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Induction: Her world just got a whole lot scarier.
What do you do when the tragedy that upends your life involves something so strange, so beyond the known, that even your closest loved ones don’t believe you?
Sixteen-year-old Mika Finley was driving her family home late at night when the car collided with a mythical-looking beast. As the creature hurried off into the darkness, she and the rest of her family came to...all but her brother, Aaron.
Now, as Mika struggles to hold together her life of school, work and a house in mourning, she tries to find answers about the creature's existence, if only to prove to her family, and herself, that it wasn't just her tired imagination. Or, worse, an excuse for the accident.
Finding herself again in the path of the beast, she soon stumbles on an underground world of demons and monsters once thought confined to storybooks, dreams, and videogames.
Monsters. Demons.
Mika joins the Okada School of Excellence to learn how to battle monsters—like the one that caused the accident—and monsters that don't appear as such right off.
Secrets.
As if battling the guilt over her brother's death isn't enough, Mika has to come to terms with her best friend's secret life, and that meeting her celebrity crush isn't as exciting as it should be.
Ninjas.
Why is it that those who fight the monsters resemble her favorite boy-band from a few years ago? And what's happening with the recent spate of missing girls?
S.E. Sharp's Induction is a thrill-ride of monstrous proportions, as action-packed as it is tender and intimate.
Sixteen-year-old Mika Finley was driving her family home late at night when the car collided with a mythical-looking beast. As the creature hurried off into the darkness, she and the rest of her family came to...all but her brother, Aaron.
Now, as Mika struggles to hold together her life of school, work and a house in mourning, she tries to find answers about the creature's existence, if only to prove to her family, and herself, that it wasn't just her tired imagination. Or, worse, an excuse for the accident.
Finding herself again in the path of the beast, she soon stumbles on an underground world of demons and monsters once thought confined to storybooks, dreams, and videogames.
Monsters. Demons.
Mika joins the Okada School of Excellence to learn how to battle monsters—like the one that caused the accident—and monsters that don't appear as such right off.
Secrets.
As if battling the guilt over her brother's death isn't enough, Mika has to come to terms with her best friend's secret life, and that meeting her celebrity crush isn't as exciting as it should be.
Ninjas.
Why is it that those who fight the monsters resemble her favorite boy-band from a few years ago? And what's happening with the recent spate of missing girls?
S.E. Sharp's Induction is a thrill-ride of monstrous proportions, as action-packed as it is tender and intimate.
360 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2023
3 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Sharp
1 book2 followersS.E. Sharp has been composing stories since she first learned how to write. From short stories about horses and dolphins, to Star Wars and Supernatural fanfiction, to fully fledged novels that just need some extra TLC before sharing with the world.
When she’s not writing or working, she likes to binge watch procedural cop shows, paint gradients/silhouettes with watercolors, go for hikes, and long runs.
She currently resides in Alaska with her husband and her Shih-Tzu/Chihuahua mix.
For updates on novels in progress, dog shenanigans, Alaska scenery, and laments of an author, connect with her on Instagram at: sesharp_author
When she’s not writing or working, she likes to binge watch procedural cop shows, paint gradients/silhouettes with watercolors, go for hikes, and long runs.
She currently resides in Alaska with her husband and her Shih-Tzu/Chihuahua mix.
For updates on novels in progress, dog shenanigans, Alaska scenery, and laments of an author, connect with her on Instagram at: sesharp_author
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 21, 2022
Despite me not being pretty much anywhere near the target demographic for this book and finding it somewhat like, as another reviewer put it, a more fleshed out fanfiction… I still enjoyed this read. I found the story predictable and the characters somewhat flat at times but at no point did I ever want to stop reading. The author clearly has a way with words that made it a smooth, easy read for me.
A young girl named Mika joining a secret ninja academy full of her favourite boy band dudes as well as someone close to her after a personal tragedy screams fanfiction, but Mika’s constant commentary on how strange the situation is helped alleviate some of my readers disbelief. The pacing was great but I did find myself wishing that more of the characters were fleshed out better. It felt like the author was trying to stress perhaps a little too hard at the normalcy of them all despite the unusual situation they have found themselves in, especially Mika herself.
But despite my qualms with the characters and the setting, I still find myself wanting to continue the series to see where it goes and how Mika’s character develops so I’m not going to give this a low rating. I think this would be a great book for younger readers who enjoy fanfiction but want to start stepping up to reading something with a bit more heft.
