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Academy of Assassins #1
Academy of Assassins
ONLY ONE THING STANDS BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE DEADLY SUPERNATURAL WORLD…THE ACADEMY OF ASSASSINS.
Abandoned as a child and unable to remember her past, Morgan was raised as a hunter, one of an elite group of fighters sworn to protect humans from the dangerous paranormal creatures who invade our world…creatures such as herself. Her life changes the day she’s summoned to the Academy of Assassins, a school that trains witches and hunters to eradicate paranormals who prey on humans. Her first assignment—find and eliminate the killer who is using the Academy as their own personal hunting ground.
As Morgan delves deeper into the investigation, she will need to dodge assassination attempts, avoid the distraction of romantic entanglements with the devilishly handsome security expert, Kincade, and his maddeningly overprotective teammates, while keeping the volatile magic in her blood concealed from those who would use it for their own purposes. When the danger increases and the school is threatened, Morgan must unearth her missing memories before someone finishes the job they started so long ago—killing her and unleashing a plague that will consume the world.
Abandoned as a child and unable to remember her past, Morgan was raised as a hunter, one of an elite group of fighters sworn to protect humans from the dangerous paranormal creatures who invade our world…creatures such as herself. Her life changes the day she’s summoned to the Academy of Assassins, a school that trains witches and hunters to eradicate paranormals who prey on humans. Her first assignment—find and eliminate the killer who is using the Academy as their own personal hunting ground.
As Morgan delves deeper into the investigation, she will need to dodge assassination attempts, avoid the distraction of romantic entanglements with the devilishly handsome security expert, Kincade, and his maddeningly overprotective teammates, while keeping the volatile magic in her blood concealed from those who would use it for their own purposes. When the danger increases and the school is threatened, Morgan must unearth her missing memories before someone finishes the job they started so long ago—killing her and unleashing a plague that will consume the world.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2017
About the author
Stacey Brutger
39 books1,264 followersStacey Brutger lives in a small town in Minnesota with her husband and an assortment of animals.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 886 reviews
April 29, 2021
I don't usually take notes and highlights but with this book, I couldn't help it. I was satisfied thinking they will help me write this review no need to memorize them. Then smart me, once she finished this book, immediately deleted the ebook. Don't even ask why I almost never do that (the immediately part). So what I'm gonna write here will be brief and from what stuck with me the most, especially since I'm writing this after it has been several days since I read the book.
I chose this book looking for a light read during finals, I was looking for a mindless fun read since I was reading a fantasy book that is heavy on politics as well. I heard good feedback about this book from a friend on GR with who mostly shares my reading taste (Sorry I couldn't like it, I really wanted to!). But oh well, I was very disappointed.
Here's why:
- I'm not a good writer, nor particularly interested in writing. My English language needs lots of work. However, if I wrote something, it would've been better. It's full of cliches in writing and grammar errors. I don't care about the writing style in general. Unless it was very lyrical or the description was excessive. But in this book, it was bad. Even, in one scene, she said the wrong character's name!!!! How couldn't her editor notice such a huge mistake?!
- I didn't know it was reverse harem until I started reading it. I have never read something like that so I didn't know what to expect. Turns out I hate it. She was drooling (and she even admitted it) when looking at every guy in her squad. Every guy was so beautiful and when any of them touched her, she was barely able to control herself. It's ridiculous. I wanted to throw my iPad whenever something like this happened because it made me cringe and want to kick her, like girl, get a grip on your hormones.
- She's the only good girl, at least at her age. 2 women teachers were nice. But all others? They were nasty and not nearly as good.
- She was of course, oh so special, the only female huntress in YEARS, so talented, etc. It would've been more bearable if she made some female friendship (AND WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END DOESN'T COUNT). But no, she was the only good shining female student.
- It's called Academy of Assassins. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an assassin "is someone who kills a famous or important person, usually for political reasons or in exchange for money". In this book, there's nothing even close to this. You might say oh but they hunt monsters! Can't it be assassins?!! No. Just no. She always referred to herself as a hunter, the academy had witches and wizards as well. Assassin doesn't fit.
- The guys were cool at first... until they became all sex-driven, possessive, controlling, worshipping (which happened so fast like wtf how?!) and lack any real character development. The only development they got was thanks to her. Ryder was so lame. It was a very stereotypical group:
Alpha male
Fun guy with dark past
Sensitive big guy
Mysterious guy
- The mating thing wasn't done well at all. Like Kinkade was "I want to have you for myself alone" then when she got other mates he flipped, doesn't matter, the objective is protecting you.
- a person who was trying to look good and get on her good side then at the end when she was almost convinced although refused him, flip to the evil "I have no character I'm just evil" suddenly which did not happen once but twice... That's not how manipulation works.
Overall, this book was a mess. If you're a fan of reverse harem, you might like it. If you aren't, I don't recommend it at all.
I chose this book looking for a light read during finals, I was looking for a mindless fun read since I was reading a fantasy book that is heavy on politics as well. I heard good feedback about this book from a friend on GR with who mostly shares my reading taste (Sorry I couldn't like it, I really wanted to!). But oh well, I was very disappointed.
