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Lochkelvin Academy #1
Cruel Saints
Girls don’t belong at Lochkelvin Academy.
This new girl, Jessa, is an abomination.
A doe-eyed goody-two-shoes, as innocent as the day she was born.
Our little saint thinks she can survive on her happy-clappy, all-American spirit.
But this isn’t a school for girls. It isn’t a school for foreigners, either.
The peacekeeper? She’s going down.
-----
I’m already an outsider at this elite political academy in Scotland.
A target has been painted on my back by the most popular guys in school.
Musical royalty. Political royalty. Actual royalty.
They seem to hate girls, especially girls like me who try their best to ignore them.
It’s boys vs girls and I’m trapped in the middle.
Fine. Because I’m going to show them it’s more powerful to be a sinner when everyone believes you’re a saint.
Cruel Saints is a plotty, slow-burn bully romance set in a political academy. It’s Reverse Harem, which means the main character doesn’t choose between her love interests. This is Book 1, and the series will contain MM.
This new girl, Jessa, is an abomination.
A doe-eyed goody-two-shoes, as innocent as the day she was born.
Our little saint thinks she can survive on her happy-clappy, all-American spirit.
But this isn’t a school for girls. It isn’t a school for foreigners, either.
The peacekeeper? She’s going down.
-----
I’m already an outsider at this elite political academy in Scotland.
A target has been painted on my back by the most popular guys in school.
Musical royalty. Political royalty. Actual royalty.
They seem to hate girls, especially girls like me who try their best to ignore them.
It’s boys vs girls and I’m trapped in the middle.
Fine. Because I’m going to show them it’s more powerful to be a sinner when everyone believes you’re a saint.
Cruel Saints is a plotty, slow-burn bully romance set in a political academy. It’s Reverse Harem, which means the main character doesn’t choose between her love interests. This is Book 1, and the series will contain MM.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2021
340 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
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December 24, 2022DNF at 28%. Too much bullying for my taste, I was hoping the FMC would have at least one friend at the new school but so far everyone really despises her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
Hurt me so good with that ending
From the moment I discovered Evie Kady I was a fan of her work. Cruel Saints is another delicious series that I know I won't be able to stop thinking about.
In a sea of bully academy books, Cruel Saints brings a fresh spin on the genre. It’s political, and maybe a little magical, with the theme running throughout he plot. There’s a mystery to our new girl, to the school, and to the boys that attend. No one is who they say they are, and everyone is fair game.
The twists were sneaky and the ending lived up to the name… just cruel. 😂 thankfully book 2 is out so I won’t have to suffer. There’s dancing, there’s music, there’s royals, and bullies so sly you don’t know which direction it’s coming. If you enjoy this genre, pick it up. If you’re curious, pick it up. Just pick it to basically.
I live in a way that it’s not clear who the live interests will be. You get hints but I know from past books that doesn’t always mean they become love interests. I’m intrigued to know who will be the MM couple too. Eek. So many goodies to come.
Slow burn. Single POV. Bully. Political. Academy. RH. Cliffy.
From the moment I discovered Evie Kady I was a fan of her work. Cruel Saints is another delicious series that I know I won't be able to stop thinking about.
In a sea of bully academy books, Cruel Saints brings a fresh spin on the genre. It’s political, and maybe a little magical, with the theme running throughout he plot. There’s a mystery to our new girl, to the school, and to the boys that attend. No one is who they say they are, and everyone is fair game.
The twists were sneaky and the ending lived up to the name… just cruel. 😂 thankfully book 2 is out so I won’t have to suffer. There’s dancing, there’s music, there’s royals, and bullies so sly you don’t know which direction it’s coming. If you enjoy this genre, pick it up. If you’re curious, pick it up. Just pick it to basically.
I live in a way that it’s not clear who the live interests will be. You get hints but I know from past books that doesn’t always mean they become love interests. I’m intrigued to know who will be the MM couple too. Eek. So many goodies to come.
Slow burn. Single POV. Bully. Political. Academy. RH. Cliffy.
September 16, 2021
I have to say, “bully academy” or “reverse harem” as sub-genres of romance make me roll my eyes a little, and I’m not particularly a fan of romance-centred writing in general. But this book is hilarious. It’s spot-on and pitch-perfect about contemporary British and Scottish political culture, while skirting the inherent time-wasting controversies by setting the action in an alternative context where the UK has been torn apart, isolated, and sanctioned for the past ten years in the aftermath of a referendum on whether to remain a constitutional monarchy or to remove the official status (and funding) of the royal family. Republicans just edged out a majority, 51/49 - and as in certain other referendums that might have happened in the canonical UK, that’s retconned as a big decisive win and everyone else can fuck off.
