Book Corner News & Reviews: Young Adult Book Reviews

Showing posts with label Young Adult Book Reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The Seraphim's Song Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I am sharing my review of a young adult fantasy novel from a series that I have come to love over the past few years! Check out The Seraphim's Song, the 5th book in The F.I.G. Mysteries series, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the series and author Barbara Casey--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: THE SERAPHIM'S SONG - Book 5, The F.I.G. Mysteries by Barbara Casey
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 213 pages
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy
Publisher: Gauthier Publications (Hungry Goat Press)
Release date: April 2022
Content Rating: G. THE SERAPHIM'S SONG is suitable for all readers - adult and young adult.

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About the Book

Many changes have taken place at Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women while Carolina and Larry were on their honeymoon in Frascati, Italy, on the Granchelli farm. The newlyweds have been given a larger bungalow; Ms. Alcott, niece of the founder of Wood Rose, and Mrs. Ball, assistant to the headmaster, have moved into a bungalow together; and Jimmy Bob, caretaker and night watchman at Wood Rose has moved from his family home down the road a bit into a small bungalow on the orphanage property with his hound dog Tick, as well as his new cat and her litter of kittens.

Summer is coming to an end and the F.I.G.s will soon return to the universities to complete their special projects. They are starting to feel anxious, and the coping mechanisms they have used their entire lives are starting to work overtime. Dara’s thoughts turn to an unknown language, possibly from another world; Mackenzie focuses on the relationship of math to music; and Jennifer keeps hearing the note of B flat minor and is drawing dark swirls on her canvas board.

My Review

The Seraphim's Song is a stand-alone novel. I love that the author spends a lot of time introducing her characters--and recapping the adventures from earlier books. This writing style lets new series readers dive into the novel, never feeling that they missed too much by not reading from the beginning. It's also great for those of us who DID read the earlier books--but need a little reminding of the highlights! Some of these recaps are a bit lengthy and take some time to cover, but they make this indeed a stand-alone novel for readers.

Readers will love the characters' bonds and gifted abilities. This series holds the best characters. The author does a beautiful job creating believable, talented characters with unique, exciting abilities. She also creates realistic bonds and relationships between the characters, allowing them to join creative forces to work through the mysteries and adventures.

Would I recommend The Seraphim's Song? I absolutely love the characters in this series--and the author's depictions of their personalities, gifts, and relationships. The storylines are well researched and presented as the individual F.I.G.s use their abilities to sort out the mystery pieces. I recommend this book, and the entire series, to readers who enjoy mysteries with fantasy elements requiring unique problem-solving skills. This book is a wonderful series for gifted children to read as it highlights unique gifts and talents in such a fictional yet real-world way.

Buy the Book

Amazon
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and local bookstores everywhere
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Meet the Author

Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels and book-length works of nonfiction for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Several of her books have been optioned for major films and television series.

In addition to her own writing, Barbara is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan.

In 2018 Barbara received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas.

Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with three cats who adopted her: Homer, a Southern coon cat; Reese, a black cat; and Earl Gray, a gray cat and Reese’s best friend.

Connect with the author: Barbara Casey Author ~ Barbara Casey Agency ~ Goodreads

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Angela Thompson 10:20 AM 3

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have a young adult fantasy novel in our book review spotlight! Check out The Urban Boys, learn about author K.N. Smith, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: Discovery of the Five Senses Book One - The Urban Boys Series by K. N. Smith
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 340 pages
Genre: Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
Publisher: Two Petals Publishing (self-published)
Release date: September 15, 2021
Content Rating: PG

"Brilliantly crafted and written!" - Megan King, Indie Book Reviewers

"An energetic adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle." - Kirkus Media

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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About the Book

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

"A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!" 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.

My Review

Discovery of the Five Senses Introduces Readers to The Urban Boys Series. The author puts a great deal of time into introducing readers to her characters and their settings. I probably would have liked more details on their unexpected superpowers. Still, I gained a pretty in-depth understanding of each boy's family dynamics and the cities involved in the plot. While this first novel gives readers a complete story--there is a hint that a future book will follow too.

