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The Thorns of Charbon Institute #1
Self Studies
I knew nothing but the touch of my master until the Magical Authorities killed him and set my world on fire.
Now, I’m a prisoner at an institute stressing students beyond their limits.
I’m a sorceress who can’t access her magic and wanted by wickedly handsome mages who all have their own agenda.
I spent my life following directions. Now I can make my own decisions, I don’t know the right ones. Why is saying ‘no’ so hard?
With the administration judging every action I take and weighing them on their uneven scales of morality, I must come to terms with my darkness to survive and, if I’m lucky, even gain my freedom.
Self studies is a fast burn, reverse harem, dark bully romance with M/M/F and M/F themes. The trilogy is a college-age academy setting, 18+. All three books are written and complete the story. Please be aware there may be triggers, see inside of book for the list.
Now, I’m a prisoner at an institute stressing students beyond their limits.
I’m a sorceress who can’t access her magic and wanted by wickedly handsome mages who all have their own agenda.
I spent my life following directions. Now I can make my own decisions, I don’t know the right ones. Why is saying ‘no’ so hard?
With the administration judging every action I take and weighing them on their uneven scales of morality, I must come to terms with my darkness to survive and, if I’m lucky, even gain my freedom.
Self studies is a fast burn, reverse harem, dark bully romance with M/M/F and M/F themes. The trilogy is a college-age academy setting, 18+. All three books are written and complete the story. Please be aware there may be triggers, see inside of book for the list.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2022
171 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Kate Messick
17 books123 followersCurrently living in England, Kate Messick is married with three cats and two degrees in classical music. She enjoys everything clarinet, lifting weights, reading, playing games, and traveling.
From a young age, Kate’s dad read all sorts of fantasy books aloud to his daughters. Eventually, she figured out this reading stuff on her own and found her insatiable hunger for dragons and stories only grew with the years.
Living an exciting life, Kate is never afraid to reach for the stars. She founded the Symphonic Anime Orchestra and traveled with her music all over the US. Over the years, Kate has collected a diverse resume working in education, road construction, spinal technician, data mining, security escort, and more. Her life philosophy: Life is short, never be afraid to spice it up.
From a young age, Kate’s dad read all sorts of fantasy books aloud to his daughters. Eventually, she figured out this reading stuff on her own and found her insatiable hunger for dragons and stories only grew with the years.
Living an exciting life, Kate is never afraid to reach for the stars. She founded the Symphonic Anime Orchestra and traveled with her music all over the US. Over the years, Kate has collected a diverse resume working in education, road construction, spinal technician, data mining, security escort, and more. Her life philosophy: Life is short, never be afraid to spice it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 1, 2022
It’s two stars because even though I found the story interesting it had issues that needed work that may be dealbreakers for others.
Biggest issue was clarity. What was written was understandable but there was so much lacking that I was always just a little bit confused. If you aren’t someone who intuits easily or needs a story spoon fed, this will be an issue. The world building needed work along with how it’s introduced. In some ways it works because our lead is equally oblivious and it makes us see the world through her eyes. At the same time there is inherit knowledge that she knows that is relayed in vague comments and mentions. Like the fact this is world is set in the future after some nuclear fallout and magic is exposed. This needed to be cemented a lot more clearly at the beginning along with any other tidbits Aphrodite may know or thinks she knows about the world.
Outside of world building there are small clarity issues in terms of setting and time that should be ironed out.
My second issue was the sex. Omg was there a lot of sex going on. I like romance and RH, I know it’s par for the course. I have no issues with it. What I struggled with was how excessive it felt, her lusty magic thing, and how I wasn’t 100% on her mental health in that area. This whole book the characters felt morally ambiguous, and sex was no different. Our lead is immediately reduced to a sex object to which she is both offended and rolls with. The fact that no one stood up for her and her lack of uniform and the treatment was insane. By the end I’d gleaned enough to justify why everyone is an asshole, but still. This is further aggravated by the clear sexual harassment everyone missed from her advisor and his assistant until the very end on top of everyone not considering this whole book that fucking the former slave might not be right. It made the scenes very blech or meh to me.
But the idea was interesting so I clung on and pushed through. I’m going to try out the sequel and see if this improves. Here’s hoping because I’m sick of scrolling through KU.
If you want a bullying/academy/prison/RH/fantasy/post apoc read with hunger game and HP vibes in an adult dark universe with grey grey morality, here you go.
2.75/ C+/65%
Biggest issue was clarity. What was written was understandable but there was so much lacking that I was always just a little bit confused. If you aren’t someone who intuits easily or needs a story spoon fed, this will be an issue. The world building needed work along with how it’s introduced. In some ways it works because our lead is equally oblivious and it makes us see the world through her eyes. At the same time there is inherit knowledge that she knows that is relayed in vague comments and mentions. Like the fact this is world is set in the future after some nuclear fallout and magic is exposed. This needed to be cemented a lot more clearly at the beginning along with any other tidbits Aphrodite may know or thinks she knows about the world.
Outside of world building there are small clarity issues in terms of setting and time that should be ironed out.
My second issue was the sex. Omg was there a lot of sex going on. I like romance and RH, I know it’s par for the course. I have no issues with it. What I struggled with was how excessive it felt, her lusty magic thing, and how I wasn’t 100% on her mental health in that area. This whole book the characters felt morally ambiguous, and sex was no different. Our lead is immediately reduced to a sex object to which she is both offended and rolls with. The fact that no one stood up for her and her lack of uniform and the treatment was insane. By the end I’d gleaned enough to justify why everyone is an asshole, but still. This is further aggravated by the clear sexual harassment everyone missed from her advisor and his assistant until the very end on top of everyone not considering this whole book that fucking the former slave might not be right. It made the scenes very blech or meh to me.
But the idea was interesting so I clung on and pushed through. I’m going to try out the sequel and see if this improves. Here’s hoping because I’m sick of scrolling through KU.
If you want a bullying/academy/prison/RH/fantasy/post apoc read with hunger game and HP vibes in an adult dark universe with grey grey morality, here you go.
