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Academy of Blood
Fifteen-year-old James Ciar is assigned a classified mission by his father to infiltrate a private academy and kill the attending supernatural blooded students. In a society plagued with hatred, he must discover what truly defines a person as good or evil.
James must build friendships with the purpose of severing them. He has led a pampered, isolated life, and doesn’t know how ill-prepared he is for the task at hand. Upon his arrival to the unorthodox school, James soon uncovers deeper secrets than he could’ve anticipated. He must eliminate his targets before his own blood is shed, but his determination wavers when he grows fond of the purple-eyed beauty, Ayla, and athletic goofball, Takanashi. All of a sudden, James' first-ever friendships develop into unexpected relationships that distort his reality. Is it possible for the supernatural students to restore a corrupt teen’s faith in humanity? Or will they turn out to be just as evil as society makes them out to be?
James must build friendships with the purpose of severing them. He has led a pampered, isolated life, and doesn’t know how ill-prepared he is for the task at hand. Upon his arrival to the unorthodox school, James soon uncovers deeper secrets than he could’ve anticipated. He must eliminate his targets before his own blood is shed, but his determination wavers when he grows fond of the purple-eyed beauty, Ayla, and athletic goofball, Takanashi. All of a sudden, James' first-ever friendships develop into unexpected relationships that distort his reality. Is it possible for the supernatural students to restore a corrupt teen’s faith in humanity? Or will they turn out to be just as evil as society makes them out to be?
222 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2022
81 people are currently reading
3556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 1, 2023
Hey everyone! I wrote this book, sooo hope you enjoy <3
December 7, 2022
At first, I was very excited to read this book. I was desperately trying to get money to buy the novel and, when I did, I was so happy to be able to read it. I began and then I ended the book. The best way I can describe my own experience was underwhelming, strange, and predictable. It definitely wasn’t boring but it was underwhelming.
I was planning on doing an in-depth analysis and review on the book without holding back and being 100% honest. However, after watching his Instagram reels on how proud he is and how much work it took for him to accomplish this dream and reading the acknowledgements, I have decided to refrain from my comments. I have a lot of comments, edits, and critiques about the book that bothered me throughout the whole experience but all of these are my opinion and my opinion doesn’t and will never define the book.
I respect the author and the artists for their hard work. They did a wonderful job but I dislike that the reviews on Goodreads for this book are misleading. I definitely don’t believe this book is a 4.71 stars book, as it is currently.
I disliked many things about the novel but the things I did like, I LOVED. There were a lot of parts that I found funny, witty, sweet, cute, and interesting but there were also a lot of parts that felt wonky, awkward, incomplete, predictable, and strange.
Again, it isn’t a boring book nor is it a bad one. I just believe it is underwhelming and definitely didn’t meet my expectations and excitement.
Nevertheless, I admire the author for being courageous enough to publish his work. It takes a lot to allow others to read your work and I’m happy he did it. I’m thankful he could publish the book and I am happy for his achievements.
Good job, Brad! I admire you and I’m happy for you. Please don’t let my opinion on your book discourage you from continuing your writing journey. You have a lot of potential and I’m excited to read whatever future books you decide to publish. <3
I was planning on doing an in-depth analysis and review on the book without holding back and being 100% honest. However, after watching his Instagram reels on how proud he is and how much work it took for him to accomplish this dream and reading the acknowledgements, I have decided to refrain from my comments. I have a lot of comments, edits, and critiques about the book that bothered me throughout the whole experience but all of these are my opinion and my opinion doesn’t and will never define the book.
I respect the author and the artists for their hard work. They did a wonderful job but I dislike that the reviews on Goodreads for this book are misleading. I definitely don’t believe this book is a 4.71 stars book, as it is currently.
I disliked many things about the novel but the things I did like, I LOVED. There were a lot of parts that I found funny, witty, sweet, cute, and interesting but there were also a lot of parts that felt wonky, awkward, incomplete, predictable, and strange.