In this case, though, they don’t. While many of the minor royals either leave the country or proactively give up their titles, the wife and children of the late (and last) king still assert their status. The (former?) heir to the throne, 17 year old Luke, becomes a focal point for monarchists hoping to restore the old system while his mother Sophia continues in a contested capacity as Regent. They're firmly in the sights of domestic terrorist groups such as “Antiro” determined to remove the monarchy decisively and permanently. In the meantime, several successive UK governments and prime ministers have been unable to fully follow through on the referendum result as promised -although this week’s top Tory, Oscar Munro, seems more determined than his predecessors.
Of course, Luke (joined this year by his minutes-younger-and-therefore-heir-to-nothing twin sister Becca) is a student at Jessa’s new school, Lochkelvin Academy. And he comes as part of a hot-guy trio, known as “the Chiefs”, along with the aforementioned new PM’s son (Rory) and a random rising rock star (Finlay) whose absentee mother is pegged as the next First Minister of Scotland (yep, still not independent, but still apparently working on it, sort of, in the usual vaguest of counterintuitive ways).
The Chiefs and their underclassman minions (Jessa calls them Gremlins) lead a not-so-covert operation to push the new cadre of female students out of the school and to remove the newish (and first woman) Head. While the other four new girls each have some protection through their families - ex-Royal (Becca), captains of industry (Li), dad’s got a place on the all-powerful Scottish Whisky Lobby (yes, it’s a real thing - Freya) and headmistress’s niece (Arabella)- Jessa as a foreigner and scholarship girl has no protection and so becomes target number one - and learns quickly that there are strict limits also to the solidarity of her fellow girl students (and of the faux-feminist Head). She’s essentially on her own.
There are some small apparent inconsistencies (although it’s a four-book series, so perhaps there are reasons revealed later). For example, as Jessa approaches Lochkelvin Academy for the first time, she notes in her internal monologue that the school had just begun admitting girls as UK laws had changed to abolish single-sex schools, and this is how she’s been able to apply for and win a place and scholarship. Later, several of the characters including the Headmistress herself say that the change happened because the Head pushed for it. When Becca first meets Jessa and realises Jessa doesn’t recognise her, she says: “Milton? My mother is Sophia Milton, who married into the royal family” which seems a bit odd as we later learn that the Miltons are the last British dynasty, so it would presumably have been Becca’s father’s name, if her mother married in. But I might be nitpicking here.
This UK political scene is also a bit confusing; the author uses the current Parliamentary structure but different names for the parties. As far as I can guess the current PM and his predecessors are conservative/UK nationalist and the Opposition are faux socialists (substitute Conservative/Labour) and other parties mainly exist to make quippy quotes the media ignore - so same old thing, different names. What I think is happening is that Prime Minister Rory’s-Dad, despite being in the ruling right-of-centre party, has decided enough is enough and the results of the referendum must be carried out as presumably promised. But if the conservatives have been resisting and now are not, but still hold too small a majority in Parliament to push through legislation, then who IS still resisting? At one point an opposition MP is assassinated for being pro-Royal, which is confusing. I’m not saying this couldn’t happen, but I want more details. (Also, what the fuck, Scotland - if this unprecedented and apparently unanticipated upheaval in the UK isn’t the time to strike for independence, then when will be? But then again I say that “in real life” as well - so yes, this book is pretty accurate with the political and social satire.)
Oh, and there’s a Hollywood-style cliffhanger ending - good thing for me the second book, Kind Sinners is already available!
In this case, though, they don’t. While many of the minor royals either leave the country or proactively give up their titles, the wife and children of the late (and last) king still assert their status. The (former?) heir to the throne, 17 year old Luke, becomes a focal point for monarchists hoping to restore the old system while his mother Sophia continues in a contested capacity as Regent. They're firmly in the sights of domestic terrorist groups such as “Antiro” determined to remove the monarchy decisively and permanently. In the meantime, several successive UK governments and prime ministers have been unable to fully follow through on the referendum result as promised -although this week’s top Tory, Oscar Munro, seems more determined than his predecessors.
Of course, Luke (joined this year by his minutes-younger-and-therefore-heir-to-nothing twin sister Becca) is a student at Jessa’s new school, Lochkelvin Academy. And he comes as part of a hot-guy trio, known as “the Chiefs”, along with the aforementioned new PM’s son (Rory) and a random rising rock star (Finlay) whose absentee mother is pegged as the next First Minister of Scotland (yep, still not independent, but still apparently working on it, sort of, in the usual vaguest of counterintuitive ways).