I received a copy of this ARC for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
A young girl named Mika joining a secret ninja academy full of her favourite boy band dudes as well as someone close to her after a personal tragedy screams fanfiction, but Mika’s constant commentary on how strange the situation is helped alleviate some of my readers disbelief. The pacing was great but I did find myself wishing that more of the characters were fleshed out better. It felt like the author was trying to stress perhaps a little too hard at the normalcy of them all despite the unusual situation they have found themselves in, especially Mika herself.
But despite my qualms with the characters and the setting, I still find myself wanting to continue the series to see where it goes and how Mika’s character develops so I’m not going to give this a low rating. I think this would be a great book for younger readers who enjoy fanfiction but want to start stepping up to reading something with a bit more heft.
I received a copy of this ARC for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
May 22, 2023
Induction was a fast read, and I thought it was very imaginative and creative, which I really appreciated. It was unpredictable and I was never bored while reading. I enjoyed the world building, along with the characters. It does end on a cliffhanger, so I'm curious to see what happens next.
April 7, 2023
This book was fun if you don’t take yourself too seriously but it has about every trope in the YA secret powers genre. The cherry on top was the ninjas that were also boy band members, it was a bit too much for me but well written and a fun story overall
January 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read once life slowed down a bit for me to sit and read it. I feel like the characters are relatable, and you can definitely read into the underlying current of each of them dealing with their own issues which is how real life is--everyone is dealing with their own stuff---even though the book is all from Mika's POV.
The supernatural and fantasy knitted into this book is interesting and I can't wait to continue on with the series to find out what happens. The demonesque' portion of Induction reminded me a little of the Shadowhunters world by Cassandra Clare but only slightly. And who doesn't dream at least for a moment how cool it would be to be saved by ninjas or train to be one?! I know I did. Uh, Ninja Turtles anyone?
The only reason I am giving it 4 ⭐s is for a couple minor things. The acronyms! Mika even makes fun of them throughout the book because there are so many. And I definitely have to agree, though I understand that the military and government agencies use acronyms a lot in the real world. I just found them to be confusing. Also, Mika's parents and that relationship. I understand firsthand that grief does some crazy stuff to people, but I don't know how believable it is for parents to be completely okay with their children disappearing to a school they've never visited or heard about. I also thought there could have been a little more romantic tension between Mika and Adam, but I'm hoping the next book delves more into that. 😁
All in all, an exciting read! I recommend it!
The supernatural and fantasy knitted into this book is interesting and I can't wait to continue on with the series to find out what happens. The demonesque' portion of Induction reminded me a little of the Shadowhunters world by Cassandra Clare but only slightly. And who doesn't dream at least for a moment how cool it would be to be saved by ninjas or train to be one?! I know I did. Uh, Ninja Turtles anyone?
The only reason I am giving it 4 ⭐s is for a couple minor things. The acronyms! Mika even makes fun of them throughout the book because there are so many. And I definitely have to agree, though I understand that the military and government agencies use acronyms a lot in the real world. I just found them to be confusing. Also, Mika's parents and that relationship. I understand firsthand that grief does some crazy stuff to people, but I don't know how believable it is for parents to be completely okay with their children disappearing to a school they've never visited or heard about. I also thought there could have been a little more romantic tension between Mika and Adam, but I'm hoping the next book delves more into that. 😁
All in all, an exciting read! I recommend it!
January 18, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where do you go from here when you believe you are to blame for your brother's death? Mika is 16 years old and was driving the car when a monster appears out of nowhere and smashes into it, killing her brother instantly. Except for her best friend Vincent, no one believes her. She is so determined to prove the monster's existence that she pursues it. But the aftermath is not what she expected when a bunch of ninja's safe her from the attack.
Nothing is how it was before, can Mika come to terms of what is happening to her? And, in doing so, does she bring danger to her family's door?
It's a captivating story with a lot of action from the start. Battling demons and monsters is not what Mika thought for herself. There is a good twist at the end, even though there is a bit of a cliffhanger. Love the interaction between her best friend and her favorite band. It's definitely a good read.
Where do you go from here when you believe you are to blame for your brother's death? Mika is 16 years old and was driving the car when a monster appears out of nowhere and smashes into it, killing her brother instantly. Except for her best friend Vincent, no one believes her. She is so determined to prove the monster's existence that she pursues it. But the aftermath is not what she expected when a bunch of ninja's safe her from the attack.
Nothing is how it was before, can Mika come to terms of what is happening to her? And, in doing so, does she bring danger to her family's door?
It's a captivating story with a lot of action from the start. Battling demons and monsters is not what Mika thought for herself. There is a good twist at the end, even though there is a bit of a cliffhanger. Love the interaction between her best friend and her favorite band. It's definitely a good read.
