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Academy 7

by Anne Osterlund (Goodreads Author)

3.89 · rating details · 2,813 ratings · 481 reviews

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin - son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance - consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at ...more

Paperback, 272 pages

Published May 14th 2009 by Puffin

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Dec 14, 2009

Tamora Pierce rated it

Shelves: sf-ya-yr

Don't let the cover fool you--and it does, completely. It's science fiction. I think there probably is romance, too, but the science fiction is the main element. The story snaps along. It believably shows how the philosophical split between the brightest students in the ruling stellar government's top academy resulted in revolution, and how their children, all unknowing, must live with the results. There's plenty to think about in regard to governments and the governed, and some thought-pro...more

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Jan 31, 2009

Karin rated it

Shelves: 2009-reads, youngadult

Every young citizen of the Alliance between the ages of sixteen and seventeen is given the Academy Entrance Exam. The results of the test determines which Academy the student will attend. Academy 7 is the most prestigious school in all of the Alliance and only the students with the top 50 scores are invited to attend each year.

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin both receive invitations to Academy 7 and both decide to accept for their own, very different, reasons. Aerin has some deep, ...more

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Aug 12, 2009

Jess rated it

Shelves: read-in-2009, young-adult, fantasy

First of all, I enjoyed the writing style in Academy 7. It didn't feel like the typical young adult book - the writing and vocabulary seemed more mature. I also appreciated the subtle building of characters through their actions and dialogue.

The futuristic setting at an elite school and the two well constructed characters, each with different histories, caught my attention immediately. Unfortunately, what goes on between the two of them takes up most of the story. I would have lik...more

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Feb 11, 2010

Kristen "Kirby" rated it

Recommends it for: 10-14 year olds

Shelves: reviews, ya, ok-but-nothing-special

Academy 7 has been compared to Hunger Games, but I found little similarities between the two. Other than the characters training for survival (a very little part of the story) and the fact that the "Alliance" held a lot of power and secrets, there was nothing to link the two together.

The storyline was decent and the characters held a lot of potential. But, half the time I didn't really have a clue what was happening or where the characters were, due to...more

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Jul 02, 2009

Kristi (The Story Siren) added it

Shelves: own-arc, signed-arcs

I’m not usually a science fiction literature fan, but Academy 7 has become an exception. Contrary to their futuristic setting the characters are easily relatable to today’s teen. They have many of the same struggles, dreams and desires. Aerin and Dane were well developed and captivating characters to read about.

From the synopsis I was expecting more sinister plot twist than what the story ultimately revealed, but I still really enjoyed the seamlessly intertwined plot that Osterlund ...more

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Jan 06, 2012

Sharon rated it

(Read this and other reviews at Fictionally Inclined.)

My sister gave me this book to read, and since we usually have pretty similar taste, I trusted her judgment. The premise sounded good enough. Plus, look at the pretty cover! It turns out that I was right to trust her; I enjoyed this book a lot!

Academy 7 was so cute! It was a fast read, but it wasn't super light. It had substance, an interesting premise with good execution, and a decent plot. In fact, if anything, I w...more(Read this and other reviews at Fictionally Inclined.)

My sister gave me this book to read, and since we usually have pretty similar taste, I trusted her judgment. The premise sounded good enough. Plus, look at the pretty cover! It turns out that I was right to trust her; I enjoyed this book a lot!

Academy 7 was so cute! It was a fast read, but it wasn't super light. It had substance, an interesting premise with good execution, and a decent plot. In fact, if anything, I would have liked to see some things fleshed out more, specifically the ending, which was a little abrupt. Regardless, it was still a pleasurable read. I particularly enjoyed the original world Osterlund had created. I am...strange when it comes to sci-fi. I am not usually a fan unless it is a background for a romance, and even then, I'm picky. But this worked for me. And it was so nice to actually have a story in a different universe that -- *gasp* -- wasn't part of a series. Now, don't get me wrong; I love a good series. I also happen to be impatient, though, and I hate waiting in between the books. Plus, I am always worried that I will forget the details and it won't be as great of an experience as reading the books back-to-back. Which is true to some extent, although I have started to get over that. There are just too many things I'm dying to read that are the first in a series; I know I will cave on at least some of them. But I digress.