Again, it isn’t a boring book nor is it a bad one. I just believe it is underwhelming and definitely didn’t meet my expectations and excitement.
Nevertheless, I admire the author for being courageous enough to publish his work. It takes a lot to allow others to read your work and I’m happy he did it. I’m thankful he could publish the book and I am happy for his achievements.
Good job, Brad! I admire you and I’m happy for you. Please don’t let my opinion on your book discourage you from continuing your writing journey. You have a lot of potential and I’m excited to read whatever future books you decide to publish. <3
November 9, 2022
I need to grab Takanashi, wrap him in a blanket, give him pancakes, and protect him from a world that’s too dark for him. He deserves EVERYTHING.
Want to read
June 27, 2024Out of EVERYTHING finding out Brad Martin does booktube now and has a book out was definitely not on my checklist
November 2, 2022
First of all, I loved the pace of the plot. Action novels are my cup of tea and this was an absolute masterpiece. I also loved the character dynamics between James and Ayla & James and Luca. James is such a complex character. Brought up from birth to think clear bloods were pure evil and a danger to society, only to find them to be just like everyone else. The message in the book is beautiful and I loved how ended, even if it wasn’t the way I anticipated. I wish we would have seen more of Luca but other than that I wouldn’t change a thing. Really hoping for a sequel.
November 6, 2022
Don't let the cover art fool you--this book is more than just a romance. It is somehow a story of found family, overcoming prejudice, sneaky spying, shoddy detective work, and young love all at once.
Fifteen-year-old James Ciar is just that--fifteen. His unique narrative point of view perfectly captures what it is like to be a teenager who has a rocky relationship with his prejudiced parents. While James's biases against "clear bloods" taint his actions toward his classmates, he is still capable of creating close and compelling bonds with them. James and his quirky friends are all true-to-life teenagers (save their special powers).
I was struck by this book's engaging, high-speed pace. I couldn't put it down, and I don't think you will be able to, either. This book is about to enter the ranks of beloved YA/middle-grade dystopian reads.
Fifteen-year-old James Ciar is just that--fifteen. His unique narrative point of view perfectly captures what it is like to be a teenager who has a rocky relationship with his prejudiced parents. While James's biases against "clear bloods" taint his actions toward his classmates, he is still capable of creating close and compelling bonds with them. James and his quirky friends are all true-to-life teenagers (save their special powers).
I was struck by this book's engaging, high-speed pace. I couldn't put it down, and I don't think you will be able to, either. This book is about to enter the ranks of beloved YA/middle-grade dystopian reads.
November 8, 2022
WOW. WOW. WOW. I fell in love with this story within a few pages. The narrator starts as both unlikeable and unreliable but turns that around as we start to understand his backstory. (The puppy anecdote physically hurt me.) The other students at the academy were all so great too. Eileen is my favorite (mostly cause she’s gorgeous and a chemistry buff.) Anyways, I will be thinking about this story for the next few weeks. Like I said, WOW…
January 11, 2024
Overall, this was a relatively good book. Although the plot was a bit predictable and cliche, I still enjoyed it. There were a lot of wholesome, witty scenes between the different characters. I also loved the enemies to lovers trope, it was decently well-writen. On the other hand, I felt like the found family trope could have been explored a bit more. There were a few characters whose personalities and backgrounds could have been expanded through more interactions with the main character.
Overall a generally enjoyable read. Nothing too great but not bad either!
Overall a generally enjoyable read. Nothing too great but not bad either!
March 8, 2024
Read this because my 14yr old sister loved it, and sorry to her, but wow this book is atrocious. The writing is terrible, our main character is supposed to be an assassin but has *no* idea what the heck he's doing, we don't ever learn why everyone hates clear bloods, and everything happens too fast. There's no character development beyond "i hate clear bloods" to "actually they are real people who deserve good things" and even that is not done well. The "romance" includes this girl being shy around our main character for two weeks, then kissing him on the ferris wheel and declaring that she loves him after knowing him for two weeks. Supposedly James grew up being trained to take out clear bloods, but has never actually interacted with one until he infiltrates the school, and seems to not be physically ready to kill people. The premise is intriguing but the execution does not deliver.
