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The Ghost Bird #4
Forgiveness and Permission
Sang Sorenson’s abusive mother is secure in a hospital, and her father has vanished to a new family of his own, leaving Sang and her sister to fend for themselves. Sang is hanging by a thread, and her only hope is a group of boys she feels she barely knows.
She’s never really alone. The Academy team has stepped in, promising to protect and care for Sang. Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North take over, showing Sang they can be depended on for anything. But just because the parents are away, doesn’t mean Sang’s life has become any easier.
The newfound freedom will have a higher price than any of them had imagined.
Principal Hendricks now wants to use Sang to exploit Academy secrets. Mr. McCoy has his own dark plans for her. Enemies are closing in. Sang will need to learn to believe in the boys, and the boys will need to learn to trust her if they want to survive their rivals.
And each other.
The Academy, Relentless Trust
She’s never really alone. The Academy team has stepped in, promising to protect and care for Sang. Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North take over, showing Sang they can be depended on for anything. But just because the parents are away, doesn’t mean Sang’s life has become any easier.
The newfound freedom will have a higher price than any of them had imagined.
Principal Hendricks now wants to use Sang to exploit Academy secrets. Mr. McCoy has his own dark plans for her. Enemies are closing in. Sang will need to learn to believe in the boys, and the boys will need to learn to trust her if they want to survive their rivals.
And each other.
The Academy, Relentless Trust
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2013
376 people are currently reading
1665 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Stone
58 books4,353 followersC. L. Stone likes :chocolate_bar: and #findingburiedtreasure. Her books are about :revolving_hearts: and @dark_themes and #chocolatechippancakes.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
December 14, 2013
This book, in fact the entire series so far, is fucked up beyond repair. So fucked up that I can't stop reading it.
At the end of book four I was like WTF?! YEAH, get it on! - POLYGAMY!
Now, seriously: What is wrong with all the people that have given these books ratings above 4 points? There is so much wrong with what I've read, I don't even know where to begin.
Well, let me try:
-> The grammar - HELP! I'm slowly lOOsing the ability to write properly myself.
-> The protagonist - OMG, STFU! The whining, the insecure and naive act can become a little too much... YES WE GET IT, you are a social invalid! And please, for the love of all that is good in this world: STOP FLUTTERING YOUR HAND ALL OVER THE PLACE. Stop STUMBLING when there is no perceivable reason for you, or the other characters, to do anything remotely like stumbling! And if you start trembling one more time, I WILL END YOU!
-> Is the author's native-language something else than English? It sure as hell seems like that, because words are being used all the time that do not fit in and don't make any sense at all! WTF? Write in your own language, when you can't get someone to tell you that your book reads as if it was written by a 12 year old, who hears her parents use 'fancy' (I wish) words that sound good and therefore - and only therefore! - get a spot, ANY seemingly random spot, in the book! Or maybe it really was written bu a 12 year old. That surely would explain A LOT.
Now, I think some may be wondering why I'm still reading and there is a possibility that I have not made it very clear yet: This. Is. A. TRAIN-WRECK! A literally literary catastrophe of dimensions that just won't allow me to look away, however much I would like to do just that. Normally my rule of finishing a book I have started reading, no matter how bad it is (I've regretted this for as long as this rule has existed, but I'm too much of an optimist to break with it), does normally not apply to whole series. If a book was a pain to read through and has a follow up I won't read it. I'm not a masochist - or so I liked to think. Now either this series is a once in a life time experience, or I have gone insane (read masochist). I cannot not read what happens in the next book. I cannot not read another thousand times how SANG'S (a WTF still materializes in my head every time I read that name) hand FLUTTERS up to wherever it at that point is fluttering to and I CANNOT stop reading to spare my eyes from a seizure, which I will surely get at some point in the not so distant future, from all the eye-rolling I'm doing!
PLEASE, you still untainted souls out there: SAVE YOURSELVES! (And I'm not even kidding.)
Oh please make it stop, please! This series might be the end of me...
P.S.: You want to know why I haven't given all the books only one point? Well, here is the reason for the fourth book: It hints VERY STRONGLY at some major POLYGAMY happening in the following books. I thought that sure as hell is one point worth!
At the end of book four I was like WTF?! YEAH, get it on! - POLYGAMY!