The main thing I loved about this book was the development of the relationship between the two main characters. Aerin is so hesitant about everything at first, including actually having a friend in Dane. She just broke my heart and made me want to hug her. But the way they naturally develop from strangers (with some animosity on one side) to friends to, eventually, more was so realistic and beautiful. It grew naturally, and the way their feelings were portrayed was perfect.

Oh, and there was sparring! Which always makes me happy.

This was a cute, satisfying read that left me with a smile on my face -- the perfect way to spend my Friday morning.(less)

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Dec 03, 2011

Amanda rated it

Shelves: favorites

WOW. Is the cover misleading or what? LOL It's definitely a sort of science fiction romance book but it is definitely not how the cover portrays the book. I think this might the only science fiction book that didn't confuse me with a bunch of terms!

1. I love Aerin and Dane's relationship. They don't fall in love right away like most teens in young adult books. They both have special abilities that the other doesn't have which is nice. They sort of complete each other (like a puzzle pie...more

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Oct 29, 2011

Shante rated it

Shelves: young-adult, favorites, sci-fi

I feel really sorry for this book because the cover plus the title leads you to think ACADEMY 7 is another one of those YA paranormal romances where the brunette shy female lead goes to a weird, exclusive boarding school only to discover that she has super speshul powers and to fall into a love triangle. That's what I thought for the 100 times it showed up in my Goodread suggestions. After repeatedly clicking "not interested" I decided to give it a try.

I'M GLAD I DID. I WAS C...more

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Aug 15, 2011

Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it

Dane and Aerin are both very screwed up people, broken and closed off. Academy 7 is science fictions, deals with wars, ethics and family, but, ultimately, I think the most important aspect of the story is the way that Dane and Aerin are slowly managing to recover from the wounds of their childhoods together. There relationship evolves slowly and believably.

Although I never got very close to any of the characters, I did like Dane and Aerin, drawn naturally to their intelligence. The fir...more

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Jun 24, 2011

Rachel rated it

Shelves: ya-books

I know a book has problems when I put it down on page 219 (out of 259 pages) and can't be bothered to pick it up again to finish.

It had an interesting premise: Two teenagers at the elitest academy in the galaxy. One is an ex-slave. One is the son of the galaxy's leader.

The execution was not so good.

The world-building didn't work (As the top 50 students in a world of hundred and hundreds of populated planets, I'd expect these kids to be pretty smart. But th...more

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May 03, 2011

Jasmyn9 rated it

Shelves: fiction, young-adult, science-fiction

Aerrin Renning is orphaned and alone - adrift in her father's spaceship when the unexpected happens. She is rescued, tested, and sent to most elite school in the Alliance. Here she meets the famous Dane Madousin, the son of one of the most influential men in the Alliance. Both arrive with a big chip on their shoulders and with the feeling of needing to prove themselves. Aerrin is desperate to hide her past from her classmates, while Dane is struggling to prove he's not just like his father.
...more

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Mar 24, 2011

geekgirl rated it

Originally Posted on my blog here

This was a great read! Don't let the cover fool you (this coming from a self-proclaimed Cover-Judger), it's not what it appears to be. It appears to be a (possibly) historical-type romance. In actuality, it's a gripping science-fiction adventure.

This was thrilling and I loved it.

The characters come from completely different worlds--Aerin, an on-the-run ex-slave, and Dane, an unloved second son to a very wealthy and powerful ...more

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Jan 04, 2011

Anna rated it

This book is marketed as sci-fi/futuristic, but besides the fact that they fly between planets instead of driving between cities, it is exactly what we deal with today. ACADEMY 7 is not futuristic, it is dystopian. The protagonists, Aerin and Dane, are citizens of The Alliance, a community of planets based on the idea that unity produces freedom. Though they each have different reasons, Aerin and Dane fight to prove that this is not true.
The characters, not the plot, make ACADEMY 7 a master...more

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Jul 14, 2010

Eloise rated it

I’m going to start off by saying that I’m prejudiced against sci-fi novels. I don’t really know why, considering I’ve never had a bad experience with one. I guess I just don’t like the “idea” of them. In any case, if I had known Academy 7 was sci-fi I would have never picked it up. I’m glad I didn’t, because it really was a pleasure reading it.

