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Guardian Angel Academy #1
Year 1: Renegade
Evil exists. I know—I was created from it.
Most students at Guardian Angel Academy lived a good, possibly boring life on earth before their untimely deaths, which landed them at the academy, learning how to be good guardians for the hapless mortals still breathing.
Not me. My time on earth was spent as a servant of darkness, performing acts unmentionable to the undefiled ears of the angels at the academy.
But somehow, I was given a chance at redemption. Somehow, I got enrolled here. And somehow, I have to prove myself worthy of my angel wings.
Or I'll get sent back where I came from.
Now if I can just survive the weapons instructor determined to find me guilty of demonry, the mysterious dark angel who won't get out of my thoughts, and the hot-as-you-know-where angel who hates my guts because of who I am.
There is just one small problem . . .
I made a promise. A promise to the lord of the devils. If I keep it, my soul is forever damned.
But if I break it, I will be destroyed.
Welcome to Guardian Angel Academy.
Year 1: Renegade is the first book in an exciting new teen/YA paranormal angel academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Dark Angel Academy, Shadowspell Academy, and Evermore Academy.
One click today to dive in!
Most students at Guardian Angel Academy lived a good, possibly boring life on earth before their untimely deaths, which landed them at the academy, learning how to be good guardians for the hapless mortals still breathing.
Not me. My time on earth was spent as a servant of darkness, performing acts unmentionable to the undefiled ears of the angels at the academy.
But somehow, I was given a chance at redemption. Somehow, I got enrolled here. And somehow, I have to prove myself worthy of my angel wings.
Or I'll get sent back where I came from.
Now if I can just survive the weapons instructor determined to find me guilty of demonry, the mysterious dark angel who won't get out of my thoughts, and the hot-as-you-know-where angel who hates my guts because of who I am.
There is just one small problem . . .
I made a promise. A promise to the lord of the devils. If I keep it, my soul is forever damned.
But if I break it, I will be destroyed.
Welcome to Guardian Angel Academy.
Year 1: Renegade is the first book in an exciting new teen/YA paranormal angel academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Dark Angel Academy, Shadowspell Academy, and Evermore Academy.
One click today to dive in!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
115 people are currently reading
923 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 15, 2021
My collage:
ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭🥀🪨🗝♟
ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭🥀🪨🗝♟
I really enjoyed this, some things I felt were typical to an academy book but it's also something I've never really read before in a way lol.
I loved that Jez, the main character, was very flawed. I thought the way her character development was handled was done well.
PLOT:
It’s basically about youth who have died, now moving on to their new life training to become guardian angels. (A prospect I have never read about in the paranormal genre!) However, the main character never had a body among other things. At the academy, she's aware of just how much she doesn't fit in. She doesn't know how to read, they don't trust her with any weapons, she's never even had food before and of course, she doesn't have any wings.
ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭🥀🪨🗝♟
ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭🥀🪨🗝♟
I really enjoyed this, some things I felt were typical to an academy book but it's also something I've never really read before in a way lol.
I loved that Jez, the main character, was very flawed. I thought the way her character development was handled was done well.
PLOT:
It’s basically about youth who have died, now moving on to their new life training to become guardian angels. (A prospect I have never read about in the paranormal genre!) However, the main character never had a body among other things. At the academy, she's aware of just how much she doesn't fit in. She doesn't know how to read, they don't trust her with any weapons, she's never even had food before and of course, she doesn't have any wings.
May 5, 2021
4 1/2* rounded to 5.
Colour me surprised with this one.
I feel like I've read every academy book going, shapeshifters, vampires, faeries, witches I've seen them all but Guardian Angels peaked my curiosity and I certainly didn't regret it.
The story follows Jez, a new first year within Arcadia studying with newly dead teenagers as they earn their wings and becoming guardian angels. But Jez isn't like the other students, and her battle to fit in is a potentially deadly one.
The writing in this book is brilliant, I know I shouldn't say there's an expectation you get for an academy type book of quick easy writing, but you do. Heiner's writing is nothing like that, there is beautiful and complex world building, fleshed out and flawed characters and brilliant pacing with no dreaded mid book drag. Outside of that the story is interesting and unique, I've never quite read a story like it, the twists and turns kept me reading for hours.
