Vigilant

Silvermoor Academy #1

by Starla Strange

My name is Remi Mars, and I am not a thief.

I’m a messenger at best. I just deliver the messages that people don’t want to hear. Owe someone money? I break your kneecaps. Double-cross one of my clients? I blow up your car. People listen to me. And if they don’t...? I have to handle it, whether I want to or not.

Especially after the mistake I made that forced me into this school of rich pricks in the first place.

But tarnished bad boys Luc and Nico don’t listen, too focused on getting revenge. And Key? He doesn’t listen to anyone.

The problem is that my new classmates at Silvermoor don’t know me as anything but the charity foster-care freak, the headmistress has my balls in a vice, and Bossman Barker has added an extra zero to my fee. And you don’t f*ck with Bossman.

So, again, I’m not a thief. I’m just trying to survive.

Don’t shoot The Messenger.

Genres: Dark Romance

221 pages, ebook

Published December 1, 2022

About the author

Starla Strange is your typical reclusive writer. She took on the challenge of publishing her first novel after she lost most of her vision suddenly and unexpectedly in 2018—just to prove to herself that she could.

She wouldn’t have made it this far without the love and support of her friends and family. And coffee. Lots of coffee. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her dog, who is also named Starla. (Curious coincidence, isn’t it?) And she will only write outside in her car despite not being able to drive it anymore.

Reviews

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique - Brash - Dark - Suspense

Four words that wrap up book one! I do not think I have read a series like this one. There are some aspects to the storyline which is not typical for me to read. However, Strange did a great job of bringing someone like me around and latch onto this read.

I did not feel a deep romantic connection which I missed. Others will disagree either on the basis that is was enough or on the basis of it was enough at this time in the storyline. Debatable. Depends on the reader.

Great start to a strong and.... I am sure will be ... popular series!

Happy reading,
DD

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an ultimatum: jail or Silvermoor Academy, Remi Mars opts for the latter.

Despite Bossman Barker still firmly having Remi in his clutches, the change of scenery provides some breathing room - and perspective. While the elite students and Barker’s Dogs have zero in common, with each passing day, The Messenger begins to feel a spark of hope with this second chance.

There are many unknowns with this first installment and many secrets left to be uncovered with our main characters. Who are Barker’s eyes on campus? Where does Bea spend all her time? What is Luc hiding? How does Nico fit in at Silvermoor? Is Fiona friend or foe? What is Key planning? Literally so. many. questions.

Vigilant is a solid start to the Silvermoor Academy series by debut author, Starla Strange. The storyline had me wholly engaged throughout and eager to know what’s really going on. Looking forward to where Starla takes us in Vigilante.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤨🥺🙃🥵🤔
Ending: 🧗🏻‍♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 🧍🏼‍♂️🧍🏻‍♂️👫🏻 {Multiple}

🗂 Genre: Dark Romance

✨ Tropes: Academy, Alphahole, Band of Brothers, Bully, Crime Family, Virgin h

💋 Kinks: n/a

⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave you wanton.

🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Vigilant is part of the Silvermoor Academy series and ends on a cliffhanger.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 3 out of 5]

⤅ 2.5 stars, rounded up for excellent technical prose.

I never review books based on my interactions with the author - otherwise, I would definitely have one-starred the one who called me a troll, not to mention the one whose friend threatened to cut me - but if I did, this would definitely get five stars. The author reached out to offer me an ARC, and I'm genuinely touched by how polite, professional, and relaxed she's been about the whole process. For a debut author especially, this is awesome to see.

The author's note also references her unexpected blindness. While it's an uneven book overall, my rating reflects the fact that it certainly had its moments, and producing a book of this technical quality under undoubtedly challenging circumstances is a laudable achievement.

⤅ PLOT

Remi Mars is a teenaged criminal working for Barker, a shadowy underworld figure, when she's sentenced to attend Silvermoor Academy as a punishment for some unspecified mistake. Her wrong-side-of-the-tracks background makes her an immediate target for Lucien Alerie, one of the richest students, though she hits it off with his best friend Nico Christakos. Navigating new enmities and friendships (as well as old ones, such as with her best friend Key) takes up the 2/3-week timeline covered by the narrative.