2.75/ C+/65%
April 1, 2022
Aphrodite was a young sorceress who was raised by her mentor to understand how to use her magic but unbeknownst to Aphrodite; her mentor was training her since she was a baby to be his sexual plaything and source of powerful magic. My heart broke for Aphrodite because she had no knowledge of the world outside of her Mentor/Master who literally groomed her to serve him in every way imaginable. He trained her to associate her magic with sex and pleasing him whenever he wanted therefore; she had a skewed perception of how to use her magic. The end result was any time she transferred her magic or allowed magic to touch hers she was in a constant state of arousal.
After the death of her Mentor/Master; Aphrodite was apprehended by the Magical Authorities and enrolled in The Charbon Institute of magic a rehabilitation school for Mages who cannot control their magic and were considered dangerous.
From day one Aphrodite was bullied relentlessly. In spite of it all she had several handsome and powerful Mages vying for her attention. Dealing with bullies and a corrupt student advisor; Aphrodite learned to put her needs first and learn how to protect herself if she has any chance of surviving the institute.
This was a fast burn novel and Aphrodite lived up to her name in every way. She had some hot Mages who doted on her daily but it also caused her to be the envy of several "Mean Girls". I'm really not a fan of Academy/Bullying types of books but I am interested to see what happens next on Aphrodite's journey. Will she reunite with her lovers that she was growing close to? Will her new found friends continue to stay by her side through thick and thin? Will she embark upon a new relationship with the handsome newbie who saved her life? Looking forward to book #2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the death of her Mentor/Master; Aphrodite was apprehended by the Magical Authorities and enrolled in The Charbon Institute of magic a rehabilitation school for Mages who cannot control their magic and were considered dangerous.
From day one Aphrodite was bullied relentlessly. In spite of it all she had several handsome and powerful Mages vying for her attention. Dealing with bullies and a corrupt student advisor; Aphrodite learned to put her needs first and learn how to protect herself if she has any chance of surviving the institute.
This was a fast burn novel and Aphrodite lived up to her name in every way. She had some hot Mages who doted on her daily but it also caused her to be the envy of several "Mean Girls". I'm really not a fan of Academy/Bullying types of books but I am interested to see what happens next on Aphrodite's journey. Will she reunite with her lovers that she was growing close to? Will her new found friends continue to stay by her side through thick and thin? Will she embark upon a new relationship with the handsome newbie who saved her life? Looking forward to book #2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start with the fact that I rarely give 5 stars.. heck, I rarely give 4 stars.
This book was awesome. I love all of the characters and the plot was great. I haven’t come across something quite like this before.
This is very much a heavy bully book. Primarily from outside the harem. The inside harem parts are more like being grumpy asshats and ignoring things happening, choosing not to help or just giving attitude. It’s the world they live in, everyone has to stand up for themselves and if you don’t, you’ll get beaten down.
Every character made me soooo angry at one time or another. Some made me angry almost the whole time… but I think that’s part of what makes this book so great. You really don’t know where peoples minds are. Do they have something in their past making them act this way? Do they just want to protect themselves? Maybe there’s something else.
Aphrodite is an awesome FMC. She goes through hell prior to the book starting even though she may not recognize it. She’s not use to fighting back, standing up for herself or even relying on herself. She has next to no knowledge of the outside world that she’s stepping into with exception to some things she’s picked up along the way, and no one seems to want to help her. She’s very naive and ends up making decisions she thinks are for the best but likely aren’t. Her development throughout the book is priceless. She’s slowly becoming her own and coming to terms with being independent and not having someone tell her how things will be and what to do. She’s constantly kicked down and always getting back up.
Beryl… that boy is something else. He might be my favourite just because of the fact that he tries to do what’s best for Aphrodite. It might not always be the case but he’s trying. You learn that he likely has a tragic backstory with comments made throughout the book and without fully knowing, I feel for him.
Saffron might be my least liked. He’s hot and cold. Over and over and it never stops. I mean really, do you even like her?!? Haha
Garnet is an iffy one for me. He’s trying. Because he’s a prof he can’t really get involved… but then there’s something else…. he’s confusing me. I’m torn with him.
I think my overall favourite character in this book is Derek. That boy is the sweetest thing and I just wanna hug him and be his best friend. He’s shy and scared and is still there for Aphrodite. Even when he barely knows anything about her, he stands up for her. I know he’s a youngin, I think he was 13?? but I need him to grow up and join Aphrodite. I’m down with this being a MF romance if it’s him. I need him to have the happiest of endings. Please don’t ruin him.
I laughed. I cried. Then I cried a bit more… Oh, and I loved little Derek to bits. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Let me start with the fact that I rarely give 5 stars.. heck, I rarely give 4 stars.
This book was awesome. I love all of the characters and the plot was great. I haven’t come across something quite like this before.
This is very much a heavy bully book. Primarily from outside the harem. The inside harem parts are more like being grumpy asshats and ignoring things happening, choosing not to help or just giving attitude. It’s the world they live in, everyone has to stand up for themselves and if you don’t, you’ll get beaten down.
Every character made me soooo angry at one time or another. Some made me angry almost the whole time… but I think that’s part of what makes this book so great. You really don’t know where peoples minds are. Do they have something in their past making them act this way? Do they just want to protect themselves? Maybe there’s something else.
Aphrodite is an awesome FMC. She goes through hell prior to the book starting even though she may not recognize it. She’s not use to fighting back, standing up for herself or even relying on herself. She has next to no knowledge of the outside world that she’s stepping into with exception to some things she’s picked up along the way, and no one seems to want to help her. She’s very naive and ends up making decisions she thinks are for the best but likely aren’t. Her development throughout the book is priceless. She’s slowly becoming her own and coming to terms with being independent and not having someone tell her how things will be and what to do. She’s constantly kicked down and always getting back up.
Beryl… that boy is something else. He might be my favourite just because of the fact that he tries to do what’s best for Aphrodite. It might not always be the case but he’s trying. You learn that he likely has a tragic backstory with comments made throughout the book and without fully knowing, I feel for him.