Oh and you'll need to clear some space on that book boyfriend top 5. Just wait until you meet Maalik.
Colour me surprised with this one.
I feel like I've read every academy book going, shapeshifters, vampires, faeries, witches I've seen them all but Guardian Angels peaked my curiosity and I certainly didn't regret it.
The story follows Jez, a new first year within Arcadia studying with newly dead teenagers as they earn their wings and becoming guardian angels. But Jez isn't like the other students, and her battle to fit in is a potentially deadly one.
The writing in this book is brilliant, I know I shouldn't say there's an expectation you get for an academy type book of quick easy writing, but you do. Heiner's writing is nothing like that, there is beautiful and complex world building, fleshed out and flawed characters and brilliant pacing with no dreaded mid book drag. Outside of that the story is interesting and unique, I've never quite read a story like it, the twists and turns kept me reading for hours.
Oh and you'll need to clear some space on that book boyfriend top 5. Just wait until you meet Maalik.
March 19, 2021
An interesting concept for a young adult reader. I wasn't sure what to expect from this story so I was pleasantly surprised I liked the book. I felt the author was able to set the world without drawing out the details to the point where it would become boring. There was strong female characters, flawed characters I still rooted for and good story development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 25, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were developed so grandly that I could feel their inner turmoil and the sparks of happiness when something new and exciting would happen, especially for Jez!
As the story developed and there was a lot of celestial controversy, I wasn't sure if I was going to want to continue reading, however, it just drew me in more. The whole story was so different from any other guardian angel book that I have read, and I am eager to read book 2!
As the story developed and there was a lot of celestial controversy, I wasn't sure if I was going to want to continue reading, however, it just drew me in more. The whole story was so different from any other guardian angel book that I have read, and I am eager to read book 2!
May 24, 2021
Note - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating - 4 stars
First of all, I would like to thank Book Sirens and the author Tamara Hart Heiner for accepting my request to review Guardian Angel Academy Year 1 - Renegade. Well to sum up this book in short - it is like the religious version of Harry Potter. The entire manner in which the fictional world has been developed will give you similar vibes. For someone who loves fictional and mythological tales, the story blurb peaked my curiosity and I certainly didn't regret it.
The story follows Jez, a new first year at Guardian Angel Academy, Arcadia studying with newly dead teenagers as they earn their wings and becoming guardian angels. But Jez isn't like the other students as her manner of origin and parental lines totally differ from the other angels which makes it a hell lot difficult for her to fit in with the crowd. But she must as she is bound by a sinister promise to the lord of demons. Now how she fights the vices in her to accept the light in her forms the rest of this book
The narrative is lucid and great which makes you read pages at a single sitting. The characters are beautifully conceived with flaws which gives it the touch of realism. The plot is interesting with a good ending and a few cliffhanger questions to be answered in the future books of the series ; questioning the fundamentals of hell vs heaven through the protagonist Jez. Overall off to a great start for the series. The only negative I noticed here was despite being a published book, I could note a couple of editing and grammatical errors which sort of gave a shoddy finish to the editing process ; hence 4 stars. On the bright side, definitely looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
Rating - 4 stars
First of all, I would like to thank Book Sirens and the author Tamara Hart Heiner for accepting my request to review Guardian Angel Academy Year 1 - Renegade. Well to sum up this book in short - it is like the religious version of Harry Potter. The entire manner in which the fictional world has been developed will give you similar vibes. For someone who loves fictional and mythological tales, the story blurb peaked my curiosity and I certainly didn't regret it.
