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
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?
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.
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.
Anna Lucia: Book 2, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano
Can Lucinda heal from her past and learn to love again?
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.
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.
For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette
Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.
The Phantom Phoenix
A humble phoenix rises from the ashes to clean up corrupt, 1920s Chicago in this thrilling superhero comic
The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner
A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?
Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy
Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?
Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden
What do when your heart gets broken and your best friend gets an unplanned pregnancy?
Unlikely Witnesses by Leslea Wahl
When four boys glimpse a crime in their Colorado town they end up in an interrogation cell of the FBI.
Best Books of 2022
Our favorite book finds of the year!
Jennifer the Damned By Karen Ullo
A story of a teenage vampire without the glamorous tempting allure, trying to really live in the real world.
Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo
A political fantasy epic bildungsroman where Allia’s feminine heart becomes as powerful a force has her sword.
Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley
Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!
Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia
Two little lines are about to change Elise’s perfect teen world.
Hussar by Declan Finn (St. Tommy NYPD Book 8)
It’s been a few years since St. Tommy saved the world. Now his son Jeremy and ward Lena have joined the fight.
Cinderella by Charles Perrault
The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella
Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang
This two part graphic novel tells its story from 2 sides China’s bloody civil war: A Boxer Rebel & a “traitor” Christian-Convert.