Academy 7 is split between the perspectives of Aerin and Dane, two incredibly intelligent students who come from two very different background...more

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Oct 11, 2009

Jenna rated it

Shelves: young-adult, read-in-2009

I started this book with pretty much no idea what it was about. Finding scifi inside was a surprise. The universe in the book kind of reminded me of Star Wars a little, but I found it very interesting and enjoyed learning about it. I like Aerin and Dane. It was interesting to see them grow and open up throughout the book. They both had their own issues and I liked the way we slowly learn about each of them. I wouldn't have minded a little more romance, but I did like their relationship.
...more

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Sep 03, 2009

Ann rated it

Shelves: science-fiction, 2009

Aerin Renning has escaped years of abuse and imprisonment on a slave planet. Dane Madousin, son of the Alliance Council's General, has just committed a crime. The two have just been accepted into the most elite school in the universe: Academy 7. Aerin, believing her status as an Alliance citizen is a sham, is terrified that she will be discovered and expelled. Dane knows that his harsh father will never allow him to remain at the school. As the two most talented students in the entering class, t...more

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Jan 11, 2012

Maida Khalid rated it

Shelves: favorites, young-adult, dystopian

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Okay, can I just start by saying these are not the types of books I read. But I was really glad that I did. It was wonderful. It had all the right emotions and ideas to make your heart beat fast! It was an amazing read. I would re-read it without a doubt. ;)

I loved the main characters in this book. Both Dane and Airen are living with dark, and dreadful secrets. Although they put on a happy face around others and do what they want to ensure their future. They both want to make a differe...moreOkay, can I just start by saying these are not the types of books I read. But I was really glad that I did. It was wonderful. It had all the right emotions and ideas to make your heart beat fast! It was an amazing read. I would re-read it without a doubt. ;)

I loved the main characters in this book. Both Dane and Airen are living with dark, and dreadful secrets. Although they put on a happy face around others and do what they want to ensure their future. They both want to make a difference in their lives and have no problem admitting that. It is really inspiring to see such bravery from these two characters as they face their challenges at a state of the art school (Academy 7) and battle their dark and horrific pasts.

One of my most favourite parts from the book is Airen and Dane's relationship throughout the book. At first they are not friends and to an extent don't appreciate each other's company. However, that slowly starts to change after they both get into trouble at school and are punished for it, by cleaning and fixing parts of the school as requested by their principal, Dr. Livinski. They become friends and begin to understand each other and its not soon enough that their relationship turns from friends to something else, something much more deeper. They begin to share their lives with each other and trust each other. It was truly touching, because their romance wasn't one of those cliches but actually sweet. It made you feel sympathy towards these two teens whose past life experiences have emotionally worn them out, but had found something good within each other.

As the story progresses, both Dane and Airen's secrets are revealed. It was very nice to see that they both helped and understood each other in these painful moments. Especially, Dane with his secret of his dad beating him and Airen's secret about finding out who her mother was and how she died. Both of them learned to let things out and move on with their lives as leaders. They understood that the past wasn't going to change but they could make a future for themselves, a future without pain and turmoil. They learned to accept that they had a right to be happy and no one could take that away from them!