I want to end on a positive note, so I'll start with what didn't work for me.

❌ It's never made clear what exactly Remi has done to end up at Silvermoor, nor does it exactly make sense as a punishment. It's a school for rich people, so rich there are horse-riding lessons, so how is going there a punishment? It could be some sort of remedial school for rich teenagers, but IIRC, that's not stated. And even if that were the case, I struggle to understand how someone of Remi's background could have got a sentence that required her to go there, instead of e.g. juvie.

❌ Linked to the above: partially because of how many things are still shrouded in mystery, the plot feels pretty thin. Essentially, it's a fortnight of Remi getting to grips with her new school and meeting a few new people. There are a lot of cryptic references to games, plots, warnings etc, but the lack of payoff led to confusion rather than interest. A book which relies overly on world-building is definitely an issue, but equally difficult is when you're just dropped in media res without any explanation of what's going on. This is kind of a bully romance, but there's no major bullying going on; there's kind of a mean girl, but she's barely worth mentioning; Remi is kind of in trouble with Barker, but it's not yet reached the stage of urgency. All these 'kind ofs' accumulated.

❌ Because I've mentioned this in other reviews of academy romances, I have to say that uniform codes which mandate short skirts tend to make me eyeroll a little. If anything, schools in the UK at least work hard to keep girls' skirts as long as possible (my old headmistress literally measured them with a ruler when I was in Year 7...)

❌ The romance with Nico moved too quickly, bleeding out a lot of the chemistry. For instance, during their very first meeting, Remi thinks that 'his is a face that should always be grinning', and feels called to his inner pain in a way I wouldn't have expected from a hardened criminal. Not long after, she's asking him to 'give [her] a reason to trust him', despite having known him for a handful of days by this point. To be honest, I didn't feel the chemistry with Lucien either, notwithstanding a mild fake-dating subplot; and Key, with whom she has the strongest connection, is on page the least. Overall - despite the presence of well-written sex scenes - the romances lacked the sort of sizzling tension that keeps you invested.

As for the good:

✔️ The prose is EXCELLENT. There are almost no typos to speak of - I think I counted two - and the writing is eminently readable. It flows easily and 'sounds' nice internally when you're reading. There are no weird instances of over-repeating a word, or grating sentence construction (both things I'm very sensitive to, and which have caused me to DNF countless books). Strange definitely knows how to write.

✔️ I did like Remi's frequently snarky mental dialogue. As a heroine, she certainly isn't irritating, and hasn't shown any TSTL tendencies to date. Instead, she's been self-possessed and enterprising.

✔️ Although the middle of the book fizzled out plot-wise, the beginning is decent and the end picked up a lot. Remi is at her best when she's being sneaky, and those scenes enabled me to really see her as the criminal she was supposed to be.

✔️ One of my pet peeves is authors writing first-person male POV, because so very few are capable of making their heroes sound distinctly masculine (rather than just like slightly-less-flowery versions of their heroines). Strange however has done it exactly the way I like it. It's used sparingly, as it should be, and it doesn't make me feel like I'm just reading the perspective of another girl.

⤅ Overall

There are some debut errors - like on one occasion, an incident that occurred in one person's POV is repeated almost immediately from another person's POV, which is generally tiring - but on the whole, this is a strong first book.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Better late than never, right? Right.

After jumping into Vigilant, I quickly realized how easy it was to devour. I mean, I read this back in November and still never wrote a review for it. Which, yes, definitely seems consistent for me lately because I have a horrible track record when it comes to writing them. Trying to do way better in 2023.

Back to the book, in this you will meet Remi. We don't know much about her in the beginning, but she completely intrigued me. She doesn't like what's currently happening to her and she also doesn't like the guy she's currently with. In the car that is, travelling to a school she doesn't want to go to. The only good thing about this little adventure for her is that she is far away from Barker, also known as 'The Bossman.'