Here's why:
- I'm not a good writer, nor particularly interested in writing. My English language needs lots of work. However, if I wrote something, it would've been better. It's full of cliches in writing and grammar errors. I don't care about the writing style in general. Unless it was very lyrical or the description was excessive. But in this book, it was bad. Even, in one scene, she said the wrong character's name!!!! How couldn't her editor notice such a huge mistake?!
- I didn't know it was reverse harem until I started reading it. I have never read something like that so I didn't know what to expect. Turns out I hate it. She was drooling (and she even admitted it) when looking at every guy in her squad. Every guy was so beautiful and when any of them touched her, she was barely able to control herself. It's ridiculous. I wanted to throw my iPad whenever something like this happened because it made me cringe and want to kick her, like girl, get a grip on your hormones.
- She's the only good girl, at least at her age. 2 women teachers were nice. But all others? They were nasty and not nearly as good.
- She was of course, oh so special, the only female huntress in YEARS, so talented, etc. It would've been more bearable if she made some female friendship (AND WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END DOESN'T COUNT). But no, she was the only good shining female student.
- It's called Academy of Assassins. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an assassin "is someone who kills a famous or important person, usually for political reasons or in exchange for money". In this book, there's nothing even close to this. You might say oh but they hunt monsters! Can't it be assassins?!! No. Just no. She always referred to herself as a hunter, the academy had witches and wizards as well. Assassin doesn't fit.
- The guys were cool at first... until they became all sex-driven, possessive, controlling, worshipping (which happened so fast like wtf how?!) and lack any real character development. The only development they got was thanks to her. Ryder was so lame. It was a very stereotypical group:
Alpha male
Fun guy with dark past
Sensitive big guy
Mysterious guy
- The mating thing wasn't done well at all. Like Kinkade was "I want to have you for myself alone" then when she got other mates he flipped, doesn't matter, the objective is protecting you.
- a person who was trying to look good and get on her good side then at the end when she was almost convinced although refused him, flip to the evil "I have no character I'm just evil" suddenly which did not happen once but twice... That's not how manipulation works.
Overall, this book was a mess. If you're a fan of reverse harem, you might like it. If you aren't, I don't recommend it at all.
September 21, 2023
And many more.
In three words: It was awesome.
Hyper awesome bad-ass heroine that doesn't take shit + Yummy overbearing protective males + Super endearing Hellhound + Really fun cool and exciting read?
ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY
ONLY ONE THING STANDS BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE DEADLY SUPERNATURAL WORLD…THE ACADEMY OF ASSASSINS.
Abandoned as a child and unable to remember her past, Morgan was raised as a hunter, one of an elite group of fighters sworn to protect humans from the dangerous paranormal creatures who invade our world…creatures such as herself. Her life changes the day she’s summoned to the Academy of Assassins, a school that trains witches and hunters to eradicate paranormals who prey on humans. Her first assignment—find and eliminate the killer who is using the Academy as their own personal hunting ground.
As Morgan delves deeper into the investigation, she will need to dodge assassination attempts, avoid the distraction of romantic entanglements with the devilishly handsome security expert, Kincade, and his maddeningly overprotective teammates, while keeping the volatile magic in her blood concealed from those who would use it for their own purposes. When the danger increases and the school is threatened, Morgan must unearth her missing memories before someone finishes the job they started so long ago—killing her and unleashing a plague that will consume the world.
Academy of Assassins follows Morgan, a kick-ass hunter with a hellhound for a sidekick, as she is sent to the Academy of Assassins (no shit)
I'm talking about Panties-In-A-Twist Kincade, Sweet-Bordeliner-Stalkerish Ryder, Stick-In-The-Ass Atlas, and Almost-Boy-Next-Door Draven. They're the strongest
Surrounded by that much male hotness, Morgan kind of forgets about her investigation and we follow them as they train, hunt gremlins, save the world, make out a bit and learn stuff about Morgan's family. Not necessarily in that order.
Academy of Assassins has a few similarities with Raven Investigations :
√ The bunch of super yummy & powerful guys. Even if my
√ Like Raven, Morgan has a shitty upbringing. And by that, understand torture and stuff by witch bitches. So much fun.
√ Also like Raven, Morgan is badass, has trust issues, and has a sacrifice complex (is that a thing?). But while Raven has a certain vulnerability that makes her more real and endearing, Morgan has a sort of innocence in her; she doesn't discriminate, she sees people for what they do and not what they are and she doesn't fear the unknown because she was told it is to do so.
√ Both plots are complex, both politics are too. But, ya know, great world-building.
√ If everything is great, the main strength of both Academy of Assassins and Raven Investigations lies with the characters. Stacey Brutger gives us wonderful characters with multi-dimensional personalities and great relationships. I said it while reading Raven Investigations, the bonds that are created between the characters would have been enough to have me keep reading even if it had been written by my eight-year-old-self (and at this age, I made a poem about bunnies washing their hands, just sayin').
But Academy of Assassins is a more epic, loaded with action, edge-on-the-seat kind of read, where you can't even breath for a minute. And while Raven Investigations is an urban fantasy series, Academy of Assassins could be considered fantasy, period. They don't live the same aftertaste and the feelings you get reading it are very different. Raven and Morgan might be a bit similar, but they're also an entirely different person; Morgan kicks ass but Raven is no fighter, she simply has an insane amount of power she's afraid to use.