I was really into this book. It kept me glued to the pages. I wouldn't say it's a book with action or mystery but of life and understanding. As a teen myself, I felt what Dane and Airen were going through. I understood their emotions and their reasons for wanting to keep everyone and everything at bay. Ms. Osterlund did an incredible job portraying the emotions and lives of teens who have been abused and left without hope. I was just glad that the main characters got over their hardships and there was a happy ending to their griefs! ;)

Overall, I would recommend this book to every single person out there. It will leave you breathless and completely touched living and sharing lives with both Dane and Airen. Although, I haven't read a book by Ms. Osterlund, I have to say I was very impressed and will definitely look into more books by her. It was worth every single second of my life, that I spent reading this heartfelt story of two wonderful and very brave people! It was truly amazing. I don't know what else to say about it!! ;)

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Dec 06, 2011

Hana rated it

when i read the synopsis on goodreads i literally squealed! this is exactly my kind of book- kickass heroine, elite academy for gifted students, badass hero, new universe..

i still stand by that- this concept is AMAZING. sadly, it was not written and explored to its full potential. after reading the book and after the buzz wore off, i realized that there was no major conflict. the ending was anticlimatic.. the book was rather anticlimatic now that i think about it. when she visits th...more

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Sep 29, 2011

Reynje rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011, young-adult, sci-fi, dual-or-multiple-pov

Academy 7 was a step outside of my usual reading tastes, but one I’m glad I took. I am all about expanding my book horizons, these days.

The story revolves around two central characters, Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin, who initially manifest with distinct polarity. Aerin is an orphaned fugitive, making a desperate escape from years of slavery on a despotic planet that has cast off technology and progress in favour of cruelty and “culling”. Dane is the son of a decorated militar...more

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Jan 06, 2011

Brodie rated it

Shelves: favorites

This is one of the few.... perhaps only (my memory really sucks sometimes) science fiction books I've read. And loved every page of it. The cover art and synopsis don't really give much indication that this book is science fiction, but whether you're a sci-fi or not, this is a book for every fan of YA.

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin are invited to attend the most-exclusive school in the Universe: Academy 7. They accept the honour, but both are running or hiding away from something - .h...moreThis is one of the few.... perhaps only (my memory really sucks sometimes) science fiction books I've read. And loved every page of it. The cover art and synopsis don't really give much indication that this book is science fiction, but whether you're a sci-fi or not, this is a book for every fan of YA.

Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin are invited to attend the most-exclusive school in the Universe: Academy 7. They accept the honour, but both are running or hiding away from something - .harbouring painful secrets which they've tightly wrapped in an iron-clad prison around their hearts that in the end, can only be unlocked by each other.

Aerin desperately needs to blend in among the other citizens of the Alliance and hide the dark past she's running from. For a girl of such a young age, the past 6 years of her life have been a horrific ordeal. She can't afford to be found out, the consequences are extreme. But then, she didn't count on ever befriending Dane Madousin.

Dane is the son of the the General of the Alliance. Meaning his father is verrrry powerful. The father and son do not get along and despite Academy 7 having it's awe-inspired reputation, the General is furious when he learns Dane has accepted the invitation and is already a few weeks into his education. He has a bad grudge against the school for some unknown reason, something that adds to the developing mystery. Aerin and Dane quickly lead the pack among the students in terms of academics. The pair absolutely wipe the floor of any competition in combat class. Aerin in particular polishes that floor of Dane ;) That is one girl you do not want to mess with in a dark alley. It's no surprise they're paired up to be training partners.

Aerin is extraordinarily talented, her intelligence and fighting abilities far outstrip the majority of her classmates. But there's the times where she is absolutely clueless. In Debate particularly, Dane trumps her. Simple historical facts and that she didn't even know how to turn on a computer, when five minutes later she bypassed the entire security system on the very same computer. Dane notices and it's not too long after that he uncovers part of her secret.