Now, seriously: What is wrong with all the people that have given these books ratings above 4 points? There is so much wrong with what I've read, I don't even know where to begin.
Well, let me try:
-> The grammar - HELP! I'm slowly lOOsing the ability to write properly myself.
-> The protagonist - OMG, STFU! The whining, the insecure and naive act can become a little too much... YES WE GET IT, you are a social invalid! And please, for the love of all that is good in this world: STOP FLUTTERING YOUR HAND ALL OVER THE PLACE. Stop STUMBLING when there is no perceivable reason for you, or the other characters, to do anything remotely like stumbling! And if you start trembling one more time, I WILL END YOU!
-> Is the author's native-language something else than English? It sure as hell seems like that, because words are being used all the time that do not fit in and don't make any sense at all! WTF? Write in your own language, when you can't get someone to tell you that your book reads as if it was written by a 12 year old, who hears her parents use 'fancy' (I wish) words that sound good and therefore - and only therefore! - get a spot, ANY seemingly random spot, in the book! Or maybe it really was written bu a 12 year old. That surely would explain A LOT.
Now, I think some may be wondering why I'm still reading and there is a possibility that I have not made it very clear yet: This. Is. A. TRAIN-WRECK! A literally literary catastrophe of dimensions that just won't allow me to look away, however much I would like to do just that. Normally my rule of finishing a book I have started reading, no matter how bad it is (I've regretted this for as long as this rule has existed, but I'm too much of an optimist to break with it), does normally not apply to whole series. If a book was a pain to read through and has a follow up I won't read it. I'm not a masochist - or so I liked to think. Now either this series is a once in a life time experience, or I have gone insane (read masochist). I cannot not read what happens in the next book. I cannot not read another thousand times how SANG'S (a WTF still materializes in my head every time I read that name) hand FLUTTERS up to wherever it at that point is fluttering to and I CANNOT stop reading to spare my eyes from a seizure, which I will surely get at some point in the not so distant future, from all the eye-rolling I'm doing!
PLEASE, you still untainted souls out there: SAVE YOURSELVES! (And I'm not even kidding.)
Oh please make it stop, please! This series might be the end of me...
P.S.: You want to know why I haven't given all the books only one point? Well, here is the reason for the fourth book: It hints VERY STRONGLY at some major POLYGAMY happening in the following books. I thought that sure as hell is one point worth!
October 29, 2013
I know I already said it but I'm addicted to this series and it keeps getting better !
North and Mr Blackbourne, you stole the show on this one ! Not that I'm complaining, not at all ...
North and Mr Blackbourne, you stole the show on this one ! Not that I'm complaining, not at all ...
November 8, 2013
I had enjoyed the first two books in The Academy series. I was a little put off in book three with the strange personal relationships Sang was beginning to have with all of the boys and Mr. Blackbourne. I was also having a hard time relating to Sang in book three because she was so weak and scared one minute and then the next minute she is out defending boys that can clearly take care of themselves. Her lack of backbone started to drive me crazy. I don't believe characters need to be one dimensional, but completely bipolar characters don't make sense either. Most people have subtle shades of in-betweens that are lost in the character of Sang. I also stopped buying into her innocence. She says she doesn't know anything about anything, but she has lived in the world of public school, had access to books, television and movies, yet she doesn't understand the difference between a friend and a boyfriend? I decided to give book four a try in hopes that the creep factor in book three would disappear when Sang narrowed down her romantic feelings to just one of the guys and that she would start growing as a person. It only gets worse in book four. She once again is abused, picked on by kids, whines the whole time, puts herself in danger, isn't loved by family, has no concept of how anything in the world works, etc. I put up with the kissing but not kissing fairly well. I was so close to giving up on this series when Sang and one of the boys had a finger chewing session. I stuck it out to the bitter end and was dumbfounded and nauseated to find that the seeming intention is to have her fall in love with all of them and they all fall in love with her including the two adult men (Mr. Blackbourne and Dr. Green). So basically this has turned into some twisted teenage reverse polygamy thing. Well, thanks but no thanks. I am done with the second chances for this series. It had a huge amount of promise in the beginning, but I just can't stomach any more.
October 30, 2013
It is rare to find a book, let alone a series, that I want to reread. With so many stories out there waiting to be experienced, the idea of devoting extra time to just sitting back and re-enjoy something I've already read seems like a waste of precious time. My list of to-be-read is longer than I will ever come close to completing.