The Writing Style May Require Some Patience and Attention for Readers. It took me a bit to settle into the author's writing style and sort the characters in my mind. Early on, I had a hard time distinguishing the point of view at times, and it took a while for me to assign the characters individual voices. There is also a shifting of writing styles between one feeling more classical adult and a less complex one typical of teen fantasy. Adapting to the writing style took a little time and attention to avoid confusion or the need to re-read a passage. Once I settled into the style, I enjoyed it as an adult reader, but I am not sure that some teen readers would feel the same about the writing flow.

Would I Recommend Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith. I enjoyed the book and plot of this series opener. I think it is written to allow adult readers to enjoy the story. The novel is a little too neat and a bit unrealistic at times--but that is often the case with a young adult fantasy. I felt that I liked some of the "bad" characters as much as the good at times! In the end, it is a fun adventure for young adult readers who enjoy superhero powers and fantasy novels, and I look forward to seeing the characters continue to grow in the next novel

Read an Excerpt

As one would imagine, a mysterious forest might offer deep, eerie chills, especially at night. Instead, the forest cast a rich glow, and the environment was beautiful and serene.

Walking slowly with their eyes absolutely feasting on the horticultural delights, the boys were approached by something they weren’t sure was real. It floated effortlessly, lighting up in a sporadic pattern, but had neither sound nor discernible shape, other than being somewhat clear and round.

Its fluttering wings suspended it in the center of their disbelieving huddle. All eyes were on it, but what it was provoked more mystery than the forest itself. It bounced in a cheery, beckoning fashion, flashing its stunning wings, drawing the boys into a never-ending waltz. They were transfixed, unable to glance at each other, prevented by the daze each silently battled.

The little glowing being carried about, moving closer to their faces. It moved in and out of trees, spewing, sparkle and splendor, then floated away from the boys, yet stayed close enough to continue the enticement.

Contributing to the amazing glow ricocheting from sprawling fronds to soaring trees and fallen leaves, the being’s creativity advanced in a display of twirls and spins, astonishing the boys. And they followed their little friend further and further into the forest.

Deeper ahead, the visual spectacle beautifully intertwined with the clicking noise, which grew louder and more defined, moving up the scale into high notes. The repetition of the noise mesmerized the boys, equating to an invisible lasso.

The friends grouped together, looking ahead and behind. Their stomachs tightened as the tension grew.

What they saw next would pale in comparison to their little, wondrous friend, who steadily bounced around several curvy pathways.

The small creature led them into an area deep within the preserve housing two large, floating, clicking balls of light. The boys instinctively covered their eyes, yet still tried to peep through their fingers.

The light balls began spinning wildly and grew louder, with their tops spitting out free-falling shavings of light like fireworks.

The sputtering light bounced off the dirt only to end up against a tree or one of the boys, then back down and up again.

Slowing down, the beings moved in between the boys. Too scared to move and struggling with reality, the boys’ eyes locked onto the radiant balls.

And with a striking force, the five friends were encased by a bright, piercing light as the balls exploded, emitting their energy onto the boys.

Mixing and mashing north, south, east, and west, bright waves covered the soil, spreading across trees, rock, and all plant life. The forest fell silent, frozen like an inhale without an exhale. It was dark and quiet, except for the liquid energy dripping from the huge, wavy leaves.

Being subjected to drifts both in and out of reality, the boys succumbed to the lure of a vacant black space within the deepest parts of their minds. They fell to the ground unconscious, laying in this forbidden domain in the center of a place they had been warned not to approach.

And from some distance toward the other side of the preserve, a draped shadow had been looking inward and saw this mysterious incident.

The curve of his black hood was loose enough for him to witness the unthinkable. But it also shrouded his expression, which was impassive.