The mystery develops at a comfortable pace. Anne Osterlund sprinkles clues along at various intervals - actually, I remember something she wrote about Aerin from Dane's POV, which I thought nothing of until we see a memory (called a Simulation) near the end of the book and literally a few pages before something big is revealed I had my "AH HA!" moment where I remembered what Dane observed early on and I was spot on. Okay, I'm making a big deal over nothing. It was one-word clue. But... I still figured it out before it was revealed :)

What I loved the most about Academy 7 was the relationship between Aerin and Dane. In a genre where there are quite a few books I've read where the girl and guy fall head over heels in love with each other before the 5th chapter, the pace and realism of which Aerin and Dane's relationship progressed was really nice. The transition from dislike, to rivals, to tentative friends, to a beautiful friendship hinting at something more to... well, I don't want to spoil the ending for you! Don't dive into this book expecting an explosive, hot and heavy romance. It's not that, it's much deeper. I love the way their connection to one another unfolds. At times it seems so fragile because the characters themselves are fragile, yet at the same time, they're incredibly strong. Much stronger than any of their classmates. Physically and emotionally.

They need one another to unlock the mystery of the past, their parents and what's really going on outside the Alliance. Along the way they learn to trust, to open the window to their souls so they other can see in. I loved the way it progressed and the ending was perfect. I am really, really, really hoping there's a book 2. I did a quick search on Google and read something about a possible trilogy, but nothing definite. A trilogy would be fantastic - a book for each year at the Academy? I want to see Aerin and Dane's story further explored!

I will definitely be checking out Anne's other books!(less)

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Apr 21, 2010

Abby Johnson rated it

Aerin Renning is a former slave and fugitive who still can't believe her luck in ending up at the most prestigious school in the Alliance. Dane Madousin is the son of an influential Alliance leader, defying all his father's wishes by enrolling in Academy 7. From their first day at the Academy, Aerin and Dane compete with each other for the top spots, but they have more in common than they could guess. Each harbors a horrible secret that threatens their success. And they'll have to work together ...more

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Aug 19, 2011

Treasa rated it

Shelves: high-school, orphans, sci-fi, school, teenage-angst, young-adult, college, saving-the-world

Aerin has lived most of her life as an outsider, so when she is accepted to the most prestigious school in the universe, she jumps at the chance to improve her life and find a place where she belongs. Dane has lived his life as a celebrity, the son of one of the most powerful people in the universe. When he is accepted to Academy 7, he goes mostly to escape his father. As Aerin and Dane, the top students in their class, are thrown together more and more in school, a friendship begins to form, wh...moreAerin has lived most of her life as an outsider, so when she is accepted to the most prestigious school in the universe, she jumps at the chance to improve her life and find a place where she belongs. Dane has lived his life as a celebrity, the son of one of the most powerful people in the universe. When he is accepted to Academy 7, he goes mostly to escape his father. As Aerin and Dane, the top students in their class, are thrown together more and more in school, a friendship begins to form, while, at the same time, each of them harbors secrets that they can't let the other see, secrets that are deeper and darker than either cares to admit. But there are bigger secrets around: secrets that connect Aerin and Dane in ways they never imagined, secrets that can only be discovered if Aerin and Dane learn to trust each other and themselves.

Going into this book, I had no idea it was science-fiction. It is. And yet, that really didn't have much of an impact on the story. It could easily have taken place in our world (just change the spaceships to cars and planes, switch the different planets to different countries, and it still works). Maybe that's one reason I wasn't totally crazy about this book. I really liked the characters - Aerin and Dane were both likable, strong characters that I would happily read more about. But it often felt as though the science-fiction aspect was just a gimmick thrown in to make the book more appealing to a certain group of readers. I didn't mind the sci-fi stuff - I have no objection to sci-fi. It just didn't feel necessary.

I also was a little disappointed in the big "reveal" at the end. The blurb on the back of the book mentions a "secret bigger than either could have imagined. A secret as big as the entire universe..." Maybe I missed something, but the big secret didn't strike me as quite that huge. Yes, it could impact the universe in some ways. I don't argue with that. But the blurb makes it sound as though Aerin and Dane have to join forces to fight against some cruel opponent who has control of the universe, and only they can save everyone! And that is so not the case. The secrets that are revealed at the end mostly involve and impact Aerin and Dane. I'm glad Aerin and Dane figured things out in the end, but it wasn't a huge, universe-shattering deal. (And contrary to what the blurb suggests, I hardly saw anyone trying to separate them except Dane's father, who has major problems in general, and an obnoxious girl who wants Dane for herself.) So... basically, ignore the blurb on the back of the book. I sort of wonder if the person who wrote it actually read the book.