The story follows Jez, a new first year at Guardian Angel Academy, Arcadia studying with newly dead teenagers as they earn their wings and becoming guardian angels. But Jez isn't like the other students as her manner of origin and parental lines totally differ from the other angels which makes it a hell lot difficult for her to fit in with the crowd. But she must as she is bound by a sinister promise to the lord of demons. Now how she fights the vices in her to accept the light in her forms the rest of this book
The narrative is lucid and great which makes you read pages at a single sitting. The characters are beautifully conceived with flaws which gives it the touch of realism. The plot is interesting with a good ending and a few cliffhanger questions to be answered in the future books of the series ; questioning the fundamentals of hell vs heaven through the protagonist Jez. Overall off to a great start for the series. The only negative I noticed here was despite being a published book, I could note a couple of editing and grammatical errors which sort of gave a shoddy finish to the editing process ; hence 4 stars. On the bright side, definitely looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
May 17, 2022
I have followed this author on TikTok for a while & she’s an absolute delight; if you don’t follow her, you should. But I wanted to support her so I reached out and ordered the four books from this series, including the Book 1 box.
Everyone—my husband, my best friend, my sister, my oldest kid—got interested and wanted to borrow the book as soon as they saw the goodies from the box. Tamara even included a handwritten letter. Everything about it was *perfect*, including little surprise packages you open on certain pages. I won’t ruin it for you, but it is def worth it.
This isn’t my normal genre, and I was worried it was going to be cheesy. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t stop. It was *so* good. The same adorable sunshine that the author exudes in her TikToks comes through in her work, and you can’t help but love it.
Bad things, I would say I noticed a few typos that took me a little out of the action. I’m sure she’s fully aware of them and quite bemused that they snuck through; it happens to the best of us. But the characters are well fleshed out and engaging, the pacing is pretty spot on, and it left me excited to read more.
Speaking of, I’ll see y’all later—I’ve got three novels still waiting for me.
Everyone—my husband, my best friend, my sister, my oldest kid—got interested and wanted to borrow the book as soon as they saw the goodies from the box. Tamara even included a handwritten letter. Everything about it was *perfect*, including little surprise packages you open on certain pages. I won’t ruin it for you, but it is def worth it.
This isn’t my normal genre, and I was worried it was going to be cheesy. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t stop. It was *so* good. The same adorable sunshine that the author exudes in her TikToks comes through in her work, and you can’t help but love it.
Bad things, I would say I noticed a few typos that took me a little out of the action. I’m sure she’s fully aware of them and quite bemused that they snuck through; it happens to the best of us. But the characters are well fleshed out and engaging, the pacing is pretty spot on, and it left me excited to read more.
Speaking of, I’ll see y’all later—I’ve got three novels still waiting for me.
March 20, 2021
This book was sent to me for my honest review.
This is a fantasy novel where we come across life after or before life on earth. There is a main character by the name Jez (the short name) and she comes to Arcadia, an academy for Angels. She hails from Sheoul and is a darkened spirit. Throughout the story we see her transformation from being a darker spirit to a lightled angel.
This book invoked many little emotional factors as friendship, trustworthiness..
However, I found the world building to be quite time taking. The climax of the plot was centered to its ending. I felt that it couldn't have a tight grip on its readers.
If you are looking for something with less complex plots or characters or world building then this book is definitely for you.
Ratings: 3/5
This is a fantasy novel where we come across life after or before life on earth. There is a main character by the name Jez (the short name) and she comes to Arcadia, an academy for Angels. She hails from Sheoul and is a darkened spirit. Throughout the story we see her transformation from being a darker spirit to a lightled angel.
This book invoked many little emotional factors as friendship, trustworthiness..
However, I found the world building to be quite time taking. The climax of the plot was centered to its ending. I felt that it couldn't have a tight grip on its readers.
If you are looking for something with less complex plots or characters or world building then this book is definitely for you.
Ratings: 3/5
March 31, 2021
This is off to an exciting start. A YA paranormal angel academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance that is well written and will have you hooked by end of chapter one. Imagine only knowing darkness and the you are given a chance and thrust into the light, into guardian Angel academy so try and earn your wings. I absolutely adore Jez and watched as she struggled against her true nature, to succeed as she gradually managed to gain confidence and some empathy. As with every academy there’s good “kids” and there’s mean “kids”, it’s emotional and a lot to learn and I am so looking forward to book two.
July 13, 2021
I loved this book, it was a little heavy on the angel education side for me, but hey what did I expect. I loved the characters and the story. I the idea of school of guardian angels, and Jez is from the place down below. I really enjoyed all the quirks in this world and finding about how they defended the souls on earth.