The Chiefs and their underclassman minions (Jessa calls them Gremlins) lead a not-so-covert operation to push the new cadre of female students out of the school and to remove the newish (and first woman) Head. While the other four new girls each have some protection through their families - ex-Royal (Becca), captains of industry (Li), dad’s got a place on the all-powerful Scottish Whisky Lobby (yes, it’s a real thing - Freya) and headmistress’s niece (Arabella)- Jessa as a foreigner and scholarship girl has no protection and so becomes target number one - and learns quickly that there are strict limits also to the solidarity of her fellow girl students (and of the faux-feminist Head). She’s essentially on her own.
There are some small apparent inconsistencies (although it’s a four-book series, so perhaps there are reasons revealed later). For example, as Jessa approaches Lochkelvin Academy for the first time, she notes in her internal monologue that the school had just begun admitting girls as UK laws had changed to abolish single-sex schools, and this is how she’s been able to apply for and win a place and scholarship. Later, several of the characters including the Headmistress herself say that the change happened because the Head pushed for it. When Becca first meets Jessa and realises Jessa doesn’t recognise her, she says: “Milton? My mother is Sophia Milton, who married into the royal family” which seems a bit odd as we later learn that the Miltons are the last British dynasty, so it would presumably have been Becca’s father’s name, if her mother married in. But I might be nitpicking here.
This UK political scene is also a bit confusing; the author uses the current Parliamentary structure but different names for the parties. As far as I can guess the current PM and his predecessors are conservative/UK nationalist and the Opposition are faux socialists (substitute Conservative/Labour) and other parties mainly exist to make quippy quotes the media ignore - so same old thing, different names. What I think is happening is that Prime Minister Rory’s-Dad, despite being in the ruling right-of-centre party, has decided enough is enough and the results of the referendum must be carried out as presumably promised. But if the conservatives have been resisting and now are not, but still hold too small a majority in Parliament to push through legislation, then who IS still resisting? At one point an opposition MP is assassinated for being pro-Royal, which is confusing. I’m not saying this couldn’t happen, but I want more details. (Also, what the fuck, Scotland - if this unprecedented and apparently unanticipated upheaval in the UK isn’t the time to strike for independence, then when will be? But then again I say that “in real life” as well - so yes, this book is pretty accurate with the political and social satire.)
Oh, and there’s a Hollywood-style cliffhanger ending - good thing for me the second book, Kind Sinners is already available!
July 11, 2022
This book…this book 😂😂😂 Ok, where should I start? I have read my fair share of twisted, dark romance books and I expect this one to be the same, only to have my mind blown from the beginning to the end of it. It keeps you hungry, expecting and wanting for more with every passing chapter. And if the story does not do any justice by the end of it I feel like I will flip the table 😂😂😂
I am not sure how it fits in the romance, RH category, but I loved the fact that every time I thought something would happen in a certain way, the story changes and all the cliches are thrown out of the window. At this point I am not even sure it will have a HE or if these characters will redeem themselves. The hope is still there (I am a incurable romantic, what can I say…).
Jessa is quite amazing for a 17 yo girl. At first I thought I would see a meek, stupid, easily manipulated girl only to be surprised (in a good way) by her sense of reality and clear mind. She finds herself in all these unfair situations and she doesn’t back down, she doesn’t break and keeps fighting even when it seems there is no hope.
The chiefs (Rory, Luke and Finlay) are major entitled assholes, although Luke was not very well portrayed (I suppose it’s on purpose) and Finlay has some redeeming qualities that I hope will be detailed more in the other books.
But Rory? He is the only character that makes you hate him and love him at the same time. Hate him for all the bullying he’s condoning and permitting to happen to Jessa, and love him for his manipulations and strategies he’s clearly using to get what he wants. Although at his point I am not even sure what that is.
And then there is sweet, courageous and loyal Daniel who, for the most part, I thought he was gay only for the story to twist it again.
The book is written in such way that it’s hard to let it out of your hands and with each scene you just want to know more. Not only about how the relationship between all of them will develop but also how the situations they are put through will conclude. There are so many questions, and while the story is answering one, it raised 10 more at the same time.
The slow burn…let’s not even go there 😂😂😂 I expected at least a kiss, something by the end of the book but nothing happens. It’s both excruciatingly teasing and frustrating at the same time.
I would definitely recommend this book, but if you pick it up, you need patience with it.