Despite my complaints, I really did enjoy the book. I looked forward to reading it each day during my lunch break, and that's mostly what I look for in a book these days. :)(less)

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Aug 10, 2011

Ronmaes rated it

Academy 7 is about two very gifted students of the most prestigious school in the universe, Daniel Madousin and Aerin Renning. The book centered on their internal struggles. Aerin and her constant fear of being found out that she was not a real Alliance citizen and be captured. Dane and his fear of his father and his iron hand. Due to Dane's careless actions they were punished. As they spend more time together, they got to know each other more and helped remove the walls they built between thems...more

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Aug 17, 2010

Karen Keyte rated it

Shelves: best-teen-books, teen-fantasy-scifi, teen-romantic, favorites

“The principal’s next words demanded an answer. ‘Why did you come to this school, Dane?’ He struggled to speak, but the only words that came were the truth. ‘To get back at my father.’ ‘And you Aerin?’ asked Dr. Livinski. ‘I had nowhere else to go.’

On the surface, Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin could not be any less alike. Just a couple of months ago, Aerin was a fugitive, an orphan escaping a horrific past in a flawed and failing spaceship. She had no home, no family, and no future...more“The principal’s next words demanded an answer. ‘Why did you come to this school, Dane?’ He struggled to speak, but the only words that came were the truth. ‘To get back at my father.’ ‘And you Aerin?’ asked Dr. Livinski. ‘I had nowhere else to go.’

On the surface, Aerin Renning and Dane Madousin could not be any less alike. Just a couple of months ago, Aerin was a fugitive, an orphan escaping a horrific past in a flawed and failing spaceship. She had no home, no family, and no future. Dane is the rebellious second son of the Alliance’s most powerful - and visible - man. He’s been given every privilege in life and rejected most of them. But Dane’s life has not been as comfortable or as glittering as it appears to outsiders and his father’s public mask hides a man who can be cold and cruel. Like Aerin, Dane has dark secrets that he holds close and shares with no one.

As the two highest scorers on the Academy Entrance Exam (given to 16 and 17 year olds throughout the many star systems of the Alliance) Aerin and Dane are amongst those chosen to attend Academy 7, the most prestigious and challenging school in the universe. Despite the disparity in their backgrounds and the extremely competitive nature they share, Aerin and Dane overcome initial mistrust to form an unexpectedly strong friendship, and perhaps something more. But it soon becomes clear that their own closely guarded secrets are not all that threaten Aerin and Dane’s growing friendship. The pair find that they are catalysts for the resurrection of old conflicts and bitter rivalries within the Alliance.

This is the second novel I have read by Anne Osterlund (the first was Aurelia) and given how much I enjoyed both, I will make sure to read everything else she writes (in fact, I am eagerly awaiting Exile, the sequel to Aurelia). Ms. Osterlund’s plotting is spot-on, her stories move ahead briskly without leaving the reader with a feeling that something important has been missed out or skimmed over. Characters are the most critical part of any novel, the real driving force, and Ms. Osterlund’s are carefully developed and presented as fully three-dimensional people. Aerin and Dane are real, with strengths as well as weaknesses and the reader learns enough of their pasts to feel as if he or she truly knows them. I LOVED this book. It’s futuristic without getting caught up in techno-geeky details, a coming of age story that manages to avoid emotion-laden angst, and romantic without becoming obsessed with the will they/won’t they/when will they questions. In other words, Academy 7 is nothing short of brilliant - don’t miss it.(less)

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Jan 05, 2010

Nikki rated it

Shelves: 2010, scifi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I enjoyed this book a lot. The way the characters interacted and developed their relationship VERY slowly. It was well done and realistic for people so abused and damaged emotionally. As many other people have said, the ending seemed to be left open for a sequel. While in itself it was a good story about the two characters realizing what they what from their life, which is a future. All the talk of politics and all the revelations at the end of the book seemed like this was just the start o...moreI enjoyed this book a lot. The way the characters interacted and developed their relationship VERY slowly. It was well done and realistic for people so abused and damaged emotionally. As many other people have said, the ending seemed to be left open for a sequel. While in itself it was a good story about the two characters realizing what they what from their life, which is a future. All the talk of politics and all the revelations at the end of the book seemed like this was just the start of their destinies.

