Shadowstone Academy

Shadowstone Academy #1

by Barbara Hartzler

I'm back at the school I hate after my sister just took down the biggest, baddest secret society. At least I only have two secret societies to deal with now, and my sister close enough to begin my training.

There's only one problem. The most popular guy in school has finally noticed me, but so has the biggest bully I’ve ever met.

Funny story—the prickly guy who blames my family for stripping his powers needs my help. So why does he act like it’s the end of the world after I use my gifts to save him from his own stupidity?

As long as he keeps my little secret to himself, we won’t have a problem.

Because everyone wonders if I’m hiding powers as game-changing as my Seer sister. But I’ll never reveal my secrets …

Tensions are brewing between the two remaining societies.

Can I figure out my unpredictable powers before the society big-wigs realize the truth?

I guess we’re about to find out …

, is book 1 in the 4-book Young Adult Clean Paranormal Romance series. This academy book saga is full of slow burn, young adult enemies to lovers romance coupled with snarky humorous dialogue, and a kick-butt urban fantasy female protagonist who takes Europe by storm. In the world of YA supernatural academy romance, think Shadow Hunters meets Darkblood Academy. Or Harry Potter for girls set in a modern-day academy with warring secret societies and a good dose of teen romance.

Scroll up and click on Kindle Unlimited or for your chance to enter the secret world of Shadowstone Academy.

Genres: Fantasy

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Barbara Hartzler is an Urban Fantasy Academy author writing about Seers, Chosen Ones, sacred stones, and secret societies ... oh my!

Her stories are full of snarky heroines, supernatural shenanigans, dreamy guys, and normal teens taking on larger-than-life quests to save the world.

As a former barista and graphic designer, she loves all things sparkly and purple and is always jonesing for a good cup of joe.

So grab a cup of coffee and peruse her website at www.barbarahartzler.com. You can read her blog, explore all the behind-the-scenes extras in The Seer’s Vault, or learn more about her writing journey, fun facts, and The BARBARA awards for best fiction (mostly YA).

Or look for Barbara on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Ari (Head in a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series taking place right after Montrose Paranormal Academy. The book is told from 3 perspectives, Paige, Lucy's sister, Lucy herself and Eric.
Lucy and Will are quite prominent in the book and I have mixed feelings because after all, they had their turn in their own series to have POVS. I found out I won't be able to read Book 2 until next month unfortunately because I was really interested in continuing right away, I will wait then. It's a short, fast-paced novel that I read in one sitting.
Overall, an enjoyable spinoff with a fast-paced plot.

[colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you barbara .I was sad that the nexis series finished when I heard about a follow on series based around the sister i was really happy enjoyed the whole book from start to finish and didn't want to put it down.can't wait for the next one.
I received this book free for a honest review from Barbara greatly appreciated.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. Welcome to Shadowstone Academy. The Shadowstone Academy series is a spinoff of the popular, bestselling Montrose Paranormal Academy series. It is not necessary to read the books in order, but you may want to check out the MPA series to better understand the world of the Three, now Two Societies. Paige’s parents just shipped her off to Switzerland, which is far cry from her normal suburban life. The secrets is out about her new powers and more than one guy taken notice. Story starts with Paige being back at the school she hates after her sister Lucy just took down the biggest, baddest secret society. At least she has only two secret societies to deal with now, and her sister will be close enough to begin het training. There is one problem, the most popular guy in school has finally noticed her, but so has the biggest bully she’s ever met. The prickly guy who blames her family for stripping his powers actually needs her help, so why does he act like it’s the end of the world after she uses her gifts to save him from his own stupidity? I just hope he keeps her little secret to himself because everyone wonders if she’s hiding powers as game-changing as her Seer sister, but she’ll never reveal her secrets. Tensions are brewing between the two remaining societies. Can Paige figure out her unpredictable powers before the society big-wigs realize the truth? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next Chapter of Paige’s story. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Adrian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is the first book in a new series, the story carries on from where the author's Montrose Academy left off.

The focus switches to the secondborn seer, Paige. But Montrose fans will be happy that Lucy and Will, heroes of the previous series, are in this new book a lot too.

There's plenty of action and some fun dialogue. Paige rejoins Shadowstone Academy in Switzerland. Needless to say, things are far from smooth sailing as the term gets under way. As her powers manifest, she gets drawn into a new conflict and wonders who she can trust (as well as which guy is right for her!)

I think young adults in particular will enjoy this book, especially those who like academy, magic, and coming of age. I thought it was a fun, fast-paced, enjoyable read.

