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Briarwitch Academy #1
A Whisper Before Dawn
I don’t look for trouble. It finds me: murderous teachers, sexy supernaturals, devious plots.
My name is Dawn Rose. I was the food-scavenger for my group of outcasts in the Fringe—what used to be LA County before the Abnorms and supernaturals turned it into a hellscape. But I never expected to witness a brutal murder-by-magic.
Now I’ve been whisked off to Briarwitch Academy, the place where magic goes to grow. The faculty think I have an ancient untapped power. Yeah, right. Like I’m going to fit in with drunken gnomes and goth pixies. And then there are the smoldering shifter dudes. One of them basically stalks me. The other hates me. I want them both.
I’m just trying to survive the bullies and my classes and the magical weirdos who don’t think I belong here. But when evil threatens the academy, I have to stop it from reaching back home. And that whole murder thing? I know who did it. And he knows I know. And life’s about to get way more complicated…
This is a slow-burn reverse harem paranormal romance with more heat than a fresh ghost pepper and more mystery than that missing Tupperware lid in your kitchen.
If you like badass female leads, snarky sidekicks, conflicted alpha males, and straight-up evil baddies, one-click now!
My name is Dawn Rose. I was the food-scavenger for my group of outcasts in the Fringe—what used to be LA County before the Abnorms and supernaturals turned it into a hellscape. But I never expected to witness a brutal murder-by-magic.
Now I’ve been whisked off to Briarwitch Academy, the place where magic goes to grow. The faculty think I have an ancient untapped power. Yeah, right. Like I’m going to fit in with drunken gnomes and goth pixies. And then there are the smoldering shifter dudes. One of them basically stalks me. The other hates me. I want them both.
I’m just trying to survive the bullies and my classes and the magical weirdos who don’t think I belong here. But when evil threatens the academy, I have to stop it from reaching back home. And that whole murder thing? I know who did it. And he knows I know. And life’s about to get way more complicated…
This is a slow-burn reverse harem paranormal romance with more heat than a fresh ghost pepper and more mystery than that missing Tupperware lid in your kitchen.
If you like badass female leads, snarky sidekicks, conflicted alpha males, and straight-up evil baddies, one-click now!
385 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2020
838 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Kingmaker
29 books152 followersKC Kingmaker lives in San Diego and has been writing and reading fantasy and romance for years.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 20, 2021
This is now one of my favourite books. I could tell I'd love the main story from reading the prequel but wow. Definitely deserving of the "books-that-speak-to-my-soul" shelf.
Also, as a lover of said prequel, I'd suggest you read it too, because it's super cool and gives insight into who Dawn was before supernaturals took over.
The book starts with Dawn scavenging food for the people at home, also known as The Fringe, where she and her brother have been living for the past few years after their parents mysteriously vanished.
Food scavenging is something she's good at, even though it gets her into trouble. Something (or should i say someONE) else that gets her into trouble, is a boy.
While out on a walk with Derek, Dawn witnesses a murder and ends up with two very strange children in her care, as well as more questions than answers.
Then an unexpected visitor knocks on her door and whisks her away to Briarwitch Academy, a school for supernaturals in training. But she doesn't belong there...or does she?
Like I said, I love this book. The vibes are perfect.
It's a bit nostalgic too? Like how Tessa came to pick up Dawn, much like Dumbledore did Tom Riddle. That made it so much cooler.
The world building is amazing. A+++. The academy is so interesting, the classes too and I'd love to go there. Someone open a portal please and thank you.
From the blurb I was expecting a goth pixie, but I didn't think she'd be one of the main characters. But she is!!! HARPER I LOVE YOU.
I love every single character actually, even annoying Sadie. They're all well written.
And the murder/baby mystery? I may or may not have spoiled myself ahead of time, but it's still so fun to read and figure out clues. There's so many things I don't know yet that I can't wait to find out.
I really took my time with this book and I don't regret it. It's too much awesome to devour at once. So do yourself (and me) a favour and start this series.
Also, as a lover of said prequel, I'd suggest you read it too, because it's super cool and gives insight into who Dawn was before supernaturals took over.
The book starts with Dawn scavenging food for the people at home, also known as The Fringe, where she and her brother have been living for the past few years after their parents mysteriously vanished.
Food scavenging is something she's good at, even though it gets her into trouble. Something (or should i say someONE) else that gets her into trouble, is a boy.
While out on a walk with Derek, Dawn witnesses a murder and ends up with two very strange children in her care, as well as more questions than answers.
