There's only one rule in the world I come from. Keep our existence a secret. Period.
The day my sister broke that rule one too many times, I knew there would be consequences. I expected us to be sent to one of those schools for "troubled" kids--and maybe Daizlei Academy was, in a way. But really, it was far more complicated than that.
You see, I thought that world had forgotten me. Forgotten us. For years we were left alone, and one day . . . we weren't.
It was only when I got there that I remembered the second Trust no one.
Because in our world? They would kill me if they knew the truth of what I am.
Kel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
A whole it of emotions (do read might contain spoilers or hints )
Downloading this book, i assumes i was in for another academy romance with typical characters - also didn’t realize I’d downloaded the whole ducking g series lol !!! Took me a week to finish Cause I’m in Mexico during holidays. Back to the story - Selena was a firecracker if emotions!! HEADSTRONG And loyal and downright straightforward. She’s a strong female character who is incredibly flawed and at first you cheer on the darkness until you realize it’s causing more death then good. It’s crazy to think she doesn’t fall for the main guy at first and when the twist comes you’re left numb. Like how the fuck do i start liking him now ???? Ash( Aaron ) was fantastic but i do wish i had been in his head and gotten more emotion from him or more couple moments but all in all happy ending !!! I do mourn for all the lost characters who never got their closure or the main characters who lost too much in the war. Truly this book hurt me and well I’m glad Selena gets a good ending atleast because FuCK she was put threw the ringer man !!!! I wanna see Blair and Alek reunite tbh there’s gotta be more to their story and she deserves more than what she got.
To be fair, I got these a few years ago not knowing that they were a YA series. I just can't deal with the teen angst and attitude. It's not a statement of the writing but more that I'm not the target demographic. I got read through chapter 7 of the first book before I put this down. No rating.
4 books Book one, the FMCs are 15, book 2 and 3 they are 16, and last book they are 17 going on 30. These young females are not human and hold a lot of power. With this much power, I try and see them as more than just kids. It helps when it comes to their love life. I do love their banter, and some of the side characters add to the world really well...except Tan, I feel like he is supposed to be a better character than he comes across as. But Ash little sister is funny. So yay!
Not everything gets tied up in a nice bow for me. Some things in end have me wondering how that is possible. Surely she will get bond sickness no matter how well you hide her.
Other things are nicely closed off, even if I wished for a HEA for all of them and hot like 80% HEA, 20% oh well they live on.
From the comments, I expected a lacking world, immature and predictable. But I didn't get that, I got a really well-built world with well-rounded characters...well, not Ash and Lucas. Them two just blah. Feel like I know more about Alec than them two. Yes, in the beginning, they had big parts, but it didn't feel like they developed as the other characters did. Up downs and the blessed 🙌🏿
I will say this world can draw you and make you think! I think this story has some originality to it. At least for me anyways. I like how she choice all our favorite paranormals and gave them a great story. I have this whole box set five stars but it's truly a 4 and 1\2 only because it doesn't feel totally finished some how. With that said our main character rocks with all her flaws and she has so many from her choices to her emotions this chick has issues. Her whole family is an issue but you learn to love them and all the crazy leads up to something!! I don't like to give anything away so read read read these books then join me with the quest to ask for more. I did read the 1.5 book that isn't in Selena 's point of view and was fearful for it. I also think it's why I now feel a bit cheated. It's like there is so much more to this whole story. Don't even get me started on what happens to a certain missing vampire! How can we just leave it open like that?? Ok before I start revealing stuff I'll stop.
