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Pandemonium Academy Royals #1
Of Boys and Beasts
One's a werewolf with an ax to grind
Two's a vampire with a heart of coal
Three's a demon with a taste for pain
Four's a fae with a past of woe
Five's a girl who will take them down all
In revenge for the pain they've sown
So what if they're gorgeous? They must atone…
My name is Mia Solace. You know, the girl who will take them down all? That's me.
When my cousin is returned to us by Pandemonium Academy in a glass coffin, in an enchanted sleep she isn't expected to wake up from, I grab her diary and head to the academy myself.
Because her diary, you see, tells of four cruel boys who bullied her and broke her heart until she sought oblivion through a spell.
Four magical boys, because that's the world we live in now, heirs of powerful families attending this elite academy where the privileged scions of the human and magical races are brought together in the noble pursuit of education.
As for me, I cheat to get on the student roster, and once I'm in, well… it's war, baby. I'll get those four sons of guns, steal their secrets, make them hurt. I'll transform into an avenging angel for my cousin, for all the girls they've wronged, and I bet there are plenty of those.
While growing up, my cousin was my only friend. Now I'll be her champion.
Only these boys aren't exactly as I pictured them. Devastatingly handsome, deliciously brooding, strangely haunted, they're getting under my skin and through my defenses.
Kissing them surely wasn't part of my plan…
Getting into bed with them even less.
*OF BOYS AND BEASTS is a full-length paranormal reverse harem romance novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one of four, and it ends on a slight cliffhanger. There is a happily ever after at the end of the series. All four books have already been written.
By book 3 there will be mm scenes. For 18+ only.*
* This book uses alternating points of view – one boy point of view chapter for every two of the heroine (mostly).*
Two's a vampire with a heart of coal
Three's a demon with a taste for pain
Four's a fae with a past of woe
Five's a girl who will take them down all
In revenge for the pain they've sown
So what if they're gorgeous? They must atone…
My name is Mia Solace. You know, the girl who will take them down all? That's me.
When my cousin is returned to us by Pandemonium Academy in a glass coffin, in an enchanted sleep she isn't expected to wake up from, I grab her diary and head to the academy myself.
Because her diary, you see, tells of four cruel boys who bullied her and broke her heart until she sought oblivion through a spell.
Four magical boys, because that's the world we live in now, heirs of powerful families attending this elite academy where the privileged scions of the human and magical races are brought together in the noble pursuit of education.
As for me, I cheat to get on the student roster, and once I'm in, well… it's war, baby. I'll get those four sons of guns, steal their secrets, make them hurt. I'll transform into an avenging angel for my cousin, for all the girls they've wronged, and I bet there are plenty of those.
While growing up, my cousin was my only friend. Now I'll be her champion.
Only these boys aren't exactly as I pictured them. Devastatingly handsome, deliciously brooding, strangely haunted, they're getting under my skin and through my defenses.
Kissing them surely wasn't part of my plan…
Getting into bed with them even less.
*OF BOYS AND BEASTS is a full-length paranormal reverse harem romance novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one of four, and it ends on a slight cliffhanger. There is a happily ever after at the end of the series. All four books have already been written.
By book 3 there will be mm scenes. For 18+ only.*
* This book uses alternating points of view – one boy point of view chapter for every two of the heroine (mostly).*
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2022
844 people are currently reading
1479 people want to read
About the author
Mona Black
25 books191 followersMona is a changeling living in the human world. She writes fantasy romance and reverse harem romance, and is an avid reader of fantasy and paranormal books. Read her fantasy romance series "Cursed Fae Kings" or her Reverse Harem paranormal romance series "Pandemonium Academy Royals". Follow for updates and new release announcements!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 16, 2022
2.5⭐️
too many parts that felt childish/cringy but i was entertained enough to try with the next book
also ophelia sucks ass and she’s not even present damn
too many parts that felt childish/cringy but i was entertained enough to try with the next book
also ophelia sucks ass and she’s not even present damn
June 21, 2022
Good…
This could have been a great story. Too much circumspection and honestly not enough depth. The overuse of the word “revenge” is tedious. Mia’s desire for it seems odd. Sure, Lia is her cousin but we have no mention of her other than in passing. We know she went to the school but Mia did nothing to find out about her life there? I get that she’s sheltered. But she’s also playing a game she knows little about. She’s not really set up as a hero. She also clearly trusts way too easily. Vanessa. C’mon. Telegraphing. This story could have been great. Let’s see if the next book does the story justice.
This could have been a great story. Too much circumspection and honestly not enough depth. The overuse of the word “revenge” is tedious. Mia’s desire for it seems odd. Sure, Lia is her cousin but we have no mention of her other than in passing. We know she went to the school but Mia did nothing to find out about her life there? I get that she’s sheltered. But she’s also playing a game she knows little about. She’s not really set up as a hero. She also clearly trusts way too easily. Vanessa. C’mon. Telegraphing. This story could have been great. Let’s see if the next book does the story justice.
April 24, 2023
3.5/5. I liked it enough to want to keep reading. It has some interesting ideas and I want to know what happens next, but some parts felt really predictable to me.
June 12, 2022
This was a fun book. Short and direct. I liked that it starts right away and I liked the dynamics between all the characters. It has this sunshine/grumpy trope vibe to it. I’m interested to see how she’s going to make the romance between all these characters work. They’re moments when they all seem drawn to each other and then moments when they want to kill each other. I wish we got to see more moments of these dudes being assholes and cruel instead of just being told. I’m not sure that I buy them as the villains. They aren’t nice that’s for sure but they def aren’t as bad as a lot of other characters I read.
I grabbed this one based on recs that said it was a witchy book and in this whole book the h is human. So it didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. I wanted more magic for sure. The whole elemental magic verses demon magic thing is really interesting though and I’m excited to see how that plays out.
3.5, wish it was a bit fuller for a book one and that things were a bit more developed. It feels like a contemporary book in a lot of places too. I liked this though and thought that the author did a good job for debut novel. It needs some more editing as well.
I grabbed this one based on recs that said it was a witchy book and in this whole book the h is human. So it didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. I wanted more magic for sure. The whole elemental magic verses demon magic thing is really interesting though and I’m excited to see how that plays out.
3.5, wish it was a bit fuller for a book one and that things were a bit more developed. It feels like a contemporary book in a lot of places too. I liked this though and thought that the author did a good job for debut novel. It needs some more editing as well.