December 10, 2022
I was so excited to read this book and my expectations where so high, and it didn't let me down.
I'm like in plain obsession fase with it but I've already finished it so I'm here just like🧍🏻♀️
Several things:
1.- James and Ayla are so precious I just can't 😩
2.- LUCA? LUCA. HE DIDN'T DESERVE ALL THAT. His twin was killed right in front of him. His boyfriend got murdered in a place that was supposed to be secure for clear bloods(by James). He saw Takanashi getting killed (by James), and was blamed for everything that happened with the fireworks (that was actually James fault). That got him into Chinese TORTURE. AND THE BOY STILL LISTENS TO JAMES AND GIVES HIM ANOTHER CHANCE??
3.- I need more of the characters. I just need more. I want a second book, but I don't, because Welp after that end I'm having it difficult picture another book.
4.- THAT ENDING. EXCUSE ME WHAT WAS THAT. Like when he was dying when they shot him and all I thought: I mean, obviously he isn't gonna die. But after reading divergent (if you know you know) anything can happen tbh. And then he didn't die, j was happy, they had their adorable romantic moment, and, BAM KILLED OF IN THE LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK BY A CHRONIC DESEASE. AGHAGSAHAHHaah WHY.
My only """"problem""""" with the book (not really a problem but AnYwAyS) was that it was too short 😭😭😭 Like I need more things with the characters. But not like in the way of a new book (because half the characters are dead) but like more when everyone was alive. I just need more interactions between them. NEED IT.
And lastly this book has everything I"ve ever wanted in a book. The main character who thinks friends are useless, makes friends, falls in love, and goes "holy shit what is this". The whole scene when Ayla goes to James room to study. The perturbed black hair boy (I mean perturbed black hair boys >>>) and the heartbreak of the end and with Takanashi's death. "You're still my friend-" WHAT IS THIS SHIT DON'T MAKE ME CRY.
T-T.
So after spending an entire day in the middle of exams week and with stress levels reaching the ceiling reading this, I can call it one of my favourite books.
If there's no fandom imma create it my own. I need to talk with people about this.
I'm like in plain obsession fase with it but I've already finished it so I'm here just like🧍🏻♀️
Several things:
1.- James and Ayla are so precious I just can't 😩
2.- LUCA? LUCA. HE DIDN'T DESERVE ALL THAT. His twin was killed right in front of him. His boyfriend got murdered in a place that was supposed to be secure for clear bloods(by James). He saw Takanashi getting killed (by James), and was blamed for everything that happened with the fireworks (that was actually James fault). That got him into Chinese TORTURE. AND THE BOY STILL LISTENS TO JAMES AND GIVES HIM ANOTHER CHANCE??
3.- I need more of the characters. I just need more. I want a second book, but I don't, because Welp after that end I'm having it difficult picture another book.
4.- THAT ENDING. EXCUSE ME WHAT WAS THAT. Like when he was dying when they shot him and all I thought: I mean, obviously he isn't gonna die. But after reading divergent (if you know you know) anything can happen tbh. And then he didn't die, j was happy, they had their adorable romantic moment, and, BAM KILLED OF IN THE LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK BY A CHRONIC DESEASE. AGHAGSAHAHHaah WHY.
My only """"problem""""" with the book (not really a problem but AnYwAyS) was that it was too short 😭😭😭 Like I need more things with the characters. But not like in the way of a new book (because half the characters are dead) but like more when everyone was alive. I just need more interactions between them. NEED IT.