I hope you do take a chance and read these books but don't forget to read 1.5 in order it makes a difference Happy reading
I loved Kel Carpenter’s Dark Maji series, but I almost didn’t read this one. I thought the title implied it would be Tween Paranormal Romance with a Harry Potter like Academy, but it was way darker than that. In the end, I think the series wasn’t named well as the Academy is not mentioned much after book 2. Despite having all the usual Paranormals (Supernaturals, witches, vampires, werewolves), it feels more like Dark Fantasy destined love rather than than Paranormal Romance, though it’s definitely that as well. The ending is totally unstable, and a sequel basically writes itself. Still, it’s consistent with Selena’s character that she would so want to save her sister that she wouldn’t see the obvious problem as in your sister’s soul mate is either going to find her or go crazy hence, why do you think hiding her will work? Still, looking forward to a new series if ever written, one where Lucas, with his powers, makes a way more amazing vampire than human being. (Not a spoiler, just an obvious idea.)
This series was action packed and I enjoyed Selena's imperfect personality. I honestly hated book two and it was a drag to get through. I am glad that I finished the series, even though I thought the ending could have been better. I just feel like after 4 books and two and a half years (in the story) we should have had more answers. -what happens with Blair and Alec? -does Lily ever get to see her sisters again? -what happened to Victor? Is his absence not going to affect Lily (I mean they ARE soul tied!)? -Now Selena's life is to be a permanent evil exterminator? What happened to the peace and happiness she was promised? What kind of HEA is that for her & her Signasti if she lives in LA fighting evil and he lives back on Shifter land?
There are so many questions... I was entertained throughout the series so I will recommend, but I am still unhappy with the un-ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I lived this series so much! The imagination, the mystery and suspense, the emotional rollercoaster of Selena and her friends. This series is so worth the read. Selena is an amazing character and her development throughout the series had me laughing, crying and even angry at times. The dynamic of everyone! Love Ash! Love Ash! Wait let me say it again, Love Ash!!! I won't to give Blair a high five! She's my girl! Kel I love you and I have said it many times but I will say it again: I would love to take a vacation into your mind! Thank you for always creating characters and series worth my time and emotions!
I kind of wore myself down trying to read this whole series at once, but it was worth it. I never suspected at the ending, in fact I expected a completely different end to this series-- I was not let down though. Kelly Carpenter is a highly talented author and the Daizlei Academy Series is a strong testament to it. This series is full of twist and turns, betrayal and heartbreak, rage and violence, plus so much more! So climb aboard the Daizlei Express and bare witness to Selena Foster as she flips her whole world upside down for better or worse. I highly recommend reading this!
This is a very fulfilling fully developed and executed story. It feels more like a whole world has come and gone or I’ve binged seasons of a great show. We see the full development of the main heroine from angry and falsely confident, to settled, and truly near omnipotent. There are some hard deaths and struggles that will make you want to cry. Betrayals that are shocking and devastating. Very minimal sex after very slow burn but natural romance and development of relationships. It’s a really well rounded series
Rule number one: tell no one Rule number two: trust no one
We meet triplets Selena, Alexandra, and Lily, and learn that they are troubled girls. However, they are also supernatural and know it. Living in the human world has been difficult, until circumstance forces them to move in with their biological aunt (moms sister)- who is aware that they are supernatural and so are her daughters. At first the girls are in complete disbelief that their own aunt left them in the foster system - but she says that she had to be certain that they had powers. Since they are troubled girls, they are soon sent to Daizlei Academy for supernaturals. Mysteriously, we learn Alexandra & Selena’s powers- but are left in the dark about Selena (foreshadowing anyone?). She was my probably my favorite of the three because I identified with her struggles and loved her growth throughout the series. Book two reveals that Selena is different- the first of her kind in a millennium. She’s blackmailed into becoming a weapon for the Council and feels like she might not survive her second year at Daizlei. Basically, this was a book-long, petulant, pity party where she damages relationships and generally acts like a perpetually moody teenager (esp with Lucas). As an adult reader, I found it much more tedious and less enjoyable than the first. Alas, I’m reading