Saffron might be my least liked. He’s hot and cold. Over and over and it never stops. I mean really, do you even like her?!? Haha
Garnet is an iffy one for me. He’s trying. Because he’s a prof he can’t really get involved… but then there’s something else…. he’s confusing me. I’m torn with him.
I think my overall favourite character in this book is Derek. That boy is the sweetest thing and I just wanna hug him and be his best friend. He’s shy and scared and is still there for Aphrodite. Even when he barely knows anything about her, he stands up for her. I know he’s a youngin, I think he was 13?? but I need him to grow up and join Aphrodite. I’m down with this being a MF romance if it’s him. I need him to have the happiest of endings. Please don’t ruin him.
I laughed. I cried. Then I cried a bit more… Oh, and I loved little Derek to bits. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to see where this goes.
April 19, 2022
First book by this author! Great read! It’s fast paced, steamy, intriguing story, with twists and turns! And a FMC that you will love right away. Can’t wait for the next book!
June 17, 2022
Wow. I think I’m at a loss for words. This was so much more than I had expected. I don’t normally read a lot of reverse harem. Mostly because I get too attached to the characters and I always have my preferred which I find myself frustrated when I read. Of course, my choice for Aphrodite is Beryl because he is the mysterious bad boy with a soft spot for her. However, that may have changed in the last chapter and now I am feeling at a loss and need to know what happens next.
If you like books about magic and mages, and a strong heroine, I strongly suggest reading this. This book was great and I look forward to reading more from the author.
If you like books about magic and mages, and a strong heroine, I strongly suggest reading this. This book was great and I look forward to reading more from the author.
October 28, 2022
Self Studies
Aphrodite is institutionalized in a school that will either help or hurt her due to the threat she poses.
This is an RH romance that has a heavy bully theme aspects. Aphrodite is a great FMC and I loved her character immensely. She has real struggles with standing up for herself and that was very easy to relate to. She goes through hell before the story really begins, and has a lot of strength to continue enduring after what she's been through. She had enormous growth from start to finish and I was thrilled to see how much she had progressed in the end.
Beryl, Saffron, and Garnet were all great MCs and partners for Aphrodite. Each has their pros and cons, bit ultimately they all want what's best for her. They all share some steamy scenes with her, which could have been a little more creative for an RH, but they were great nonetheless.
Now for the negatives. The book is fast paced, and it was hard to get into scenes when they were over so quickly. The side characters were bland, and didn't add much to the story at all.
Aphrodite is institutionalized in a school that will either help or hurt her due to the threat she poses.
This is an RH romance that has a heavy bully theme aspects. Aphrodite is a great FMC and I loved her character immensely. She has real struggles with standing up for herself and that was very easy to relate to. She goes through hell before the story really begins, and has a lot of strength to continue enduring after what she's been through. She had enormous growth from start to finish and I was thrilled to see how much she had progressed in the end.
Beryl, Saffron, and Garnet were all great MCs and partners for Aphrodite. Each has their pros and cons, bit ultimately they all want what's best for her. They all share some steamy scenes with her, which could have been a little more creative for an RH, but they were great nonetheless.
Now for the negatives. The book is fast paced, and it was hard to get into scenes when they were over so quickly. The side characters were bland, and didn't add much to the story at all.
May 6, 2022
“You’re literally drowning in sorrow, yet you shine bright like a diamond.”
Aphrodite has never been free & after finding herself, yet again, in the hands of people who just want her power, freedom does not seem plausible. But my girl Aphy is a survivor & she’ll learn that she’s a dragon among sheep. If you’re looking for magic, hella spice and yummy characters, Self Studies is for you!
“We were two lost souls, and we both knew it.”
Aphy finds herself in a complicated relationship with not only her magic, but also the new men in her life. Beryl, the bad boy, will stop at nothing to keep her safe & worship her like a goddess but he has some secrets. Saffron & Professor Garnet come as a package deal but Aphrodite’s powers pose a threat to them both. And finally, the mysterious Ashe, who came out of nowhere & saved Aphy but is he who he says he is?
Thank you to Kate Messick, her team & Peachy Keen for this free copy. This review was written honestly & voluntarily based on my own enjoyment of the book.
Aphrodite has never been free & after finding herself, yet again, in the hands of people who just want her power, freedom does not seem plausible. But my girl Aphy is a survivor & she’ll learn that she’s a dragon among sheep. If you’re looking for magic, hella spice and yummy characters, Self Studies is for you!
“We were two lost souls, and we both knew it.”
Aphy finds herself in a complicated relationship with not only her magic, but also the new men in her life. Beryl, the bad boy, will stop at nothing to keep her safe & worship her like a goddess but he has some secrets. Saffron & Professor Garnet come as a package deal but Aphrodite’s powers pose a threat to them both. And finally, the mysterious Ashe, who came out of nowhere & saved Aphy but is he who he says he is?
Thank you to Kate Messick, her team & Peachy Keen for this free copy. This review was written honestly & voluntarily based on my own enjoyment of the book.
July 21, 2023
Story itself was interesting but I really don't like when authors use magic as a scapegoat to make the FMC horny so they can work in more smut.
I think this is why I don't like stories when the FMC is some kind of succubus either. It allows for a lot of sex to happen without any emotions and is a crutch to make her desperate for anyone. In this situation, the FMC has been conditioned to become desperately horny whenever she uses magic. She just "can't help" but moan or roll her hips or describe her hard nipples whenever magic is involved.
It lands us in all sorts of betraying body syndrome and dub-con situations which were actually giving me the icks a bit.
There's no actual romance in this one and I'm not convinced any of the men actually like her.
I think this is why I don't like stories when the FMC is some kind of succubus either. It allows for a lot of sex to happen without any emotions and is a crutch to make her desperate for anyone. In this situation, the FMC has been conditioned to become desperately horny whenever she uses magic. She just "can't help" but moan or roll her hips or describe her hard nipples whenever magic is involved.
It lands us in all sorts of betraying body syndrome and dub-con situations which were actually giving me the icks a bit.
There's no actual romance in this one and I'm not convinced any of the men actually like her.