And lastly this book has everything I"ve ever wanted in a book. The main character who thinks friends are useless, makes friends, falls in love, and goes "holy shit what is this". The whole scene when Ayla goes to James room to study. The perturbed black hair boy (I mean perturbed black hair boys >>>) and the heartbreak of the end and with Takanashi's death. "You're still my friend-" WHAT IS THIS SHIT DON'T MAKE ME CRY.
T-T.
So after spending an entire day in the middle of exams week and with stress levels reaching the ceiling reading this, I can call it one of my favourite books.
If there's no fandom imma create it my own. I need to talk with people about this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2022
Definitely one of the most amazing books I've read this year, I've been watching Brad's skits for this book on instagram for months now, and I am so excited that we finally have the opportunity to read this mentally scarring book<3 I cried four times. Enjoy all!:)
//// SPOILERS START HERE ////
Tears were shed, mistakes were made. Once during Ayla and James' kiss (happy tears), once while Takanashi was dying, once again, happy tears, when they said 'I love you', and finally, at the end when I read the very last sentence, I broke down. Thank you, Brad, for making me feel emotions again. :)<3
//// SPOILERS START HERE ////
Tears were shed, mistakes were made. Once during Ayla and James' kiss (happy tears), once while Takanashi was dying, once again, happy tears, when they said 'I love you', and finally, at the end when I read the very last sentence, I broke down. Thank you, Brad, for making me feel emotions again. :)<3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
This book destroyed me.
After I finished it I couldn't stop crying. The writing was good and the story very creative. But the ending was just... I don't know what to make of it.
A book I would only recommend people who like sad endings. Because here, it totally caught me off guard.
But overall an exciting book, written by a talented author.
Keep it up Brad! 👍
After I finished it I couldn't stop crying. The writing was good and the story very creative. But the ending was just... I don't know what to make of it.
A book I would only recommend people who like sad endings. Because here, it totally caught me off guard.
But overall an exciting book, written by a talented author.
Keep it up Brad! 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
A very fun read...with some downsides. Everything felt very convenient when it came to the plot. Sometimes characters were only there to stall out the very unnecessary plot. Either way, I enjoyed the book and would recommend reading it for fun.
December 13, 2022
The story was interesting enough, but the constant Wattpad descriptions of people’s eyes were off putting. Overall, it’s pretty good. I could say a lot more but I cba. Give it a read if you wanna.
December 11, 2023
3.25/5 stars
"𝘼𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙮.”
Academy of Blood is a decent debut novel, that brings forward some interesting concepts and characters, with the execution varying from very effective to ehhhh we'll just say it could have been much better. I enjoyed it, with its witty interactions between characters and some very wholesome moments, but it left me feeling unsatisfied, as many of the ideas and relationships it brought forward could have been expanded and explored upon further.
One of my favourite parts of this book is its main character, James. He is a GREAT narrator! He's so funny and out of touch, and his inner monologue and privileged quips make the story so much more engaging. I honestly think the author could've delved even deeper and made him more of an unreliable narrator- it would have been very fitting for this novel. As well, James' self-conflict is SO well-done and paced very well, which is sometimes hard to pull off when you're writing a character questioning their worldview they've only ever known.
The story was admittedly cheesy on occasions-- which is not a bad thing, but sometimes felt out of place. I think that's just the translation of the style of story the author was going for in this medium. The tone of this book is trying to be serious, on the edge of your seat, but there were times it felt 'cartooney'. This also leads me to the humour, which was hit or miss with me. James is hilarious, and the side characters dropped some pretty good one-liners, but the whole story clumsily toed the line between out-right absurd and very serious, so not everything worked imo. I really think this story would have been amazing as an animated show or graphic novel-- like the art?? is very amazing?? and would have been the perfect style for an animated show?? THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING ANIME, THE CHEESINESS WOULD HAVE FIT SO WELL!! AUTHOR MAKE A SHOW PLEASE LMBO
The thing with this book… it just didn't GRIP me until around the climax. Yes, I enjoyed watching James connect with his new friends and his futile and increasingly ridiculous scheming, but I was never enthralled for a while, which was a disappointment because the concept could have been written to be super engaging the entire time. The biggest reason why I think it failed to capture my attention was its issue with TELLING instead of SHOWING. The first half of the book in terms of setting up its world-building told the reader about how clear-bloods are supposedly very powerful, unfathomably intelligent, etc, but we rarely get to see the clear-bloods in action. This doesn't help with buying into how urgent it is for James to “eliminate the threat” that is the clear-bloods. As well, the pacing wasn't great for the first half of the novel. Most of the events and conflicts that take place just aren't that exciting? I found everything to do with the academy itself for the most part tedious and served as more of a backdrop for the characters interactions, which took me right out of the immersion.