Then an unexpected visitor knocks on her door and whisks her away to Briarwitch Academy, a school for supernaturals in training. But she doesn't belong there...or does she?
Like I said, I love this book. The vibes are perfect.
It's a bit nostalgic too? Like how Tessa came to pick up Dawn, much like Dumbledore did Tom Riddle. That made it so much cooler.
The world building is amazing. A+++. The academy is so interesting, the classes too and I'd love to go there. Someone open a portal please and thank you.
From the blurb I was expecting a goth pixie, but I didn't think she'd be one of the main characters. But she is!!! HARPER I LOVE YOU.
I love every single character actually, even annoying Sadie. They're all well written.
And the murder/baby mystery? I may or may not have spoiled myself ahead of time, but it's still so fun to read and figure out clues. There's so many things I don't know yet that I can't wait to find out.
I really took my time with this book and I don't regret it. It's too much awesome to devour at once. So do yourself (and me) a favour and start this series.
September 29, 2020
Could have been good
The main character, to be honest, seems to be pathetic and only worried about who she is going to have sex with. Almost every page is her getting distracted by someone's body and if its not that then its her being a complete wimp. She's supposedly in her 20's but the story reads like she's a bratty child. She is randomly rude to pretty much every person she knows even if its her best friend but she can't stand when someone is rude or mean to her. Not to mention she finds out who the babies belong to but doesn't say a word to anyone or return them to their people but doesn't seem to have any issue with that and she continuously calls them "my children" but she found them in a dumpster and was only around them for 3 days before going to academy and not seeing them again...the only thing that came to my mind is that maybe the professor that recruited her knows something about the babies and its part of some plan but nothing in the book even hints at that and I do not have the urge to read the next book to find out. I don't think I could stand another bout of pathetic, bratty, kind of dumb, hormone driven nonsense that the main character/story consists of. (I have read a lot of books with lots of sex but this like every time she looks at a guy all she sees in her head is sex, even when consoling a guy she had a whole inner monologue about wanting to touch him and hoping he cries so she can be the one to hold him then she turns the situation sexual even though she previously told the guy she wasn't interested in him and she's been pining for another guy...not everything has to revolve around sex in these type of books, honestly it just made me cringe)
The main character, to be honest, seems to be pathetic and only worried about who she is going to have sex with. Almost every page is her getting distracted by someone's body and if its not that then its her being a complete wimp. She's supposedly in her 20's but the story reads like she's a bratty child. She is randomly rude to pretty much every person she knows even if its her best friend but she can't stand when someone is rude or mean to her. Not to mention she finds out who the babies belong to but doesn't say a word to anyone or return them to their people but doesn't seem to have any issue with that and she continuously calls them "my children" but she found them in a dumpster and was only around them for 3 days before going to academy and not seeing them again...the only thing that came to my mind is that maybe the professor that recruited her knows something about the babies and its part of some plan but nothing in the book even hints at that and I do not have the urge to read the next book to find out. I don't think I could stand another bout of pathetic, bratty, kind of dumb, hormone driven nonsense that the main character/story consists of. (I have read a lot of books with lots of sex but this like every time she looks at a guy all she sees in her head is sex, even when consoling a guy she had a whole inner monologue about wanting to touch him and hoping he cries so she can be the one to hold him then she turns the situation sexual even though she previously told the guy she wasn't interested in him and she's been pining for another guy...not everything has to revolve around sex in these type of books, honestly it just made me cringe)
December 27, 2020
DNF - quit at 31%.