I am not sure how it fits in the romance, RH category, but I loved the fact that every time I thought something would happen in a certain way, the story changes and all the cliches are thrown out of the window. At this point I am not even sure it will have a HE or if these characters will redeem themselves. The hope is still there (I am a incurable romantic, what can I say…).
Jessa is quite amazing for a 17 yo girl. At first I thought I would see a meek, stupid, easily manipulated girl only to be surprised (in a good way) by her sense of reality and clear mind. She finds herself in all these unfair situations and she doesn’t back down, she doesn’t break and keeps fighting even when it seems there is no hope.
The chiefs (Rory, Luke and Finlay) are major entitled assholes, although Luke was not very well portrayed (I suppose it’s on purpose) and Finlay has some redeeming qualities that I hope will be detailed more in the other books.
But Rory? He is the only character that makes you hate him and love him at the same time. Hate him for all the bullying he’s condoning and permitting to happen to Jessa, and love him for his manipulations and strategies he’s clearly using to get what he wants. Although at his point I am not even sure what that is.
And then there is sweet, courageous and loyal Daniel who, for the most part, I thought he was gay only for the story to twist it again.
The book is written in such way that it’s hard to let it out of your hands and with each scene you just want to know more. Not only about how the relationship between all of them will develop but also how the situations they are put through will conclude. There are so many questions, and while the story is answering one, it raised 10 more at the same time.
The slow burn…let’s not even go there 😂😂😂 I expected at least a kiss, something by the end of the book but nothing happens. It’s both excruciatingly teasing and frustrating at the same time.
I would definitely recommend this book, but if you pick it up, you need patience with it.
May 23, 2021
Like all good dark romances you have the sacrifice Jessa the American girl who has suffered long before she came to Lockelvin Academy. Then you have the girls who seem innocent on the surface but there know better then the Chiefs Rory the Prime Ministers son and head tormentor his toady Luke the Prince and his character is only partially present he's a mystery who dose everything Rory says then theres Finnley the Muscian he starts out like all the rest but by the end of the book he starts to show his contempt of things. Danny is the only true friend Jessa has he has a secret he's keeping but hes not the only one there are many secrets being kept the tension and darkness is there and a slow building heat. There is a cliffhanger at the end so I will read the next one.
This book had some really well written parts a good plot it definitely has potential. My only issue at times Jessa was a little to nieve and had know fight in her. And Rory well at this point I can't stand him maybe he will be different by the end of the series all of this is my personal opinion others might feel differently about the characters.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
This book had some really well written parts a good plot it definitely has potential. My only issue at times Jessa was a little to nieve and had know fight in her. And Rory well at this point I can't stand him maybe he will be different by the end of the series all of this is my personal opinion others might feel differently about the characters.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
November 3, 2022
First off, didn’t realise this was going to be some dystopian British novel along with the average bully the new girl trope. But apparently the UK is in even more disarray than we thought and we’re basically in an apocalypse.
Scotland apparently don’t have elevators, you know the place that invented so much, no elevators anywhere.
Also, I understand we’re in Scotland can you just write the Scottish speech how you’d write anything else I felt like I was solving a riddle every time Finlay spoke.
And magic. This book is nothing like the description, thought it’d be regular bully trope nope we have rituals and magic in the Scottish highlands.
Another aspect of these books we seem to not be able to escape is the FMC being given a pixie cut halfway through the book barely anyone looks good with that hairstyle just stop.
Also, when Jessa is doing the talent show why did they make it like she was working a strip club? Her whole female empowerment and lording her seductiveness over the men speech she was having in head while dancing also went tits up once she got off stage. Giving herself to Rory as soon as he clicked his fingers.
God why do I read these books(cause I still giggle at them like a little girl)
Onto the next shit show:)
Scotland apparently don’t have elevators, you know the place that invented so much, no elevators anywhere.
Also, I understand we’re in Scotland can you just write the Scottish speech how you’d write anything else I felt like I was solving a riddle every time Finlay spoke.
And magic. This book is nothing like the description, thought it’d be regular bully trope nope we have rituals and magic in the Scottish highlands.
Another aspect of these books we seem to not be able to escape is the FMC being given a pixie cut halfway through the book barely anyone looks good with that hairstyle just stop.
Also, when Jessa is doing the talent show why did they make it like she was working a strip club? Her whole female empowerment and lording her seductiveness over the men speech she was having in head while dancing also went tits up once she got off stage. Giving herself to Rory as soon as he clicked his fingers.