the series in its entirety so hopefully it picks back up. Book 3 begins with the aftermath of two: “My second year at Daizlei didn’t kill me. It did something so much worse. It killed her (Anastasia)…now I was broken and I planned to use all my sharp edges for the one thing I had left. Revenge.” Book three picks up quickly, with more twists and turns, and Selena shaking off the moody teenager attitude and focusing her energy on revenge. I was thrilled that this was more like book one, and it was a faced paced read for me. I’ll be sad to see it end. Book four wraps the series up. I was again impressed that it had some unpredictable twists and turns, and that we didn’t lose character or plot development. Watching Selena’s growth, development of her power, and coming into her own was refreshing- even if it meant sacrifice. The ending is bittersweet, and kind of unresolved. But I did wonder what happened to Blair and Alec? Perhaps Kel Carpenter will feature them in another book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Darkness: 🖤 (not particularly dark) Spice: 🌶️ (not particularly spicy) Themes/tropes: YA, magic, supernatural Ending: Resolved, but certain characters leave me wondering POV: multiple MCs 🐳 name & author of book: Daizlei Academy by Kel Carpenter 🌃PAGES, rating: 1,242, 4/5 ⭐️ 🌛started: 8.6.23 🌟finished: 8.17.23
I was really enjoying this series. I do not remember exactly why I stopped reading it the first time I tried to read, but I'm glad I gave it another chance. I know the first time it had to do with the main characters personality because it really bothered me a lot this time around too. The first time I just gave up after book 2 but this time I stuck it out and was able to see her character grow and not be such a stuck up, judgmental, angry a-hole.
By book 4 I was starting to feel like everything was really drawn out but by the end everything that they have been building up the last 3.5 books all came to a head all at once right at the end. It was like 3.5 books of slow build up and side things that could've happened without being the main focus. Even though it felt that way by the end, while I was reading it, I didn't notice it that much and was able to keep going and enjoy the story.
Now that everything is over, the only question I have left from the series that was never answered and is bothering me is.... what happened with Alec and Blair? That was part of the story since like book 2? It was brought up many times that she was holding her grudge and he was still sticking around, but there was no update on what happened to them after the war. Did she forgive him? Will they work it out? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?! They should've been infected with the madness - they should feel the need to complete the bond, and her demon as much as she wants him, should be fighting harder to have him. But none of that got answered and i'm kinda angry about it.
It's kind of gross how Ash went from dating and screwing Alex (because of how his character was written as a playboy type and her a man eater - I HIGHLY doubt they dated for MONTHS without sex) to being with Selena. Like he knew what they were and I understand he was trying to feel closer to her, but to date and screw her sister?!?! That's kind of messed up. Another thing was the months during the summer when Alex was with him, Ash didn't see Selena at all but through out the school year he couldn't stay away. Then everyone ends up finding out what's going on - and Alex and him break up - BUT he should've told her in the beginning, I'm sure she would've helped him instead of this whole dating thing. Idk its the small things my brain seems to focus on which never get answered that end up usually making me have questions lol
I loved the first couple of books, got me roped in and story about Selena and her sisters, I enjoyed very much. I love the way the author explains the back story, how everything connects the dots. I have to say I hate the “love” between Aaron/Ash and Selena. There is no chemistry between them and she forgives him way too easily, she’s mad at Lucas but forgave Aaron/Ash? Also, the books ending left too many open answers for me. I’m hoping this means we see these characters again. What happens to Victor? Does Blair finally get her happy ending with Alec? Does he go mad from the incomplete bond? Do Lily and Lucas become lovers out of necessity? I need answers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Selena is a teenager raising her 2 sisters. They are triplets and orphans after their parents died. Selena is tasked with a lot for someone her age. Save the world. Save her sisters. Save her love. Everything is on her shoulders. Once again I have to reiterate she is a teenager. I do that because I forget myself sometimes with her choices. The information she gets is the same the reader has. So I found myself getting frustrated by her choices. Where I sometimes would be chastising her for her actions. So I recommended? Yes Will I reread? No. I have a lot in my TBR pile. Maybe down the road but not anytime soon.