April 22, 2022
Of Boys and Beasts is a slow-burn romance, paranormal, bully romance.
Mia has lead a sheltered life, only learning about the world from her cousin. When her cousin comes home in stasis, Mia vows to get revenge. With revenge on her mind and no clue on how to enact it, Mia must navigate through the guys, her feelings, and all the secrets to get to the truth.
Mia is naive but fierce. She’s determined to find out the truth but in doing so finds more than she can handle. The guys are jerks and surrounded in mystery.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I’m interested in finding out what’s happens next m.
Mia has lead a sheltered life, only learning about the world from her cousin. When her cousin comes home in stasis, Mia vows to get revenge. With revenge on her mind and no clue on how to enact it, Mia must navigate through the guys, her feelings, and all the secrets to get to the truth.
Mia is naive but fierce. She’s determined to find out the truth but in doing so finds more than she can handle. The guys are jerks and surrounded in mystery.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I’m interested in finding out what’s happens next m.
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October 18, 2022I'm 11% done with Of Boys and Beasts: I'm pushing myself at this point - Mia is not innocent to the ways of the world as far as I'm concerned she's just plain rude, uncouth, and highly unlikeable. I'm hoping things click soon and we get some depth to the characters and a few breadcrumbs regarding the story
I could not go any further
This has so much potential but it needs editing - one moment they are
"They shove me down until I taste dirt and dead leaves."
a second later
"One of the two yanks me down, dropping me to the ground as I choke on a cry."
?? HUH ?? You were just eating dirt and leaves
I could not go any further
This has so much potential but it needs editing - one moment they are
"They shove me down until I taste dirt and dead leaves."
a second later
"One of the two yanks me down, dropping me to the ground as I choke on a cry."
?? HUH ?? You were just eating dirt and leaves
April 22, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the average ‘girl loses someone important and goes to get revenge on the hot guys at school’ trope. Is it overused and boring? Normally. In this case? No. I really enjoyed it. It’s in its own world which gives it some extra flair. The use of fae language that Sin uses is a nice touch and only adds to it.
The guys are all asshats. Not at all surprising since they’re referenced as bullies many many times. However, they occasionally show some decency and try to hide it behind being that bully. Now, even though the guys are bullies, it never really felt like they went crazy overboard when it came to Mia. If anything, the main bullying comes from outside the guys. Sometimes you want to give them a good slap or punch in the face for things they do (or don’t do) but they’re not completely horrible.
Mia is an interesting character. We don’t get a lot of backstory, but she seems to come from a rather sheltered life. She sticks to her books normally so when you see her keeping her head up and speaking her mind it’s shocking. You expect her to be this shy, naive girl, which she is sometimes. She also shows ovaries (women balls.. yup) and stands up to and confront various people throughout the book and isn’t a complete doormat 24/7. It’s as if her mission keeps her strong but her mask falters.
Seeing as there’s just the one book, it’s hard to judge character development and relationship development just yet, but the plot makes me want to stick around. The finale was something I expected, but the way it was written still had me wanting to jump right into the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and am waiting impatiently for book 2.
This is the average ‘girl loses someone important and goes to get revenge on the hot guys at school’ trope. Is it overused and boring? Normally. In this case? No. I really enjoyed it. It’s in its own world which gives it some extra flair. The use of fae language that Sin uses is a nice touch and only adds to it.
The guys are all asshats. Not at all surprising since they’re referenced as bullies many many times. However, they occasionally show some decency and try to hide it behind being that bully. Now, even though the guys are bullies, it never really felt like they went crazy overboard when it came to Mia. If anything, the main bullying comes from outside the guys. Sometimes you want to give them a good slap or punch in the face for things they do (or don’t do) but they’re not completely horrible.
Mia is an interesting character. We don’t get a lot of backstory, but she seems to come from a rather sheltered life. She sticks to her books normally so when you see her keeping her head up and speaking her mind it’s shocking. You expect her to be this shy, naive girl, which she is sometimes. She also shows ovaries (women balls.. yup) and stands up to and confront various people throughout the book and isn’t a complete doormat 24/7. It’s as if her mission keeps her strong but her mask falters.
Seeing as there’s just the one book, it’s hard to judge character development and relationship development just yet, but the plot makes me want to stick around. The finale was something I expected, but the way it was written still had me wanting to jump right into the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and am waiting impatiently for book 2.
April 24, 2025
Sono consapevole che oggettivamente questo libro non è da 4 stelle, ho dato lo stesso voto a libri ben più strutturati e curati, con una vera e propria trama, con personaggi più carismatici, eppure questo libro mi è piaciuto, mi ha divertita e incuriosita.
Quello che mi ha attirata subito di questa serie è il trope della vendetta e in ciò ha fallito praticamente subito, non scherzo, già nel primo capitolo il piano della protagonista sarebbe naufragato miseramente se non fosse stato per l'inaspettato aiuto di uno di quelli di cui la protagonista dovrebbe vendicarsi.
Il libro è assolutamente caotico, non si sa bene quale sia il passato di tutti i personaggi principali, quali siano le loro intenzioni e le loro motivazioni, il piano di Mia per vendicarsi è a dir poco inconsistente, il diario di Ofelia è criptico in molti passaggi e non accusa realmente nessuno.
Eppure il caos che c'è in questa accademia funziona benissimo, la protagonista è talmente strana e ha dei comportamenti talmente stralunati che il fatto che baci questi ragazzi invece di vendicarsi di loro non sembra affatto inappropriato.
Per quanto riguarda i 4 reali di questa accademia, a modo loro sono molto carini e assolutamente distinguibili l'uno dall'altro.
Ovviamente leggerò il seguito.
Quello che mi ha attirata subito di questa serie è il trope della vendetta e in ciò ha fallito praticamente subito, non scherzo, già nel primo capitolo il piano della protagonista sarebbe naufragato miseramente se non fosse stato per l'inaspettato aiuto di uno di quelli di cui la protagonista dovrebbe vendicarsi.
Il libro è assolutamente caotico, non si sa bene quale sia il passato di tutti i personaggi principali, quali siano le loro intenzioni e le loro motivazioni, il piano di Mia per vendicarsi è a dir poco inconsistente, il diario di Ofelia è criptico in molti passaggi e non accusa realmente nessuno.
Eppure il caos che c'è in questa accademia funziona benissimo, la protagonista è talmente strana e ha dei comportamenti talmente stralunati che il fatto che baci questi ragazzi invece di vendicarsi di loro non sembra affatto inappropriato.