God why do I read these books(cause I still giggle at them like a little girl)
Onto the next shit show:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
In this start of a new series, Jessa receives a scholarship for a prestigious academy where previously only boys were allowed. Students nor teachers are exactly thrilled about the girls arriving at the academy, and especially Jessa receives the blunt of their effort to have the girls leave as soon as possible.
This book has everything a good bully academy should have: a heroine with a troubled past, three handsome alphaholes, minions who do the bullying ordered by their rulers (aka the alphaholes), a best friend for the fmc to lean on, … But the extra ingredients the author added to the known recipe for a bully academy are what made it really worthwile to read: men in kilts, a bit of Scottish dialect, a specific talent for the fmc, a background of political unrest and last but not least: a touch of the paranormal.
If you've read a lot of bully academy RH before, the start of the book feels a bit like a deja vu (or deja lit), but all the elements together make it into a great story. I absolutely recommend this book, especially to all the lovers of academy bully RH.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has everything a good bully academy should have: a heroine with a troubled past, three handsome alphaholes, minions who do the bullying ordered by their rulers (aka the alphaholes), a best friend for the fmc to lean on, … But the extra ingredients the author added to the known recipe for a bully academy are what made it really worthwile to read: men in kilts, a bit of Scottish dialect, a specific talent for the fmc, a background of political unrest and last but not least: a touch of the paranormal.
If you've read a lot of bully academy RH before, the start of the book feels a bit like a deja vu (or deja lit), but all the elements together make it into a great story. I absolutely recommend this book, especially to all the lovers of academy bully RH.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2021
Cruel Saint takes place in Lochkelvin, a very old, all boys school in Scotland who just recently decided to let girls in. The story begins with Jessa, an American student, who has to navigate this one of kind place and try to survive it. It was my first book by Evie Kady and it won't be my last because I simply cannot stop after that ending. Spoiler, it ends in a cliffhanger and not the fun kind. It's more the kind where you want to pull your hair from your head and scream. I had so many mixed feelings reading that book. It was good and intense and I could really relate to the heroine but I also sometimes wanted to punch her a little and I'm beginning to think she would have let me. Her dancing really got to me. Those scene are so well written I could see it, feel it, all like I was there. I would have liked multiple POVs because I cannot for the life of me figure out some of the boys in this book, but it adds to the political intrigue. It's a good book with a twist on the bully trope with all the political mixed in the story. And hopefully, karma will bite some people in the ass in the next books. You should give it a chance.
May 15, 2021
Before i start my review i want to say that i actually liked this book. Jessa (FMC) was a cracking character. She tried so hard to fit into this new academy in a new country - Scotland. Where she wasnt welcomed and was like a fish out of water. More so being female and American. I was frustrated by the girls that were students there. I understand the situation they were in within the academy but i just felt that they had no loyalty and they all out for themselves. Same goes for the teachers. All bar one had any sympathy at all. Dont get me started on the Headmistress!!! I literally wanted to slap the woman silly she annoyed me that much. She seemed to have a love of giving out detentions especially giving them to Jessa. The poor girl had basically nowhere to turn too most of the book. Until Danny and Finley showed their backbones. Which i loved them for doing that. Im still trying to work out Luke out and Rory just got my back up until the last chapter. The last few pages made the book for me. Jessa grew so much in confidence and i literally wanted to cheer for her!!! Im actually looking forward to the next book with that cliffhanger ending. A pretty great read
April 27, 2024
i had a lot of fun with this one. it’s a really interesting look at political upbringing and what it means to be brought into a society you don’t understand.
there are a lot of things i didn’t like, most notably the fact that this feels like it would be much more powerful as a college book instead of high school, since they’re all 17. high school romances always feel a little silly to me because everyone in them is always so amazed at the other students, how cool or hot or whatever they’re supposed to be and reading it as an adult just always feels like “ha…it’s a 17 year old boy, how much of a “sex god” can he be?” but in fairness, there’s almost no sex in these books, and the sex that does occur doesn’t feature the fmc, so it feels a little less squicky.
but generally, i like jessa. i think she’s incredibly dumb when she decides to drink for the halloween party, and that really made me roll my eyes because like…girl. you’re supposed to be smart enough not to let your guard down, get it the fuck together.
but still, this is a fun and twisty play on an academy romance, and i’m excited to see these characters get a little older and hopefully smarter.
there are a lot of things i didn’t like, most notably the fact that this feels like it would be much more powerful as a college book instead of high school, since they’re all 17. high school romances always feel a little silly to me because everyone in them is always so amazed at the other students, how cool or hot or whatever they’re supposed to be and reading it as an adult just always feels like “ha…it’s a 17 year old boy, how much of a “sex god” can he be?” but in fairness, there’s almost no sex in these books, and the sex that does occur doesn’t feature the fmc, so it feels a little less squicky.
but generally, i like jessa. i think she’s incredibly dumb when she decides to drink for the halloween party, and that really made me roll my eyes because like…girl. you’re supposed to be smart enough not to let your guard down, get it the fuck together.
but still, this is a fun and twisty play on an academy romance, and i’m excited to see these characters get a little older and hopefully smarter.