August 15, 2022
I read all 3 of the books in this series back to back and had the same thing to say about all of them. So, I just wrote the 1 review for the whole series.
On the whole I enjoyed this series. I binged all 3 books in about 4 days. I liked the heroine and all her men. Each managed to have a distinct personality, which isn’t always the case when authors write such a large grouping. (Beryl was my favorite. How could he not be?) And the writing is smooth and easy to read. (Though there are a few editing mishaps and they increase as the series progresses—more in book 2 than 1, and 3 than 2. But nothing too disruptive. I noticed them, but kept right on reading.)
All in all I have more good things to say than bad. But I do have a few complaints, most of which are subtle and therefore not brief to explain. None of them were deal-breakers for me though (or I wouldn’t have read the whole series).
My biggest is how very focused on Aphrodite’s sex the book is. Now, I don’t mean the number of sex scenes or anything like that. I just mean the way she is largely reduced to her sexuality over and over and over again. The thing for me is that this is what has happened to women for so much of history. History has painted us as mindless slaves to our urges (and this has been used to both villainize and victimize us).
Messick definitely falls into this tradition. Both in making Aphrodite almost mindless with lust for a large part of the series and (for me more notable) making every man (both those she wants and far too many others) pant for her. There is a long standing history of sexual abuse, starting in childhood, attempted rapes (plural), threats of sexual violence, groping, leering, more than one attempted kidnapping with rape as one of the intended outcomes, etc. Then there were the other people calling her a slut and such. Just too much of the story revolved around Aphrodite as something to have sex with, rather than Aphrodite a person for my comfort. Not only for any sort of high brow reason, but also just because I got bored of it. I was especially sick of Ram and Alrick by the end. (Though I’ll also acknowledge that overcoming some of this was one of Aphrodite’s points of growth.)
None of this was helped by the way sex scenes were almost exclusively focused on what the men were doing TO Aphrodite. Sometimes what they were telling each-other to do TO Aphrodite. She often didn’t feel like an ACTIVE participant. By the end, when we had all five men involved at once, she might as well have been a blow-up doll for all she seemed involved as anything other than something for the men to move, manipulate, affect, dump into, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t encounter this infrequently. It’s fairly common, actually. And while I noticed it, Messick wasn’t any worse than some of those other author’s who write sex scenes this way.
Similarly, Aphrodite is told over and over again like calls to like, power calls to power. For a lot of the early part of the series there is a definite sense that most of her men love her for what she is not who she is. They have explosive sex and the men ‘fall in love’ but there is no sense of knowing or liking one another. They have sex once and ate hooked. Which, again, reduces Aphrodite to a sexual object, not a person.
And almost all of those rather long paragraphs can be reduced to the book is full of the patriarchal view of sexuality and male gaze of the female sex. That’s my biggest complaint.
My biggest compliment is just how *chef’s kiss* wonderfully Messick shows Aphrodite’s personal growth. The way she learns to recognize and come to terms with all of the ways Damon victimized and controlled her, the ability to hold contradictory and confusing feelings about a victimizer, growing a backbone, and started to stand on her own. Honestly, this is well done over the course of the series.
I also liked the way not all of Aphrodite’s men fell in love with her and were instantly on board for the whole peaceful harem situation. There were personality clashes, cliques, likes and dislikes among them. Some were open to pairings others weren’t, some were open to activities others weren’t, some were open to trying new things others weren’t, some liked each-other more than others. It made for a more interesting group.
I did think that by the end of the 3rd book a lot of the plotting felt same-same. I mean the broader plot of book 2 and 3 were almost exactly the same, even utilizing some of the same bad guys. Then there was a 3 year gap and a happily-ever-after epilogue that felt random. Other than the harem (that’s the term they use in the book) having formed, there was nothing to distinguish the end of book 3 as the end of the series any more than the end of book 2. Messick could have written 6 more books before coming to the same epilogue point. It felt arbitrary.
All in all, however, any other complaints I have are minor (occasional clunky dialogue or clichéd speech pattern for a side character, for example, or the lack of non-cliché, fleshed out female characters outside of Aphrodite) and basically not worth mentioning. I’d certainly read another Messick book…or series
On the whole I enjoyed this series. I binged all 3 books in about 4 days. I liked the heroine and all her men. Each managed to have a distinct personality, which isn’t always the case when authors write such a large grouping. (Beryl was my favorite. How could he not be?) And the writing is smooth and easy to read. (Though there are a few editing mishaps and they increase as the series progresses—more in book 2 than 1, and 3 than 2. But nothing too disruptive. I noticed them, but kept right on reading.)
All in all I have more good things to say than bad. But I do have a few complaints, most of which are subtle and therefore not brief to explain. None of them were deal-breakers for me though (or I wouldn’t have read the whole series).
My biggest is how very focused on Aphrodite’s sex the book is. Now, I don’t mean the number of sex scenes or anything like that. I just mean the way she is largely reduced to her sexuality over and over and over again. The thing for me is that this is what has happened to women for so much of history. History has painted us as mindless slaves to our urges (and this has been used to both villainize and victimize us).
Messick definitely falls into this tradition. Both in making Aphrodite almost mindless with lust for a large part of the series and (for me more notable) making every man (both those she wants and far too many others) pant for her. There is a long standing history of sexual abuse, starting in childhood, attempted rapes (plural), threats of sexual violence, groping, leering, more than one attempted kidnapping with rape as one of the intended outcomes, etc. Then there were the other people calling her a slut and such. Just too much of the story revolved around Aphrodite as something to have sex with, rather than Aphrodite a person for my comfort. Not only for any sort of high brow reason, but also just because I got bored of it. I was especially sick of Ram and Alrick by the end. (Though I’ll also acknowledge that overcoming some of this was one of Aphrodite’s points of growth.)
None of this was helped by the way sex scenes were almost exclusively focused on what the men were doing TO Aphrodite. Sometimes what they were telling each-other to do TO Aphrodite. She often didn’t feel like an ACTIVE participant. By the end, when we had all five men involved at once, she might as well have been a blow-up doll for all she seemed involved as anything other than something for the men to move, manipulate, affect, dump into, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t encounter this infrequently. It’s fairly common, actually. And while I noticed it, Messick wasn’t any worse than some of those other author’s who write sex scenes this way.