Per quanto riguarda i 4 reali di questa accademia, a modo loro sono molto carini e assolutamente distinguibili l'uno dall'altro.
Ovviamente leggerò il seguito.
October 30, 2022
Adopted as a child Mia has no idea who she really is. Raised by parents who were devote Christians she only had one friend and that was her cousin Ophelia. Who is now laying in a glass casket in an enchanted sleep.
Mia is on a mission to avenge her cousin who is in an enchanted sleep because of the 4 magical boys who were cruel and bullied her. Armed with his cousin's diary Mia is on a mission to make the Heirs of the most powerful magical families at Pandemonium Academy pay. With a fake identity Mia enrolls into the Academy to seek revenge for what happened to her cousin.
Mia's plans take a detour when she comes face to face with Jason (Werewolf), Ashton (Vampire), Emrys (Demon) and Sindri (Fae). Not only are these princes the rulers of the school but Mia is finding herself drawn to them in inexplicable ways.
Her plans for revenge soon take a back seat when one by one Jason, Aston, Emrys and Sindri find themselves under attack. Someone is out to weaken the 4 heirs and Mia secret and true identity has been revealed.
What will happen when everybody's truths are laid out for everyone to see?
Mia is on a mission to avenge her cousin who is in an enchanted sleep because of the 4 magical boys who were cruel and bullied her. Armed with his cousin's diary Mia is on a mission to make the Heirs of the most powerful magical families at Pandemonium Academy pay. With a fake identity Mia enrolls into the Academy to seek revenge for what happened to her cousin.
Mia's plans take a detour when she comes face to face with Jason (Werewolf), Ashton (Vampire), Emrys (Demon) and Sindri (Fae). Not only are these princes the rulers of the school but Mia is finding herself drawn to them in inexplicable ways.
Her plans for revenge soon take a back seat when one by one Jason, Aston, Emrys and Sindri find themselves under attack. Someone is out to weaken the 4 heirs and Mia secret and true identity has been revealed.
What will happen when everybody's truths are laid out for everyone to see?
April 21, 2022
This book has great promise. The underlying plot is a good one. In this book we meet the MC in a world where magic and it's users are "out" and ruling a lot too. Our FMC has a shrouded back story. She never thinks or asks about who her real parents were. She is woefully equipped to deal in any world. the only glimpses of the real world she gets is from her cousin who has shown her things on the internet, TV and radio when they work. Until her cousin's body is sent home from the Academy. In stasis. Our FMC is determined to find the boys responsible and make them pay. She has no idea how to do this but goes at it full tilt.
In this first book you get a brief view of the characters and their world. The author has also written in multiple POVs so you get an inkling of what these boys are about. Lets you see a very little part of them. Another part I loved was the glossary at the end to spell out some of the terminology used by the different guys.
I can't wait to read the rest of the books. They promise more mystery and drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this first book you get a brief view of the characters and their world. The author has also written in multiple POVs so you get an inkling of what these boys are about. Lets you see a very little part of them. Another part I loved was the glossary at the end to spell out some of the terminology used by the different guys.
I can't wait to read the rest of the books. They promise more mystery and drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2022
Mia ends up at Pandemonium Academy when her cousin ends up in an enchanted sleep and her diary points to Ashton, Jason, Emrys & Sindri as the possible suspects. Mia is like a fish out of water there though. Shes lived a sheltered life so shes ill at ease with what she has to do to get the answers that shes looking for. Of Boys and Beasts - book 1 in this series is chock full of mean girls, hot guys and plot twists. As well as one hell of an ending! It totally gripped me from start to finish. I just loved it. A cracking read
April 22, 2022
This is A good is a slow-burn romance, paranormal, bully romance. A well written fast paced read that draws you in and grabs hold. Mia our female mc is a great character, she’s a little sheltered and naive but also strong and determined to exact revenge for her cousin, but of course nothing goes to plan!! It’s an interesting and intriguing storyline and I have to say I am looking forward to reading more.
June 16, 2022
When Mia’s cousin returns from Pandemonium Academy in an enchanted sleep, and when her diary points to four possible suspects, Mia sets out to the Academy for revenge. However, the four suspects, Ashton, Jason, Sindri, and Emrys, are not at all what she expected to find. I enjoyed every second of this book and the unique characters and intriguing storyline kept me captivated and turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series.
May 30, 2023
I had to force myself to read the beginning because the writing was a little cringe and the main character was A LOT cringe but halfway through it the writing got alot better though not the greatest. I stuck it out because I like the concept and the boys seem really fun! Some great dialogue which I deeply appreciate.
February 7, 2024
The plot was taking way too long to develop. I also felt that there were a lot of similarities in regards to certain characters and even almost-quotes from ACOTAR. This has a good premise, but I am just really struggling to get into it. I may return back eventually.
January 2, 2025
Childish, repetitive and boring. I received the second book but don't know if I will read it because of how cringe this one was...
March 9, 2023
Of Boys and Beasts by Mona Black
Spoilers Probably
Madeline Mina Apollinari/Mia Solace: Adopted
Ronan Ashton Marais D’Aube/Ashton: Vampire Heir. Water.
Sindri Arash: Fae. Wind.
Jason Kassidy: Wolf.
Emrys Ramsden: Demon.
Ophelia/Lia:
Thoughts: So I saw this listed as free on Kindle, so I grabbed it. I think the book needs a really good editor and a reread because there's lots of repetition very close together, and It can get a bit confusing. For instance you learn that she's adopted and her adopted Father's sister has a daughter who is her adopted cousin And they live out in the world and but in the book, it switches between calling Ophelia her cousin and at a time says she her sister. Also, this book is pretty heavy on the purity/religion culture situation.
I also don't exactly understand what kind of revenge mia is trying to take. She has very little information about what actually happened and why.
Also since no one knows who she is and a lot of people are warning her about what is going on with the guys why didn't she just come out and ask about Ophelia and what happened to her. she could have spun it and said something like I overheard someone talking about this girl Ophelia who was put into the deep sleep. What happened to her?" Why does Mia think that the guys are gonna open up to her and tell her all of their secrets?
So at about 20% i DNFd. I think the story line has a lot of potential but I think it needs a rewrite.
I did skip ahead where you find out that apparently mia is part of a witch family.