October 6, 2024
Good but slow book. I wish I saw a little more development in the relationships. Like nothing barely happened between the relationships in this book and no one is dating no one. There was barely a step into the relationships. And I feel as through the FMC feelings make no sense because these guys was literally bullying the heck out of this girl and got the whole school to do the same. Like I don't know how she goes from," I hate him and his friends, they bullying me and the girls just because we are girls. They are misogynistic aholes but they are really hot and I can't control my attraction to them." Like she is having these attraction while they are being the aptiomy of misogynistic aholes in the moment. Maybe its me but I can't find anyone attractive in the moment of them misogynistic aholes. Like I understand if they would do something that show somewhat kindness to her but no they were really dogging her and girls out. So her finding them attractive in their ahole moments was kinda unrealistic. Some are boys are in her good graces at the end but there's nothing is official. Hopefully they do something in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
The book was amazing. Every page kept you on the edge of your toes. It started off with Jessa getting accepted into a prestigious academy. It’s located in Scotland and built like a castle.Where the academy after so many years is finally letting girls into the academy. I love the heroine Jessa. She was strong. She never stopped fighting for her right to be at the school. No matter how many people tried to take her down. She forged her own path. She wasn’t swayed either way. Her friendship with Danny was sweet. He always had her back. The guys were pretty cool too. They had their demons that’s for sure. There friendship with each other was a brotherhood of sorts. I like Jessa and the guys. I can’t wait to read more of them. Each page kept you on the edge of your seat. The cliff hanger left me reeling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
*Spoilers* (minor)
First of all.. wow.. this book was a ride. I'm really excited to see where the rest of the series goes and I can't wait to read the next book. That being said, let's jump in.
This book does have a heavy bully theme and it's not for the faint of heart. While the bully was not majorly physical, Jessa was the main subject of the bullies. There is also a content warning for suicide (spoiler warning: seen in a vision during a Samhain ritual, not an actual suicide but can be triggering). My heart broke for Jessa so many times during this book, like I was incredibly sad & frustrated for her in a few situations. Girls were supposed to stick together? Nah, it was every girl for themselves and Jessa was often the subject of the blame, because it was easy, not because she actually did the thing. Jessa's internal struggle and past trauma was written beautifully and Evie really did a wonderful job with all of the characters. I couldn't put this book down. Read this book!
First of all.. wow.. this book was a ride. I'm really excited to see where the rest of the series goes and I can't wait to read the next book. That being said, let's jump in.
This book does have a heavy bully theme and it's not for the faint of heart. While the bully was not majorly physical, Jessa was the main subject of the bullies. There is also a content warning for suicide (spoiler warning: seen in a vision during a Samhain ritual, not an actual suicide but can be triggering). My heart broke for Jessa so many times during this book, like I was incredibly sad & frustrated for her in a few situations. Girls were supposed to stick together? Nah, it was every girl for themselves and Jessa was often the subject of the blame, because it was easy, not because she actually did the thing. Jessa's internal struggle and past trauma was written beautifully and Evie really did a wonderful job with all of the characters. I couldn't put this book down. Read this book!
May 15, 2021
Lochkelvin is a gripping read from start to finish, full of dark material and sobering topics.
The writing was fantastic, The story is well written, without lots of repeated phrases or scenarios, equaling a plot that manages to keep hold of your interest without feeling too ‘same-y’ or repetitive. The complex character stories link well and are easily followed,with a great buildup and finished with that all important cliffhanger!!
The book is full of drama, humour, seduction, betrayal, a splash of blackmail and a female character that comes on top?
Evie Kady really makes you feel like you’re there, coming along on this wild ride of a story, which really impressed me.
You HAVE to read this, you’re missing out on a great book if you don’t!
Tldr: Another great bully storyline,with lots to offer with a naturally occurring cliffhanger that doesn’t break your heart, but of course, leaves you salivating for the next book in the series!
5*’s all the way!!
The writing was fantastic, The story is well written, without lots of repeated phrases or scenarios, equaling a plot that manages to keep hold of your interest without feeling too ‘same-y’ or repetitive. The complex character stories link well and are easily followed,with a great buildup and finished with that all important cliffhanger!!