I never review books, no matter how much I may like them but this series was one of the best series I have ever read in my life! Exceptional world and character building, I felt like I followed Selena through her ups and downs! A truly neutral character is hard to write but honestly, sheer perfection! Would 100% recommend to any darker fantasy lovers, and while I would definitely classify the series as young adult rather than new adult, I would say it’s suitable for any age group!
I am so sorry, but I had to DNF. I tried so hard, and I really love the ideas behind it all. I have always thought that the main two power-sets were VASTLY under-used and I believe that Kel had a wonderful idea when she started. The execution just didn't work for me. I wasn't a fan of the main character, and the way things were progressing in the last 25% of the book (I dnf'd at 90%) just felt forced and jumbled.
The villain at the end though? That was going somewhere. If I come back and finish, that will be why.
3 sisters whose destiny was already set. Alexandra had an infinity for fire. Selena's power was unknown, and sweet Lily was a healer. This changed once they reached Daizlei Academy. They all became more. This is a battle of not only good vs evil but one where lesser evil must fight on the side of what's right. It is action packed and Selena and her sisters are super badasses. I loved that the series was complete when I read it.
I enjoyed the first story. I'm a sucker for a magic academy. I stuck through three books and enjoyed them for the most part even though the school part of the story is pretty much done after the first book. I'm not a super fan of really damaged characters getting worse, and that's the primary reason I pumped the brakes on book 4. I just couldn't see any kind of happily ever after.
Talk about a slooooow burn! If you’re looking for reverse Harlem or sexy scenes. This collection isn’t for you. I won’t ruin it for you, but I love both and usually only read both. The story line is so awesome that it kept me interested the entire time without either. I would have loved at least a scene or two more that was for “Adult eyes only” ;-). Would definitely recommend.
Pretty good storyline. Kind of choppy in the beginning the way she went all gaga for one guy to then be soul mates with the friend. That storyline could have been don’t better. While the story itself was decent, lots of typos, i don’t feel some of the characters were developed enough for the close relationships they had. For instance Alex going from straight to gay. Or Blair and Alec situation.
Character development could have been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don't think I've never read a series where I wanted a HEA as much as this. The trials and growth that the sisters face is an incredible journey that captured my attention and had me binge reading this story.
While Selena is the central character the author creates a lot of depth among many of the characters which enriches the story. Truly a great read.
Needs editing; story was an interesting idea, but lack of editing made it hard to follow at times and there were jumps from situation to another that didn’t flow well, plus the 15 now 16 year old character sometimes knew nothing and then was all knowing, so that was confusing as well. Plus all the adults kept letting her make decisions, not realistic.
Some of the things I like best about Selena are that she struggles, has flaws, her emotions can get the best of her, she cares deeply, and ultimately wants to do the right things. There are plenty of twists and turns, it’s a great world to surrender to, the characters are diverse, at times divided, competitive, cruel, and compassionate.
I had this book for almost a year and I just can not get myself to finish book one. It felt like a slog. There are editing issues throughout from spelling to grammar to tense to continuity. The sister are insufferable and my friend that did finish the series says they never are redeemed. Needs editor.
I. Cried like sobbed very rare that a story brings me in so deeply. Selena is an amazingly complex character. She is constantly evolving and growing. She fights for those she loves with a gusto. Read this if you want to read a strong female who is broken at times but always endures!
This series was freaking incredible!!!! I’m so impressed with the story building and all the twists and turns. I honestly don’t know if I’ve read a better teen paranormal romance series. Freaking awesome!!!
I stumbled upon this series a week ago... I must say I am so glad I did!!! Stumbling upon this world of magic that is filled with danger and betrayal but also love was fate!!! Enjoy this journey!!!
So this took me a while to get into the story. For almost the entire first book I was confused. But it started making sense and I was able to get into the story in the second book. Love the story. Characters are great.
I binged this whole series. It kept me coming back for more and throughly entertained, while there was no out of mind surprises, I enjoyed it. The banter was by far my favorite in all the books.