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 Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff
Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.
Books for Lent
Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness
Gifts Visible and Invisible
If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints
City of Shadows by Declan Finn
St. Tommy uncovers a group of elites using an ancient artifact to destroy London.
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.
Someday by Corinna Turner
Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.
Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia
Two little lines are about to change Elise’s perfect teen world.
The Poppy and The Rose by Ashlee Cowles
While abroad in England, Taylor discovers a mystery linking her to an heiress and passenger aboard The Titanic.
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.
Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley
Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!
Through the Ashes by Jacqueline Brown
Fans of The 100 and Runaway’s and The Gifted will find this YA story riveting.
Making a Better World By Michael Lacoy
Can Oscar be the man he wants to be to his family and friends?
The Bishop of 12th Avenue by Ray Lucit
A street kid gets ordained a Bishop in a post apocalyptic world. Talk about a shakeup in the priesthood.
The Tale of Patrick Peyton
How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.
Lioness Lost by Susan Brinkmann
Can Ari solve a murder, or will a handsome FBI agent distract her?
680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone
Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?
A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.
Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir
What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?
Our Lady of the Roses by Janice Lane Palko
Could Rome spark romance between a fashionista and an inventor-engineer?