With Sang's story, I find myself breaking that rule. I want to see these characters, these relationships, blossom all over again. It feels like a personal window into the life of a girl who has only just begun to allow herself to live. Sang has been sheltered, tortured and left friendless, and watching her slowly explore the possibilities of making her own decisions, in trusting in other people when her harsh world experience has encouraged her not to, is simply addictive.
I usually only read fantasy/paranormal books and I have no idea how I stumbled across the first book in this series, but I am a forever fan at this point. I am beyond happy that C.L. Stone can write fast enough to put these books out every few months. I wait im/patiently for the next installment.
**Originally posted on Amazon
With Sang's story, I find myself breaking that rule. I want to see these characters, these relationships, blossom all over again. It feels like a personal window into the life of a girl who has only just begun to allow herself to live. Sang has been sheltered, tortured and left friendless, and watching her slowly explore the possibilities of making her own decisions, in trusting in other people when her harsh world experience has encouraged her not to, is simply addictive.
I usually only read fantasy/paranormal books and I have no idea how I stumbled across the first book in this series, but I am a forever fan at this point. I am beyond happy that C.L. Stone can write fast enough to put these books out every few months. I wait im/patiently for the next installment.
**Originally posted on Amazon
January 21, 2014
Full review to come soon. I have a lot of mixed emotions on this one, but I still can't stop reading. I NEED to know what happens. What a preview to leave behind! AHHHHH!
Full Review (no spoilers):
Okay, so it's no secret that I am totally obsessed with this series. Every time a new book releases I devour it in a day and then pine over the next one until it comes out. I don't know how C.L. Stone does it, but she has totally forced me to completely fall for this crazy group of characters. EVERY ONE OF THEM!
The boys have proven they will always be there for her time and time again, but now Sang needs them even more. I am always blown away by Sang's ability to still manage to see so much good in the world with all she's had to deal with. How can she still care for the woman her abused her, the father who abandoned her, and the sister who deliberately stood by and let her endure so much pain? This girl is so strong and amazing! The small things she keeps from the boys to avoid complicating their lives even further, is so selfless and just....wow.
In this book we watch the group grow closer. And I mean....closer. I can't believe I am actually hoping she kisses all of them? Wait...what? Well, I can't help it. I love them all, she loves them all, how on earth can you really pick just one? They are all so different and offer unique support to this broken girl that I suddenly find myself jumping for one team to the next with each turn of the page. Deep down there is even a part of me that hopes she never chooses one. I don't think I could handle the total heartbreak the others would suffer. I mean, if we are being honest, this is the most unhealthy group dynamic ever...but at the same time it's the most loving, most pure form of friendship I've ever seen.
We've all read love triangles and rolled our eyes over the "choice" the heroine had to make. But somehow C.L. Stone has weaved this love-decagon that feels so natural, so real, and so powerful. I can honestly say I've never felt so strongly for SO many characters in one novel before. It's truly amazing how the author pulls you in to each individual encounter and makes you focus only on the two involved. How is that even possible??
Now this book isn't all lovey-dovey. This are getting pretty wild, especially where Mr. McCoy is involved. He is seriously one creepy dude. And his fixation on Sang is crazy, psycho type stuff. But the Academy is always one step ahead of the bad guy....right? Or what is they aren't? What if this time, they are one step behind?
And OMG that ending!
Full Review (no spoilers):
Okay, so it's no secret that I am totally obsessed with this series. Every time a new book releases I devour it in a day and then pine over the next one until it comes out. I don't know how C.L. Stone does it, but she has totally forced me to completely fall for this crazy group of characters. EVERY ONE OF THEM!
The boys have proven they will always be there for her time and time again, but now Sang needs them even more. I am always blown away by Sang's ability to still manage to see so much good in the world with all she's had to deal with. How can she still care for the woman her abused her, the father who abandoned her, and the sister who deliberately stood by and let her endure so much pain? This girl is so strong and amazing! The small things she keeps from the boys to avoid complicating their lives even further, is so selfless and just....wow.
