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 Silence of Bones by June Hur
A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints
From the Shadows by Jacqueline Brown
In a broken world, Bria tries to unite a family even as she struggles to keep hope alive.
Brothers by Corinna Turner
To fulfill his dream and become a priest, a young man must sneak across borders and find his way to freedom.
Defend the Tabernacle by Deacon Patrick Augustin Jones
Catherine and Bernard get whisked away to do battle on the Soulscape, where the true nature of things is revealed.
Most Highly Favored Daughter by Janice Palko
Her perfect life hides her city’s darkest secrets. Can Cara face the light of truth and come to understand real love?
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.
The Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker
A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.
Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette
Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.
Best of 2020
Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.
Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley
Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!
Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy
Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?
A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner
Christmas with Jurassic dinosaurs is often wild!
Nun of My Business by Karina Fabian
When a nun hires Vern to prove that a new pop song is evil, the dragon suspects his new client might be hiding something.
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.
The King’s Prey by Susan Peek
When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.
Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano
Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.
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?
Miracle at the Mission by Joseph Lewis
Visions, miracles, and a plot to assassinate the President of the United States – not the expected summer trip for two high school boys.
Breach! by Corinna Turner
Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.
Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush
She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?