SYNOPSIS:*These are ultimately for me so I can remember what the books are about quickly*
So Mia is adopted at the age of 4 into a very religious family. You find out that supernaturals are around and they are a force to be reckoned with. Mia has a cousin named Ophelia on her adoptive father's side. Ophelia goes to a very prestigious school with very high-ranking supernaturals. you're not really told why or how. Apparently ophelia is somewhat obsessed with the four supernatural kings of the school. She's talking to Mia about them and the book starts out talking about a spell that people use to essentially commits $uicide. It puts the person in essentially a state of sleep (think sleeping beauty) So you're breathing but go probably never wake up. Apparently ophelia had this happen to her or somehow caused it or chose to do it. Mia steals ophelias journal Which is pretty odd and goes from being very clinical about the guys two all out obsession when they essentially dismiss her because they are not interested. Somehow, mia thinks that they did this to her and that she should seek revenge for them not liking Ophelia and being mean too her. Her plan is to go to the school and somehow seek vengeance for her cousin and then leave.
Some mia decides to run away from home and Pay a hacker to put south on the school list which backfires because they don't have an electronic list but one of the four guys (Ashton) stumbled upon her and uses magic to put her on the list. Then tell her that she owes him. Shands up going to a party where he meets all four of the guys you also learn during this time that there was some sort of magical disturbance about a month ago which coincides with Ophelia going into a deep sleep. None of the guys have no idea about what happened or why it happened.
Spoilers Probably
Madeline Mina Apollinari/Mia Solace: Adopted
Ronan Ashton Marais D’Aube/Ashton: Vampire Heir. Water.
Sindri Arash: Fae. Wind.
Jason Kassidy: Wolf.
Emrys Ramsden: Demon.
Ophelia/Lia:
Thoughts: So I saw this listed as free on Kindle, so I grabbed it. I think the book needs a really good editor and a reread because there's lots of repetition very close together, and It can get a bit confusing. For instance you learn that she's adopted and her adopted Father's sister has a daughter who is her adopted cousin And they live out in the world and but in the book, it switches between calling Ophelia her cousin and at a time says she her sister. Also, this book is pretty heavy on the purity/religion culture situation.
I also don't exactly understand what kind of revenge mia is trying to take. She has very little information about what actually happened and why.
Also since no one knows who she is and a lot of people are warning her about what is going on with the guys why didn't she just come out and ask about Ophelia and what happened to her. she could have spun it and said something like I overheard someone talking about this girl Ophelia who was put into the deep sleep. What happened to her?" Why does Mia think that the guys are gonna open up to her and tell her all of their secrets?
So at about 20% i DNFd. I think the story line has a lot of potential but I think it needs a rewrite.
I did skip ahead where you find out that apparently mia is part of a witch family.
SYNOPSIS:*These are ultimately for me so I can remember what the books are about quickly*
So Mia is adopted at the age of 4 into a very religious family. You find out that supernaturals are around and they are a force to be reckoned with. Mia has a cousin named Ophelia on her adoptive father's side. Ophelia goes to a very prestigious school with very high-ranking supernaturals. you're not really told why or how. Apparently ophelia is somewhat obsessed with the four supernatural kings of the school. She's talking to Mia about them and the book starts out talking about a spell that people use to essentially commits $uicide. It puts the person in essentially a state of sleep (think sleeping beauty) So you're breathing but go probably never wake up. Apparently ophelia had this happen to her or somehow caused it or chose to do it. Mia steals ophelias journal Which is pretty odd and goes from being very clinical about the guys two all out obsession when they essentially dismiss her because they are not interested. Somehow, mia thinks that they did this to her and that she should seek revenge for them not liking Ophelia and being mean too her. Her plan is to go to the school and somehow seek vengeance for her cousin and then leave.
Some mia decides to run away from home and Pay a hacker to put south on the school list which backfires because they don't have an electronic list but one of the four guys (Ashton) stumbled upon her and uses magic to put her on the list. Then tell her that she owes him. Shands up going to a party where he meets all four of the guys you also learn during this time that there was some sort of magical disturbance about a month ago which coincides with Ophelia going into a deep sleep. None of the guys have no idea about what happened or why it happened.
October 31, 2022
Low 3*
I was invested enough to want to read book two and see where the series goes. So, I can’t claim to have entirely disliked it. But I think I was also invested in the story in the same way one is a train wreck. It’s a mess, but I couldn’t seem to look away. Also, the book doesn’t conclude. I won’t call it a cliffhanger. It’s just another book that doesn’t end. I cannot tell you how much I resent this trend. But I decided to give the second a chance to redeem itself. You’ll notice I stopped at two.
I think that the author doesn’t quite pull off what she’s aiming for. The boys, who are supposed to be dark, brooding bullies come across as broken children. It’s awful hard to find boys sexy, as we’re intended to. I’ll grant that the title is Of Boys and Beasts, but I have to admit to assuming that was just alliterative. Guess not.
Plus, the book is really bad about almost all non-main character girls being disposable sexual commodities. This isn’t uncommon in romance books, but the older I get the less patient I get with this authorial habit. In fact it kind of makes me rage. Can’t we do better by and for ourselves as women and female authors?
The premise is patently ridiculous. It’s fun in the beginning to see Mia’s blind determination. I honestly started to wonder if she wasn’t on the autism spectrum at one point, because of the way she plows through so many social cues. I honestly think that would have been more interesting that what we were eventually given. Because the fact that Mia stays so on course starts to stretch the bounds of credulity.
Lastly, the book feels a little to Young Adult, which be fine if it didn’t also feel so much like it is aiming for New Adult instead. Certainly the subject matter and sexual content is more NA than YA. So, there’s a disconnect.
But, as I said, I did buy book two. So, I can’t pretend nothing intrigued me.
I was invested enough to want to read book two and see where the series goes. So, I can’t claim to have entirely disliked it. But I think I was also invested in the story in the same way one is a train wreck. It’s a mess, but I couldn’t seem to look away. Also, the book doesn’t conclude. I won’t call it a cliffhanger. It’s just another book that doesn’t end. I cannot tell you how much I resent this trend. But I decided to give the second a chance to redeem itself. You’ll notice I stopped at two.
I think that the author doesn’t quite pull off what she’s aiming for. The boys, who are supposed to be dark, brooding bullies come across as broken children. It’s awful hard to find boys sexy, as we’re intended to. I’ll grant that the title is Of Boys and Beasts, but I have to admit to assuming that was just alliterative. Guess not.