To conclude, Academy of Assassins was a great read, really exciting and impossible to drop during bathroom breaks. It does not end on a cliffanger, but the next book can definitely not come soon enough.
> Characters in their twenties
> No cliffhanger
> No MM
> No FF
> Five guys
> Single POV
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
Mention of abuse and torture, racism (against shifters). Relatively vanilla.
booked.unicorn
August 27, 2022
This started off very strong but then slowly got less and less interesting for me. I don't think I'll continue with the series.
✅ I LOVED HOW MORGAN was such a badass character - in fact, she may have been a little too much of a special badass snowflake, but I didn't mind. Oftentimes the FMC in a RH series is absolutely useless so I enjoyed watching Morgan not take any shit from anyone.
❌ THE GUYS WERE kind of vanilla and none of them really stood out to me or captured my interest. It's been a couple of days since I finished this and I definitely would not be able to recall all of their names right now.
🆗 IF YOU LIKE SLOW BURN RH then this may be for you! It seems like this will be a superrrrr slow burn (like multiple-books-in-before-anything-happens-slow) so if that's what you like to read then you may like this more than I did.
🆗 THE OVERALL PLOTLINE was interesting at first but then got less and less interesting as it went on. I think the problem is I just didn't care that much about any of the boys so once they started becoming more involved I sort of lost interest.
Overall, I think that if you like fantasy RH then it may be worth giving this a try, just to see if you like it since it's hard to find a good series these days. It didn't work for me but you never know 😅
✅ I LOVED HOW MORGAN was such a badass character - in fact, she may have been a little too much of a special badass snowflake, but I didn't mind. Oftentimes the FMC in a RH series is absolutely useless so I enjoyed watching Morgan not take any shit from anyone.
❌ THE GUYS WERE kind of vanilla and none of them really stood out to me or captured my interest. It's been a couple of days since I finished this and I definitely would not be able to recall all of their names right now.
🆗 IF YOU LIKE SLOW BURN RH then this may be for you! It seems like this will be a superrrrr slow burn (like multiple-books-in-before-anything-happens-slow) so if that's what you like to read then you may like this more than I did.
🆗 THE OVERALL PLOTLINE was interesting at first but then got less and less interesting as it went on. I think the problem is I just didn't care that much about any of the boys so once they started becoming more involved I sort of lost interest.
Overall, I think that if you like fantasy RH then it may be worth giving this a try, just to see if you like it since it's hard to find a good series these days. It didn't work for me but you never know 😅
November 29, 2017
Review to come 🙂🙂
Shelved as 'wishlist'
January 26, 2018Expectation:
March 1, 2018
*Shamelessly rates this five stars since, while it is not a perfect book, it was perfect for me right now.*
Okay, I need to be up front with y'all right away since this part wasn't included in the summary at all. This is a slow burn reverse harem. That means one girl and multiple partners. If that is not your cup of tea, then this book is most likely not for you. I feel like this should have been in the description but it is definitely a niche genre and it might drive people away. However, in the interest of full disclosure, there you go.
There isn't really all that much debauchery in the grand scheme of things but I think that is one of my favorite gifs of all time and I jump at the chance to use it again in a review.
Now I know what y'all are thinking. Assassins Brittain? Really?
YES. I know it has become a cliche that we are all sick to death of seeing, especially when it isn't done well. Also, I agree that the term is overused and I am not sure if it should have been used for this book. Warriors would have been better. Soldiers. Not really assassins.
And assassins plus girl plus romantic interest plus a bit of a special snowflake equals disappointment most of the time. I get it. It has been done to death.
But this book worked somehow.
Morgan has been trained since birth to be a warrior, a vicious killer that is willing to put her body at risk to protect other people. She is hyper aware of her responsibilities and wants to own them. She has been tortured and bullied for being an outcast to begin with and being a favorite of the head protector of the coven does not help. The witches seem to find delight in making her life a living hell. That all changes when she is accepted into the Academy under the guise of a new student in order to find out who is killing students.
That's when she meets Kincade, the leader of an elite group charged with protecting the school. Him and his team are also looking for the killer and clashes follow quickly. Sparks fly and she has to protect herself from all angles before people find out her secret.
It's all so horribly cliche but somehow, it worked for me.
What I enjoyed the most is that, despite it being a reverse harem, it still has a well thought out plot and the characters have real depth to them. They aren't just carbon copies of hunky men who are maddeningly perfect. They aren't all over her and chasing after her constantly like cows off their feed.
They have actual personalities and they don't really all get along like they are supposed to. They bicker and Morgan definitely doesn't let them walk all over her. She is strong and more than willing to protect herself. I love it when these strong female roles actually stay consistent and don't change because they get a man.
Another point is that it isn't insta-love on any account. There has to be a lot of build up of trust and this is a slow burn which is awesome. It gives room for more plot. I'm going to be honest with y'all. In the reverse harem genre, there is a lot of smut with no plot. There is a lot of instant love and "just add a shirtless scene" to get the plot moving along. While there is some gratuitous sex appeal in this book, it isn't 100% the point of the book. This isn't a vehicle for a gang bang.