Additionally, I think the timeline was a bit… strange? The events take place in a few weeks, and I think it would have made more sense if it had been months instead. James is supposed to be this "trained from birth to be superb at the whole genius assassin thing”, so I was a bit surprised the events took place so fast, as he seemed the type to be more strategic and take his time. As well, it would have made James change more believable and give enough off-page time for the relationships to develop. The only believable relationship to me was Takanashi and James, because let's be real, Takanashi is a sweetheart and too naive for his own good. The side-plot about the sick clear-bloods was interesting, and I didn't mind how it resolved, but it felt… well, not that important. I also wish there was more CORRUPTION and MYSTERY in this book. How cool would it have been if James was on his own mission while simultaneously finding out the academy is not all that it seems? But, that “corruption” of the academy wasn't relevant until the plot twist about a certain character. Again, another reason I think the timeline should've been longer- and actually the entire book should've been longer. Lean into the dark academia!!
Halfway through the book, the writing suddenly improved as James actually faced danger and stakes. It was beautiful- I was delightfully shocked. Vivid, you could feel his self-doubt and inner-conflict, combined with his fear, his happiness. If the first third of the book was written as this was, honestly, this book would have been even better. OR, conversely, keep this change in style but just make the first third more exciting, with more action?? or less telling?? Maybe it would be interesting to see the writing style change with James as he grows more and more conflicted and less apathetic to what he's doing. But, I don't think this is what the author intended, just a result of where the story went.
The characters, romance, & other relationships:
I liked all the characters. Well, I liked their CONCEPTS a lot. I just don't think many of them were given enough time to breath and develop. James was done perfectly, no complaint there, but I was disappointed about everyone else. The romance was done pretty well, ignoring the fact that their relationship happens over the course of a few weeks, I thought it was believable. And Ayla and James have such cute banter, man I just wanted more of that power couple. I like that James still remained jaded throughout most of the book and wasn't super chummy with his new friends, but I was excited to read about found family and that... well it was sort of ripped out from my hands the moment we got character development for James. Cruel author. If you know, you know. Also, the side characters got SIDELINED! Even the major ones felt like we were just getting to know them. Overall, I wish the main relationships just got to marinate a bit more, especially the interactions between James and Takanashi. I fully believe by the end James cares about Takanashi, but that's a lot of reading between the lines. And with Ayla, though I believe they have great chemistry and connection, I would have loved for them to connect more before the uh declaration of love and changing your entire worldview for this girl you just meant? She is a queen and a girl boss who has pretty eyes but, yknow... (James is a simp, lets be real)
A series of extra opinions:
- Gwen. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I don't know. She was an alright character? I actually liked what she represented, but she felt like she was just awkwardly put into the story and unneeded.
- The plot twist at the end was predictable, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
- I quite liked the way the events (festival and dance) played out and think they are the best parts of the story, in terms of engagement, character progression, and the writing overall.