The story, as a whole, just didn’t make sense. Too many things aren’t explained or logical. There is no world building, sometimes it feels dystopian & other times it feels like something else. Nothing to make the world feel real or plausible, let alone justify why there are these strange separations in society. Things just randomly happen that don’t make sense, but are used to move the story in different directions. The character building is total garbage. The FMC, Dawn, contradicts herself with every action she does. One minute she’s strong & able to stand up for herself, the next, she’s a simpering baby who can’t say a word & on the verge of tears (the confrontation when she first meets the school bully, Sadie). The conflict of her behavior made her feel like she had split personalities. The 2 guys that seem to have caught her interest at school (Kai & Anvel) held no interest for me, as they were also flat. I was surprised after she got a guy killed in the beginning, to run off & have private time with him for kissing, then for her to find out that he was having a baby with another woman after his death (Derek the 2 timer & his baby momma, Sarah) -should have hardened her to not want anything to do with guys so easily, let alone suddenly have eyes for the good looking ones on campus. Nope, this series is not for me, I need more than ramblings that feel like a rough draft to keep me reading.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
The story, as a whole, just didn’t make sense. Too many things aren’t explained or logical. There is no world building, sometimes it feels dystopian & other times it feels like something else. Nothing to make the world feel real or plausible, let alone justify why there are these strange separations in society. Things just randomly happen that don’t make sense, but are used to move the story in different directions. The character building is total garbage. The FMC, Dawn, contradicts herself with every action she does. One minute she’s strong & able to stand up for herself, the next, she’s a simpering baby who can’t say a word & on the verge of tears (the confrontation when she first meets the school bully, Sadie). The conflict of her behavior made her feel like she had split personalities. The 2 guys that seem to have caught her interest at school (Kai & Anvel) held no interest for me, as they were also flat. I was surprised after she got a guy killed in the beginning, to run off & have private time with him for kissing, then for her to find out that he was having a baby with another woman after his death (Derek the 2 timer & his baby momma, Sarah) -should have hardened her to not want anything to do with guys so easily, let alone suddenly have eyes for the good looking ones on campus. Nope, this series is not for me, I need more than ramblings that feel like a rough draft to keep me reading.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
September 15, 2020
I main charecter is illogical
I didn't like this book. The universe it was set in was interesting, I liked most of the characters enough to be mildly interested in finishing the story. I actually adore the gnome-she was a hoot. But the main female charecter was the thing that spoiled the story her persona does not match her history. A person who scavenged the wilds in an apocalyptic world would be a person who was fast thinking, stealthy they would not come off as a person who freezes and caves like a simpering fradycat. I must admit I may read book not because of the main story line and charecter, but to find out what happens to the babies. Which is why I gave it a 3 star instead of 2.
I didn't like this book. The universe it was set in was interesting, I liked most of the characters enough to be mildly interested in finishing the story. I actually adore the gnome-she was a hoot. But the main female charecter was the thing that spoiled the story her persona does not match her history. A person who scavenged the wilds in an apocalyptic world would be a person who was fast thinking, stealthy they would not come off as a person who freezes and caves like a simpering fradycat. I must admit I may read book not because of the main story line and charecter, but to find out what happens to the babies. Which is why I gave it a 3 star instead of 2.
October 22, 2020
Fun Premise
I really liked the premise of the story. I am a big fan of humans finding out they have magic, academy stories and at times dystopian settings. Unfortunately, there were small things that kept me from loving this book. The interactions between the protagonist Dawn and the antagonist Sadie were unsatisfying. I wouldn't expect Dawn to get the upper hand in magic or physical fights but she should have had the ability to to verbally defend herself or at least not fold every encounter considering her backstory. It didn't help that in the beginning in her inner dialogue she would say she was not going to do x,y,z then in the next scene she did what she said she wasn't. Also, the dialogue and word choices were odd. She referred to Malakai as dashing several times, said she hadn't been the apple of anyone's eye for a long time, called someone buddy boy. There were a lot of outdated language choices like that so it didn't feel like a 21 year old was speaking. The last thing is that there wasn't enough detail regarding the world for me. A lot was touched upon but it wasn't completely clear to me. Overall, these are small things that I think wouldn't bother most readers but unfortunately kept pulling me from the story or kept me from completely enjoying it.
I really liked the premise of the story. I am a big fan of humans finding out they have magic, academy stories and at times dystopian settings. Unfortunately, there were small things that kept me from loving this book. The interactions between the protagonist Dawn and the antagonist Sadie were unsatisfying. I wouldn't expect Dawn to get the upper hand in magic or physical fights but she should have had the ability to to verbally defend herself or at least not fold every encounter considering her backstory. It didn't help that in the beginning in her inner dialogue she would say she was not going to do x,y,z then in the next scene she did what she said she wasn't. Also, the dialogue and word choices were odd. She referred to Malakai as dashing several times, said she hadn't been the apple of anyone's eye for a long time, called someone buddy boy. There were a lot of outdated language choices like that so it didn't feel like a 21 year old was speaking. The last thing is that there wasn't enough detail regarding the world for me. A lot was touched upon but it wasn't completely clear to me. Overall, these are small things that I think wouldn't bother most readers but unfortunately kept pulling me from the story or kept me from completely enjoying it.
August 22, 2021
Couldn't pass 9%, this author doesn't know how to write.
Is like she doesn't understand that words carry meaning, because MC just says a lot without any action to support any decision.