And there are some words I never thought that I would write.
Anyways, this book falls in the category of brussel sprouts. You either love them or hate them. Not much in the middle. It is fun and action packed with a ballsy heroine and a lot of tension with not all of it being sexual. There is real danger in this book and potential for growth from all of the characters. I cannot wait to see where it goes!
Okay, I need to be up front with y'all right away since this part wasn't included in the summary at all. This is a slow burn reverse harem. That means one girl and multiple partners. If that is not your cup of tea, then this book is most likely not for you. I feel like this should have been in the description but it is definitely a niche genre and it might drive people away. However, in the interest of full disclosure, there you go.
There isn't really all that much debauchery in the grand scheme of things but I think that is one of my favorite gifs of all time and I jump at the chance to use it again in a review.
Now I know what y'all are thinking. Assassins Brittain? Really?
YES. I know it has become a cliche that we are all sick to death of seeing, especially when it isn't done well. Also, I agree that the term is overused and I am not sure if it should have been used for this book. Warriors would have been better. Soldiers. Not really assassins.
And assassins plus girl plus romantic interest plus a bit of a special snowflake equals disappointment most of the time. I get it. It has been done to death.
But this book worked somehow.
Morgan has been trained since birth to be a warrior, a vicious killer that is willing to put her body at risk to protect other people. She is hyper aware of her responsibilities and wants to own them. She has been tortured and bullied for being an outcast to begin with and being a favorite of the head protector of the coven does not help. The witches seem to find delight in making her life a living hell. That all changes when she is accepted into the Academy under the guise of a new student in order to find out who is killing students.
That's when she meets Kincade, the leader of an elite group charged with protecting the school. Him and his team are also looking for the killer and clashes follow quickly. Sparks fly and she has to protect herself from all angles before people find out her secret.
It's all so horribly cliche but somehow, it worked for me.
What I enjoyed the most is that, despite it being a reverse harem, it still has a well thought out plot and the characters have real depth to them. They aren't just carbon copies of hunky men who are maddeningly perfect. They aren't all over her and chasing after her constantly like cows off their feed.
They have actual personalities and they don't really all get along like they are supposed to. They bicker and Morgan definitely doesn't let them walk all over her. She is strong and more than willing to protect herself. I love it when these strong female roles actually stay consistent and don't change because they get a man.
Another point is that it isn't insta-love on any account. There has to be a lot of build up of trust and this is a slow burn which is awesome. It gives room for more plot. I'm going to be honest with y'all. In the reverse harem genre, there is a lot of smut with no plot. There is a lot of instant love and "just add a shirtless scene" to get the plot moving along. While there is some gratuitous sex appeal in this book, it isn't 100% the point of the book. This isn't a vehicle for a gang bang.
And there are some words I never thought that I would write.
Anyways, this book falls in the category of brussel sprouts. You either love them or hate them. Not much in the middle. It is fun and action packed with a ballsy heroine and a lot of tension with not all of it being sexual. There is real danger in this book and potential for growth from all of the characters. I cannot wait to see where it goes!
November 29, 2017
Ideas 4/5
Execution 2/5
A great start to an indie series. The author has a vivid imagination and the world she has created is compelling. She describes it as an "urban fantasy slow burn reverse harem". How exciting is that!?!?! It delivers on all of these in spades, in particular, the reverse harem. The way it comes together is completely natural and makes sense in this world, which I assume isn't an easy feat. Morgan and her team each have their unique back stories that I'm looking forward to learning as the series progresses.
I'm hoping someone else has the words to properly critique what the author needs to work on technically. Here is my uneloquent attempt.....there isn't enough normal downtime with the characters between the action scenes so the rhythm seems off. Also new info is just kind of thrown at you so it seems awkward and too convenient, a pro has the knack to build up to and reveal new info in a coy or dramatic way. The tone is sometimes mixed, it starts off with a bang with Morgan battling monsters but there were a few YA moments as the story progressed especially the one dimensional bitchy witches and nerdy wizard roommate.
I'll definitely continue with the series and hope that the author doesn't make Morgan too much of a saviour for her harem. I'd hate to see them so love sworn that it zaps out all personality.
Overall a fun read worth trying :)
Execution 2/5
A great start to an indie series. The author has a vivid imagination and the world she has created is compelling. She describes it as an "urban fantasy slow burn reverse harem". How exciting is that!?!?! It delivers on all of these in spades, in particular, the reverse harem. The way it comes together is completely natural and makes sense in this world, which I assume isn't an easy feat. Morgan and her team each have their unique back stories that I'm looking forward to learning as the series progresses.
I'm hoping someone else has the words to properly critique what the author needs to work on technically. Here is my uneloquent attempt.....there isn't enough normal downtime with the characters between the action scenes so the rhythm seems off. Also new info is just kind of thrown at you so it seems awkward and too convenient, a pro has the knack to build up to and reveal new info in a coy or dramatic way. The tone is sometimes mixed, it starts off with a bang with Morgan battling monsters but there were a few YA moments as the story progressed especially the one dimensional bitchy witches and nerdy wizard roommate.