The cover and synopsis of Academy 7 is misleading. Yes, the characters Dane and Aerin do fall in love... eventually. It takes pretty much until the very end of the book for there to be any romance and then it's not really romance so much as affection. Even the scifi elements are subtle. What I found the book to really be about was friendship and learning to trust in people.

Both Dane and Aerin show up at Academy 7 for all the wrong reasons. Dane attends the school to piss his father off, Aerin simply has nowhere left in the universe to go. Dane doesn't take anything seriously (if he doesn't really like or want anything he wont be disappointed when he looses it) and Aerin can't take anything lightly (terrified to enjoy anything in her life because it all could so easily be taken away.) They both lived locked behind self-made walls in solitude terrified that someone might see the secrets and pains hiding there.

When these two people who don't seem to appreciate their opportunity to be one of the select students of the greatest school in the universe meet, a spark between them ignites an unexplainable and passionate competition for the top rank in the class. A shared punishment for Dane's childish crime starts to turn their rivalry into something neither of them have experienced before. Friendship. But their mutual desire to not share anything about themselves with anyone puts many walls in their growing friendship. The vulnerability and emotional exposure keeps shifting out of balance as secrets are accidentally revealed or deduced by the other. With both of them so scared, every wall that comes down is replaced by another as they struggle to not let themselves trust. Their friendship has started to change them both whether they realize it or not. Dane starts to care, about school, about Aerin, about his future, about anything. And Aerin starts to enjoy her life, laugh, smile, and look forward to the future.

However, when a Christmas vacation to Dane's home planet gives Aerin front row seats to his darkest secrets, the balance of their fragile relationship is so drastically disturbed, it's ruined. Dane shuts down and Aerin realizes the only way to get back in is to do the one thing she can never do, make them even by revealing her deepest scars as well. As they start to fill the void between them they realize there are secrets in their past that are being kept from them as well. Secrets that tie their fates together. So, they set out together to uncover the startling secrets of their fathers, the tragic fates of the mothers they never knew, and the answers that will unburden them once and for all.(less)

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Sep 09, 2009

Ruth rated it

Shelves: sci-fi, romance, teen

Neither Dane nor Aerin expected to get into the best school in the Alliance. Aerin didn't even realize she was applying to school; she was too busy trying to outrun her ghosts. Dane's older brother didn't get in, so when he gets his acceptance, he jumps on it, to rub it in his father's and brother's faces. Dane's pretty sure he won't be able to stay, but while his father's out of town...

Contrast Aerin's poverty-stricken background with Dane's life of (supposed) wealth and luxury......more

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Aug 12, 2010

Lesley rated it

Shelves: science-fiction, suspense, romance

If you don't usually read science fiction and you're looking for an engaging book with some suspense, some romance, and some intergalactic politics, then you'll be quite pleased with this earnest book. The characters are appealing and the romance builds in a believable way.

If you read a lot of sci fi, however, you may find yourself wondering why it wasn't set in a fantasy world, which seems like a better fit, and why they have intergalactic travel but still use computers with keyboa...more

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Apr 07, 2010

Charlotte rated it

Shelves: sci-fi, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 14, 2011

Marsha rated it

Recommends it for: Young Adults and Adults

Recommended to Marsha by: Kay

Fiction about space travel and intergalactic politics can either be hit or miss with me. However, I stepped out on a limb,followed the recommendation of one my goodreads friends and decided to read "Academy 7." First let me explain, this is not the 7th book of an Academy series. It is a stand alone book about an training facility named 'Academy 7' that trains young recruits to patrol and protect the rights of the people in the Alliance. Next, I must say I really loved this book!
...moreFiction about space travel and intergalactic politics can either be hit or miss with me. However, I stepped out on a limb,followed the recommendation of one my goodreads friends and decided to read "Academy 7." First let me explain, this is not the 7th book of an Academy series. It is a stand alone book about an training facility named 'Academy 7' that trains young recruits to patrol and protect the rights of the people in the Alliance. Next, I must say I really loved this book!