Is like she is a weak pathetic little excuse of a person but in her head she pretends to be strong and brave, someone who can defend herself and stands her ground, but the truth is when a problem(not even a big one) shows up the only thing she does is try not to cry. She is delusional. I felt sorry for her, how can someone be so tiny? Doesn't have any grasp on her own reality, a person like that can not grow.
I wish i could give negative stars.
Is like she doesn't understand that words carry meaning, because MC just says a lot without any action to support any decision.
Is like she is a weak pathetic little excuse of a person but in her head she pretends to be strong and brave, someone who can defend herself and stands her ground, but the truth is when a problem(not even a big one) shows up the only thing she does is try not to cry. She is delusional. I felt sorry for her, how can someone be so tiny? Doesn't have any grasp on her own reality, a person like that can not grow.
I wish i could give negative stars.
February 4, 2023
Hmmm .... I'm just going to say it ... I hated this book.
The author wrote the MFC as a illogical schizophrenic character. In one breath (her thoughts) she's this tough character that gets chosen by all three magics. Then we have this absolute powerless coward who never stands up for herself or speaks up about anything. A COMPLETE DOORMAT!
The dialogue was poor
The character development was poor
The narrator was abysmal (think 1950s acting)
The world building was half baked
There was no logical buildup and the plot was disjointed at best
Seriously, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything I actually liked.
The author wrote the MFC as a illogical schizophrenic character. In one breath (her thoughts) she's this tough character that gets chosen by all three magics. Then we have this absolute powerless coward who never stands up for herself or speaks up about anything. A COMPLETE DOORMAT!
The dialogue was poor
The character development was poor
The narrator was abysmal (think 1950s acting)
The world building was half baked
There was no logical buildup and the plot was disjointed at best
Seriously, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything I actually liked.
January 22, 2022
I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
Dawn lives in a wasteland that was formerly known as Southern California. She’s the main scavenger for food for her rag rag group of people that live in the “fringe.” A kind of no man’s land. She sees something she isn’t supposed to see, and it seems to have unlocked some magic inside her. Magic that she never knew she had. Next thing she knows, she’s a student in the Briarwitch Academy. Not only does she need to learn to use her magic, but also to navigate the student body . . . And there are TWO of them that she’d like to get to know better.
Once again I’m reading a book that has a promising storyline, but still feels like it’s lacking somehow. I mean, it’s got everything (cue Stefon’s voice) it’s got evil mages, a drunken lusty gnome, a mute mermaid/siren, jealous mean girls (my absolute fav!) hot alpha males and horny devilish imps . . . So why wasn’t I absolutely hooked? I think lack of world building is part of it. The opening chapters definitely read like a dystopian story however, it’s never really explained why/how it came to be that way. Sure it’s because of the supernaturals, but WHY? What happened? Character development is marginally better. We don’t really even know that much about our heroine, other than she’s pretty horny herself a lot too.
The real saving grace in this book is Calista. Dawn’s familiar. Apparently, every first year student is assigned a familiar to help guide them through their first year. “Cali” is a very lusty, usually hung over gnome without a filter for anything that pops in her head or comes out of her mouth. Initially, I thought that I’m either going to love her, or she’s going to get real annoying real fast. Turns out, I LOVED her. Although familiars are only assigned to first years, I hope she’s in the next book even though it will be Dawn’s second year.
Another character that melted my heart in a few places is Malikai. They referred to him as a lycanthrope, rather than a wolf shifter. His shifts are dictated by the moon, and he has no control over it. The second time they’re intimate, this happened . . .
He wrapped an arm around me and scooted close, nestling his head into my shoulder. His chuckle died away, and he whispered, “Please hold me, Dawn. I’ve felt alone for so long.” I thought he would cry, but he didn’t. Instead, he closed his eyes and pressed his ear to my chest, as if listening to my rapid heartbeat.
*sighs*. I believe things are set up for her to also have a “thing” with Anvil. The most popular, good looking wolf shifter on campus. Of course, Sadie - our resident mean girl - also has her heart set on him. So typical academy fare.
While I wasn’t blown away by this book, and I am going to read the next book in the series. I looked at the ratings of all the books, and the first book is the lowest rated of them all. So hopefully the writing will improve. It’s definitely not a standalone book. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there’s a ton of unresolved loose ends.
UPDATE: If you haven’t read When They Come For Us, you should read it before this book. It’s a prequel and helps with the world building in this book. The author offers it for free on her website when you sign up for her newsletter.