Similarly, Aphrodite is told over and over again like calls to like, power calls to power. For a lot of the early part of the series there is a definite sense that most of her men love her for what she is not who she is. They have explosive sex and the men ‘fall in love’ but there is no sense of knowing or liking one another. They have sex once and ate hooked. Which, again, reduces Aphrodite to a sexual object, not a person.
And almost all of those rather long paragraphs can be reduced to the book is full of the patriarchal view of sexuality and male gaze of the female sex. That’s my biggest complaint.
My biggest compliment is just how *chef’s kiss* wonderfully Messick shows Aphrodite’s personal growth. The way she learns to recognize and come to terms with all of the ways Damon victimized and controlled her, the ability to hold contradictory and confusing feelings about a victimizer, growing a backbone, and started to stand on her own. Honestly, this is well done over the course of the series.
I also liked the way not all of Aphrodite’s men fell in love with her and were instantly on board for the whole peaceful harem situation. There were personality clashes, cliques, likes and dislikes among them. Some were open to pairings others weren’t, some were open to activities others weren’t, some were open to trying new things others weren’t, some liked each-other more than others. It made for a more interesting group.
I did think that by the end of the 3rd book a lot of the plotting felt same-same. I mean the broader plot of book 2 and 3 were almost exactly the same, even utilizing some of the same bad guys. Then there was a 3 year gap and a happily-ever-after epilogue that felt random. Other than the harem (that’s the term they use in the book) having formed, there was nothing to distinguish the end of book 3 as the end of the series any more than the end of book 2. Messick could have written 6 more books before coming to the same epilogue point. It felt arbitrary.
All in all, however, any other complaints I have are minor (occasional clunky dialogue or clichéd speech pattern for a side character, for example, or the lack of non-cliché, fleshed out female characters outside of Aphrodite) and basically not worth mentioning. I’d certainly read another Messick book…or series
April 20, 2022
Let me start by saying this book has three things that I generally dislike – mages, reverse harem, and a first-person narrative.
I took a chance, and by the end of the first few pages, I was hooked! Self Studies: The Thorns of Charbon Institute is a fantastically fun read with engaging side characters and a strong but beautifully flawed female lead.
Aphrodite’s life is torn apart when the man who raised her is killed by the Magical Authorities and she’s taken to an institute *cough*reeducation camp*cough* that is part school, part prison, and far too much of a social experiment.
The institute is a harsh place where bullying is not only allowed, but encouraged. Being new, and unusual even by mage standards, Aphy becomes the prime target. Having been raised in isolation by a man who groomed her to be what he needed, ensuring she was terrified of the world, she struggles to make sense of other people’s behavior. All the while facing the horrific truth of her past, while desperately trying to figure out her future and who she wants to be.
Though we know little about the staff and students at the institute, their actions tell us who they are. And who they are changes depending on who they are with. Trying to make sense of their behavior along with Aphy had me turning page after page hoping that the ‘good guys’ really were as good as they seemed. I still don’t trust the boy scout.
Self Studies is full of twists and turns that keep Aphy, and the reader, guessing. Who is really on her side? Who wants to see her fall? And just how many want to claim her for the same reason the man who raised her had?
Kate Messick has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there. This fast-paced book is chalk full of steamy M/M/F & M/F romance, but it’s the engaging plot that has me waiting anxiously for Book 2.
I took a chance, and by the end of the first few pages, I was hooked! Self Studies: The Thorns of Charbon Institute is a fantastically fun read with engaging side characters and a strong but beautifully flawed female lead.
Aphrodite’s life is torn apart when the man who raised her is killed by the Magical Authorities and she’s taken to an institute *cough*reeducation camp*cough* that is part school, part prison, and far too much of a social experiment.
The institute is a harsh place where bullying is not only allowed, but encouraged. Being new, and unusual even by mage standards, Aphy becomes the prime target. Having been raised in isolation by a man who groomed her to be what he needed, ensuring she was terrified of the world, she struggles to make sense of other people’s behavior. All the while facing the horrific truth of her past, while desperately trying to figure out her future and who she wants to be.
Though we know little about the staff and students at the institute, their actions tell us who they are. And who they are changes depending on who they are with. Trying to make sense of their behavior along with Aphy had me turning page after page hoping that the ‘good guys’ really were as good as they seemed. I still don’t trust the boy scout.
Self Studies is full of twists and turns that keep Aphy, and the reader, guessing. Who is really on her side? Who wants to see her fall? And just how many want to claim her for the same reason the man who raised her had?
Kate Messick has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there. This fast-paced book is chalk full of steamy M/M/F & M/F romance, but it’s the engaging plot that has me waiting anxiously for Book 2.
March 19, 2022
Wow, what a fascinating read...and a genre kink I have never really dived into before. Aphrodite (Dot, Aphy, etc.) is the fmc and she is definitely unique with lust in her blood. She finds herself institutionalized in a school that will help her recover, or they will eliminate her due to her being a threat to others. It is a fast burn book and I think it might be a rh, but we will see what happens in the future books. I cannot wait to see what happens next. So for the review: (minor spoilers below)
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Spice level 4/5 - Yes, it is fast burn and yes it is hot...but I would love to see more diversity in the future with this! (MMF sandwich) I wish I could say this is a book that will melt your panties off, but it is not there yet. It felt a little rushed in some areas, but still yummy.
Plot 3.5/5 - It took me about 25% of the book to really get into it because it had to develop a back story and the trauma of her past. The side characters are harder to fall for because everything seems like shades of grey. I think everyone is set up, but only time will tell. It will keep you intrigued especially new characters that seem to emerge in the end of the book.
- If you love cliffhangers you won't really find one here! So, for those who hate cliff hangers (I personally love them), this book will not leave you so desperate until the next come out.
I cannot wait to read the next one in this series to see if Aphrodite gets a guy, or guys, to help sate her need for when magic is running through her.