- I really thought that all the characters would just be cliché archetypes, and to some extent they were, but I was delighted to be proven wrong by the end with the (sometimes) amount of depth they were given. Though, some characters remained mere archetypes and nothing more (I'm looking at Sean and that one girl who walked and read because she's a nerd and just like me fr)
I've made many critics, but don't get me wrong. This book was good, the author is very capable, and wrote a fascinating premise, and I wanted MORE! More character page-time for ALL the characters, more interactions, and more world-building. The entire story just felt so constricted, and in need of just one more draft. I'm super excited about the author and his future in this industry, please continue to write and create! :D
But, regardless of qualms I appear to have, I'll always have a special connection with this story. A friend and I annotated our own copies of this novel for each other. Above all the criticism I've had about it, that's what made the experience reading it really cool, so Academy of Blood will always have a place in my heart because of my friendship. And after all, this book IS about finding real friendship and love to last a lifetime, isn't it? :')
love you sm gracie <3 <3
Anyway here are some extra spoiler stuff I wanted to mention:
"𝘼𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙮.”
Academy of Blood is a decent debut novel, that brings forward some interesting concepts and characters, with the execution varying from very effective to ehhhh we'll just say it could have been much better. I enjoyed it, with its witty interactions between characters and some very wholesome moments, but it left me feeling unsatisfied, as many of the ideas and relationships it brought forward could have been expanded and explored upon further.
One of my favourite parts of this book is its main character, James. He is a GREAT narrator! He's so funny and out of touch, and his inner monologue and privileged quips make the story so much more engaging. I honestly think the author could've delved even deeper and made him more of an unreliable narrator- it would have been very fitting for this novel. As well, James' self-conflict is SO well-done and paced very well, which is sometimes hard to pull off when you're writing a character questioning their worldview they've only ever known.
The story was admittedly cheesy on occasions-- which is not a bad thing, but sometimes felt out of place. I think that's just the translation of the style of story the author was going for in this medium. The tone of this book is trying to be serious, on the edge of your seat, but there were times it felt 'cartooney'. This also leads me to the humour, which was hit or miss with me. James is hilarious, and the side characters dropped some pretty good one-liners, but the whole story clumsily toed the line between out-right absurd and very serious, so not everything worked imo. I really think this story would have been amazing as an animated show or graphic novel-- like the art?? is very amazing?? and would have been the perfect style for an animated show?? THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING ANIME, THE CHEESINESS WOULD HAVE FIT SO WELL!! AUTHOR MAKE A SHOW PLEASE LMBO
The thing with this book… it just didn't GRIP me until around the climax. Yes, I enjoyed watching James connect with his new friends and his futile and increasingly ridiculous scheming, but I was never enthralled for a while, which was a disappointment because the concept could have been written to be super engaging the entire time. The biggest reason why I think it failed to capture my attention was its issue with TELLING instead of SHOWING. The first half of the book in terms of setting up its world-building told the reader about how clear-bloods are supposedly very powerful, unfathomably intelligent, etc, but we rarely get to see the clear-bloods in action. This doesn't help with buying into how urgent it is for James to “eliminate the threat” that is the clear-bloods. As well, the pacing wasn't great for the first half of the novel. Most of the events and conflicts that take place just aren't that exciting? I found everything to do with the academy itself for the most part tedious and served as more of a backdrop for the characters interactions, which took me right out of the immersion.
Additionally, I think the timeline was a bit… strange? The events take place in a few weeks, and I think it would have made more sense if it had been months instead. James is supposed to be this "trained from birth to be superb at the whole genius assassin thing”, so I was a bit surprised the events took place so fast, as he seemed the type to be more strategic and take his time. As well, it would have made James change more believable and give enough off-page time for the relationships to develop. The only believable relationship to me was Takanashi and James, because let's be real, Takanashi is a sweetheart and too naive for his own good. The side-plot about the sick clear-bloods was interesting, and I didn't mind how it resolved, but it felt… well, not that important. I also wish there was more CORRUPTION and MYSTERY in this book. How cool would it have been if James was on his own mission while simultaneously finding out the academy is not all that it seems? But, that “corruption” of the academy wasn't relevant until the plot twist about a certain character. Again, another reason I think the timeline should've been longer- and actually the entire book should've been longer. Lean into the dark academia!!