Dawn lives in a wasteland that was formerly known as Southern California. She’s the main scavenger for food for her rag rag group of people that live in the “fringe.” A kind of no man’s land. She sees something she isn’t supposed to see, and it seems to have unlocked some magic inside her. Magic that she never knew she had. Next thing she knows, she’s a student in the Briarwitch Academy. Not only does she need to learn to use her magic, but also to navigate the student body . . . And there are TWO of them that she’d like to get to know better.
Once again I’m reading a book that has a promising storyline, but still feels like it’s lacking somehow. I mean, it’s got everything (cue Stefon’s voice) it’s got evil mages, a drunken lusty gnome, a mute mermaid/siren, jealous mean girls (my absolute fav!) hot alpha males and horny devilish imps . . . So why wasn’t I absolutely hooked? I think lack of world building is part of it. The opening chapters definitely read like a dystopian story however, it’s never really explained why/how it came to be that way. Sure it’s because of the supernaturals, but WHY? What happened? Character development is marginally better. We don’t really even know that much about our heroine, other than she’s pretty horny herself a lot too.
The real saving grace in this book is Calista. Dawn’s familiar. Apparently, every first year student is assigned a familiar to help guide them through their first year. “Cali” is a very lusty, usually hung over gnome without a filter for anything that pops in her head or comes out of her mouth. Initially, I thought that I’m either going to love her, or she’s going to get real annoying real fast. Turns out, I LOVED her. Although familiars are only assigned to first years, I hope she’s in the next book even though it will be Dawn’s second year.
Another character that melted my heart in a few places is Malikai. They referred to him as a lycanthrope, rather than a wolf shifter. His shifts are dictated by the moon, and he has no control over it. The second time they’re intimate, this happened . . .
He wrapped an arm around me and scooted close, nestling his head into my shoulder. His chuckle died away, and he whispered, “Please hold me, Dawn. I’ve felt alone for so long.” I thought he would cry, but he didn’t. Instead, he closed his eyes and pressed his ear to my chest, as if listening to my rapid heartbeat.
*sighs*. I believe things are set up for her to also have a “thing” with Anvil. The most popular, good looking wolf shifter on campus. Of course, Sadie - our resident mean girl - also has her heart set on him. So typical academy fare.
While I wasn’t blown away by this book, and I am going to read the next book in the series. I looked at the ratings of all the books, and the first book is the lowest rated of them all. So hopefully the writing will improve. It’s definitely not a standalone book. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there’s a ton of unresolved loose ends.
UPDATE: If you haven’t read When They Come For Us, you should read it before this book. It’s a prequel and helps with the world building in this book. The author offers it for free on her website when you sign up for her newsletter.
December 21, 2020
Really liked the mystery and plot development. Romance is more secondary plot and less well developed (lust and instant attraction, but not yet relationship).
July 5, 2022
Spineless FMC
Read
December 14, 2024DNF @25% not my cup of tea.
September 2, 2021
Mysterious findings
This is so mysterious. There is so much going on that keeps me into the story it is unreal. I like Dawn and her friends they are very suited for each other. The secrets keep building and I’m wondering what will happen next.
This is so mysterious. There is so much going on that keeps me into the story it is unreal. I like Dawn and her friends they are very suited for each other. The secrets keep building and I’m wondering what will happen next.
March 29, 2024
great academy PNR
The plot moved fast, you got invested in the characters and it made me just want more! Good thing book 2 is already available.
The plot moved fast, you got invested in the characters and it made me just want more! Good thing book 2 is already available.
July 5, 2024
A fair bit of plot, not much spice, and a vulgar gnome.
This book wasn't what I expected, but since there's four books in the series, I guess it's just because it's slow going at first. I actually had to double-check the blurb on Amazon that this would become a why-choose story because at this point, it certainly isn't. (It's mentioned once by Dawn's friend when it seems she's interested in two guys at once, but that's it.)
This book introduces all of the characters, sets up the plot, and gives us some mystery. We're still learning who the good guys and the bad guys are, and maybe those who are in the grey area in between.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is Dawn's personality. I actually removed a full star for it. For one, Dawn is always stuttering. She seems like this "bad arse bish" in the Fringe, and at the school, she decides she isn't going to let bullies get to her. However, she always seems "stunned" and "shocked" when she's confronted and stutters like a damsel in distress. It's really annoying. At one point towards the end of this book, she's acting like a blubbering mess. She won't defend herself, she's in tears, and she's weak. Sure, she feels guilty about something, but it was really irritating that she was letting her bully get to her so much. She talks herself up, then crumbles. It became tiring watching her go back and forth. I'm sure she'll come into herself more as the story grows, but dang, it got annoying here.