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Spice level 4/5 - Yes, it is fast burn and yes it is hot...but I would love to see more diversity in the future with this! (MMF sandwich) I wish I could say this is a book that will melt your panties off, but it is not there yet. It felt a little rushed in some areas, but still yummy.
Plot 3.5/5 - It took me about 25% of the book to really get into it because it had to develop a back story and the trauma of her past. The side characters are harder to fall for because everything seems like shades of grey. I think everyone is set up, but only time will tell. It will keep you intrigued especially new characters that seem to emerge in the end of the book.
- If you love cliffhangers you won't really find one here! So, for those who hate cliff hangers (I personally love them), this book will not leave you so desperate until the next come out.
I cannot wait to read the next one in this series to see if Aphrodite gets a guy, or guys, to help sate her need for when magic is running through her.
March 20, 2022
There was a whole lot to unpack with this book & I’m not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, I need to know what happens in book 2, but on the other hand, there was so much packed into this book, it felt a wee bit chaotic.
It went from zero to one hundred in a blink & I feel like some details were missing that would have helped the reader relate and the overall flow. Aphrodite was such a naive character in so many ways, but I liked her growth by the ending. She suffered a great many traumas and has to learn to deal with them & figure out who she is. I the way her magic works, I get some serious succubus vibes, without being a succubus. It’s neat.
Now the spice - it was immediate - and there was a lot of it. I’d give it a 3.5/5 for the steam & intensity. Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of MF/MMF scenes, which is always a bonus, but there was more of that than the story sometimes. But I ain’t mad.
Plot, another 3.5/5. I still feel like the fast pacedness of this book hindered what could have elevated this story. I’m hoping book 2 will give some more answers into my lingering questions.
Also, this FMC has all the options for all the dick, which I appreciate. Overall, it was a good read, a fast read and I definitely want to read the next one!
It went from zero to one hundred in a blink & I feel like some details were missing that would have helped the reader relate and the overall flow. Aphrodite was such a naive character in so many ways, but I liked her growth by the ending. She suffered a great many traumas and has to learn to deal with them & figure out who she is. I the way her magic works, I get some serious succubus vibes, without being a succubus. It’s neat.
Now the spice - it was immediate - and there was a lot of it. I’d give it a 3.5/5 for the steam & intensity. Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of MF/MMF scenes, which is always a bonus, but there was more of that than the story sometimes. But I ain’t mad.
Plot, another 3.5/5. I still feel like the fast pacedness of this book hindered what could have elevated this story. I’m hoping book 2 will give some more answers into my lingering questions.
Also, this FMC has all the options for all the dick, which I appreciate. Overall, it was a good read, a fast read and I definitely want to read the next one!
May 31, 2022
Self Studies is book one of the ‘Thorns of Charbon Institute” series. The story begins with Aphrodite, an 18-year-old girl who possesses magical power inside her. She is dominated by her master, who also appears to be after his own agenda, but when he is killed, Aphrodite has to now begin to make her own decision and live her own life.
The Magical Authorities kill Aphrodite’s master. She is sent to the Charbon Institute, where she and other young mages can educate themselves. Her new world is overwhelming, and she refugees into the arms of another useless person, Beryl, but at least finds some control over her life.
In this story, you can easily see how someone who has been abused all her life struggles to find peace, not within herself but also to live in an environment that constantly wants to use her.
The story is suitable for the younger generation, and since it is a sequel, there is enough background story to carry it forward. It was nice for Aphrodite to find herself slowly. The book is fast-paced and does contain sexual scenes.
I recommend this book to those who like to read paranormal romance.
The Magical Authorities kill Aphrodite’s master. She is sent to the Charbon Institute, where she and other young mages can educate themselves. Her new world is overwhelming, and she refugees into the arms of another useless person, Beryl, but at least finds some control over her life.
In this story, you can easily see how someone who has been abused all her life struggles to find peace, not within herself but also to live in an environment that constantly wants to use her.
The story is suitable for the younger generation, and since it is a sequel, there is enough background story to carry it forward. It was nice for Aphrodite to find herself slowly. The book is fast-paced and does contain sexual scenes.
I recommend this book to those who like to read paranormal romance.
September 16, 2022
This paranormal romance deals with the darker parts of human nature and how Aphrodite struggles through waves of hate to become a better version of herself and eventually — hopefully — fit into the society. Having grown up isolated from the world under a strict Master-Slave situation, she knew nothing else until her Master was killed and she got taken to a magical academy to learn to control and use her magic in an approved way. To top it off, every time she used magic, or people used magic around her, her body reacted to it in an unusual way that got her wired up and needing a sexual outlet. What a crazy messed up journey her story takes you to! And I enjoyed every bit of it.
Aphrodite’s character is so well written. Innocence and pure need molded into one. Shameless, but humble. It’s so easy to like her, despite what her fellow students (read prisoners) make of her first appearance. She grabbed eyes left and right and not always in a positive way. She does however encounter several love interests and it becomes messy real quick. Soo messy ;)
I really enjoyed all the different personalities and the whole storyline.
Aphrodite’s character is so well written. Innocence and pure need molded into one. Shameless, but humble. It’s so easy to like her, despite what her fellow students (read prisoners) make of her first appearance. She grabbed eyes left and right and not always in a positive way. She does however encounter several love interests and it becomes messy real quick. Soo messy ;)
I really enjoyed all the different personalities and the whole storyline.
April 18, 2022
Messick has created an academy which we are learning isn't really a school but more of a prison. There are good and bad people in the prison but you're never quite sure who is who. Aphrodite is newly arrived and she's been freed from a life of complete submission to her master. Her master groomed her to completely submit to him in every way. Now the Magical Authority deemed her too dangerous and they've shoved her into the prison of this school. Bullying doesn't cover all the torture the other students put Aphrodite through but somehow she makes connections and begins to learn her master was wrong and she does have opinions and power. Messick has created an unusual and unique environment for her main character to wade through as she figures out who she is. Messick is skilled at developing her characters and moving them from one dimensional to multi-dimensional. While there is a bigger story going on, Messick does not leave you hanging and waiting on the next book. Her story is solid writing and story telling.