Now that guy was something and not a fun something. I definitely didn't like him, and it didn't seem like anyone else did either. I'm not really sure what hold he has on Remi, or Key, but I want them both to find a way to get away from him. Safely, of course. Not sure if her new friends will help or not, but I'm hopeful.

Well, mostly because I still don't know what's going to happen after that little cliffhanger and it's going to bother me until I get my hands on the next book. I have so many questions and I just really hope that Fiona can help Remi out when it comes to Backer. If not, maybe the guys?

Other than that, I really enjoyed the heck out of this and can't wait for the next book. Not sure when it will be coming out, but I will try to be patient.

[Owella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Starla for a brilliant debut novel! I loved this book and its characters. And that cover 😍

Remi is the main character and instead of being sent to jail has been sent to Silvermoor Academy. She is such a badass on the outside but its really nice that we get to see a vulnerable side to her as well. I was rooting for her from the outset of the book. She has her boss on her back and apart from Nico she doesn't have a welcoming committee at Silvermoor. Nico see's something in Remi that he connects with straight away unlike his BFF Luc. Luc is one of Silvermoor's bad boys and doesn't want Remi there, he wants her gone. Or does he? There is a fine line between love and hate.

I have so many theories going round in my head as to where this book is going, it's keeping me on my toes and I need book #2 because I want some answers! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down.

This book has angst, drama and steam and is well written. Bring on book #2

[Melina Lobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I told you there wouldn’t be any more warnings. The game changes tomorrow."
🦄🦄🦄
My name is Remi Mars, and I am not a thief.

I’m a messenger at best. I just deliver the messages that people don’t want to hear. Owe someone money? I break your kneecaps. Double-cross one of my clients? I blow up your car. People listen to me. And if they don’t...? I have to handle it, whether I want to or not.

Especially after the mistake I made that forced me into this school of rich pricks in the first place.

But tarnished bad boys Luc and Nico don’t listen, too focused on getting revenge. And Key? He doesn’t listen to anyone.

The problem is that my new classmates at Silvermoor don’t know me as anything but the charity foster-care freak, the headmistress has my balls in a vice, and Bossman Barker has added an extra zero to my fee. And you don’t f*ck with Bossman.

So, again, I’m not a thief. I’m just trying to survive.

Don’t shoot The Messenger.
🦄🦄🦄
Vigilant is the first book in the Silvermoor Academy series by Starla Strange. It's a dark new adult romance novel with a dash of suspense in the mix. Given that this is the author's debut novel, it's good. It has this mysterious, dark vibe to it that makes it interesting, and with a main character like Remi, there's never a dull moment.

Remi is the perfect baddie who shines in this story. She knows what she wants. She's abrasive, cunning, and resourceful, and I love her because of it. My opinion on the men in her life is currently on hold because, while we do get some spicy scenes, the way the book ended makes me think that things are going to get far more complicated, not only plot-wise but relationship-wise.

This is the case with a lot of characters, as we have yet to figure out who's Remi's ally and who's not, and I have a sensation that there's a backstabber in the mix.

The storyline could be a bit better because, while the plot does move pretty quickly, it feels more like an introduction to the series where there's a lot of quality content but it feels like we've just grazed the surface with the plot. But after the weird cliffhanger at the end of the book, I'm interested to know what happens next.

While this book is more than 200 pages long, it's a quick read and is perfect if you're a fan of books with a bit more dark romance in them. 
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8/10
Melina L.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t put the book down

This is my first book from this author, I really enjoyed the book. I needed alittle more smut!!! But it’s the first book of the series let’s see what’s to come!

[Eliza_lovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vigilant: Silvermoor Academy #1, the debut novel by Starla Strange blew me away. If you love academy based books - think, “A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime,” or “Things I wanted to say…” meets “Punk 57” added in some criminal/mafia vibes and this is the book for you. Remi is a criminal who has two choices, attend her senior year at Silvermoor, an elite prep school for the ultra rich or go to juvi. She takes her chances with the rich kids and from there the twists, turns, and mystery keep you turning the page. I can’t wait for the next book, as it did leave on a cliffhanger.