I'm definitely going to keep reading since the story intrigues me a lot!
This book wasn't what I expected, but since there's four books in the series, I guess it's just because it's slow going at first. I actually had to double-check the blurb on Amazon that this would become a why-choose story because at this point, it certainly isn't. (It's mentioned once by Dawn's friend when it seems she's interested in two guys at once, but that's it.)
This book introduces all of the characters, sets up the plot, and gives us some mystery. We're still learning who the good guys and the bad guys are, and maybe those who are in the grey area in between.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is Dawn's personality. I actually removed a full star for it. For one, Dawn is always stuttering. She seems like this "bad arse bish" in the Fringe, and at the school, she decides she isn't going to let bullies get to her. However, she always seems "stunned" and "shocked" when she's confronted and stutters like a damsel in distress. It's really annoying. At one point towards the end of this book, she's acting like a blubbering mess. She won't defend herself, she's in tears, and she's weak. Sure, she feels guilty about something, but it was really irritating that she was letting her bully get to her so much. She talks herself up, then crumbles. It became tiring watching her go back and forth. I'm sure she'll come into herself more as the story grows, but dang, it got annoying here.
I'm definitely going to keep reading since the story intrigues me a lot!
August 29, 2020
🛡️🛡️ONE ENGAGING ADVENTURE🛡️🛡️
Smackdown! KC put this incredible little number clean over the fence and down the block delivering this heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping bombshell, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, catapulting this baby to life spectacularly. Continence and dynamics in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so profoundly until everything else ceases to exist. A raging tempest of surprising mishaps and suspicious events, launching every churning emotions into play, noting the arduous trials and challenging tribulations, alongside the daunting twists and intricate turns, testing our characters in ways than they could have never imagined, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Disadvantages are heightened and exploited, baring the harsh facts, deadly deals and fiery fiascos, booting this baby into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a frenzy with a life changing culmination. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job KC, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Smackdown! KC put this incredible little number clean over the fence and down the block delivering this heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping bombshell, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, catapulting this baby to life spectacularly. Continence and dynamics in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so profoundly until everything else ceases to exist. A raging tempest of surprising mishaps and suspicious events, launching every churning emotions into play, noting the arduous trials and challenging tribulations, alongside the daunting twists and intricate turns, testing our characters in ways than they could have never imagined, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Disadvantages are heightened and exploited, baring the harsh facts, deadly deals and fiery fiascos, booting this baby into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a frenzy with a life changing culmination. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job KC, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
September 10, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review
This is book 1 of a new series. It is such a fantastic read!! It has magic, suspense, mystery, twists and turns and adventure. The author does a fantastic job in creating a unique world, with wonderful characters!! This is a great story, that tells the journey of a great heroine!! I highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store!!
Dawn Rose, and her brother, Gideon, are forced to flee when their parents are killed. They make it to a place called, The Fringe. Dawn Rose meets a friend there named, Derek. While venturing out one night, with her brother and friend, she witnesses a tragic turn of events!! It is then, she is offered a place at Briarwitch Academy, where she discovers she has a very unique ability. It is also there that Dawn Rose realizes that she may not be able to trust everyone, and not all is as it seems....
This is book 1 of a new series. It is such a fantastic read!! It has magic, suspense, mystery, twists and turns and adventure. The author does a fantastic job in creating a unique world, with wonderful characters!! This is a great story, that tells the journey of a great heroine!! I highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store!!
Dawn Rose, and her brother, Gideon, are forced to flee when their parents are killed. They make it to a place called, The Fringe. Dawn Rose meets a friend there named, Derek. While venturing out one night, with her brother and friend, she witnesses a tragic turn of events!! It is then, she is offered a place at Briarwitch Academy, where she discovers she has a very unique ability. It is also there that Dawn Rose realizes that she may not be able to trust everyone, and not all is as it seems....
January 9, 2021
DNF at 17%
When author isn't consistent even in the first few pages, when there is no introduction to characters or even the beginning of world building, when main character is chaotic and illogical in her mind and reactions, I find it hard to keep reading the story. Top that with mediocre writing and I give up on story completely. At this point I tried to read reviews to get some hope the story will get better, that it is worth to power through and was only reassured in my decision to quit. Sometimes books are not worth the chance. And I believe there are better books out there to occupy my mind.