August 23, 2024
I have moments where I want to give a character a hug and tell them everything is going to be alright. Aphrodite is one that I'd do it for in a heartbeat, all these people surrounding her and yet not one can set her up properly for success. Don't even get me started on the men, they need to pull their heads out of their bums and start thinking with the larger head. She's told them multiple times what she needs, and by time two you'd think they'd come up with some sort of plan that works for their needs too..but nope, men must be men (this isn't a dig to the author, it truly does speak to their characters and how they would react naturally). She's only got one person who is truly on her side, and even then he can't teach her everything. The moment I heard her student advisor wasn't doing his job, I'd give a crash lesson because she's obviously struggling. I cannot wait for Aphrodite to come into her own and smack all these boys into shape.
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.
March 16, 2022
This whole book is a puzzle you have to solve and it’s awesome. There are several twists and turns which constantly had me going what is going on and left me with more questions than I got answers. Leaving me dying for book 2. Aphrodite has been a slave her whole life, while believing her master was her savior. Her whole past is heartbreaking as she starts to realize she wasn’t loved she was used. The institute she gets thrown into is garbage and treats everyone like garbage. There is bullying in this, but not very bad. Aphrodite is slowly building her own harem, while it’s more common for the men to do that. This is not a slow burn as the scenes are very steamy, but it’s slow burn in the relationship aspect. I’m still not sure who will be in her harem. Very good read with a unique story to it. I can’t wait for the next book so I can get some harsh darn answers.
April 8, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fantastic start to this new series!
Aphrodite has been cut off from the outside world her whole life and raised by her master, Damon, who used her for his own purposes. When the MA executed him, Aphrodite was taken to the Charbon Institute to learn how to use magic and see if she will be a danger to others. This opens Aphrodite to a whole new world where she is bullied but also where she can learn what she wants to do now that she is free from her master.
I really felt bad for Aphrodite. She had a hard life and was basically taken from an isolated life and forced into this world where she is bullied and assaulted by others at the institute but I was glad there were a few there that she could rely on. This was a dark and intriguing story and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This was a fantastic start to this new series!
Aphrodite has been cut off from the outside world her whole life and raised by her master, Damon, who used her for his own purposes. When the MA executed him, Aphrodite was taken to the Charbon Institute to learn how to use magic and see if she will be a danger to others. This opens Aphrodite to a whole new world where she is bullied but also where she can learn what she wants to do now that she is free from her master.
I really felt bad for Aphrodite. She had a hard life and was basically taken from an isolated life and forced into this world where she is bullied and assaulted by others at the institute but I was glad there were a few there that she could rely on. This was a dark and intriguing story and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
May 8, 2022
I have to admit when I first started reading this I was a little bit confused as the fmc Aprhodite wakes up in the infirmary. It seems she's found herself in the hands of the Magical Authorities aka "MA" following the death of her master. They've sent her to the Charbon Institute to discover what kind of magic she has, but she soon finds out that there are people who are out to hurt her and it pushes her into the arms of Beryl, Saffron and Professor Garnet. As Aprhodite struggles into her new life she also is learning what free will is and realizing that her master had lied about several things. There were so many thing's happening in here I couldn't put it down to find out what happened next. This book had me glued to the pages the more I got into the story and had me rooting for Aprhodite to find her strength to stand up for herself. I would recommend picking up this lil jewel.
April 6, 2023
The young heroine in this story is left defenseless at the death of her master. She has virtually no knowledge of how the world works and she is preyed upon by almost everyone who comes into contact with her. Fortuantely, she is a strong person who can suck up the insults and still keep going.
It is interesting to see that the only thing her master taught her to do was to have sex and so this is a steamy novel as she feels no limits. If she is turned on she must do something about it. The twists and turns of the book were such that the reader is never really sure who she should trust and with no knowledge of the world trusting her own instincts may not be the wisest thing either.
Despite all the misuse and abuse the heroine tries her best to make her way through the situation. If this genre is your favourite you are in for a treat . Get this book and enjoy every page.
It is interesting to see that the only thing her master taught her to do was to have sex and so this is a steamy novel as she feels no limits. If she is turned on she must do something about it. The twists and turns of the book were such that the reader is never really sure who she should trust and with no knowledge of the world trusting her own instincts may not be the wisest thing either.
Despite all the misuse and abuse the heroine tries her best to make her way through the situation. If this genre is your favourite you are in for a treat . Get this book and enjoy every page.
April 9, 2022
Woah! This book was a whirlwind of emotions. Aphrodite is thrown into a school where she will be presiding since her last master was killed, now she is unsure what to make of everything since that was all she has known. Some have taken an interest in her and it seems like what she was taught is not the way of the world. I don't want to give to much away since it is so good! The characters and relationships they have are interesting and I cant wait to read more about them as well as how many we have in her harem as a possibility. Will some of these guys get their heads out of their butts or are they a lost cause? I need to know more! I can't wait to read more from this author!.
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.
April 14, 2022
Here is a story that says it won't follow the rules when it comes to what is expected of certain tropes. Never experiencing any other way than the will of her master, Aphrodite is thrown into a mage reform school. It is here she learns that her entire life was a lie. Now this young woman has a choice to make, the first in her life, try to learn to control her magic in order to be free or die.
Things are never easy if course. Opposion sees her for the tool she can be. But like calls to like as does power. No matter how much she longs for the 3 men the somehow feel like hers, she will not be used again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things are never easy if course. Opposion sees her for the tool she can be. But like calls to like as does power. No matter how much she longs for the 3 men the somehow feel like hers, she will not be used again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2022
Aphrodite (Dot, Aphy) has been under her Master's control, basically all her life, but that is over now and she is left with figuring out how the world works. And how wrong her Master's teaching were. Unfortunately the only second chance she gets, is a short rope one, where she attends the Charbon Institute, which is full of undesirables and abusers of their magic. I loved watching Aphrodite grow, her challenges, her loves (I just don't know who is my favourite) and the scorching heat between them. Aphrodite is easy to love, she is determine and has lots to learn, and I really felt for her troubles. I am awaiting impatiently for the next one, can't wait.
