliance has been in place at least a millennium, and presumably planets throughout space were colonized well before then. So how on earth (or, more to the point, OFF earth) do they all speak exactly the same language? How is it possible for Dane to jaunt between worlds for Christmas vacation - what sort of technology makes that kind of leap work? Why are Dane and Aerin white, for crying out loud? The human race tends toward brown. How did the feudal-style planet still have horses, and castles, without any cultural or biological evolution from our time? Shouldn't two moons affect the weather noticeably? Etc. etc.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin are both seventeen-year-old freshmen at the universe’s most exclusive school, Academy 7. But aside from that, they couldn’t be more different. Aerin has had a very hard life. She has never known her mother, and her father died when she was just eleven, after which Aerin was captured and forced into slavery for six long years, until she finally was able to escape. Dane Madousin was born to privilege, the son of an esteemed general. But the only thing he really wanted was his father’s love, which no matter how hard he tried, he never seemed to be able to earn.

When Dane, in an attempt to rebel against his father, plays a prank at school, he gets Aerin in trouble as well. Resenting him for his easy life and for causing her to be punished as well, at first she resolves that she will have nothing to do with him. But against her better judgment, they become close friends, and she shares the secrets of her past with him. And soon Aerin and Dane begin to suspect that an even bigger secret is being hidden at the school.

Academy 7 is one of my favorite teen fiction reads so far this year. Aerin and Dane, although they live in a futuristic world, are easy to relate to and have many of the same problems teens today face - Aerin struggles to blend in at school as she struggles emotionally with her past, while Dane longs for acceptance from his father and acts out rebelliously as a result of never gaining it. Throughout the novel they grow both as individuals and in their growing relationship with each other. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy teen fiction. It honestly has something in it for everyone - science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and a story of friendship and romance.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aerin is a fugitive, running from the memory of her father’s death and the last seven years of her life on a slave planet. Dane is a privileged rich boy who chafes against the boundaries of his family and his life. The only thing they have in common is that they are both students at Academy 7, the most prestigious school in the Alliance—and that they are both living with buried secrets, secrets that haunt them.

What starts as an academic rivalry soon turns to mutual admiration, and then friendship. As Aerin and Dane grow closer, they begin to let down some of their walls. But there are some secrets that are too deep to share with even the closest of friends—until they begin to realize that maybe, their respective secrets are larger than just themselves.

It’s the oldest story in the book—boy meets girl, rich kid falls for the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. It’s not original, but it works very well here—because Osterlund focused her energies on making these characters people who we care about. This book is an excellent study in character. Aerin and Dane are both multifaceted and compelling, and watching them grow and change with each other is a joy. Aerin especially is a great strong female protagonist—she’s tough and determined.

It’s also fairly rare to find real teen science fiction these days, amidst the popularity of fantasy and paranormal and vampires and whatnot. Not that I don't enjoy those, too--but it's very refreshing to find a book that's straight-up SF. This book doesn’t focus too much on the science fiction elements, but they are there, and they’re tantalizing. I enjoyed the glimpse I got of Osterlund’s Alliance and the universe beyond, and I hope she plans on taking us back there on day.