Quitting a book is never an easy decision for me. I tend to push myself through even if I dislike the writing or story, or characters. I have quit less than 10 books in my life and thats while reading several hundred books a year, so that should tell you how bad this was for me to give up.
When author isn't consistent even in the first few pages, when there is no introduction to characters or even the beginning of world building, when main character is chaotic and illogical in her mind and reactions, I find it hard to keep reading the story. Top that with mediocre writing and I give up on story completely. At this point I tried to read reviews to get some hope the story will get better, that it is worth to power through and was only reassured in my decision to quit. Sometimes books are not worth the chance. And I believe there are better books out there to occupy my mind.
Quitting a book is never an easy decision for me. I tend to push myself through even if I dislike the writing or story, or characters. I have quit less than 10 books in my life and thats while reading several hundred books a year, so that should tell you how bad this was for me to give up.
Read
March 16, 2022More telling than doing
So I've had this problem with a few other mainly rh author's where they only want to write about the interesting parts so they skip and shuffle to each skipping over the more mundane parts. The mundane parts are what help us become familiar with the characters though and how we see relationships grow. Somehow one of the male characters is saying he loves the fmc but they've maybe interacted 3 times in the book. Did they probably have interactions we didn't see, yes but to us they've talked three times and he loves her... It just feels empty.
So while the word is very interesting it was hard to really care about any of the characters. Also since Kai had been at the school the previous year wouldn't he have already known his class designation was and what kind of magic he could perform?
So I've had this problem with a few other mainly rh author's where they only want to write about the interesting parts so they skip and shuffle to each skipping over the more mundane parts. The mundane parts are what help us become familiar with the characters though and how we see relationships grow. Somehow one of the male characters is saying he loves the fmc but they've maybe interacted 3 times in the book. Did they probably have interactions we didn't see, yes but to us they've talked three times and he loves her... It just feels empty.
So while the word is very interesting it was hard to really care about any of the characters. Also since Kai had been at the school the previous year wouldn't he have already known his class designation was and what kind of magic he could perform?
August 2, 2021
I beg for one, just ONE, magical academy book where there isn't at least one Harry Potter reference.
But other than that? I've read much, much worse. I mean, there wasn't a plot, but there was some great fight scenes.
And then there was Cali. Oh, how I love my bisexual alcoholic gnome! She was sassy and cocky and just so much fun. And Harper the bubbly gothic pixie. Yes, they would be my besties.
And I loved Dawn too. She was spunky and-I can't say how important this thing is- MADE DECISIONS!! She was even responsible!
You may not be able to tell, but my standards are low. Reading this just proves that sticking the word dystopian on something will make me buy it. Still, I had an unexpectedly fun time reading this?
But other than that? I've read much, much worse. I mean, there wasn't a plot, but there was some great fight scenes.
And then there was Cali. Oh, how I love my bisexual alcoholic gnome! She was sassy and cocky and just so much fun. And Harper the bubbly gothic pixie. Yes, they would be my besties.
And I loved Dawn too. She was spunky and-I can't say how important this thing is- MADE DECISIONS!! She was even responsible!
You may not be able to tell, but my standards are low. Reading this just proves that sticking the word dystopian on something will make me buy it. Still, I had an unexpectedly fun time reading this?
January 14, 2021
As soon as we start the book we were introduced to the new world where the supernatural has integrated into society that has led to those unaccepted into the Fringe. The opening plot was really interesting and I would have loved to learn more about The Fringe however, it quickly changed to Briarwitch Academy. It was hard to get my bearings right in the book.
However, I do commend the clever title of this book using 'Dawn' and the punky gnome.
April 17, 2023
Supurb unputdownable
If you liked Harry Potter you're going to love this, when humanity discovered that the paranormal was real and it came into the open things went south fast. Now for some its hide to survive and for others who welcome the vamps and shifters witches and all manner of beings its business as usual. When our heroine is discovered to have insanely powerful magic things are going to change because not everything is as it seems. Harry Potter for adults don't miss this one, Baz.
If you liked Harry Potter you're going to love this, when humanity discovered that the paranormal was real and it came into the open things went south fast. Now for some its hide to survive and for others who welcome the vamps and shifters witches and all manner of beings its business as usual. When our heroine is discovered to have insanely powerful magic things are going to change because not everything is as it seems. Harry Potter for adults don't miss this one, Baz.