[Jenn W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is your typical high school bully romance with a hint of spice. It is a quick read and very well written for a debut author. The author did a great job building up the suspense and since it is part of a series, yes, it totally ends on a cliff hanger.

A couple of things have yet to be revealed in the storyline and the only reason I am not really too bothered by it is because this is part of a duet and there is also a prequel novella which would most likely answer the reason why the main protagonist is being sent to Silvermoor in the first place.

Overall, I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy this genre.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked Hannaford Prep. you’ll like this.

The characters feel familiar but the story is different. Book two was meant to come out in March but no sign of it yet.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/17/2023)! 🎁

[Kayleigh Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis –
My name is Remi Mars, and I am not a thief.

I’m a messenger at best. I just deliver the messages that people don’t want to hear. Owe someone money? I break your kneecaps. Double-cross one of my clients? I blow up your car. People listen to me. And if they don’t…? I have to handle it, whether I want to or not.

Especially after the mistake I made that forced me into this school of rich pricks in the first place.

But tarnished bad boys Luc and Nico don’t listen, too focused on getting revenge. And Key? He doesn’t listen to anyone.

The problem is that my new classmates at Silvermoor don’t know me as anything but the charity foster-care freak, the headmistress has my balls in a vice, and Bossman Barker has added an extra zero to my fee. And you don’t f*ck with Bossman.

So, again, I’m not a thief. I’m just trying to survive.

Don’t shoot The Messenger.

Thoughts –
Different to my usual read of fantasy, I thought I would give it a go by exploring new themes and characters. To my surprise, I enjoyed it, making me reflect on my usual preferences and encouraging me to seek out more stories that challenge my reading habits.

What I enjoyed most were the characters, who felt incredibly real and relatable. They are compelling and add depth to the story, often keeping you guessing about their motivations and future actions. Each character brings something unique to the table, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the author has a unique writing style; using witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life. This combination of engaging plot, complex characters, and a smart narrative style made for a truly enjoyable reading experience.

The heroine, Remi, is the perfect mix of badass and vulnerable, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity while revealing emotional depths that resonate with readers. I found the contrast between her persona as The Messenger and the real her very interesting, as it highlights the complexities of identity and the often disparate nature of how individuals present themselves to the world versus who they truly are. While The Messenger exudes confidence and charisma, captivating her audience with powerful messages, the real her reveals a more vulnerable and introspective side, one that struggles with the weight of expectations and personal doubts. This duality not only adds depth to her character but also invites us to reflect on our own lives and the facades we construct in various social contexts, raising questions about authenticity and the human experience.

The supporting characters are great too, adding a rich tapestry to the storyline. Even minor characters are detailed and vivid, each bringing their unique flair and personality to the narrative. But apart from the fiery and brilliant Remi, it’s the boys of course who take centre stage, capturing the hearts of readers with their charm and complexity. Luc, with his brooding intensity, Nico’s playful banter, and Key’s unexpected depth… They all had me swooning in turn, leaving me invested in their journeys. This is book one in the series, and it sets up so many fascinating plot-lines, crafting an intricate web that promises exciting developments. I can’t wait to find out more about Bea and Fiona, as their backstories unravel enticingly, and just what exactly happened with Foster, whose enigmatic presence lingers throughout the pages. So much intrigue! With each turn of the page, I found myself yearning for deeper insights into these characters’ relationships and the secrets that bind them.

I need book two, and I need it now!

[Melanie Murrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't mess expectations...

Stopping at Chapter 5, 24% ...... so

> combo of badass & vulnerable, I get it, my problem is WHEN one or the other is shown.

> messenger aka loan shark enforcer. 1st physical confrontation & and only is taken by surprise, but she doesn't know how to get out of a basic hold like that? Really? Seriously?
It takes no imagination the types of people she would have been exposed to being around, then working for a man like Barker. The
summary means she's gotta be sharp, aware of her surroundings. Qik thinker, athletic, hand2hand confident. Otherwise, how wuld she have kept from getting a bullet to the head.

> will not finish as I have a problem with FMC that authors say is badass then shows none of it thru the whole book. Serious pet peeve.this Have the character fit the job u claim she's been doin in a not so gud neighborhood! Please.....

> even in the hood u got ghetto queens & mean bitches, drop a quarter in her latte and she doesn't know how to respond? Really? U think middle class and rich don't borrow money on the D.L. ? Realistically she has to have been exposed to alot as a money reminder/collector.

So, I thot u need to hook the reader in the first few chapters, I wasn't.... I liked the first one with how she interacted with Bossman and kept her cool. Went downhill from there.

[Becca Epling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book and I flew through it wanting more. It had the perfect level of humor, sassy FMC, Spice 🌶🌶, love triangles, and that cliff hanger!?

Remi was a really easy character to connect with and her sarcastic mental commentary was hilarious. The author really did a great job at building this character to make you want to cheer her on and keep you at the edge of your seat waiting to see what she will do next.

The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star rating was because it left me with questions. I'm still confused on how exactly Remi ended up in the Academy and how this was her way out of going to jail (and I don't believe it ever mentioned what exactly she did?). It was a little bit confused how she was the only non wealthy student and why they would let a criminal into what seemed to be a high status school. What I assumed is that instead of going to jail, you could pay your way into this school as an alternative. The only issue with that idea is that lead to more questions. I wanted to know what exactly they were learning or what classes they were taking in order for this to be considered an alternative to jail time.

[Melo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mehhh

Don't fall the cover like I did, its not a supernatural book.

I read the whole book and I couldn't say I'm particularly impressed, I kept waiting for a decent plot twist not teenage angst and a wishy washy plot. The heroine is supposedly kickass but the most she does is twirl a baseball bat once though out the whole book. I understand trying to show her vulnerable side but what we get is a push over that's too trusting especially give her background.

What was a let down was the fact that except for the heroine getting arrested we aren't really told why she hasn't legged it off somewhere else already. This plot...

[Penny H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vigilant is a fast-paced and enticing read. While the story left me with plenty of lingering questions, I’m excited to learn more in the next installment. The cast of compelling male leads adds to the intrigue and spice, with Key being my personal favorite.

The plot moves at a brisk pace, which makes it engaging, though at times I found myself wishing for a slower burn and more development of the romantic relationships. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read that sets the stage for an exciting series. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into this world and seeing where the story goes next.

[EvermoreReadsandReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an academia romance mixed with crime and drama. The real spice hits about midway through. Parts of it go at a fast pace but overall I'd say it's a medium pace. There's a lot of moving parts and important characters. It does end on a cliffhanger and leaves you with a lot of questions but its written in a way that makes you want to know more and continue on in the series.

[britany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so unique and made me hooked right off the bat! If you are into romance
Comedy
Thrillers and killers, you should definitely look into picking this book up.
From the first sentence I was hooked and I just devoured it. It has loose zodiac academy vibes and thats the vibes I’ve been looking for since I finished that series.
I will definitely be looking into more of Starla’s books!

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

great academy read

I throughly enjoyed book,
Re,I is a great character and the situation she finds herself in was fascinating.
The other characters were intriguing, love the mysterious elements, the twists and spice.
Overall a great read.

[Ashley Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so a short read but just what I needed to get back into the reading mood the last series I’m in I needed a break from lol but this was a great little read and I enjoyed it very much. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out so I can see what happens next!

[Vibeke Sørlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used some time since I am sick!
This is an easy read, the build up is so good, you are just tripping too find it what’s going too happen.

I have hope for where the next book goes!
And I am so happy it’s here soon!

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oke hoor maar na 70 procent had ik geen zin meer. Eigenlijk heel veel anders dan verwacht... Ik ben team Nico! Hij lijkt me echt leuk.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and disappointing.

[Millie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is happening in this book?
Why is everybody talking in riddles, why so many secrets?
What the fuck was that?

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read
Multiple POV half way through the book
Strong, kickbutt FMC, who has had a rough life.
RH in the making.
Medium spice level.