This figure, a dark stranger, had been watching the boys for a period of time and saw the explosion of light. He knew it had exposed them to a grave risk in this place of both awe and fear. He realized time would now take the reins as a master guide for these stricken young men, all of whom would need hope as a rod and stamina as a spear on the long journey ahead.

Knowing the veil of normalcy would need to be maintained in order for this inconceivable episode to be minimized, the Dark Stranger drew upon his strength to physically move each of the boys to Rhee’s house.

He knew familiar surroundings would ease them as they roused, barely able to comprehend their predicament.

For he knew much, and every step, every footprint left an indelible impression on the path leading to the studio in Rhee’s backyard. Indeed, footprints providing a window to the past meshed with hope for the future.

And like a laser, the Dark Stranger steadied his gait, hurling each one up and over his powerful shoulders.

As he absorbed the totality of the scene, he breathed deeply. His head hung in a manner to which only trauma could relate. But in a sign of resilience, it swiftly sprung back.

Under the circumstances, he knew time would not be patient nor friendly.

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate had arrived.

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Meet the Author

K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author, screenwriter, and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. She lives in California with her family.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Angela Thompson 9:15 AM 0

Romancing the Darkness Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have a young adult fantasy novel in our book review spotlight. Check out Romancing the Darkness, book one from the series by Tyler R. Snyder, read my thoughts, learn about the author & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: Romancing the Darkness (Book 1) by Tyler R. Snyder
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 260 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release date:   November 2021
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: There is no sex, but it is implied. The violence is typical for this genre (attacking monsters and a war). The language does include light profanity (hell, damn, ass).

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About the Book

Monsters of Mythical Proportion
Worlds of Magic and Power
Forbidden Love
And DEATH. DEATH is the consequence...

When Tristan defies Ambion’s only law—royal and common blood cannot mix, he discovers the consequences are real. The young guardian finds himself in a world where love and hate, war and peace, duty and betrayal blur into darkness. As his world devolves into a battle for survival, he learns only an Angel can save Ambion from the destruction wielded by the Dividers. Is Tristan the Angel destined to save the world or will he succumb to the wiles of a dark goddess?

“Boy! Hey boy, let me show you the end.” Tristan looked in horror as tens of thousands of men and women were hooded figures. Explosions erupted everywhere, and the black sky spewed red lightning all around the warriors. A ground shaking roar forced Tristan to cover his ears. When he looked up, a massive golden dragon breathed fire upon the world: fire engulfed the horizon. “The end will begin with ash.”

My Review

Romancing the Darkness is a Well-Developed Launch to the Series. The author does a lovely job introducing characters and building the Ambion world. From learning about creatures and relationships to understanding the rules and expectations of the culture to following the battles and watching series begin to take shape--this first book is detailed and exciting. It leaves readers ready for the second book.

Readers May Need to Take Notes Until Everything Falls into Place. There are a lot of characters, a lot of action, and a lot of pieces to keep in order as the novel's plot comes together. I had to re-read a few scenes and make some mental notes about characters and happenings because the author really packs a lot into the novel. All of the moving parts keep the pace moving well--but require reader attention and focus at times.

Would I Recommend Romancing the Darkness by Tyler R. Snyder? I enjoyed the novel, although I didn't love the main characters' personalities. While they weren't the characters I wanted personally--they really did serve the plot and novel well. If you enjoy an action-packed, fantasy world with a variety of creatures, challenges--and a misguided love story or two--this is a great series opener for older teens and young adults. This first book leaves loose ends to pull you into the next novel, so expect to keep reading for resolution.

Buy the Book

Amazon

Meet the Author

Tyler Snyder was born in 1984 in Medford, Oregon.

As a child, he was captivated by movies, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons, along with the worlds these activities created. The original spark that ignited Tyler’s imagination was when he wanted to see a movie similar to The Legend of Zelda, but the closest film at the time was The Dark Crystal. That itch, to this day, has still not been scratched. This led him to books and stories like the pastimes he adored and gave him exposure to a much grander well of ideas and possibilities. Meeting like-minded friends who shared the same hobbies, Tyler developed a passion for creating new worlds. In Romancing the Darkness, Tyler explores his world, Ambion, and the countless decisions confronting his characters.

Mr. Snyder currently lives in Wyoming with his wife, Sandra.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Angela Thompson 10:39 AM 0

Gallant: The Call of the Trail Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have a clean young adult novel in our book review spotlight! Learn about Gallant: The Call of the Trail and author Claire Eckard, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17), 300 pages
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Mill City Press
Release Date: September 2021
Content Rating: PG-13 : It’s a saga about love, relationships, personal growth and adventure, set against a backdrop of endurance racing. A strong middle grader/pre-teen could read it.

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About the Book

A gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight. Gallant and Gracie have a special bond, rarely seen between a human and a horse. Separated by a bad accident when Gallant is five, each gets a second chance of happiness pursuing the long-distance sport of endurance riding, neither knowing they are leading parallel lives. Will Fate bring them together again? Gallant’s arch nemesis, The Almighty Flash, threatens to destroy all that Gallant has worked for. His misguided ambition and greed, developed at the hands of an abusive owner, has created a darkness in his soul that turns to blind fury when his endurance career is threatened.

My Review

Perfect Launch to a Series for Horse Lovers. The author does a fantastic job introducing the characters in her series and developing their relationships and a storyline that engages readers through to the end of this novel and creates anticipation in the next. Additionally, the author introduces readers in-depth to endurance riding and the strengths of the bonds of horse/human relationships. If this is your first "horse story,"--you will become immediately comfortable in Gracie's world. If you already enjoy the genre--expect this one to remind you of everything you love in a "horse story".

The Author Brings Unique Insights to Readers. Telling the story from multiple perspectives--using her evident personal love and interest, gives readers a story that is easy to read, understand, and love. The novel flows well from beginning to end and leaves enough loose ends to keep readers rooting for the characters and anxiously awaiting the next book.

Would I Recommend Gallant: The Call of the Trail by Claire Eckard? While the novel is written for teens--it is perfect for adults who enjoy a clean, heartwarming story with horse/human interactions and solid and loving bonds. I would certainly recommend it to horse lovers--both young and old. Gallant is a book that my grandparents and I would have shared when I was younger. They both loved books about horses too. I look forward to more from this author.

Buy the Book

Author's Website
Amazon ~ Target

Meet the Author

Award winning Author Claire Eckard combines her love of writing with her passion for animals to create memorable children's books that are fun to read, but also include valuable life's lessons. Claire grew up in England and moved to Hawaii in her early twenties where she married her husband of thirty-four years. Together they raised two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. Claire is inspired by her two Granddaughters Mila and Ella, as well as the beautiful backdrop of the Arizona mountains where she lives. Claire has a farm full of animals, and has spent many years as a board member and volunteer of her local animal shelter.

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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Angela Thompson 8:44 AM 1

The Sand Pounder: Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have a young adult, historical fiction novel in our book review spotlight. Learn about The Sand Pounder and author M.J. Evans, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages
Release date: September 2021
Content Rating: Rated G - Completely clean

“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” - Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite

“M.J. Evans does an excellent job of winding the era's history and the lesser-known job of the Sand Pounders into a realistic story of a mature teen's determination to make a difference in her world.” - Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Review

“A gripping YA historical novel packed full of twists, turns and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” - The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)

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About the Book

Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called "The Sand Pounders" and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944.

In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem...they were only accepting men. That didn't slow her down.

"The Sand Pounder" is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II.

My Review

Readers may learn something from The Sand Pounder: Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII. I had not known about the Sand Pounders in my own history classes. While I had studied WWII and understood much of the U.S.'s overseas military involvement--I had minimal exposure to some of the aspects of life in the U.S. during the time of the Japanese internment camps. The author did an excellent job expressing some of the lesser discussed realities of that war on the homefront--especially for those close with Japanese American families.

The Sand Pounder Offers Something for All Readers. When I was young, I often shared books with my grandparents--and, as I read this book, I know that we all would have enjoyed it. The author creates a solid female character facing challenges and obstacles, giving readers human interest stories and even a love story to add to the storyline. Readers will find some history lessons, moral lessons, wartime adventure, a love story, a strong girl--and a love of horses and community.

Would I Recommend The Sand Pounder: Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII? I loved this book from start to finish. (Be sure to read the epilogue too!) The author creates a perfect blend of history, fiction, love, and life stories to create a well-rounded novel suitable for young adults and older adults alike. If you enjoy clean, young adult historical fiction with strong female characters willing to challenge the "norm" during difficult times--add this one to your reading list.

Buy the Book

Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author

Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains.

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Friday, July 23, 2021

Angela Thompson 1:48 PM 7

The Academy Saga Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

I love young adult series that the girls and I could read together as they hit their teen years! Having read so many young adult fantasy/mystery/dystopian style series (like The Hunger Games, Twighlight, Uglies, the Regina Shen novels)--we still occasionally find books that my older teens and I swap back and forth! Today, I have a new young adult, suspense series to share! Learn about The Academy Saga and author CJ Daly, read my thoughts on the book and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: The Academy Saga by C.J. Daly
Category: Adult Fiction (18 yrs +), 500 pages
Genre: Suspense Romance
Publisher: BrandyLight Ink
Release date: September 2019
Content Rating: PG-13. My book has some adult themes, language, and a few slow-burn romance scenes.

"Unique, intense, and suspenseful. A story with compelling characters that pull you into the author's world and keep you reading from beginning to end. Intriguing start to a new series." --New York Times Best Selling Author Jami Brumfield

“CJ has created an unforgettable story about a young woman caught up in a world of lies and deception. The Academy Saga is a page-turning read with a twist you may not see coming.” —Tony Jones, Executive Producer of My All American

“Wow wow wow! This book has it all. It’s extremely well written, the characters are amazing and the story is so intriguing that it pulls you in from the very first page. There’s tension, mystery chemistry and of course romance. I loved it! I would highly recommend this page turner!” -- RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @abbi_reads_xx

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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About the Book

Readers’ Favorite Suspense Romance

Kate Connelly should be careful what she wishes for.

Just seventeen, she already feels like she’s suffocating. Since her mother’s death, her father’s basically checked out, so she’s stuck raising her brothers by herself out in the New Mexico scrub. All Kate wants is a little distraction from the same-ole, same-ole that is her life.

When two mysterious guys show up at the diner where she works, she thinks her wish has come true, until they start giving her a hard time. Like her life isn’t hard enough. Something about them niggles her, but she brushes it off. She’s never going to see them again anyway . . . right?

Then they appear in an alley one night to either rescue or kidnap her (she’s still not sure which) before disappearing like figments of her imagination.

Kate decides to put the bizarre encounters out of her mind. She has bigger problems to worry about: like that elite military academy that’s been pursuing her gifted little brother. When one of their cadets shows up at her high school, he creates instant pandemonium. And just happens to be one of those mysterious guys. Coincidence? Mama said there’s no such thing. And to always trust her instinct. But that might be kind of hard, because every time she’s around Cadet Peter Davenport, her gut starts flip-flopping on her. And her heart.

Can Kate keep it together long enough to stop Cadet Davenport’s mission? She’s about to find out. And—once again—how neatly life can be split into before and after.

My Review

Expect an in-depth launch of the series. While the novel begins a little slow--and focuses a lot on Kate and the romantic side of the story--it still introduces readers to the characters and the storyline and sets the stage for future novels in the series. Readers will especially get to know Kate as the book progresses. Being in tune with Kate's thoughts and character slow the book at times, but it really brings the story and characters visually to life in a reader's mind. This first novel builds the setting and character relationships--and builds some added suspense toward the next book as the author gets the action moving later in the story and leaves some things dangling to carry onto the second book.

More Romance than Mystery. I think I went into the story expecting more of an action/adventure mystery than a teen romance. The novel is heavy on the romantic angle--then picks up pace as we shifted toward building some of the suspense and mystery of the Academy and what underlies the day-to-day story.

Would I recommend The Academy Saga? I did enjoy the story once it picked up the pace midway through. I liked some of the characters--and certainly disliked others. At times the characters seemed unrealistic, or their actions didn't seem to fall in line with my expectations--but it appeared that the pieces slowly came together later in the book. The novel leaves readers hanging at the end, so you should expect to read more of the series to find a resolution! I would recommend it to fans of young adult romance novels who enjoy watching characters grow, mature and adapt to their worlds and storylines.

Buy the Book

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Continue the Saga:

Book Details:

Book Title: The Academy Saga: Cadet-in-Training by C.J. Daly
Category: Adult Fiction (18 yrs +), 441 pages
Genre: Suspense Romance
Publisher: BrandyLight Ink
Content Rating: PG-13. My book has some adult themes, language, and a few slow-burn romance scenes.

“Absolutely ADDICTING! CJ Daly does it again and delivers a story YOU CAN’T PUT DOWN! Edge of your seat GREATNESS! I was completely hooked into this story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The Cadet in Training was such a phenomenal escape. With characters that fly off the pages, you become immersed! CJ Daly has stunning story telling skills! I’m still sitting here, like what did I just read and why is it over! Agh! I can’t wait for book 3!!! #theacademysaga is going down as one my absolute favorites! #TeamPete! All the stars! I’m ready to read this one again!” RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @elizabeth.ness.56

About the Book

Another Readers' Favorite 5-STAR Suspense Romance. Begin the journey today.

Kate’s destiny has been determined for her.

Hidden out in the country for most her life, Kate Connelly suddenly wakes up, handcuffed to a hospital bed, in the psyche ward of The Academy. Her crime? Being “gifted.” And it’s Officer “Ranger” Nealson’s job to make her adhere to The Academy’s agenda for her. Even though he’s the one who drugged and dragged her in. Kate’s hate for Ranger, and his academy, is at an all-time high. Ranger has his work cut out for him . . . and Kate does too. She has to fight through the rigors of the Cadet-in-Training program, and quickly. If not, she’ll lose the one privilege she’s been given at The Academy—access to her precious little brother.

And until she graduates from the CIT program, Officer Nealson is banned from Missions. When General Weston finally offers a juicy recon to Ranger, he wants to jump at the chance to prove himself again. After all, catching bad guys is his thing. Almost all pros for doing it. One con—Cadet Connelly has to ride along.

The hardened officer finds he’s slowly been growing a soft spot for his mentee. But he’s determined not to end up like his father, and former Elite Cadet Pete Davenport—throwing away their career for a girl (not even a woman). And Kate has lingering feelings for Pete, who risked his life to warn her, and conflicting feelings for Ranger. She has to set both aside to focus on completing her first mission.

When the dust settles, old alliances are broken and new ones are formed. But one thing remains the same: Kate’s destiny has been determined for her by The Academy. Ready or not . . . she’s set for Missions. Will one of the former elite cadets step in to help change her fate, or will she be left to fight the Academy’s agenda alone?

Buy the Book

Amazon
B&N ~ Walmart
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Meet the Author

CJ Daly grew up on the scrabbly plains of Eastern New Mexico. When she was supposed to be helping her six siblings with chores on the family ranch, she was really sneaking behind dusty haystacks to read. And dreaming about becoming a writer.

After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D, where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.

A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. It instantly earned a Readers' Favorite 5-STAR seal of approval and became an Amazon best seller.

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