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
A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome by Corinna Turner
There’s no such thing as a normal day on a dino-farm. But can Darryl and Harry’s new city-slicker stepmom make it through the first day without fainting?
The Phantom Phoenix
A humble phoenix rises from the ashes to clean up corrupt, 1920s Chicago in this thrilling superhero comic
Gifts Visible and Invisible
If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.
A World Such As Heaven Intended
Amara didn’t intend to fall in love with a Union soldier. Is love even possible in her war-torn world?
Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia
Two little lines are about to change Elise’s perfect teen world.
The Gift Counselor By Sheila M. Cronin
If you’re a fan of Hallmark Channel’s cozy lineup of holiday Rom-coms, this book is definitely for you.
Anna Lucia: Book 2, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano
Can Lucinda heal from her past and learn to love again?
Servant of the Suffering: Rose Hawthorne by Voyage Comics
The great-great-great-granddaughter of a Salem witch trial judge is on her way to Catholic sainthood.
Shooting At Heaven’s Gate, by Kaye Park Hinckley
How does an ordinary boy become a mass murderer?
If Wishes Were Dragons By Karina Fabian
What happens when LARPing becomes a lot more real than a group of D&D players can handle?
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.
Battle for his Soul by Theresa Linden
Bereft of a mother & betrayed by his twin, Jarret fights for a place to call home, unaware a supernatural war threatening to damn him to hell itself.
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?
Outlaws of Ravenhurst, by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, S.L.
The 10-year-old heir of a noble Scottish family must choose between his inheritance and his Catholic faith.
The King’s Prey by Susan Peek
When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.
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.
Secrets Visible and Invisible, An Anthology
Tales of courage, compassion and virtue in compelling and naturally engaging Y.A. short stories.
Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna Turner
A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture.
Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm
Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.
Unclaimed, Nameless, & Vanished by Erin McCole Cupp
Jane Eyre re-imaginged in a world where cloning, and genetic manipulation have returned us to a class system.