[Wilson E. Stevens Sr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have several issues with this book. The first one is the flashbacks to a previous school year and the actions during that school year that impacted the current timeline. That should have been the first book in the series, not this book. This is the only book released in the series. If I had known that, I wouldn't have read the book. I don't do interrupted series very well. I think giving the primary character Paige's age is a mistake. Without an age given, a younger reader will assume the age is less than 16, while an older reader will assume the character's age is older than 16. The ending of the book was well done and will tie into the next book nicely.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Shadowstone Academy Book 1 by Barbara Hartzler though bookfunnel and am now reviewing. In this spinoff of the Montrose Paranormal Academy series, Paige is sent back to Shadowstone Academy in the Swiss Alps after Nexis had been brought down with her sister close enough to begin her training since she has powers of her own as a second-born seer. There she meets some true friends and hopes to figure out her own unpredictable powers. This book has a few twists and I definitely enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to other books in the series once written. This book is available on Amazon

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Trinity by Barbara Hartzler is Book 1 in the Shadowstone Academy series. This is a fast paced, action packed, page turning adventure which begins where Montrose Academy ended with Paige, secondborne seer is the main character. Paige rejoins Shadowstone Academy in Switzerland where she finds it hard going as the term begins. Who can she trust? Who is the right boy for her? We also have characters from Montrose Academy in this new series. Beautifully written. You are drawn into the story and kept reading until the end and left wanting more. Recommended read. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Nereid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

This Academy book was slow to start and felt rushed in places. The whole dating scene did not feel realistic and the timeframe between the start of the relationship and their feelings developing was too soon. Eric abandoned his mission almost straight away which was disappointing and more angst could have been generated if that was carried on for a few chapters. The story was lacking in excitement and adventure. I will not be reading the rest of this series.

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paige was a fun part of Lucy’s story. Glad she is getting her own story. Paige is not as pragmatic as Lucy. She is definitely more of a spoiled party girl. She must learn to temper her need for flare with the necessity of survival through any means necessary. It is a difficult journey. She will find people to trust and people who will betray her. Paige is nothing if not adaptable and is willing to put in hard work to learn new skills that will enable her not only to survive, she will learn to thrive with help.

[Sylvia Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

I love this series! I forget I am reading because I am so into the story, Barbara makes you feel like you are there. Growing up is hard enough, add powers to that and you have a super series. Looking forward to reading more. I would like to also compliment the editors. Great job! I never saw any mistakes. Great editing allows for the flow of the story without interruption. .

[L.M. Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Academy!

Brand new series with characters I know and love! This time Paige takes centre stage in Shadowstone Academy. Set in the breathtaking landscape of Switzerland, I felt like I was actually there. Wonderful characters vibrantly realised, I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you are a big fan of urban fantasy academy novels like me, you will love this!

[Holly Mavigliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Pretty good book. I think I read the books about Paige's (heroine) sister Lucy before, so everything made sense. Basically, the characters are going to a school (collage?) For parables\people with powers. Their society is breaking down and the kids have to save the day. Great writing, great plot!

[Mark Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second born powers

I loved reading this story about the second born in these powerful familial lines. The struggle that takes place for these individuals as well as the powers that they inherit make for enticing reading.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ

I enjoyed the first series of Shadowstone Academy. Paige's story is a great beginning. As a second-born Seer, she is growing and accepting her unique powers as a gift to share with her friends. I can not wait to read her next adventure.

[Lobstergrenyahoo.Com · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not bad if your a teenager

Well it's witch's and wizards learning and reverse harem happens, fighting evil, basic high school drama and emotions thrown in. It's not my thing won't finish series

[Hilary Spriggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am entranced by this series can't wait for more. So much so every tome i pick up my Kindle to read i am expecting to meet my friends again and continue our adventure only to be disappointed to find I'm reading something else 😔

[Kierstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nexis

Whoa what a great book. I can't wait to see what's in store next. If you like secret societies then this is the series for you.

[Sarah Buttice · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book

Think is a very good book love the story and man characters and love Paige and her sister and w

[Nancy Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

Great powers and good characterization The angel are a good touch they add a touch of color to the plot.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friggin book I've read in a long time I love it!

[Irishgal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh

[Lissa X]

Well... aside from the typos in the kindle version, idk if the paperback fares better, it was just alright. Overall not much happened till the end. Some things relied on you having read the previous series to understand or feel how high the stakes were. Wish I had known it was linked to a different series beforehand. Didn't feel everyone else's pov was necessary, just Paige was fine. The writing was a bit weak. Fun concept though. Also quick and easy read.