I have already bought book 2 and half way through it. Cannot wait to find out what happens.
I have already bought book 2 and half way through it. Cannot wait to find out what happens.
March 1, 2021
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a voluntarily and honest review.
Original review on my blog Boekensteeg
Year 1: Renegrade is the first part in the Guardian Angel Acedemy series by Tamara Hart Heiner. This book is a must read for anyone who likes a young adult fantasy set in an Acedemy.
In this book you will meet Jez, a Renegrade or as she calls it a Foresaken. The Renegrades are the angels who have converted to the evil side, and although Jez never made this choice herself, she is stuck with it. It was therefore a real surprise when Jez was taken from the underworld to study at the GAA, guardian angel acedemy. Here she soon realizes that she is an outsider, as she is the only one who has not lived in a human body and therefore does not get her black pair of wings. During her studies, Jez is still connected to her evil leader because of the chains which lead to the underworld, therefor she must continue to follow his commands. What does Jez's leader want from her? How does Jez experience the study between the other angels? Will Jez get through the first year?
After seeing the cover and reading the description, I was immediately curious about Year 1: Renegrade. Could this book match my expectations?
Jez has a dark soul, so she doesn't really feel at home at the academy from the start. In addition, she has to take seperate classes to learn how to read first. Jez's feelings and stubborn personality are well reflected in this classes. Jez would like nothing more than to study among the rest, but this does not seem possible. In the meantime, she receives reading tutoring from second-year student Maalik. He is curious about her past, and in this way you learn more and more about Jez and Maalik.
Tamara Hart Heiner has a very fine writing style and the story has a fast pace. Because you follow Jez from the start of the school year, the story is build very well. What I really like is that Tamara Hart Heiner has limited the number of characters to only the ones that are important. As a result, you will not be overwhelmed by the number of students, but you still get a good picture of the academy.
I was very surprised by the course of the story and I am certainly very curious about what the next parts will bring!
Original review on my blog Boekensteeg
Year 1: Renegrade is the first part in the Guardian Angel Acedemy series by Tamara Hart Heiner. This book is a must read for anyone who likes a young adult fantasy set in an Acedemy.
In this book you will meet Jez, a Renegrade or as she calls it a Foresaken. The Renegrades are the angels who have converted to the evil side, and although Jez never made this choice herself, she is stuck with it. It was therefore a real surprise when Jez was taken from the underworld to study at the GAA, guardian angel acedemy. Here she soon realizes that she is an outsider, as she is the only one who has not lived in a human body and therefore does not get her black pair of wings. During her studies, Jez is still connected to her evil leader because of the chains which lead to the underworld, therefor she must continue to follow his commands. What does Jez's leader want from her? How does Jez experience the study between the other angels? Will Jez get through the first year?
After seeing the cover and reading the description, I was immediately curious about Year 1: Renegrade. Could this book match my expectations?
Jez has a dark soul, so she doesn't really feel at home at the academy from the start. In addition, she has to take seperate classes to learn how to read first. Jez's feelings and stubborn personality are well reflected in this classes. Jez would like nothing more than to study among the rest, but this does not seem possible. In the meantime, she receives reading tutoring from second-year student Maalik. He is curious about her past, and in this way you learn more and more about Jez and Maalik.
Tamara Hart Heiner has a very fine writing style and the story has a fast pace. Because you follow Jez from the start of the school year, the story is build very well. What I really like is that Tamara Hart Heiner has limited the number of characters to only the ones that are important. As a result, you will not be overwhelmed by the number of students, but you still get a good picture of the academy.
I was very surprised by the course of the story and I am certainly very curious about what the next parts will bring!
February 16, 2022
Unlike the teenagers who have just arrived at the Guardian Angel Academy, Jez has not just completed her life on earth. She is a transfer student, wingless and bound by chains. While her instructors think she is trying to learn how to become a Guardian, she is actually on a mission from her master.
This book is difficult to review without spoilers, but I will do my best. I really enjoyed watching Jez grow throughout the book. In addition to her book knowledge, she learned about relationships and emotions.