June 1, 2023
This book was so good !! I really had no idea what direction it was going to go in but once I kept reading I figured it out and wow did I love this !!! I loved Mika and reading how she grew throughout the book!! And the cliffhanger really?? Why you got got and do all that to me !!! That's not fair !!!
Y'all this book is amazing !!! I really hope I don't have to wait long for more cause I'm dying already
Y'all this book is amazing !!! I really hope I don't have to wait long for more cause I'm dying already
January 15, 2023
💜😰🐾 Excellent discovery!
A truck rounded the corner, dazzling me with its headlights.
I hated driving at night. I was literally clutching the wheel, my eyes riveted on the road that crossed the big forest.
We were all coming back from a hard busy day.
I volunteered to drive. There were five of us: dad, the twins, mom and me...
Then there was the unthinkable...
------------------
An excellent start, totally gripping, with a terrible event that will completely change the life of the young Mika, 16 years old.
A very good adventure/youth novel that takes the reader on surprising adventures.
I really liked the plot and the characters.
I found the character of Mika very moving.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
I recommend!
A truck rounded the corner, dazzling me with its headlights.
I hated driving at night. I was literally clutching the wheel, my eyes riveted on the road that crossed the big forest.
We were all coming back from a hard busy day.
I volunteered to drive. There were five of us: dad, the twins, mom and me...
Then there was the unthinkable...
------------------
An excellent start, totally gripping, with a terrible event that will completely change the life of the young Mika, 16 years old.
A very good adventure/youth novel that takes the reader on surprising adventures.
I really liked the plot and the characters.
I found the character of Mika very moving.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
I recommend!
May 18, 2023
Mika Finely was a normal teenager trying to get her night driving hours in so that she could get her license. Driving her family home one night, a large beast that looked somewhat like a mountain lion dashed infront of the car. She hit it, the car rolled and her little brother died.
Now, trying to get past the fact that she is responsible for her brother's death, Mika is obsessed with scanning forums about her town, looking for any sightings of the wild beast. Her family thinks it's a trauma response but she's bent on proving that what she saw is real.
Until she spots one of the creatures prowling the forest line behind her house. She runs after it and her life changes forever. When the beast corners her, she is saved by a group of people in dark ninja attire. But ninjas can't possible exist, can they? After a rollercoaster of events, Mika joins the Okada School of Excellence, a school founded to specifically hunt down these demonic beasts and others like them.
My thoughts:
I loved this book from page one! It was such a fun read and helped me out of the reading slump I was in. Mix your favourite boy band with ninjas and monsters and what do you get? EXCELLENCE (see what I did there😉) I loved the concept, the story was captivating and exciting. I loved the characters, and omw did I love Adam. The plot twist at the end was huge *gasps* and I cannot wait to read more of Mika's story!
Now, trying to get past the fact that she is responsible for her brother's death, Mika is obsessed with scanning forums about her town, looking for any sightings of the wild beast. Her family thinks it's a trauma response but she's bent on proving that what she saw is real.
Until she spots one of the creatures prowling the forest line behind her house. She runs after it and her life changes forever. When the beast corners her, she is saved by a group of people in dark ninja attire. But ninjas can't possible exist, can they? After a rollercoaster of events, Mika joins the Okada School of Excellence, a school founded to specifically hunt down these demonic beasts and others like them.
My thoughts:
I loved this book from page one! It was such a fun read and helped me out of the reading slump I was in. Mix your favourite boy band with ninjas and monsters and what do you get? EXCELLENCE (see what I did there😉) I loved the concept, the story was captivating and exciting. I loved the characters, and omw did I love Adam. The plot twist at the end was huge *gasps* and I cannot wait to read more of Mika's story!
May 23, 2023
Story about Mika. She was driving her family home late at night when the car collided with a mythical-looking beast. Her brother Aaron died in the crash and months later her family still believes she got distracted while driving and imagined the creature. She sees it again and chases after it. This leads her to learn about an organization fighting the creatures and be invited to attend their training school.
This was a fast-paced story. It grabbed my interest right away and was hard to put down. Mika is a great character. We didn’t get to know the other students at the school as well, but the info we got was intriguing and made me want to continue the series and learn more about them.
There was a bit of a twist that I didn’t see coming near the end of the book. I am not sure I like the direction, but I definitely do want to read the next book to see what happens.
If you like young adult and urban fantasy books, this is a great choice.
This was a fast-paced story. It grabbed my interest right away and was hard to put down. Mika is a great character. We didn’t get to know the other students at the school as well, but the info we got was intriguing and made me want to continue the series and learn more about them.
There was a bit of a twist that I didn’t see coming near the end of the book. I am not sure I like the direction, but I definitely do want to read the next book to see what happens.