Plus, the book is really bad about almost all non-main character girls being disposable sexual commodities. This isn’t uncommon in romance books, but the older I get the less patient I get with this authorial habit. In fact it kind of makes me rage. Can’t we do better by and for ourselves as women and female authors?
The premise is patently ridiculous. It’s fun in the beginning to see Mia’s blind determination. I honestly started to wonder if she wasn’t on the autism spectrum at one point, because of the way she plows through so many social cues. I honestly think that would have been more interesting that what we were eventually given. Because the fact that Mia stays so on course starts to stretch the bounds of credulity.
Lastly, the book feels a little to Young Adult, which be fine if it didn’t also feel so much like it is aiming for New Adult instead. Certainly the subject matter and sexual content is more NA than YA. So, there’s a disconnect.
But, as I said, I did buy book two. So, I can’t pretend nothing intrigued me.
July 3, 2022
Steam: .5/5 Strong Language: 2/5 Triggers: Bullying, Assault, Drug Use (magical), Child Abuse (off page), Sexual Harassment, Violence
This is book one of The Pandemonium Academy series, a magical school for supernatural teenagers.
A great start to a series. A sheltered teen risks everything to sneak into an Academy of magical beings after her beloved cousin is taken ill.
5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
This is book one of The Pandemonium Academy series, a magical school for supernatural teenagers.
A great start to a series. A sheltered teen risks everything to sneak into an Academy of magical beings after her beloved cousin is taken ill.
5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.
May 27, 2023
So far, not impressed
Honestly this was a hard slog, thankfully it’s a short book so I got through it quick enough but contemplated returning it on at least 4 different occasions. The heroine is a complete moron and her choices are hugely irritating most of the time.
I’ll unfortunately read on because I want to see her finally get a clue. . .you can see from the get-go that her cousin isn’t what she thought but she’s treating her diary and what she’s said like gospel and it gets old real quick.
Maybe the rest of the series will improve, we’ll see.
ETA - HA! Won't be reading the rest of the series as it's not on Kindle Unlimited and there's no way I'm paying money for these books, oh well, guess I'll never find out that her cousin is actually evil, shucks *insert convincing sad face here* Apparently I forgot I got this book for free, I can understand why it is.
Honestly this was a hard slog, thankfully it’s a short book so I got through it quick enough but contemplated returning it on at least 4 different occasions. The heroine is a complete moron and her choices are hugely irritating most of the time.
I’ll unfortunately read on because I want to see her finally get a clue. . .you can see from the get-go that her cousin isn’t what she thought but she’s treating her diary and what she’s said like gospel and it gets old real quick.
Maybe the rest of the series will improve, we’ll see.
ETA - HA! Won't be reading the rest of the series as it's not on Kindle Unlimited and there's no way I'm paying money for these books, oh well, guess I'll never find out that her cousin is actually evil, shucks *insert convincing sad face here* Apparently I forgot I got this book for free, I can understand why it is.
March 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️
I had a hard time getting through this one. I'm not sure I really even like the FMC and that makes a book difficult to read. The concept is something I have read several times before with better characters. I just don't think it's the series for me.
I had a hard time getting through this one. I'm not sure I really even like the FMC and that makes a book difficult to read. The concept is something I have read several times before with better characters. I just don't think it's the series for me.
Want to read
March 11, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (9/25/2022)! 🎁
January 23, 2026
2.5 stars
If RH/PNR academy books are a micro genre, then this book is a sub-genre of a micro genre. I call it ‘bunker babies‘. If you’ve read 'Seven Wishes' or 'Savage Hope' you’ll know exactly what I mean. the heroines in those books, like this one, were all raised in cultish environments and suddenly find themselves in the real world. Then they basically spend the whole book wide-eyed and saying “duts dat?” like a toddler. The h in this book (Mia), a human (for now), was adopted and raised by what seems to be abusive fundamentalist Christians. When her beloved cousin (Ophelia) gets shipped home from Pandemonium Academy with Snow White disease (self inflicted magical coma that will lead to death). The h decides to brave a world she doesn’t know or understand, in order to seek revenge against the four powerful boys (Ashton, Jason, Emrys, and Sindri) who supposedly caused the suicidal feelings.
Unfortunately it’s clear from chapter 1, the second the h reads a passage from her cousin’s diary, that cuz was batshit. The diary sounds like someone obsessed, someone unhappy, someone with machinations, and possibly someone evil. And since we never have the ‘pleasure’ of meeting this cousin, or seeing her relationship with the h, we start the book with a sinking feeling that only grows. We follow Forest Gump… er…. I mean… Mia on her foolish mission of 'revenge' (where she moves like that feather on the wind, accidentally meeting all the important players and having great luck holding their attention, all while remaining a stone cold dummy). Note: the idea of revenge was a total false flag on the part of the author. She wanted us to believe she a real plot beyond 'girl gets horny for some boys'. She didn't. Exacting revenge should be very detailed work. But Mia does no investigating, has no plan, and never states what the end goal is. It’s like the word revenge has no meaning. So that part felt like a massive waste of time. The only saving grace is that the guys are mean, morally-grey, sluts. So they do deserve some punishment. But they’re also not completely irredeemable and probably didn't do anything to the cousin, so yeah, painful. Add to that mediocre writing. It’s annoyingly poetic instead of just straightforward prose. And a h who spends chapter upon chapter inner monologuing these annoying open questions. Plus tons of repetition. And by the end I just wanted the babbling to stop.
If RH/PNR academy books are a micro genre, then this book is a sub-genre of a micro genre. I call it ‘bunker babies‘. If you’ve read 'Seven Wishes' or 'Savage Hope' you’ll know exactly what I mean. the heroines in those books, like this one, were all raised in cultish environments and suddenly find themselves in the real world. Then they basically spend the whole book wide-eyed and saying “duts dat?” like a toddler. The h in this book (Mia), a human (for now), was adopted and raised by what seems to be abusive fundamentalist Christians. When her beloved cousin (Ophelia) gets shipped home from Pandemonium Academy with Snow White disease (self inflicted magical coma that will lead to death). The h decides to brave a world she doesn’t know or understand, in order to seek revenge against the four powerful boys (Ashton, Jason, Emrys, and Sindri) who supposedly caused the suicidal feelings.
Unfortunately it’s clear from chapter 1, the second the h reads a passage from her cousin’s diary, that cuz was batshit. The diary sounds like someone obsessed, someone unhappy, someone with machinations, and possibly someone evil. And since we never have the ‘pleasure’ of meeting this cousin, or seeing her relationship with the h, we start the book with a sinking feeling that only grows. We follow Forest Gump… er…. I mean… Mia on her foolish mission of 'revenge' (where she moves like that feather on the wind, accidentally meeting all the important players and having great luck holding their attention, all while remaining a stone cold dummy). Note: the idea of revenge was a total false flag on the part of the author. She wanted us to believe she a real plot beyond 'girl gets horny for some boys'. She didn't. Exacting revenge should be very detailed work. But Mia does no investigating, has no plan, and never states what the end goal is. It’s like the word revenge has no meaning. So that part felt like a massive waste of time. The only saving grace is that the guys are mean, morally-grey, sluts. So they do deserve some punishment. But they’re also not completely irredeemable and probably didn't do anything to the cousin, so yeah, painful. Add to that mediocre writing. It’s annoyingly poetic instead of just straightforward prose. And a h who spends chapter upon chapter inner monologuing these annoying open questions. Plus tons of repetition. And by the end I just wanted the babbling to stop.
October 4, 2022
Of Boys and Beasts (cool title) is the first book in Mona Black's Pandemonium Academy Royals series. Mona is a newish author that has created a complex supernatural world with characters who are mostly morally grey at best.
The world-building was great, the in-depth genealogical background (the starting point) of supernaturals was different. Then there are the different supernatural factions and how the supernatural society works, Black's detail was good. This world's society is fracking savage, factions against factions and fighting even in their own factions, not to mention humans are used and abused. This is a dark book with some bullying and a situation similar to suicide.
I wish I can say I really enjoyed the story but I could really escape into the story. The style in which Black told the story kinda through me and I couldn't connect to the characters. Mia, the main female protagonist, is innocent but not, kind but not. She bluffs her way through everything, comes up with an insane plan, and is arrogant enough to believe she can fight supes with nothing. I do like that she at least admits her faults and that she may have made some rash decisions but sticks with them.
The guys are all jerks and not in a sexy way. I didn't like any of the possible love interests personalities, if anyone was gonna come close it would be Ashton. They all were unnecessarily mean with very few kind moments and didn't even make up for it, in any way. They all are in some messed up family situations and most definitely have some level of darkness but that's no excuse.
Like I said the best part was the world build, the fae language that Black created was really cool. I also like that the story was heavy with mystery. Mia's home life was interesting but who are her parents? What was her cousin up to and how did she really end up the way she did? Not to mention a mysterious problem in the magical world and the heir all have problems as well.
Of Boys and Beast was an interesting read with mean girls, book quotes, magical mysteries, and more. I give Black credit for a newish author, she didn't do too badly, I did rate up taking that into consideration. I am really curious about where the story is headed but I haven't truly decided if I will continue the series.
The world-building was great, the in-depth genealogical background (the starting point) of supernaturals was different. Then there are the different supernatural factions and how the supernatural society works, Black's detail was good. This world's society is fracking savage, factions against factions and fighting even in their own factions, not to mention humans are used and abused. This is a dark book with some bullying and a situation similar to suicide.
I wish I can say I really enjoyed the story but I could really escape into the story. The style in which Black told the story kinda through me and I couldn't connect to the characters. Mia, the main female protagonist, is innocent but not, kind but not. She bluffs her way through everything, comes up with an insane plan, and is arrogant enough to believe she can fight supes with nothing. I do like that she at least admits her faults and that she may have made some rash decisions but sticks with them.
The guys are all jerks and not in a sexy way. I didn't like any of the possible love interests personalities, if anyone was gonna come close it would be Ashton. They all were unnecessarily mean with very few kind moments and didn't even make up for it, in any way. They all are in some messed up family situations and most definitely have some level of darkness but that's no excuse.
Like I said the best part was the world build, the fae language that Black created was really cool. I also like that the story was heavy with mystery. Mia's home life was interesting but who are her parents? What was her cousin up to and how did she really end up the way she did? Not to mention a mysterious problem in the magical world and the heir all have problems as well.
Of Boys and Beast was an interesting read with mean girls, book quotes, magical mysteries, and more. I give Black credit for a newish author, she didn't do too badly, I did rate up taking that into consideration. I am really curious about where the story is headed but I haven't truly decided if I will continue the series.
July 15, 2022
Madeline Mina was determined to avenge her cousin Lia. Madeline had no sense of belonging. She had been adopted at the age of four and grew up in the Church of Angels. She has slept in the basement on a cot her whole life. Scrubbing floors until her hands were bleeding. Paying penance for sins she didn't know she committed. Being homeschooled and having no contact outside the church doors.
Her only friend and connection outside of the church was Lia who has fallen into an enchanted sleep. Just before Lia's mother had encased her in a glass coffin, Madeline borrowed her diary from her purse hoping to find answers to why this had happened. Had she really committed suicide?
Lia had attended Pandemonium Academy, a mixture of humans and magical races. Magical races were recognized now and openly lived openly among them and since the world is no longer at peace. She had been taught that the magical races were malevolent and carried traces of the demon who created them in their blood.
But, now her hatred was on a personal level. There are four names listed in Lia's diary. She had decided to run away and obtain a fake ID so she could attend Pandemonium Academy. Ronan Ashton, Sindri Arash, Emrys Ramsden and Jason Kassidy would feel her wrath. As Mia Solace she will get her vengeance and make them pay for what they've done to her cousin.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Mia is totally out of her element when she arrives at Pandemonium Academy. Not only is she out in the real world for the first time in her life, but these boys are not what she expected. They were bullies, yes, but were they capable of killing?
This reverse harem romance is action packed from page one. Mia finds out that the guys she is here to take down aren't her real danger and when they start coming to her rescue, she has to remember why she is there.
This story has twists and turns as Mia finds herself helping the men she is determined to take down and ends with a cliffhanger when Mia finds out who her family is.
Her only friend and connection outside of the church was Lia who has fallen into an enchanted sleep. Just before Lia's mother had encased her in a glass coffin, Madeline borrowed her diary from her purse hoping to find answers to why this had happened. Had she really committed suicide?
Lia had attended Pandemonium Academy, a mixture of humans and magical races. Magical races were recognized now and openly lived openly among them and since the world is no longer at peace. She had been taught that the magical races were malevolent and carried traces of the demon who created them in their blood.