The story begins a little slow, with a lot of worldbuilding information, but after the first chapter it really picks up. The book could also have used one more proofreading pass, as I found numerous typographical and grammatical errors. However, most of the time they were not enough to detract from the overall story.
This story centers around relationships and I liked watching Jez's growth. While I felt her story with Iblis was well-developed, the relationship with Maalik felt unfinished. Without getting into spoiler territory, she keeps a big secret from him and, while I am assuming this secret will be explored more in future books, I felt she should have told him before the end of this book.
There were also relationships with two other characters that felt incomplete. Kerubiel was an interesting character who seemed important to Jez's initial transition to GAA. However, by the middle of the book, he begins to feel like an afterthought, appearing haphazardly and ultimately disappearing. Jez promised him something. What became of that promise? For that matter, what became of Kerubiel? What does it mean that he is a shade?
The other character I would have liked to have seen more developed was Jerahmeel. While he was full of anger about his situation, we don't really get to see if he was moving beyond that anger or letting it fester. I also got the impression there was a romance budding between him and another angel. I hope to see that developed more in the next book. Like Kerubiel, Jez promises something to Jerahmeel. But, I couldn't be sure whether he agreed to be on her side.
Overall, however, I found the story intriguing and engaging and look forward to reading more from this series.
This book is difficult to review without spoilers, but I will do my best. I really enjoyed watching Jez grow throughout the book. In addition to her book knowledge, she learned about relationships and emotions.
The story begins a little slow, with a lot of worldbuilding information, but after the first chapter it really picks up. The book could also have used one more proofreading pass, as I found numerous typographical and grammatical errors. However, most of the time they were not enough to detract from the overall story.
This story centers around relationships and I liked watching Jez's growth. While I felt her story with Iblis was well-developed, the relationship with Maalik felt unfinished. Without getting into spoiler territory, she keeps a big secret from him and, while I am assuming this secret will be explored more in future books, I felt she should have told him before the end of this book.
There were also relationships with two other characters that felt incomplete. Kerubiel was an interesting character who seemed important to Jez's initial transition to GAA. However, by the middle of the book, he begins to feel like an afterthought, appearing haphazardly and ultimately disappearing. Jez promised him something. What became of that promise? For that matter, what became of Kerubiel? What does it mean that he is a shade?
The other character I would have liked to have seen more developed was Jerahmeel. While he was full of anger about his situation, we don't really get to see if he was moving beyond that anger or letting it fester. I also got the impression there was a romance budding between him and another angel. I hope to see that developed more in the next book. Like Kerubiel, Jez promises something to Jerahmeel. But, I couldn't be sure whether he agreed to be on her side.
Overall, however, I found the story intriguing and engaging and look forward to reading more from this series.
November 21, 2021
3.75 Stars. First I would like to thank Mrs. Tamara Heiner for allowing me to read her book for free. I would also like to say thank you to BookSirens.com for having a great site to go to for finding new authors while having all kinds of genres to pick from for any one who is looking to read new & known authors. Thank you - Now to say this book did not frustrate me at times would be an understatement. I'm reading the Bible now and trying to pronounce the names in it makes me feel so stupid, and trying to pronounce the names in this book made me feel the same way. I got tried of saying Hey Google how do you say this and still a few minutes later I can't say it right. It seriously makes the enjoyment of reading not fun.. I felt like I was in a Bible college and reading on all things Heaven and Hell. The storyline was great, but way to wordy, long… I seriously almost DNFED this book 3 times. Like I said it was a great lesson & story but it did repeat itself at times. Jez (who has a very long name not writing) she is Hasatan (Satan's daughter) who is allowed to go to this heavenly angel academy just so she can get good angels to turn and go the other way. She stays there for one year and starts to learn the lies that were told to her, which in her time at the academy she realizes she likes the light and the wings her classmates have, yet she doesn't have those things. No one can touch her because she is made of darkness so when the heavenly touch her she leaves a mark on their souls. Jez really wants to touch and hug and it does break your heart for her. You will have to read if she chooses dark or light. Please note this is very biblical, but does have a great lesson in it for all of us. I would recommend this for 16yrs and up, it's just a lot for young readers I feel to grasp & it's overwelming please note this is my own opinion. Gina Clabo
October 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this, some things I felt were typical to an academy book but it's also something I've never really read before in a way.