If you like young adult and urban fantasy books, this is a great choice.
December 24, 2022
"This can’t be happening . But, of course, it is. This is what a stupid girl gets for wandering into a forest after a predatory creature."
This book was definitely right up my alley. Everything about this book had my mind engaged. The story was good. The author definitely did a great job building the world. I felt like I could imagine it in my mind right from the beginning. The characters all fit very well together. I liked the cliff hanger on some of the characters relationships. Makes wonder where they are all going and what it will lead to.
I am really excited to read what the author is going to write more about the organization. I am interested to see more of the inner workings of the school. I'd like to hear more about the science division and the "brain's".
The one thing I would change is the whole ninja thing. It just doesn't fit with the story. Demon hunters that would be a more fitting title.
Overall I am super excited for this new author to continue the series. I will be following her from now on.
This book was definitely right up my alley. Everything about this book had my mind engaged. The story was good. The author definitely did a great job building the world. I felt like I could imagine it in my mind right from the beginning. The characters all fit very well together. I liked the cliff hanger on some of the characters relationships. Makes wonder where they are all going and what it will lead to.
I am really excited to read what the author is going to write more about the organization. I am interested to see more of the inner workings of the school. I'd like to hear more about the science division and the "brain's".
The one thing I would change is the whole ninja thing. It just doesn't fit with the story. Demon hunters that would be a more fitting title.
Overall I am super excited for this new author to continue the series. I will be following her from now on.
May 18, 2023
This is such an enjoyable read. The pacing of this book is so well done and keeps the reader perfectly on the edge of their seat while revealing enough on a regular basis I order to keep the story moving.
Ultimately, this book is about more than monsters and demons (aren’t all books that are written about monsters and demons about more than that, after all?). The FMC just wants to belong - somewhere, anywhere…. Who among us has not had the same desire?
Sharp crafts a beautifully creative world in which characters can learn to truly support one another despite mistakes of the past.
Ends on a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Ultimately, this book is about more than monsters and demons (aren’t all books that are written about monsters and demons about more than that, after all?). The FMC just wants to belong - somewhere, anywhere…. Who among us has not had the same desire?
Sharp crafts a beautifully creative world in which characters can learn to truly support one another despite mistakes of the past.
Ends on a great cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one!
January 28, 2023
Amazing book. Fast paced and unpredictable. Sharp has conjured deep, likable characters. I’m eagerly anticipating a long and extensive series as she fabricates their futures. This is a group of characters that are easy to anchor to your heart.
December 26, 2022
I found this book good for a quick read. I enjoyed the world building . Sometimes the characters were , well acting like teens but then again they are and I am not. I will keep an eye open to read more in this story but probably will not actively chase it down. It does have a cliff hanger ending.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw
May 23, 2023
This was such an interesting and exciting read! I loved the action and the thrill it provided. I also enjoyed that it made me sad and angry as well. But in a good way! I always enjoy a good book that brings on different emotions. Very excited to see what Mika does next!
May 12, 2023
This is a roller coaster of a book with plenty of guilty feelings, teen angst, fight scenes, and a surprising second change of everything Mika has ever known just as she is starting to get settled. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
November 20, 2022
3.5 stars
"I'm sorry, but your world just got a lot bigger, weirder, and a whole heck of a lot more terrifying."
About: A car accident rips apart Mika's world. Not only for the devastation it brings her family, but because that night Mika sees something. A glimpse into a world she was never meant to know existed. And now that she's seen what's out there, she's determined not to close her eyes again. Mika Finley will fight.
The Good
This is a really fun novel. It starts off strong with an emotionally charged incident that left me so attached to Mika. It's a devastating situation and the writing is excellent in drawing that emotion out. The chapters are short and fast paced and the overall tone is one that I think works well for a younger YA readership. There's depth to these characters and plenty of dangerous moments, but the author keeps things light with character banter and a female lead that lives an equal parts normal and bizarre life.
The Bad
Being the first in a series, this novel suffers from the need to introduce all the characters and get us familiar with the world. The author does a very good job at the character introductions as I never found myself confused with who was who, but the world-building was sprinkled in a little heavy at times. We're told a lot more things than we're shown and, although Mika herself makes fun of the acronyms, they don't help with the information overload.
Introducing us to the world through the story (rather than from characters or a school setting) would have been far more effective. I did feel a lack of focus in the plot at times. At the halfway mark, we're reminded about missing girls and this, I think, should have been the main focus of the story.