Halfway through the book, the writing suddenly improved as James actually faced danger and stakes. It was beautiful- I was delightfully shocked. Vivid, you could feel his self-doubt and inner-conflict, combined with his fear, his happiness. If the first third of the book was written as this was, honestly, this book would have been even better. OR, conversely, keep this change in style but just make the first third more exciting, with more action?? or less telling?? Maybe it would be interesting to see the writing style change with James as he grows more and more conflicted and less apathetic to what he's doing. But, I don't think this is what the author intended, just a result of where the story went.
The characters, romance, & other relationships:
I liked all the characters. Well, I liked their CONCEPTS a lot. I just don't think many of them were given enough time to breath and develop. James was done perfectly, no complaint there, but I was disappointed about everyone else. The romance was done pretty well, ignoring the fact that their relationship happens over the course of a few weeks, I thought it was believable. And Ayla and James have such cute banter, man I just wanted more of that power couple. I like that James still remained jaded throughout most of the book and wasn't super chummy with his new friends, but I was excited to read about found family and that... well it was sort of ripped out from my hands the moment we got character development for James. Cruel author. If you know, you know. Also, the side characters got SIDELINED! Even the major ones felt like we were just getting to know them. Overall, I wish the main relationships just got to marinate a bit more, especially the interactions between James and Takanashi. I fully believe by the end James cares about Takanashi, but that's a lot of reading between the lines. And with Ayla, though I believe they have great chemistry and connection, I would have loved for them to connect more before the uh declaration of love and changing your entire worldview for this girl you just meant? She is a queen and a girl boss who has pretty eyes but, yknow... (James is a simp, lets be real)
A series of extra opinions:
- Gwen. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I don't know. She was an alright character? I actually liked what she represented, but she felt like she was just awkwardly put into the story and unneeded.
- The plot twist at the end was predictable, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
- I quite liked the way the events (festival and dance) played out and think they are the best parts of the story, in terms of engagement, character progression, and the writing overall.
- I really thought that all the characters would just be cliché archetypes, and to some extent they were, but I was delighted to be proven wrong by the end with the (sometimes) amount of depth they were given. Though, some characters remained mere archetypes and nothing more (I'm looking at Sean and that one girl who walked and read because she's a nerd and just like me fr)
I've made many critics, but don't get me wrong. This book was good, the author is very capable, and wrote a fascinating premise, and I wanted MORE! More character page-time for ALL the characters, more interactions, and more world-building. The entire story just felt so constricted, and in need of just one more draft. I'm super excited about the author and his future in this industry, please continue to write and create! :D
But, regardless of qualms I appear to have, I'll always have a special connection with this story. A friend and I annotated our own copies of this novel for each other. Above all the criticism I've had about it, that's what made the experience reading it really cool, so Academy of Blood will always have a place in my heart because of my friendship. And after all, this book IS about finding real friendship and love to last a lifetime, isn't it? :')
love you sm gracie <3 <3
Anyway here are some extra spoiler stuff I wanted to mention:
June 13, 2024
excellent book! the world brad created was so detailed, intriguing, and emotional. the characters were deeply complex -- my favorite kind. and the overall story was so well told, fast paced, and very compelling. i couldn't put the book down! and i didn't see the plot twist coming. i always crack a smile when an author brilliantly upends a character's belief system and creates a morally ambiguous dilemma for the character, all for the sake of development -- and it sure happened in chapter 20. and i loved the consistent demonstration of character development through smaller callbacks to earlier events. and overall, very relevant to the current state of the world as brad conveys meaningful lessons about friendship, sacrifice, redemption, love, kindness, and, most importantly, acceptance. really, just excellent! highly, highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
When I first saw this book was being released I said to myself “maybe I’ll start reading again. This person makes some good stuff I’ve seen on social media.” And I wasn’t wrong to read it. It kept me hooked the whole time and I just couldn’t stop reading. It’s as good as he made it out to be and the whole time I was trying to figure out what wound happen next. It’s a book I would definitely recommend anyone for how good it is and how much it keeps you hooked.