I'll definitely continue with the series and hope that the author doesn't make Morgan too much of a saviour for her harem. I'd hate to see them so love sworn that it zaps out all personality.
Overall a fun read worth trying :)
November 29, 2021
Even though it has been a year-ish since I've read Academy of Assassins, I honestly didn't remember everything. Which, in some weird way, ended up being a blessing. I got to see the world, the school, and the overall adventure a bit differently. Of course, we get to meet the mean girl who claims a guy she has no real claim to. Just so she can be her evil self.
Then we get to meet the main character, Morgan, who is pretty freaking magical in lots of ways but wants no one to really know. Especially when it comes to the ruins on her back. Things don't always go her way or the way she thinks it should but she doesn't give up once. She was a complete bad ass in her own way and pretty likable too.
As for the guys? Well, it's no surprise as to who was claimed to be her mate already. Seriously, there isn't. I wasn't shocked one bit because it did seem pretty obvious as to who it would be. That being said, I'm very excited to jump into the sequel because I never made it to that book.
______________________
I liked this a bit more than I thought I would end up.
Academy of Assassins was an interesting book. Probably because of little ole Morgan. She was taken to a clan where she was pretty much tortured everyday. Then one day she is sent to this academy to find out who is killing girls like her. It seemed a bit odd but I wanted to see how everything was going to play out.
Now I love a good reverse harem book every now and then.. but I absolutely hate insta-love or slow burn romances. This one was definitely a slow burn.. and it was agonizing to get through. I'm so picky about romance lately that it is kind of driving me crazy.
Besides the romance, the characters were kind of meh. Which definitely surprises me because the story was likable (in a way). I feel like maybe this book kind of made me a hot mess because I liked it.. but also didn't at the same time. It was interesting enough but I didn't really connect to anyone or anything.
Overall, I have no idea what the hell I just wrote. I'm so confused. Send help.
Then we get to meet the main character, Morgan, who is pretty freaking magical in lots of ways but wants no one to really know. Especially when it comes to the ruins on her back. Things don't always go her way or the way she thinks it should but she doesn't give up once. She was a complete bad ass in her own way and pretty likable too.
As for the guys? Well, it's no surprise as to who was claimed to be her mate already. Seriously, there isn't. I wasn't shocked one bit because it did seem pretty obvious as to who it would be. That being said, I'm very excited to jump into the sequel because I never made it to that book.
______________________
I liked this a bit more than I thought I would end up.
Academy of Assassins was an interesting book. Probably because of little ole Morgan. She was taken to a clan where she was pretty much tortured everyday. Then one day she is sent to this academy to find out who is killing girls like her. It seemed a bit odd but I wanted to see how everything was going to play out.
Now I love a good reverse harem book every now and then.. but I absolutely hate insta-love or slow burn romances. This one was definitely a slow burn.. and it was agonizing to get through. I'm so picky about romance lately that it is kind of driving me crazy.
Besides the romance, the characters were kind of meh. Which definitely surprises me because the story was likable (in a way). I feel like maybe this book kind of made me a hot mess because I liked it.. but also didn't at the same time. It was interesting enough but I didn't really connect to anyone or anything.
Overall, I have no idea what the hell I just wrote. I'm so confused. Send help.
February 10, 2018
3.5 stars
Man am I glad I read a review from my GR friend BleuBelle about this book. As she said in her review, good reverse harem stories are hard to find. This one is better than most I read, but still ... I am picky, and it still wasn‘t quite were I wanted it - there were some tropes mixed in I am not too fond of.
The first half was rather entertaining for me. I am a sucker for bad ass heroines and in the beginning the h does a good job in that, she is a lone wolf and fighter and when she comes to the academy her biggest challenge would be to work in a team.
A big plus of this story is, it doesn‘t suffer from the typical „all male love interests are the same“. We get to meet characters, that are indeed not interchangeable. There even isn‘t real insta-love, although they are drawn to each other, another plus. The beginning was a rather mindful explanation of the h situation, it takes some time since she gets to really meet the Heroes and I liked that as well.
But one of my biggest problems here was, that a lot of things started good and then stalled. While I was rather smitten with the beginning, as soon as she lands in the Academy, I wasn‘t that impressed anymore and things started to annoy and nibble at me. I especially hate it, when every single frigging woman is a goddamn bitch. Every female witch was horrible to her, even if you wanna make one character bitchy, do they all have to be the same? Why is it so hard to find a great female friendship in books?
Then there is the special snowflake Syndrom. I would LOVED if she really was nothing but a mutt, that worked her ass off to get at the same level as normal hunters, but no of course that was not enough. What I absolutely adored, was her torque - that was so very entertaining and cool, I couldn‘t get enough of it.
A few more things didn‘t work me, the more I think about it, actually. The h‘s character felt rather badass in the beginning and in between, but at times like in the ending, that I didn‘t like at all, she was rather useless for the most important parts. Her main love interest Kincade was an intolerant, sexist prick and he will definitely not get my vote.
The most interesting and most mysterious guy was Atlas, the elf, I found him rather intriguing.
Then there was the „boss fight“, and I couldn‘t get into that at all, the pupil that betrayed the school was way to obvious, the whole storyline and dialogue was absolut shit in my opinion.