I loved that Jez, the main character, was very flawed.
thought the way her character development was handled was done well.
It’s basically about youth who have died, now moving on to their new life training to become guardian angels. (A prospect I have never read about in the paranormal genre!) However, the main character never had a body among other things. At the academy, she's aware of just how much she doesn't fit in. She doesn't know how to read, they don't trust her with any weapons, she's never even had food before and of course, she doesn't have any wings.
The writing in this book is brilliant, I know I shouldn't say there's an expectation you get for an academy type book of quick easy writing, but you do. Heiner's writing is nothing like that, there is beautiful and complex world building, fleshed out and flawed characters and brilliant pacing with no dreaded mid book drag. Outside of that the story is interesting and unique, I've never quite read a story like it, the twists and turns kept me reading for hours.
I really enjoyed this, some things I felt were typical to an academy book but it's also something I've never really read before in a way.
I loved that Jez, the main character, was very flawed.
thought the way her character development was handled was done well.
It’s basically about youth who have died, now moving on to their new life training to become guardian angels. (A prospect I have never read about in the paranormal genre!) However, the main character never had a body among other things. At the academy, she's aware of just how much she doesn't fit in. She doesn't know how to read, they don't trust her with any weapons, she's never even had food before and of course, she doesn't have any wings.
The writing in this book is brilliant, I know I shouldn't say there's an expectation you get for an academy type book of quick easy writing, but you do. Heiner's writing is nothing like that, there is beautiful and complex world building, fleshed out and flawed characters and brilliant pacing with no dreaded mid book drag. Outside of that the story is interesting and unique, I've never quite read a story like it, the twists and turns kept me reading for hours.
March 22, 2021
I wasn’t too sure when I had originally started this book. I was a little confused in the beginning. I feel like we get a lot of information thrown at us about this world that the author created but as I continued to read, I became more and more hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it!
I enjoyed Jez as a character. She was trying to come to terms with everything that she thought she knew while learning what she was being told is the truth. This was tough for her because she really wasn’t sure why she was brought to the academy and felt that she didn’t really fit in with the other students there.
This story has the God vs. Satan vibe which really did not bother me but it may bother some. Jez is put to a test regarding good vs. evil. I really liked this world. I loved the idea of the academy and the different classes that the students go through.
I can honestly say that I am thoroughly invested in this story and if I would have had the second installment, I would have started it immediately! I need to keep my eyes peeled:)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed Jez as a character. She was trying to come to terms with everything that she thought she knew while learning what she was being told is the truth. This was tough for her because she really wasn’t sure why she was brought to the academy and felt that she didn’t really fit in with the other students there.
This story has the God vs. Satan vibe which really did not bother me but it may bother some. Jez is put to a test regarding good vs. evil. I really liked this world. I loved the idea of the academy and the different classes that the students go through.
I can honestly say that I am thoroughly invested in this story and if I would have had the second installment, I would have started it immediately! I need to keep my eyes peeled:)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2021
Who would have thought that Hasatan, the devil himself, had a daughter that he kept in Sheol (hell) with him and treated her the same or worse than his minions?
The Archangel Barachiel was tasked with bringing Jezbathasat (Jez), to the Guardian Angel Academy. The father of us all saw some light in her and felt she should have an opportunity to explore that part of herself and then she could make the choice whether to stay in the dark or live with the light. Free will and free choice.
Can you imagine living your whole life in Sheol, being tortured, no creature comforts and, being sent out to coerce humans to sin. She survived on the souls of the damned, never tasting food.
Excellent use of words and imagery by the author. Also, a good understanding of the teenage Psyche had the reader reacting to the emotions of the characters. You don’t go far into the book before you start feeling empathy for Jez. Not your parents' bible story but a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Ithis review voluntarily.
The Archangel Barachiel was tasked with bringing Jezbathasat (Jez), to the Guardian Angel Academy. The father of us all saw some light in her and felt she should have an opportunity to explore that part of herself and then she could make the choice whether to stay in the dark or live with the light. Free will and free choice.