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 6, 2022
Reverse Harem Dark Fantasy Romance
WARNING!!!
Before reading this story, find an industrial fan, so you don’t burn. Phew!! This story was sizzling, but that is not all. The book has a delicious plot and unforgettable characters. So, I read it in one sitting. My heart broke for Aphrodite, but I admired her for not quitting. She is not a wilting flower, and I loved that about her.
The story also had everything I wanted in a plot…passion, intrigue, magic, engaging dialogue, and a beautiful cover (yes, covers help me to get into the mood and imagine while reading.)
I enjoyed how the author pulled me into her story and made me feel like I was watching a sizzling romantic thriller unfolding before my eyes.
WARNING!!!
Before reading this story, find an industrial fan, so you don’t burn. Phew!! This story was sizzling, but that is not all. The book has a delicious plot and unforgettable characters. So, I read it in one sitting. My heart broke for Aphrodite, but I admired her for not quitting. She is not a wilting flower, and I loved that about her.
The story also had everything I wanted in a plot…passion, intrigue, magic, engaging dialogue, and a beautiful cover (yes, covers help me to get into the mood and imagine while reading.)
I enjoyed how the author pulled me into her story and made me feel like I was watching a sizzling romantic thriller unfolding before my eyes.
August 14, 2022
Frustrating, infuriating and a bit addictive!
This is really well written with great characters,even the evil ones! But it didn't grab me, it felt like a bit of a struggle to read it. I found myself infuriated with the main character, Aphrodite. At one point I was growling at my kindle, I was so peed off.
I understood that her entire life, she had been groomed and that that kind of brainwashing couldn't be undone, but taking away all her support systems seemed irrational. But as frustrated as I was, I still don't really understand if she has useable magic, the story and characters have grabbed me enough that I need to read the next book. And for that alone I have to give 5 stars.
This is really well written with great characters,even the evil ones! But it didn't grab me, it felt like a bit of a struggle to read it. I found myself infuriated with the main character, Aphrodite. At one point I was growling at my kindle, I was so peed off.
I understood that her entire life, she had been groomed and that that kind of brainwashing couldn't be undone, but taking away all her support systems seemed irrational. But as frustrated as I was, I still don't really understand if she has useable magic, the story and characters have grabbed me enough that I need to read the next book. And for that alone I have to give 5 stars.
April 16, 2022
Aurora, is an extremely sheltered and manipulated young women. The beginnings of her life are spent being a slave to an extremely controlling master. She is captured and institutionalized. There she experiences major cultural shock. She is extremely strong and starts to discover she has a backbone.
Now for the men… I think they all make great partners And I hope the spicy scenes slow down as well as learn more about the guys.
This book is fast paced and there are a lot of details to follow. Over all it kept my attention early on and I am looking forward to the 2nd book because that ending 😳😳
Now for the men… I think they all make great partners And I hope the spicy scenes slow down as well as learn more about the guys.
This book is fast paced and there are a lot of details to follow. Over all it kept my attention early on and I am looking forward to the 2nd book because that ending 😳😳
April 19, 2022
Magic academy with a twist!
When her master dies, Aphrodite is thrown into an unforgiving world that is meant to teach her to rise above her magical nature or break within the walls of the academy with dire consequences. She quickly learns that almost everything she held to be true was a lie except that people are cruel and finding allies is difficult. Steeped with steamy encounters, this story about finding one’s true strength was engaging and full of twists and turns. All the characters are beautifully complicated as they struggle to pass their aptitudes and break free. I’m looking forward to the next book!
When her master dies, Aphrodite is thrown into an unforgiving world that is meant to teach her to rise above her magical nature or break within the walls of the academy with dire consequences. She quickly learns that almost everything she held to be true was a lie except that people are cruel and finding allies is difficult. Steeped with steamy encounters, this story about finding one’s true strength was engaging and full of twists and turns. All the characters are beautifully complicated as they struggle to pass their aptitudes and break free. I’m looking forward to the next book!
April 22, 2022
Self Studies is a fantastic first installment book to present a trio by Kate Messick. It is well written with incredible characters and world build. I was hooked from beginning! The FMC is Aphrodite and this is her tale. This book's storyline is filled with magical characters in an academia backdrop. It definitely contains action, magic, mystery, RH🔥👀 and drama sure to enchant the reader. A page turner true to it's genres, I read it in one sitting and it kept me on my toes. I loved this book and so will you. A 5-Star read that does not dissapointed. I can't wait for the next installment. Hurry please Ms. Messick.
July 11, 2022
A great first book to the series.
A very energetic beginning to this fantasy series based around Aphrodite who was released from basically been a slave and having Stockholm syndrome, but she never knew any difference. She is placed in a school for mages but doesn't understand what is going on. She suffers a lot of bullying from the other students and also having multiple love interests with Professor Garnet, Saffron,and Beryl.
Just a quick warning too. There is some very steamy, hot under the collar moments in this book so if your easily offended by sex scenes, then don't get this book. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Well done.
A very energetic beginning to this fantasy series based around Aphrodite who was released from basically been a slave and having Stockholm syndrome, but she never knew any difference. She is placed in a school for mages but doesn't understand what is going on. She suffers a lot of bullying from the other students and also having multiple love interests with Professor Garnet, Saffron,and Beryl.
Just a quick warning too. There is some very steamy, hot under the collar moments in this book so if your easily offended by sex scenes, then don't get this book. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Well done.
September 21, 2024
This is the first book in the series and it was unique as I’ve never read this concept before and the characters where introduced well into the story and you learn more about the school and secrets that are hidden within as you go.
This book has a strong heroine and full of mages and magic surrounding it. It also makes you guess who can Aphy really trust the more you read the more you question who really on her side. This book will keep you in your toes and fast pace and is a reverse harem with steamy romance with Male love interest and her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has a strong heroine and full of mages and magic surrounding it. It also makes you guess who can Aphy really trust the more you read the more you question who really on her side. This book will keep you in your toes and fast pace and is a reverse harem with steamy romance with Male love interest and her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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