It was a mixture of high and lows, but I was rather entertained by it and will definitely continue reading. Thanks at BleuBelle for that interesting tip :)
Man am I glad I read a review from my GR friend BleuBelle about this book. As she said in her review, good reverse harem stories are hard to find. This one is better than most I read, but still ... I am picky, and it still wasn‘t quite were I wanted it - there were some tropes mixed in I am not too fond of.
The first half was rather entertaining for me. I am a sucker for bad ass heroines and in the beginning the h does a good job in that, she is a lone wolf and fighter and when she comes to the academy her biggest challenge would be to work in a team.
A big plus of this story is, it doesn‘t suffer from the typical „all male love interests are the same“. We get to meet characters, that are indeed not interchangeable. There even isn‘t real insta-love, although they are drawn to each other, another plus. The beginning was a rather mindful explanation of the h situation, it takes some time since she gets to really meet the Heroes and I liked that as well.
But one of my biggest problems here was, that a lot of things started good and then stalled. While I was rather smitten with the beginning, as soon as she lands in the Academy, I wasn‘t that impressed anymore and things started to annoy and nibble at me. I especially hate it, when every single frigging woman is a goddamn bitch. Every female witch was horrible to her, even if you wanna make one character bitchy, do they all have to be the same? Why is it so hard to find a great female friendship in books?
Then there is the special snowflake Syndrom. I would LOVED if she really was nothing but a mutt, that worked her ass off to get at the same level as normal hunters, but no of course that was not enough. What I absolutely adored, was her torque - that was so very entertaining and cool, I couldn‘t get enough of it.
A few more things didn‘t work me, the more I think about it, actually. The h‘s character felt rather badass in the beginning and in between, but at times like in the ending, that I didn‘t like at all, she was rather useless for the most important parts. Her main love interest Kincade was an intolerant, sexist prick and he will definitely not get my vote.
The most interesting and most mysterious guy was Atlas, the elf, I found him rather intriguing.
Then there was the „boss fight“, and I couldn‘t get into that at all, the pupil that betrayed the school was way to obvious, the whole storyline and dialogue was absolut shit in my opinion.
It was a mixture of high and lows, but I was rather entertained by it and will definitely continue reading. Thanks at BleuBelle for that interesting tip :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2018
4.25 stars!
January 14, 2018
3.5 Stars
Seeing as I read this after reading Seduction I can't help but be a little critical.
Morgan has always wanted to be a huntress, found as a child wandering alone in the forest with no idea of what/who she is, is taken in by the leader of the clan. She has to fight and strive to survive the witches who were so petty enough to torture her. When she is given the opportunity to attend the Academy of Assassins with a mission from her leader to find who's killing girls like her, she jumps right into it. There she meets and joins the members of the elite team consisting of 4/5 guys. They go on missions to find out who's stealing relics and siphoning their power and Morgan also searches for her killer.
While this book was great I didn't really connect with the characters, I know there will be opportunity to do so in the books to follow but I still feel as though there could have been more to make the characters more alive and entertaining in this book.
So that being said, I look forward to the next book.
Seeing as I read this after reading Seduction I can't help but be a little critical.
Morgan has always wanted to be a huntress, found as a child wandering alone in the forest with no idea of what/who she is, is taken in by the leader of the clan. She has to fight and strive to survive the witches who were so petty enough to torture her. When she is given the opportunity to attend the Academy of Assassins with a mission from her leader to find who's killing girls like her, she jumps right into it. There she meets and joins the members of the elite team consisting of 4/5 guys. They go on missions to find out who's stealing relics and siphoning their power and Morgan also searches for her killer.
While this book was great I didn't really connect with the characters, I know there will be opportunity to do so in the books to follow but I still feel as though there could have been more to make the characters more alive and entertaining in this book.
So that being said, I look forward to the next book.
November 20, 2018
Morgan has been treated badly by witches for a long time now, but when she is being sent away to an Academy of Assassins to find a murder and join in on the danger things get complicated. She's been trying to keep her secrets and not get close to people, but when she gets selected for a team, and starts to care for those around her things get even more complicated. Morgan must learn how to deal with her new feelings, her magic, and find a killer before she's the next one on the list.
This book was very good! I really loved Morgan's character, and I adored how strong she was, and her relationships with the guys. I also loved how the plot line was constantly keeping me guessing, and how it's setting it up to be a great series.
Now, there were a few things that bugged me that seemed to be glanced over, but other than that I really thought the book was very good, and I look forward to more in this series. Such a good promising start!
This book was very good! I really loved Morgan's character, and I adored how strong she was, and her relationships with the guys. I also loved how the plot line was constantly keeping me guessing, and how it's setting it up to be a great series.
Now, there were a few things that bugged me that seemed to be glanced over, but other than that I really thought the book was very good, and I look forward to more in this series. Such a good promising start!
November 13, 2024
It felt like the author would write a chapter, wait 6 months, and then write the next chapter without fully remembering what she had already written. There were contradictory moments and the world-building was sooo confusing. One moment a character would be knocked out cold, and the next moment they would be fully involved in the dialogue. it didn't make sense. Unfortunately, this was not written well. The characters were weak and the story was clunky. The FMC was also soooo stupid.