The Somewhat Iffy
Ninjas and boy bands. The story idea is pure fanfiction and really requires readers to suspend their disbelief. I also struggled to take the school seriously whenever the world 'ninja' was used. I know this is a bit unfair as there are plenty of stories with somewhat similar schooling (The Poppy War, Legendborn etc.) but I think the combination of ninjas and boy bands is what makes this concept harder to swallow. But that combination could be the reason other readers love it.
Overall
If you enjoy fanfiction but want something with a bit more teeth, this is a fun, exciting beginning to a series. The characters have great chemistry and the writing really drew me in.
"I'm sorry, but your world just got a lot bigger, weirder, and a whole heck of a lot more terrifying."
About: A car accident rips apart Mika's world. Not only for the devastation it brings her family, but because that night Mika sees something. A glimpse into a world she was never meant to know existed. And now that she's seen what's out there, she's determined not to close her eyes again. Mika Finley will fight.
The Good
This is a really fun novel. It starts off strong with an emotionally charged incident that left me so attached to Mika. It's a devastating situation and the writing is excellent in drawing that emotion out. The chapters are short and fast paced and the overall tone is one that I think works well for a younger YA readership. There's depth to these characters and plenty of dangerous moments, but the author keeps things light with character banter and a female lead that lives an equal parts normal and bizarre life.
The Bad
Being the first in a series, this novel suffers from the need to introduce all the characters and get us familiar with the world. The author does a very good job at the character introductions as I never found myself confused with who was who, but the world-building was sprinkled in a little heavy at times. We're told a lot more things than we're shown and, although Mika herself makes fun of the acronyms, they don't help with the information overload.
Introducing us to the world through the story (rather than from characters or a school setting) would have been far more effective. I did feel a lack of focus in the plot at times. At the halfway mark, we're reminded about missing girls and this, I think, should have been the main focus of the story.
The Somewhat Iffy
Ninjas and boy bands. The story idea is pure fanfiction and really requires readers to suspend their disbelief. I also struggled to take the school seriously whenever the world 'ninja' was used. I know this is a bit unfair as there are plenty of stories with somewhat similar schooling (The Poppy War, Legendborn etc.) but I think the combination of ninjas and boy bands is what makes this concept harder to swallow. But that combination could be the reason other readers love it.
Overall
If you enjoy fanfiction but want something with a bit more teeth, this is a fun, exciting beginning to a series. The characters have great chemistry and the writing really drew me in.
December 6, 2022
This reminds me of the different academy series which are currently popular. The plot was good, and the characters were normal, if you find being part of a hunter team normal. I found it odd that none of Mika's family had therapy or counseling after the wreck. And that while the vehicle and surroundings should have shown a collision with an animal to any accident investigators, nothing was mentioned. This left blame on the driver. Also, the ninja name just didn't fit. Yes, they trained, yes, they had outfits, but the true essence of a ninja was not there.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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May 19, 2023"ɪ’ʟʟ ꜱʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ɪ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄʀᴀᴢʏ, ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ. ɪ ᴀᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄʀᴀᴢʏ."
🥷 Ninjas + Demons + Monsters + Boy Bands, oh my!
🥷 Secrets
🥷 Plot Twist
🥷 FMC's POV
🥷 YA Fan Fiction
Fast, action-packed, easy read that's perfect for readers who love fan fiction! Enjoyable from start to finish with the perfect pace!
A few things that could have been better (my perspective): less acronyms, some not so believable moments between FMC and her family, and Ninjas title didn't seem to fit for me.
Overall, it's a solid book I would recommend to certain people! 💛
Thank you to the author and @breysbooktours for an ebook copy. These are my honest opinions.
🥷 Ninjas + Demons + Monsters + Boy Bands, oh my!
🥷 Secrets
🥷 Plot Twist
🥷 FMC's POV
🥷 YA Fan Fiction
Fast, action-packed, easy read that's perfect for readers who love fan fiction! Enjoyable from start to finish with the perfect pace!
A few things that could have been better (my perspective): less acronyms, some not so believable moments between FMC and her family, and Ninjas title didn't seem to fit for me.
Overall, it's a solid book I would recommend to certain people! 💛
Thank you to the author and @breysbooktours for an ebook copy. These are my honest opinions.
July 4, 2023
Such a good, captivating read. Kept my attention with every chapter and was so hard to put down!!! The perfect mixture of fanfiction, supernatural fantasy, and also in touch with reality. Can’t wait for book two!!! 🥰
October 14, 2025
such a fun read!!! I love the characters so much, their personalities and stories. can't wait for book 2!!!
May 23, 2023
This book really felt like a fanfiction to me...... I mean, ninjas from the main character's favorite boy band? It was just a little too much for me to get into.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews