Genre
Audience
14 & Up
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2019
Themes
Reviewed by
M.S. Ocampo
The Academy Saga is a suspenseful contemporary romance. In the small town of Clovis, New Mexico, Katie Connelley is just trying to get by. She balances going to school, taking care of her family farm, and waiting tables at a diner on the weekends. Her younger brother, Andrew is being scouted by the Elite International Academy (EIA). Cadet Pete Davenport has been assigned to mentor him. However, as charming as Cadet Davenport is, and as prestigious as the Academy seems to be, there’s something Katie feels suspicious about. The last thing that Katie wants is to let her younger brother be in the care of strangers. The problem is that she’s not sure if her intuition is right, or if she’s being paranoid like her mother, who passed away.
Cadet Pete Davenport is a very attractive frenemy who falls for Katie’s girl-next-door style. Although the novel is mostly in Katie’s point-of-view, there are some scenes from Pete’s perspective. There’s definitely some truth to Katie’s fears in regards to the EIA, but it’s not certain as to what the Academy’s purpose is. Their business is to recruit the best and brightest, kids with special abilities, and place them in positions of prominence (almost like a junior level CIA).
While this novel is a great suspenseful read, there are some issues that might make readers uncomfortable. Katie’s father is verbally abusive and frequently absent from the story. There are also instances of gaslighting, as Pete is actively making sure that Katie doesn’t interfere with the Academy’s agenda. One other minor nitpick is that I find it hard to believe that Katie, who refuses to say the Lord’s name in vain, would willingly listen to gangsta rap.
Overall, this novel does a great job of telling a suspenseful, thrilling story that’s hard to put down. On top of that, the romance between Katie and Pete is very believable, with a lot of chemistry and tension. I would recommend this novel to fans of James Patterson’s novels or One of Us Is Lying. It’s a great read for a general audience, as there aren’t any overt Catholic themes aside from Katie’s own faith and adherence to a modest lifestyle.
Join Here for FREE to Never Miss a Deal
Find new favorites & Support Catholic Authors
The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner
A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?
The Gift Counselor By Sheila M. Cronin
If you’re a fan of Hallmark Channel’s cozy lineup of holiday Rom-coms, this book is definitely for you.
Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard
A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.
Bonvida’s Awakening, by C.D. Smith
Can Atticus live up to the legacy of his birthright? An adventure fantasy novel for teens about good and evil, friendship, and identity.
Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden
What do when your heart gets broken and your best friend gets an unplanned pregnancy?
Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman
An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.
Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy
Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?
The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder
Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.
Best Books of 2022
Our favorite book finds of the year!
For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette
Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.
The Glaston Secret by Donal Anthony Foley
Can three modern teens and a little black dog rescue a group of fleeing refugees in Nazi-occupied France?
Standing Strong by Theresa Linden
Keefe hides his call to the priesthood and no matter how much Jarrett tries he still gets into trouble. Can the brothers find their courage?
Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Asfalk
When Paul & Rachel discover a hidden treasure they wrestle with the responsibility of it– even as they face similar questions in their relationship.
Island of Miracles by Amy Schisler
When she finds out her husband had a whole other set of wife and kids Kate starts over in a small beach town.
Lioness Lost by Susan Brinkmann
Can Ari solve a murder, or will a handsome FBI agent distract her?
The King’s Prey by Susan Peek
When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.
The Light by Jacqueline Brown
Even as the world & nation she knew winks out of existence, Bria discovers family secrets that leave her questioning everything.
Cinderella by Charles Perrault
The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella
Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs
Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
Feel-Good Books For Pandemic Summer
Book Therapy to chase the blues away