The book is full of drama, humour, seduction, betrayal, a splash of blackmail and a female character that comes on top?
Evie Kady really makes you feel like you’re there, coming along on this wild ride of a story, which really impressed me.
You HAVE to read this, you’re missing out on a great book if you don’t!
Tldr: Another great bully storyline,with lots to offer with a naturally occurring cliffhanger that doesn’t break your heart, but of course, leaves you salivating for the next book in the series!
5*’s all the way!!
June 5, 2021
3.5⭐️
Jessa starts una new school and in after the painful loss of her father.
Her new school is other one where the children of the political elite go and it is mostly male.
Jessa soon becomes the target of the 3 chiefs at the school, as well as being bullied by the girls for not belonging to their status or for not looking the part.
For most of the book, the headmistress keeps punishing her for things she hasn’t done and it seems that she isn’t going to change.
But at the end of the book she seems to finally find a way to make her voice heard and to get the chiefs interested in her other than making her life a living hell.
The book has a small sex scene between one of the girls and one of the chiefs, but Jessa, despite lusting for the chiefs does nothing with either of them, at least for the moment.
Jessa starts una new school and in after the painful loss of her father.
Her new school is other one where the children of the political elite go and it is mostly male.
Jessa soon becomes the target of the 3 chiefs at the school, as well as being bullied by the girls for not belonging to their status or for not looking the part.
For most of the book, the headmistress keeps punishing her for things she hasn’t done and it seems that she isn’t going to change.
But at the end of the book she seems to finally find a way to make her voice heard and to get the chiefs interested in her other than making her life a living hell.
The book has a small sex scene between one of the girls and one of the chiefs, but Jessa, despite lusting for the chiefs does nothing with either of them, at least for the moment.
May 14, 2021
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. What a cliffhanger at the end! Cruel Saints is the first book in a bully academy reverse harem series. You are introduced to Jessa, the FMC, and as the book develops more of her past comes to light. She starts out as quiet, almost a pushover. Her strength builds as the chapters progress. The book is full of political intrigue on a country wide scale as well as at the school. It gives a bit of depth and realness to the social hierarchy at the school. The book is absolutely a very slow burn. I feel like this first book is more of a build up for the next books to come. Hopefully we won't be kept waiting too long.
May 17, 2021
Jessa always struggles as she is the target for all of the student body's animosity. It has all the makings of a slow burn reverse harem in the making as she has the attention of the most influential boys of the school. They don't know what to make of her but are intrigued nonetheless. Just as she's beginning to play the political games the students play, and getting the boys underfoot a whopper of a cliffhanger happens abruptly. I can't wait to see what happens next as Jessa is tallying everyone's misdeeds and secrets and is slowly creating casualties of her opponents.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2022
Good book
Good book and good start.Overall I enjoyed the world building and characters. Finley is definitely a favorite. I can say t the leading lady did frustrate me at times but I'm hoping her character continues to grow. The rh and romance aspect is definitely slow burn but the tension is thick. The only other issue I really had was feeling like current deal ish politics and views were tied in in places, and when I read it's for enjoyment. I can read about fake politics and issue but when it feels like the real world is creeping in I don't much care for it. Overall it a good book it does end on a cliff hanger but I definitely need to know what happens.
Good book and good start.Overall I enjoyed the world building and characters. Finley is definitely a favorite. I can say t the leading lady did frustrate me at times but I'm hoping her character continues to grow. The rh and romance aspect is definitely slow burn but the tension is thick. The only other issue I really had was feeling like current deal ish politics and views were tied in in places, and when I read it's for enjoyment. I can read about fake politics and issue but when it feels like the real world is creeping in I don't much care for it. Overall it a good book it does end on a cliff hanger but I definitely need to know what happens.
May 6, 2024
fodder
Cruel Saints is book one in the series Lochkelvin Academy by author Evie Kady. Ok so when I first decided to read this book I thought a bully romance ok read that before. Yet this takes a new meaning of bullying. It’s not that it’s brutal because it is in a way. A psychological brutality, that causes the core of you to feel it. You can actually put yourself into her shoes and the fit is not that comfortable.
A saint that’s what they call her only to realize the there’s darkness that dwells inside.
Enjoy!!
Cruel Saints is book one in the series Lochkelvin Academy by author Evie Kady. Ok so when I first decided to read this book I thought a bully romance ok read that before. Yet this takes a new meaning of bullying. It’s not that it’s brutal because it is in a way. A psychological brutality, that causes the core of you to feel it. You can actually put yourself into her shoes and the fit is not that comfortable.