Aerin Renning has been barely existing as a slave until she recently escaped. Just as her space ship breaks down and she is forced to signal for help; she believes her end is near. Fortunately, she is rescued by the captain of an imposing vessels who informs her she is being recruited to attend the exclusive Academy 7. Aerin is unsure what to make of this sudden change in her status and she is frantic to keep her fugitive status a secret.

Dane Madousin is the son of a General in the Alliance. He is a bad boy in every sense of the word and loves nothing better than to defy his father at every given turn. His family's mechanic, Pete informs Dane that he has been accepted to the Academy. Although Dane knows that his father will refuse to allow him to stay at the school, he attends anyway. You see, Dane has secrets of his own.

Aerin and Dane of course meet at the academy and they do not know what to think of each other. Aerin in incredibly bright, strong and elusive. She is happy to have food and a roof over her head and refuses to take this opportunity for granted. However, Dane is intrigue with this girl who refuses to have anything to do with him. After Aerin shows Dane how to hack into the school's computer system, he wants to learn more about this girl. Together they set out on the difficult task of peeling away their secrets as they try to uncover mysteries from their past.

Ms. Osterlund builds a world of intrigue and mystery. Her characterizations are so real, you feel every emotion Dane and Aerin have. At times, I found that I wanted to jump into the pages of the book and give some payback to some of the antagonists. That is just how powerful the emotional draw is in this book. The book itself is short (259 pages); but, it is jam packed with reading goodness. My only criticism is that I wanted a show down or resolution of some sort between Aerin, Dane, Dane's brother and father. I only hope this lack of confrontation means there will be a sequel. I would just love it. Do not hesitate, read this book. It is fabulous.(less)

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Dec 01, 2010

Vasya rated it

Shelves: fantasy-paranormal

This book sends mixed signals. I cannot set my mind to whether this is sci-fi, fantasy or YA romance. It is all three, but the way it is presented, skipping from sci-fi technology to their friendship growing into love to detailed descriptions of surroundings around them just makes me dizzy.

Aside from that confusion (which could totally be only because of my perception of the work, it is not a flaw in the actual book) I really, really loved it, because the characters feel real, and th...more

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About Anne Osterlund

Anne Osterlund grew up in the sunshine of Eastern Oregon and graduated from Whitworth College. She lives in a cute little yellow house with her new feline friend, Charlotte, and her own library of young adult books. She also teaches sixth grade and enjoys immersing her students in language, literature, and imagination. Anne has written three novels, Aurelia, Academy 7, and Exile, all published by ...more

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Quotes from Academy 7

“Look, Aerin, preparation is only half the challenge of winning a debate.”
“And the other half?”
He had her now. “You have to choose the right side.”
“Your side, you mean.” She bristled.
“No, the losing side.”
“What?”
“Always choose the weaker side.”
“Why would I do that?” Doubt edged her voice, but now she was sitting erect, her feet flat on the floor.
“Because then you have further to go to prove your case.” He eased the feet of his chair down. “In a debate, there are two sides. If both make a good argument, then the less popular side wins because that side had further to go to prove its point. Simple logistics.”
“If you don’t care which side wins.” She frowned.
“It’s a debate. It doesn’t matter which side wins.”
“You mean it doesn’t matter to you.” The tone in her voice unsettled him. Or maybe it was the fact that that her criticism disturbed him at all.
“It’s a class,” he said. “The point is to flesh out the different sides of an argument.”
“And you don’t care if the truth gets lost in the shuffle. Don’t you believe in anything?!” — 40 people liked it

“When you have the same dream over and over again, your brain is trying to solve a problem. It knows there's an answer.” — 28 people liked it

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