Can you imagine living your whole life in Sheol, being tortured, no creature comforts and, being sent out to coerce humans to sin. She survived on the souls of the damned, never tasting food.
Excellent use of words and imagery by the author. Also, a good understanding of the teenage Psyche had the reader reacting to the emotions of the characters. You don’t go far into the book before you start feeling empathy for Jez. Not your parents' bible story but a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Ithis review voluntarily.
March 19, 2021
This book really surprised me! It was exactly as the description says and yet nothing like what I was expecting! Jez, daughter of Hasatan, is brought to Arcadia to attend an academy for angels and is basically re-taught everything she thinks she knows about heaven and hell, angels and the fallen, and the history of the first war before mankind. It’s a fantasy novel that started off a bit slow for me (because of all the world-building that is necessary in any great fantasy novel) but by about halfway through I was hooked! I thought the author did a fabulous job with Jez and her character development throughout the book. It’s a book about choices and learning from your mistakes and about giving and earning second chances. This book made me smile and laugh and brought tears to my eyes at times and was overall a really captivating read. I can’t wait to see what happens in year 2!
March 20, 2021
This was my first book by Tamara Heiner, and I'm so glad I took a chance. I wasn't sure at all what to expect from this book, but I was more than pleasantly surprised! A daughter of Satan is brought to an Academy where young people who died young go to learn to be guardian angels. There was so much growth and learning to do for Jez, and at times, it was heart-rending to watch. She had so many limitations, and the majority didn't know her secret, except the instructors, and her assigned mentor. Maalik was so special to me. He wasn't this perfect angel. He still had flaws and growth to make as well. There were other side characters that also add wonderfully to the story, and have me super curious for the next installment! I absolutely loved this first book, and I can't wait for Book 2!
May 8, 2021
This interesting well-written tale was a joy to read. The author did an amazing job building this world, its storyline and characters. Jez is a forsaken demon given a chance at redemption by attending the GAA. Unfortunately, all is not as it seems, Jez’s father, Hasatan, has other plans. Jez does not believe in choices and second chances but now she must make the ultimate decision, will she choose to follow her fathers will or accept the light. This was an excellent academy series that really draws a reader in and keeps you thoroughly entertained. I look forward to reading the second installment. I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2021
Our heroine has an impossible choice, but then that is what life is all about. Oh, wait, she is already in the afterlife... Let's just say it is complicated.
This is book one of the series, so good there.
This is a paranormal romance story with an academy setting. There are a lot of those out there these days, but for my money, none quite like this one. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting, great characters, and tough choices. I really enjoyed the twists and turns built into this one and I can't wait to see how our heroine gets through all this. It is going to be a rough ride and I am looking forward to reading it.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so good there.
This is a paranormal romance story with an academy setting. There are a lot of those out there these days, but for my money, none quite like this one. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting, great characters, and tough choices. I really enjoyed the twists and turns built into this one and I can't wait to see how our heroine gets through all this. It is going to be a rough ride and I am looking forward to reading it.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
June 29, 2021
I’m a sucker for “academy” books, and this one was no exception. I appreciated that it wasn’t too angst-y (some YA lit definitely is) and I enjoyed the characters. It was such an interesting twist on an academy - religious bent (obviously, since it’s an angle academy), with a heavy dose of the heroine finding herself, friendships developing and, of course, romance. The heroine, Jez, spends much of the book fighting against her own preconceptions and learning how much more there can be in life. She finds herself and her own strength as she’s faced with an impossible choice.
This is a quick and enjoyable read. Definitely interested to see where this goes.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This is a quick and enjoyable read. Definitely interested to see where this goes.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
July 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Very creative storyline, hinted at religion in a very subtle manner, and character development was excellent. The growth of Jez’s character was extremely realistic and the theme was free will, choices, and chances without being in your face offensive. I was very impressed because although my faith and religion is extremely important facets of my life, I do not like reading most Christian based novels because they are normally so in relatable, prim and proper that it turns me off. This author nailed it. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. Brilliant young adult writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5/5. I’ve always been a fan of academy themed books and celestial beings thrown into the mix intrigued me more. The first couple chapters were a little slow to start and I was worried that I would end up deciding not to finish it. I am glad to report that the story picked up and I found myself unable to put this down. Jez was put through a lot and I found myself relating to the character and tearing up a couple times near the end. Her budding relationships with her classmates were realistic and the author did a fantastic job balancing character dynamics. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend picking this one up.
