Genre

Young Adult / Romance

Audience

14 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

Family, Trust, Gifts, Talents, Trust, Intuition, Fear, Courage

 

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

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?

Saint Michael: Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy

The true story of St. Michael, the original punch-communism-in-the-face superhero

Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk

Can Rebecca get out from under her domineering father and find love with the forbidden Catholic boy determined to win her heart?

Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn

Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

From the Shadows by Jacqueline Brown

In a broken world, Bria tries to unite a family even as she struggles to keep hope alive.

The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez

What sinister secrets hide behind the walls of the Island of Mirror?

Anna Lucia: Book 2, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Can Lucinda heal from her past and learn to love again?

Feel-Good Books For Pandemic Summer

Book Therapy to chase the blues away

Blink and We’ll Miss It by Ginny Kochis

Back amongst her estranged best friends and former love, Mae tries to hide her time-hopping secret.

Someday by Corinna Turner

Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.

The Wistful and the Good by G. M. Baker

Two weeks after the sacking of Lindisfarne, Norse traders aren’t welcome in Northumbria. But they’re here. Does a Viking really have a chance with an English noblewoman?

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.

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.

Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

A dark fantasy along the lines of Revelation itself.

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

Live and Let Bite Review by Declan Finn

The battle with the demons of San Francisco left Marco broken and now Amanda isn’t answering his messages.

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

A political fantasy epic bildungsroman where Allia’s feminine heart becomes as powerful a force has her sword.

I Hope You Find Joy By Eliza Mae Albano

Can Emma find joy with the man who hurt her?