July 2, 2022
#2. Assassins²: Ugh ★★½
#3. Assassins³: Let's Hope It Ends Soon ★
Huh. Ok. I guess I read it wrong. Positive side: I survived! Yay for me¡
Sorry Pinkie Pie *shrugs*
#3. Assassins³: Let's Hope It Ends Soon ★
Huh. Ok. I guess I read it wrong. Positive side: I survived! Yay for me¡
Sorry Pinkie Pie *shrugs*
August 29, 2021
I just keep torturing myself reading series that only have one book. Aggggg. Anyway, I loved this book and I can't believe I didn't start it sooner.
Now, off to read Raven Investigations by the same author.
Now, off to read Raven Investigations by the same author.
November 13, 2017
Cliche. Cliche. Cliche. It was bearable until the mating part when the guys took away her choice and made decisions for her. Please. Protection and respect are not separable. In the end, fuck kincade and ascher. Team Ryder.
August 3, 2023
interesting premise
This has such an interesting premise but it was not executed well. Things jump around so much, there’s practically no difference between the guys, no development before being mated. The fmc is tough but also nothing else. The climax happens so quickly, one second the fmc doesn’t know anything and the next she’s jumping into action and knows everything. Idk but this wasn’t it for me.
This has such an interesting premise but it was not executed well. Things jump around so much, there’s practically no difference between the guys, no development before being mated. The fmc is tough but also nothing else. The climax happens so quickly, one second the fmc doesn’t know anything and the next she’s jumping into action and knows everything. Idk but this wasn’t it for me.
November 6, 2017
That was so freaking good!
The writing was gripping and the story so fascinatingly interesting. I liked practically everything I read and savored every moment of it, pulling another all-nighter in the process.
I loved every one of the characters and look forward to getting to know more about each of them and spending more time with them! And the world, it was so cool. Did anyone else think of Hogwarts when reading the description of the Academy (the building itself)?
Some events felt a little rushed to me and I would have liked Morgan to spend a little more time forming the bond with her team, instead of it just appearing one day, but those are the only things that I wouldn't have minded changing. Everything else was just right. I even guessed the identity of the killer!
I just finished reading and I'm still super hyped on all the feelings from the book, so I'm just gonna stop now with my happy rumblings.
I need the next book!
The writing was gripping and the story so fascinatingly interesting. I liked practically everything I read and savored every moment of it, pulling another all-nighter in the process.
I loved every one of the characters and look forward to getting to know more about each of them and spending more time with them! And the world, it was so cool. Did anyone else think of Hogwarts when reading the description of the Academy (the building itself)?
Some events felt a little rushed to me and I would have liked Morgan to spend a little more time forming the bond with her team, instead of it just appearing one day, but those are the only things that I wouldn't have minded changing. Everything else was just right. I even guessed the identity of the killer!
I just finished reading and I'm still super hyped on all the feelings from the book, so I'm just gonna stop now with my happy rumblings.
I need the next book!
October 30, 2019
I like the h, the H(s), the world, & I’m happy to follow the series along as the overall arc is revealed to us. So why not 5 stars? I think the book would’ve benefited from MPOV, I’d love to know what the guys are thinking. I realize that Ryder’s POV was revealed towards the end but it was a tiny bit & not enough. I also want to note I attempted this book twice before I finally purchased the audible version bc it started so slow I’d lose interest. Glad I stuck with it. 4 stars. I look forward to book 2
February 9, 2018
3.5/4Star
Liked the story and characters, loses 1,5 star because the reverse harem that i really don't like!!!
Liked the story and characters, loses 1,5 star because the reverse harem that i really don't like!!!
June 1, 2018
5+ Stars - Reread before starting book 2. I love everything about this book - the story, world, characters, action/ass-kicking, and developing romance. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about it. I really hope Heart of Assassins is just as good. Definitely a favorite of mine!
January 20, 2021
4 Ohh, this was so much better than I expected!
The blurb does not do it justice. Really, it doesn't (if not for other reviews, I wouldn't have read this one).
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I only started reading because a lot of friends seemed to like it so much, so I said why not.
Yay, it was a great start of the series!
When I read the 'academy' title, I expected some annoying college kids or smth, and this was so not the case!
The h & H are awesome, the plot is fun and engaging, and I really can't seem to be able to put this book down.
It's definitely worth reading, just like everyone else says. It's kinda all you can wish for in a UF: kick-ass MC, amazing friends & people around her, so much action that you can't put the book down, and great writing.
First time I try this author, but I can't wait to read more!
The blurb does not do it justice. Really, it doesn't (if not for other reviews, I wouldn't have read this one).
[image error]
I only started reading because a lot of friends seemed to like it so much, so I said why not.
Yay, it was a great start of the series!
When I read the 'academy' title, I expected some annoying college kids or smth, and this was so not the case!
The h & H are awesome, the plot is fun and engaging, and I really can't seem to be able to put this book down.
It's definitely worth reading, just like everyone else says. It's kinda all you can wish for in a UF: kick-ass MC, amazing friends & people around her, so much action that you can't put the book down, and great writing.
First time I try this author, but I can't wait to read more!