4.5/5. I’ve always been a fan of academy themed books and celestial beings thrown into the mix intrigued me more. The first couple chapters were a little slow to start and I was worried that I would end up deciding not to finish it. I am glad to report that the story picked up and I found myself unable to put this down. Jez was put through a lot and I found myself relating to the character and tearing up a couple times near the end. Her budding relationships with her classmates were realistic and the author did a fantastic job balancing character dynamics. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend picking this one up.
May 20, 2021
My first book by Tamara Hart Heiner but it won't be my last. I was supplied a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This was something different for me, I don't normally read Academy books but I really enjoyed the story. The world building was a little slow at first but that is to be expected with a new series. Once I got into the book more I was gripped and will be buying the next book as I want to read more about Jez's journey. The characters are well developed and I was rooting for Jez and Maalik almost from the beginning.
This book finished nicely, no cliffhangers but plenty of incentive to move on to the next book to see what happens next.
This book finished nicely, no cliffhangers but plenty of incentive to move on to the next book to see what happens next.
September 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book had me hooked form the start and that is something that does not always happen. Sometimes it takes a few chapters to get me invested in the characters. Jez is a very interesting character and all she has to go through just to get to the academy. The promises made and what will happen if she breaks them. It is a low burn enemies to lovers book. It is well written and the world is depicted wonderfully and is now just drawn out. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I am not sure how one would earn their wings from this point, but I want to find out.
March 27, 2021
This was such an interesting story. The beginning was a little slow, just because of the world building, there was a lot of details, which I didn’t mind because it was so fascinating. Once I got into the swing of things though, I totally blew through this story and loved every minute of it. I loved Jez and how much she changed through the story. She kind of reminds me of Harry Potter, if Harry Potter was training to be a guardian angel. 😂 I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the second story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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May 19, 2021DNF @ 35%
There's a giveaway for this book...but on ibooks it's already listed as free.
A lot of things in the book is told to the the reader. Being told things is akin to being spoon feed. We want to pick up things as we read as if we are the ones exploring the world.
&& I felt like this book did not read as the first book in the series. I felt thrown into the world as if I read the middle book instead of the first.
For those reasons:
in the voice of Ted Allen: You've been chopped
There's a giveaway for this book...but on ibooks it's already listed as free.
A lot of things in the book is told to the the reader. Being told things is akin to being spoon feed. We want to pick up things as we read as if we are the ones exploring the world.
&& I felt like this book did not read as the first book in the series. I felt thrown into the world as if I read the middle book instead of the first.
For those reasons:
in the voice of Ted Allen: You've been chopped
March 2, 2021
A great story. Riveting. A lot of wonderful lessons shared. Jez has all the characteristics of a strong, but flawed heroine. I look forward to where the story leads.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Inspirational. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Inspirational. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
March 17, 2021
Guardian Angel Academy Year 1: Renegade by Tamara Hart Heiner is an excellent start to the series. Though not like the others at Guardian Angel Academy, Jez is brought to the school to be given a chance for redemption. She will have to somehow prove herself worthy of angel wings or sent back to where she came from. Loved this book that I received from the writer as a Doc. This is available on Amazon
March 19, 2021
An interesting concept for a young adult reader. I wasn't sure what to expect from this story so I was pleasantly surprised I liked the book. I felt the author was able to set the world without drawing out the details to the point where it would become boring. There was strong female characters, flawed characters I still rooted for and good story development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 26, 2021
I had a really hard time putting this book down, and I’m absolutely going to have to read the rest of the series. There were a few minor grammatical issues, but nothing that really impacted the flow of the narrative. Some of the minor characters could have used a bit more fleshing out, but I suspect they’ll become more developed in later books. Overall, it’s excellent. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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