June 18, 2021
This was a DNF I think, tbh can’t really remember. Just recall the plot made 0 sense. MC’s in this post apocalyptic society then magically has to protect babies that showed up then goes to rich academy and mean girl drama?? Seemed like author couldn’t decide between post-apocalyptic and academy romance, which I don’t begrudge them for, but it was not a very smooth transition between the two. 1.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
Briarwitch Academy 1: A Whisper Before Dawn
I really loved 🥰 this book 📖 . I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!! While it has a lot of unanswered questions, I am sure as we read more into this series they will be answered…
I’m liking where the relationship is going, but looking and hoping for more in the next book! Definitely recommend this book 📕 / series 📚 !!!!
I really loved 🥰 this book 📖 . I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!! While it has a lot of unanswered questions, I am sure as we read more into this series they will be answered…
I’m liking where the relationship is going, but looking and hoping for more in the next book! Definitely recommend this book 📕 / series 📚 !!!!
December 26, 2020
Horrible
Hated the main character. Another girl who makes stupid decisions and jump to conclusions. I also dislike snarky girls who actions are weak. Hiding? Crying? Swore off guys then gets hot for the next one she meets? Don’t want perfect help with a guy who killed two people? Not what I expected. I tried to make it through but it kept getting worse.
Hated the main character. Another girl who makes stupid decisions and jump to conclusions. I also dislike snarky girls who actions are weak. Hiding? Crying? Swore off guys then gets hot for the next one she meets? Don’t want perfect help with a guy who killed two people? Not what I expected. I tried to make it through but it kept getting worse.
Read
May 22, 2021Kindle Unlimited
This was bad. This was so bad that I don't even want to rate it. There were so many holes, and issues that I don't even know where to start. I also don't even know where to categorize it. Was this dystopian or urban fantasy, fantasy or reverse harem? Whatever it was, it's a giant cluster.
This was bad. This was so bad that I don't even want to rate it. There were so many holes, and issues that I don't even know where to start. I also don't even know where to categorize it. Was this dystopian or urban fantasy, fantasy or reverse harem? Whatever it was, it's a giant cluster.
July 26, 2021
Well
Only made it to 76% ,the characters lack any real depth, the main character is a bit wishy washy , I'm scared one minute and I'm brave the next , not much to like about her . I got passed the first cringe worth sex scene, then just nope ,I can not continue. Sorry this book was just not for me ,hope other may enjoy it though .
Only made it to 76% ,the characters lack any real depth, the main character is a bit wishy washy , I'm scared one minute and I'm brave the next , not much to like about her . I got passed the first cringe worth sex scene, then just nope ,I can not continue. Sorry this book was just not for me ,hope other may enjoy it though .
September 20, 2021
Meh
Seems like I could have been a really great book but the main female character is way too wishy-washy. She's completely spineless and tends to snap at her friends instead of the people who are bullying her. She's supposed to be 22 and at this point has loved a rough life but her emotional maturity is that of a 12-year-old
Seems like I could have been a really great book but the main female character is way too wishy-washy. She's completely spineless and tends to snap at her friends instead of the people who are bullying her. She's supposed to be 22 and at this point has loved a rough life but her emotional maturity is that of a 12-year-old
October 19, 2021
Very good book!
I have to say that Calista is hilarious. I laughted through the whole book. I liked most of the characters, but Sadie was over the top. I hate reading a book when all you hear is constant hate from a character. Also, most teachers wouldn't stand around while people are bullied and the bullies would be punished. Other than that it was a really good book!
I have to say that Calista is hilarious. I laughted through the whole book. I liked most of the characters, but Sadie was over the top. I hate reading a book when all you hear is constant hate from a character. Also, most teachers wouldn't stand around while people are bullied and the bullies would be punished. Other than that it was a really good book!
January 21, 2022
A little bit of adult entertainment (2 scenes), mixed with lots of adventure and mysteries. Most of the questions were solved, but many were left for the rest of the series. The heroine needs to get a little more spine in her magic, though. She has the talents she needs, but needs to be able to put them into action. I will certainly read the next book.
September 11, 2020
💖
OMMFG I'm in love with this series!! Cannot wait for the next books to come out. More is to come, I just wish we saw more of the babies. Y'all know Mama's about to go cray cray on these suckers.
OMMFG I'm in love with this series!! Cannot wait for the next books to come out. More is to come, I just wish we saw more of the babies. Y'all know Mama's about to go cray cray on these suckers.
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