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
Worth Dying For By Marie C. Keiser
In the shady corporate-ruled galaxy, a man can acknowledge no god. Yet having nothing worth dying for frightens Mark more than death itself.
Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush
The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?
Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn
Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.
Nephilim Corruption by Ann Margaret Lewis
Jedi Adventure meets Christian Epic
The Mission of Joan Of Arc by Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento, and Jesse Hansen
Voyage Comics’ dynamic interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir
What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?
Roland West Loner by Theresa Linden
When his evil brothers lock Roland up in a dungeon he finds a locked box hiding a mysterious treasure.
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints
Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino
In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger. Winner of our 2018 Best of the Year Awards.
For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette
Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.
Shooting At Heaven’s Gate, by Kaye Park Hinckley
How does an ordinary boy become a mass murderer?
Gifts Visible and Invisible
If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.
City of Shadows by Declan Finn
St. Tommy uncovers a group of elites using an ancient artifact to destroy London.
Please Don’t Feed the Dinosaurs by Corinna Turner
A series of dino adventures that has been doing better what the mainstream Jurassic Park series only recently attempted.
The Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff
Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.
The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner
A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?
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?
Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol. 1) by Philip Koslowski, Michael Lavoy, and Jim Fern
Join Finnian as his quest for a legendary sword takes him to the monks of Skellig Michael, a real life inspiration for the Jedi temple.
Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley
Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!
Demons are Forever by Declan Finn
Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?