In this book we watch the group grow closer. And I mean....closer. I can't believe I am actually hoping she kisses all of them? Wait...what? Well, I can't help it. I love them all, she loves them all, how on earth can you really pick just one? They are all so different and offer unique support to this broken girl that I suddenly find myself jumping for one team to the next with each turn of the page. Deep down there is even a part of me that hopes she never chooses one. I don't think I could handle the total heartbreak the others would suffer. I mean, if we are being honest, this is the most unhealthy group dynamic ever...but at the same time it's the most loving, most pure form of friendship I've ever seen.
We've all read love triangles and rolled our eyes over the "choice" the heroine had to make. But somehow C.L. Stone has weaved this love-decagon that feels so natural, so real, and so powerful. I can honestly say I've never felt so strongly for SO many characters in one novel before. It's truly amazing how the author pulls you in to each individual encounter and makes you focus only on the two involved. How is that even possible??
Now this book isn't all lovey-dovey. This are getting pretty wild, especially where Mr. McCoy is involved. He is seriously one creepy dude. And his fixation on Sang is crazy, psycho type stuff. But the Academy is always one step ahead of the bad guy....right? Or what is they aren't? What if this time, they are one step behind?
And OMG that ending!
September 28, 2017
I love love love this series.
Seriously I turned the last page last night, and I was like, Somethings wrong, there is no way that I read the book that fast." Then I wanted to cry because it was over. I also promised my self I couldn't move on to the next book yet because when I read these things, I forget there is a world out there and you know I need to work and stuff so I Can buy more books.
So lets actually talk about this little gem. First of all its a reverse harem. Which means, yes all nine guys fall for this girl. So if your not into that, well you probably should avoid this book.
The way C.L Stone makes you fall in is unbelievable. I mean you have nine different guys in this story, and yet she manages to make you fall in love with them and there different personality. I swear I can't choose between the nine guys. Okay maybe I can. I'll take Kota, Gabriel, Nathan, and Luke, okay and maybe North. You guys can fight over the rest.
I'm assuming anyone reading this review has already read the first 3 books right? Cause I mean, what would be the point skipping to read a review of book four.
So if you've read this book, than you already know our boys are quite bossy and maybe a little overprotective in these books. Sang is normally a pushover. I won't call her a mary sue, because in all honesty, the girl has every right to be. Shes been abused for years. So its no wonder she doesn't really know how to put the guys in their place sometimes.
However, in this book she stepped up. And goddamn it I was so proud of her.
She held her ground this time, and believed in herself that she was doing the right thing.
So theirs a few New things we get to see in this book as Sangs relationship begins to grow with the guys. There's a little bit of Jealousy from the guys, some more incidents with McCoy, and of course Academy Secrets.
That ending. I feel like it was the same as the last book. Just in a different setting. Especially since I though a certain point was established already, maybe it was just meant to solidify it.
I have no idea what the next book is about, don't really care because I know I'm going to probably flip through the pages like some kind of addict. Hey, don't judge.
Seriously I turned the last page last night, and I was like, Somethings wrong, there is no way that I read the book that fast." Then I wanted to cry because it was over. I also promised my self I couldn't move on to the next book yet because when I read these things, I forget there is a world out there and you know I need to work and stuff so I Can buy more books.
So lets actually talk about this little gem. First of all its a reverse harem. Which means, yes all nine guys fall for this girl. So if your not into that, well you probably should avoid this book.
The way C.L Stone makes you fall in is unbelievable. I mean you have nine different guys in this story, and yet she manages to make you fall in love with them and there different personality. I swear I can't choose between the nine guys. Okay maybe I can. I'll take Kota, Gabriel, Nathan, and Luke, okay and maybe North. You guys can fight over the rest.
I'm assuming anyone reading this review has already read the first 3 books right? Cause I mean, what would be the point skipping to read a review of book four.
So if you've read this book, than you already know our boys are quite bossy and maybe a little overprotective in these books. Sang is normally a pushover. I won't call her a mary sue, because in all honesty, the girl has every right to be. Shes been abused for years. So its no wonder she doesn't really know how to put the guys in their place sometimes.
However, in this book she stepped up. And goddamn it I was so proud of her.
She held her ground this time, and believed in herself that she was doing the right thing.
So theirs a few New things we get to see in this book as Sangs relationship begins to grow with the guys. There's a little bit of Jealousy from the guys, some more incidents with McCoy, and of course Academy Secrets.
That ending. I feel like it was the same as the last book. Just in a different setting. Especially since I though a certain point was established already, maybe it was just meant to solidify it.