But, now her hatred was on a personal level. There are four names listed in Lia's diary. She had decided to run away and obtain a fake ID so she could attend Pandemonium Academy. Ronan Ashton, Sindri Arash, Emrys Ramsden and Jason Kassidy would feel her wrath. As Mia Solace she will get her vengeance and make them pay for what they've done to her cousin.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Mia is totally out of her element when she arrives at Pandemonium Academy. Not only is she out in the real world for the first time in her life, but these boys are not what she expected. They were bullies, yes, but were they capable of killing?
This reverse harem romance is action packed from page one. Mia finds out that the guys she is here to take down aren't her real danger and when they start coming to her rescue, she has to remember why she is there.
This story has twists and turns as Mia finds herself helping the men she is determined to take down and ends with a cliffhanger when Mia finds out who her family is.
January 1, 2024
When I go into reading fantasy / paranormal romances where (a lot of) spice can be expected, I try to not have a lot of expectations. But damn, this series deceeded even them.
I read all four books, and I'm still not sure why I did it. Maybe because I bought them all at once. Maybe I really wanted to read a reverse harem story. I still wish I did not finish them and picked up a book I enjoyed instead. So that part is on me.
What isn't on me though, is the way that book series is written. We have, in my eyes, an absolutely annoying, not thought through female main character that's only noticeable traits are her need for revenge for her cousin that fell into a deep, sleeping beauty like sleep and her growing up adopted in a church, kept away from all the magic / magical beings the world we're in has to offer. She decides to run away and go to this academy full magical beings where the demon, the vampire, the werewolf and the fae are that her cousin accused in her diary of pushing her into that deep sleep. As the story continues, she falls for the four boys.
To say something positive, I kinda liked character hints that could be seen in the demon and the fae character. The story could have had potential if it was better thought through, the characters were mapped out and the world was built on a little bit more substance. I liked that male x male action was included later in the books (not marked as spoiler as the summary already includes it).
However, besides the main character, all supporting characters felt shallow. There's actually no character development happening for any of them. I know, we're here for the smut, but I like my books with a little bit of substance, which I didn't feel could be found here. The sex scenes weren't my thing as well. There was no tension, no burn, no passion I could feel while reading it.
The twists that happened were to be expected and it all felt very repetitive.
If you want to do yourself a favor, keep away from this series. There's probably a reverse harem series out there which is better written with a little bit more substance and more tension.
I read all four books, and I'm still not sure why I did it. Maybe because I bought them all at once. Maybe I really wanted to read a reverse harem story. I still wish I did not finish them and picked up a book I enjoyed instead. So that part is on me.
What isn't on me though, is the way that book series is written. We have, in my eyes, an absolutely annoying, not thought through female main character that's only noticeable traits are her need for revenge for her cousin that fell into a deep, sleeping beauty like sleep and her growing up adopted in a church, kept away from all the magic / magical beings the world we're in has to offer. She decides to run away and go to this academy full magical beings where the demon, the vampire, the werewolf and the fae are that her cousin accused in her diary of pushing her into that deep sleep. As the story continues, she falls for the four boys.
To say something positive, I kinda liked character hints that could be seen in the demon and the fae character. The story could have had potential if it was better thought through, the characters were mapped out and the world was built on a little bit more substance. I liked that male x male action was included later in the books (not marked as spoiler as the summary already includes it).
However, besides the main character, all supporting characters felt shallow. There's actually no character development happening for any of them. I know, we're here for the smut, but I like my books with a little bit of substance, which I didn't feel could be found here. The sex scenes weren't my thing as well. There was no tension, no burn, no passion I could feel while reading it.
The twists that happened were to be expected and it all felt very repetitive.
If you want to do yourself a favor, keep away from this series. There's probably a reverse harem series out there which is better written with a little bit more substance and more tension.
October 15, 2023
~ Polyamorous, not RH
~ naïve sheltered FMC
~ harem of vampire, demon, Fae, werewolf
~ medium burn
This is a review of the series, Books 1-4.
The beginning starts out promising, the storyline intriguing and interesting. Mias adopted cousin returns from Academy in stasis, Mia runs away to the Academy to avenge her by taking down the boys who supposedly bullied her.
I wanted to love this series, there’s unique takes on shifting, magic, and of course four incredibly hot guys with tortured pasts. I loved all the guys. Jax, Sin, Ash and Rys (🔥) are all great characters and really carried the story.
The heroine however made me almost dnf at times. She had this diary that would have proven to the guys what she said was true, yet she never showed it to the guys. Who, btw, are called “boys” through the entire book. That was a mood killer. Every time she had an in to get closer like was her plan, she’d run away because oh no she was kissing them.
This author does sexual tension really well, I was so excited for when the “boys” and Mia finally got together only to have premature instant orgasms and short scenes. I mean Mia loses her virginity in one stroke and then answers the door when her friend knocks like nothing happened.
The MM scenes were hotter.
As the story moves on I had trouble focusing and started skimming. You could skip Book 3 if you wanted. Plot holes begin to develop and the heroine continued to drive me crazy. I have Notes on each book for reference. There’s definitely some great writing and lines, it was nice to see an Academy book that actually kept the story at the Academy instead of moving outside like so many do, but I wouldn’t pay $2.99/book to read this series again, I’d wait until it’s free.
~ naïve sheltered FMC
~ harem of vampire, demon, Fae, werewolf
~ medium burn
This is a review of the series, Books 1-4.
The beginning starts out promising, the storyline intriguing and interesting. Mias adopted cousin returns from Academy in stasis, Mia runs away to the Academy to avenge her by taking down the boys who supposedly bullied her.
I wanted to love this series, there’s unique takes on shifting, magic, and of course four incredibly hot guys with tortured pasts. I loved all the guys. Jax, Sin, Ash and Rys (🔥) are all great characters and really carried the story.
The heroine however made me almost dnf at times. She had this diary that would have proven to the guys what she said was true, yet she never showed it to the guys. Who, btw, are called “boys” through the entire book. That was a mood killer. Every time she had an in to get closer like was her plan, she’d run away because oh no she was kissing them.
This author does sexual tension really well, I was so excited for when the “boys” and Mia finally got together only to have premature instant orgasms and short scenes. I mean Mia loses her virginity in one stroke and then answers the door when her friend knocks like nothing happened.
The MM scenes were hotter.
As the story moves on I had trouble focusing and started skimming. You could skip Book 3 if you wanted. Plot holes begin to develop and the heroine continued to drive me crazy. I have Notes on each book for reference. There’s definitely some great writing and lines, it was nice to see an Academy book that actually kept the story at the Academy instead of moving outside like so many do, but I wouldn’t pay $2.99/book to read this series again, I’d wait until it’s free.