March 19, 2025
mayhe this book is just not for me but i dont see the hype. the plot is very basic and uneventful for the majority of the story and the characters feel very 2d.. the story had potential but was too short to make a proper impact imo. i had previously left a better review but ive recently flicked back through it and obviously feel differently - i mainly left a good review because i really liked the author himself but not necessarily his work. that said, the scenes i did enjoy stuck with me
May 5, 2023
Absolutely loved it ! The writing is really good and all the characters are well developped.
The Plot twists are jaw-droping , and the bittersweet ending is a good surprise !
I highly recommend it.
Can wait to read more.
The Plot twists are jaw-droping , and the bittersweet ending is a good surprise !
I highly recommend it.
Can wait to read more.
December 30, 2022
When I started this book I thought that it would be great but I didn't live up to my expectations. Some scenes are really beautiful but the whole story is just not it. I did enjoy the characters.
Want to read
July 2, 2024found out that this dude i watch who makes cool writing/book povs wrote a book and this is it
January 23, 2024
3.5
I had soo high expectations for this book and it began like those were shattered into tiny million pieces
I am glad that did not happen.
Bearing the general tropes of a first edition debut novel, it was still greatly written. The ending left me a bit empty but the characters were amazing.
Takanashi is all I'm gonna say <333
Luka's redemption was my most favorite bit of it
I'm soooo hoping that we'll be seeing more from the Sanwall Academy gang, although it now bears its fair share of scars...
I had soo high expectations for this book and it began like those were shattered into tiny million pieces
I am glad that did not happen.
Bearing the general tropes of a first edition debut novel, it was still greatly written. The ending left me a bit empty but the characters were amazing.
Takanashi is all I'm gonna say <333
Luka's redemption was my most favorite bit of it
I'm soooo hoping that we'll be seeing more from the Sanwall Academy gang, although it now bears its fair share of scars...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
Honestly, I am impressed that this is his debut novel👏🏻👏🏻
There are some parts I found a bit predictable, but some twists were really astonishing.
The illustrations were super cute too! Loved it!❤️
There are some parts I found a bit predictable, but some twists were really astonishing.
The illustrations were super cute too! Loved it!❤️
Want to read
November 5, 2024The synopsis sounds intriguing 🤔
November 6, 2022
Pleasantly surprised by this read. Did not expect nearly the plot twists received from Academy of Blood, and my jaw was on the floor. I can’t wait to see what else Brad has to write, and I know he mentioned this was his first publication, so I have high hopes for the future. Without spoiling the final chapter, I will say, I'd love to see a further expansion of the world. He did a beautiful job with the character arcs and development of the academy.
November 11, 2022
This book is to literally die for 😩🤌
I LOVE THIS BOOK JUST BY READING THE SYNOPSIS
I LOVE THIS BOOK JUST BY READING THE SYNOPSIS
December 26, 2023
3,5 / 5
November 22, 2022
Takanashi didn’t deserve what happened to him. He was so bright and positive, he deserved so much better. Like, let me adopt him. And the ending broke me. I cried at the last message, and it broke me how James and Ayla didn’t get enough time. But the book was amazing, great topic, and short but not too short. Loved it. Can’t wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
The takeaway is that yes, this is large scale amogus.
RTC
PRE-READ:
A lot of people are saying good things about this book so I’m giving it a shot!
RTC
PRE-READ:
A lot of people are saying good things about this book so I’m giving it a shot!
November 14, 2022
This book was amazing and also emotionally destroyed me. Brad I hope you’re ready to pay for my additional therapy bills. I wanted to be best friends with all the characters. TAKANASHI?!? I just wanted to hug him oh my gosh he was adorable. Found family is arguably the best trope and it was executed so well in this I loved it
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