A saint that’s what they call her only to realize the there’s darkness that dwells inside.
Enjoy!!
May 14, 2021
I started this book just knowing it was a reverse harem. As I started to read it I got some insight to the mc and who her possible harem could be. The biggest problem for me was how little romance there was. Don’t get me wrong the book all together was pretty smooth and I wanted to keep going I just felt there should have been more romance. I’m not a big fan of slow burn books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2021
First, thank you for the chance to read this book. Well I did enjoy the book, the characters are unique in their own way. I had a bit of a hard time understanding everything that went on in the book and felt a few things were missing to explain some of the events happening. But that’s what second books are for and I’m intrigued to read what else will happen!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2021
Bullying
Oh wow! The bullying in this book is another level. It mental and physical. Jesse is an outside with no one having her back as she navigates a new school, country, and self involved classmates. It takes awhile for her to find her voice but when she does she using everything in her arsenal to get back at the people who wronged. And she’s just getting started in this book.
Oh wow! The bullying in this book is another level. It mental and physical. Jesse is an outside with no one having her back as she navigates a new school, country, and self involved classmates. It takes awhile for her to find her voice but when she does she using everything in her arsenal to get back at the people who wronged. And she’s just getting started in this book.
September 18, 2021
So I struggled a lot with this book and the way it was written. Honestly, the last 4% of the book is what saved it just because I want to know what happened. I get that it’s a bully romance, but at times I felt it was too much. Everyone is a spoilt, self serving brat with zero redeeming qualities except the main character who seems to just continually be naive. It all seems 1-dimensional to me but I will try the second book because the cliff hanger was good.
June 20, 2022
Entertaining read.
This was a dark bully storyline, where the protagonist was systematically bullied, abused and victimised by both female 'friend's as well as the ruling souvenirs and their minions, not to mention the blatant bullying from the teachers and headmistress. I struggled with the main characters attraction to the overarching perpetrator, despite all the terrible things he did.
I will still read book 2, as this is definitely worth reading.
This was a dark bully storyline, where the protagonist was systematically bullied, abused and victimised by both female 'friend's as well as the ruling souvenirs and their minions, not to mention the blatant bullying from the teachers and headmistress. I struggled with the main characters attraction to the overarching perpetrator, despite all the terrible things he did.
I will still read book 2, as this is definitely worth reading.
August 25, 2022
Absolutely loved this series! I have finished the fourth book yesterday and already missing it and cannot wait for the last book release! Tbh the first book might be a bit "slow" but mostly because we are getting to know the characters and know the whole setting; all the political turmoils. I'm not one to be interested in any political themed book but this series was just too interesting and intriguing!
And the bond, chemistry, and relationship between the main characters is just so sweet and endearing. (note this is my opinion after finishing ALL the books ofc!)
If you plan to reading this series, I pray you'll enjoy it as much as I did! 🤍
And the bond, chemistry, and relationship between the main characters is just so sweet and endearing. (note this is my opinion after finishing ALL the books ofc!)
If you plan to reading this series, I pray you'll enjoy it as much as I did! 🤍
May 15, 2021
Jessa we one of five hours attending an all boys school. The boys don't want them there. They do all sorts of cruel things to Jessa. She spends most nights in detention. She slowly changes her ways. I think this is a good book and cannot wait for the next one to see what Jessa and the boys do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2021
An interesting blurb caught my attention and I chose to read this book based on it. I thought the author wrote a story that had some really promising moments. The tension was palpable. The characters were intriguing as was the storyline. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
May 16, 2021
Read this book with an open mind, at first I thought I had read the story before but knew couldnt of as it was an ARC book. It was unique and the story had twists and turns.
Major coordinated at the end looking forward to book 2
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Major coordinated at the end looking forward to book 2
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2024
If I could give this zero starts I would
This wasn’t a bully romance this was genuine torture and it was infuriating
I only made it half way through and not once did she have literally anyone not bullying her for no reason
I dnf ed it and don’t plan on finishing bc idc if they figure out they love her, every single persons behavior is absolutely inexcusable
This wasn’t a bully romance this was genuine torture and it was infuriating
I only made it half way through and not once did she have literally anyone not bullying her for no reason
I dnf ed it and don’t plan on finishing bc idc if they figure out they love her, every single persons behavior is absolutely inexcusable
May 14, 2021
I’m a little unsure about this book. It dragged on and was slow to start but the last few chapters have intrigued me. I’ll read the next one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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