June 6, 2018
Love, love, loved this series so far! What an awesome read!
May 29, 2018
I love the genre "reverse-harem", but it's really difficult to find good books. This one was an exception, it's golden.
From the first sentence I was hooked. The characters, the story line, world building and the relationships between the Heroine and the Heroes. It was awesome. I can't wait for the next book, I need it now.
From the first sentence I was hooked. The characters, the story line, world building and the relationships between the Heroine and the Heroes. It was awesome. I can't wait for the next book, I need it now.
May 6, 2018
And now we wait ...........
November 14, 2017
I really liked this! It has great worldbuilding and awesome characters! I wish there would’ve been more romance (fingers crossed for that in book 2)!
December 31, 2023
I read this book, because I needed a Assassin book for a challenge. And I owned this one
I remember that I enjoyed the story while reading it. But it didn't make a big impression on me because I can't remember most of the story only 5 days after reading it.
I liked the Hellhound Asher!
I remember that I enjoyed the story while reading it. But it didn't make a big impression on me because I can't remember most of the story only 5 days after reading it.
I liked the Hellhound Asher!
September 2, 2023
why haven’t i read this book before now?!
this was everything i needed!!! fast-paced fantasy rh with a kickass heroine who actually has a great personality, plus men with actual characters who protect but don’t smother.
i will say the mean-girl stereotype is soooo tiresome, and the hatred for short skirts and whatnot is so very 2010… but i overlooked it, and it might’ve actually improved at the end there?? not sure but fingers crossed!!
overall this was just super entertaining and fun :).
this was everything i needed!!! fast-paced fantasy rh with a kickass heroine who actually has a great personality, plus men with actual characters who protect but don’t smother.
i will say the mean-girl stereotype is soooo tiresome, and the hatred for short skirts and whatnot is so very 2010… but i overlooked it, and it might’ve actually improved at the end there?? not sure but fingers crossed!!
overall this was just super entertaining and fun :).
November 26, 2017
GIVE ME THE GODDAMN SECOND BOOK ALREADY.....
I DON'T CARE FOR ANYTHING ELSE
I DON'T CARE FOR ANYTHING ELSE
November 6, 2017
Morgan was discovered alone in the woods as a small child. She has no memory of her early years. She was raised in a coven as a Hunter. Life hasn't been easy for her; the witches abuse her and her training is twice as hard as any other's since she's a girl. She has one true friend, a hellhound, Ascher. Her life changes on the day that she receives an invitation to the elite Academy of Assassins, a school that trains witches and hunters for their most important job, protecting the human world from supernaturals. From the first moment, she arrives at the Academy she makes an impact. She is placed in the boy's wing with a boy roommate. makes an enemy of the "Queen" Witch, she gets under the skin of her trainer, she runs with werewolves, and she kicks some serious a** in her classes. She's placed on the most elite of teams as a test of her abilities; fit in and perform or be kicked out. It won't be easy, there haven't been any Huntresses in over 100 years. Still, this is Morgan and she was meant to hunt. Her team. Kincade, the leader, Draven, Ryder, and Atlas all accept her with varying degrees of acceptance, but they all acknowledge her skillset. Her old coven is attacked and danger follows her to the Academy. There is a price on her head as secrets of her past start to be revealed.
I loved this book! The story was entertaining and exciting, but the characters took it to the next level for me. Morgan is feisty, intelligent, tenacious, kind, determined, innocent, and aware. She's so strong, but vulnerable at the same time. She wants a family, love. She never backs down from a challenge and protects all who are weaker than she is. She wins the loyalty of a hellhound, the respect of an elf, the adoration of a siren and a werewolf, and the devotion of a gargoyle. The girl is seriously fabulous! The guys are all fantastic. They each have secrets and insecurities even if they seem perfect. The world-building is excellent. The injustices in the world and the wrongs committed by some of the witches made for a great, albeit frustrating angle. Discrimination and unfairness in the paranormal world!
Be aware, this is a can't put down, read-through- the night kind of book. Once you pick it up, there's no stopping. It's dangerously addictive. It's pure entertainment. I have a few questions that I look forward to being answered in the next book. Hopefully, the adventure continues soon. I look forward to watching Morgan and the team get even closer.
I loved this book! The story was entertaining and exciting, but the characters took it to the next level for me. Morgan is feisty, intelligent, tenacious, kind, determined, innocent, and aware. She's so strong, but vulnerable at the same time. She wants a family, love. She never backs down from a challenge and protects all who are weaker than she is. She wins the loyalty of a hellhound, the respect of an elf, the adoration of a siren and a werewolf, and the devotion of a gargoyle. The girl is seriously fabulous! The guys are all fantastic. They each have secrets and insecurities even if they seem perfect. The world-building is excellent. The injustices in the world and the wrongs committed by some of the witches made for a great, albeit frustrating angle. Discrimination and unfairness in the paranormal world!
Be aware, this is a can't put down, read-through- the night kind of book. Once you pick it up, there's no stopping. It's dangerously addictive. It's pure entertainment. I have a few questions that I look forward to being answered in the next book. Hopefully, the adventure continues soon. I look forward to watching Morgan and the team get even closer.
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