August 1, 2022
Mia has lived a sheltered life, hidden away in a cult and forced to work hard. The one good thing she had to look up to were the moments she spent with her niece Ophelia. When Ophelia comes back from the academy she was attending, barely alive and in a self-induced coma, Mia is determined to get revenge on the ones who made her lose the will to live. But without a clear plan, things start to go south real quickly…
I really like the concept of this series. The connection between Mia and four young rivals is really entertaining to read, and I always love a revers harem with tension between the men. There are some similarities between this first book and “The ruthless boys of the Zodiac” series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, but with a lot of differences between both as well. Mia is a young and naïve fmc, but with a good heart and a solid head on her shoulders. She has a lot of growing up to do, but I believe there is potential for her in the next book(s) in this series. Her behavior in this first book makes sense with where she’s coming from and I actually like the fact this author didn’t go with a badass fmc from the start. The only thing that made me stick with a four star rating instead of five was that I felt this first book lacked some character building. I can’t get a good feel of any of the characters at the moment, and their reactions seem to be a little all over the place at the moment. I hope the next book will help me get a better look on their personalities.
All in all a good start to a new series with a very interesting concept and a lot of potential for the next book(s).
I really like the concept of this series. The connection between Mia and four young rivals is really entertaining to read, and I always love a revers harem with tension between the men. There are some similarities between this first book and “The ruthless boys of the Zodiac” series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, but with a lot of differences between both as well. Mia is a young and naïve fmc, but with a good heart and a solid head on her shoulders. She has a lot of growing up to do, but I believe there is potential for her in the next book(s) in this series. Her behavior in this first book makes sense with where she’s coming from and I actually like the fact this author didn’t go with a badass fmc from the start. The only thing that made me stick with a four star rating instead of five was that I felt this first book lacked some character building. I can’t get a good feel of any of the characters at the moment, and their reactions seem to be a little all over the place at the moment. I hope the next book will help me get a better look on their personalities.
All in all a good start to a new series with a very interesting concept and a lot of potential for the next book(s).
March 8, 2024
Has potential
While the plot is really interesting and I want to see what happens next, I'm having a hard time relating to the characters. So far I don't like any of them. You would think Mia is a strong character since she goes charging off for revenge, to a school for supernatural beings, even though she's human. But, she comes across as stupid half the time. Some might say it's endearing, but I'm getting whiplash from her constant changes in character. One minute she's bitchy and the next she's sweet and caring. Her brain takes her from one extreme emotion to the next. While I understand that she wants to avenge her cousin, it almost seems crazy that she would run away; especially since she has absolutely no experience in the real world, much less the super natural world. I also don't get why revenge is so important. I get that she loved her cousin, but the author didn't build up their relationship enough for me to get why she would go to the extreme she has for her cousin.
So far this book has characters that act like immature teenagers instead of adults. The bullying and hate seems extreme since it appears everyone behaves that way. I don't know that I even trust the girls that have befriended her as it seems nobody knows what friendship is.
Still, I want to find out what happens. So I will read the next book. I hope that it gets better because the plot is interesting. I'm just not loving how the author is presenting the characters or setting.
While the plot is really interesting and I want to see what happens next, I'm having a hard time relating to the characters. So far I don't like any of them. You would think Mia is a strong character since she goes charging off for revenge, to a school for supernatural beings, even though she's human. But, she comes across as stupid half the time. Some might say it's endearing, but I'm getting whiplash from her constant changes in character. One minute she's bitchy and the next she's sweet and caring. Her brain takes her from one extreme emotion to the next. While I understand that she wants to avenge her cousin, it almost seems crazy that she would run away; especially since she has absolutely no experience in the real world, much less the super natural world. I also don't get why revenge is so important. I get that she loved her cousin, but the author didn't build up their relationship enough for me to get why she would go to the extreme she has for her cousin.
So far this book has characters that act like immature teenagers instead of adults. The bullying and hate seems extreme since it appears everyone behaves that way. I don't know that I even trust the girls that have befriended her as it seems nobody knows what friendship is.
Still, I want to find out what happens. So I will read the next book. I hope that it gets better because the plot is interesting. I'm just not loving how the author is presenting the characters or setting.
January 27, 2024
DNF @ 33%
I tried, really I did, but I just couldn't with this one. Even knowing I got this for free, I still feel like I paid too much.
The FMC is wholly unlikeable, rambles INCESSANTLY, and is TSTL. Characters need to have some sort of cohesion, a plausible identity that motivates their actions, but her personality is all over the map - literally like five people in one, except you always know what she's going to do next because it'll be exactly what the story needs to drive it forward. *yawn*
In fact, the whole premise of the book feels contrived thanks to the absence of backstory, attention to detail, or any kind of consistency. What are we supposed to be feeling here? Because all I was feeling was annoyed and a vague sense of "jfc, get to the point already".
The weak attempt at world building is overshadowed by the fact that so very little makes any logical sense and so far everyone sucks. And not just a little bit, but an irredeemable type of suckiosity that cripples one's ability to care about a resolution.
And if all of that is not enough, the dialog is gut-wrenchingly awkward, so when we're not being forced to stomach the FMC's ceaseless mental diatribes, we're gifted with conversations no real person would actually have... hopefully. Please for the love of gawd tell me there aren't people that talk like that.
I tried, really I did, but I just couldn't with this one. Even knowing I got this for free, I still feel like I paid too much.
The FMC is wholly unlikeable, rambles INCESSANTLY, and is TSTL. Characters need to have some sort of cohesion, a plausible identity that motivates their actions, but her personality is all over the map - literally like five people in one, except you always know what she's going to do next because it'll be exactly what the story needs to drive it forward. *yawn*
In fact, the whole premise of the book feels contrived thanks to the absence of backstory, attention to detail, or any kind of consistency. What are we supposed to be feeling here? Because all I was feeling was annoyed and a vague sense of "jfc, get to the point already".
The weak attempt at world building is overshadowed by the fact that so very little makes any logical sense and so far everyone sucks. And not just a little bit, but an irredeemable type of suckiosity that cripples one's ability to care about a resolution.
And if all of that is not enough, the dialog is gut-wrenchingly awkward, so when we're not being forced to stomach the FMC's ceaseless mental diatribes, we're gifted with conversations no real person would actually have... hopefully. Please for the love of gawd tell me there aren't people that talk like that.
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