I have no idea what the next book is about, don't really care because I know I'm going to probably flip through the pages like some kind of addict. Hey, don't judge.
July 10, 2018
Second time read. First time review.
I am really enjoying these books again. I love Sang and the gang. Out of all the guys, North and Mr. Blackbourne are my favorite right now. I'm sure my favorites will change in the next book but North is just so protective over Sang - he just doesn't really know how to show it. Then there's Mr. Blackbourne and I'm just sensing that their relationship is getting stronger.
The gang is still trying to work with Sang by either protecting her from unnecessary attention, rumors, or her family. They are also trying to figure out where she falls in their group. Feelings are starting to develop and grow between this group of members and I'm just waiting for the reverse harem to show up. It's a VERY slow burn kind of thing and I really need for it to pick up it's pace.
Since North has already mentioned that he loves her, and I am pretty sure that Mr. Blackbourne did too, I can't wait for everyone else to say it. Then I will need her to say it but I doubt that's gonna happen in the next book. I need more people!
As for the villian, I'm pretty sure there's more than one in this book. We know of one-ish, but I'm waiting for the others to come out of the dark. I need to know!!
Overall, I loved this book and devoured it at work. Didn't have time to write the review until now but I can't wait to dive into the next book.
I am really enjoying these books again. I love Sang and the gang. Out of all the guys, North and Mr. Blackbourne are my favorite right now. I'm sure my favorites will change in the next book but North is just so protective over Sang - he just doesn't really know how to show it. Then there's Mr. Blackbourne and I'm just sensing that their relationship is getting stronger.
The gang is still trying to work with Sang by either protecting her from unnecessary attention, rumors, or her family. They are also trying to figure out where she falls in their group. Feelings are starting to develop and grow between this group of members and I'm just waiting for the reverse harem to show up. It's a VERY slow burn kind of thing and I really need for it to pick up it's pace.
Since North has already mentioned that he loves her, and I am pretty sure that Mr. Blackbourne did too, I can't wait for everyone else to say it. Then I will need her to say it but I doubt that's gonna happen in the next book. I need more people!
As for the villian, I'm pretty sure there's more than one in this book. We know of one-ish, but I'm waiting for the others to come out of the dark. I need to know!!
Overall, I loved this book and devoured it at work. Didn't have time to write the review until now but I can't wait to dive into the next book.
March 29, 2017
Yup, I am a giant masochist
It is final as evident with my continued reading of garbage.
I will not bother for with a proper review of this....
You ask me if anything happened since last book.. NO!
NOTHING HAPPENS...
I swear the h wipes her ass and the author will write a litany of chapters about how amazing she is..
It is final as evident with my continued reading of garbage.
I will not bother for with a proper review of this....
You ask me if anything happened since last book.. NO!
NOTHING HAPPENS...
August 10, 2015
I'm having a major book hang over. Waiting 3 months for the next book is going to be pure torture. I've already read the first 3 books 5 times each. I'm going to have to do the same with this one to help stave off my with draws.
September 27, 2020
what is it with this series?! i don't understand. it's so freaking trashy and mildly toxic but SO. DAMN. ADDICTIVE. our MC is so weak and naive, so incredibly weak that in that 1 second she does grow a pair of balls i start jumping around from happiness, but i still kinda love her (in a hateful way). i like a strong and snarky MC, but i can't put this series down, and when i do put it down it's SO DAMN EASY to pick it up again and get back into the series!
it's magic. it has to be. there's no other possible answer.
it's magic. it has to be. there's no other possible answer.
February 28, 2014
9 GUYS.
9 DIFFERENT LOVE INTERESTS. AT ONCE.
WHAT THE FUCK?? I'm seriously questioning my sanity right now!!
Because, I'm totally rooting for Sang and her 9 men to be still together??
And the thing is, there isn't one I like more than the others, I seriously think all the guys are equally as incredible as others...
This is so damn unrealistic, I MEAN COME THE FUCK ON?? 9 GUYS??? WHAAAT
*Mindblown*
April 4, 2014
Oh crap! C.L went there! I was wondering if Sang would fall for one, but over the series of books it looks like she falls for them all. Are we going down the road of polygamy? It sure looks like it, and I think that is just so awesome! Usually, it's one guy and a bunch of women, I love that it's one girl and a group of guys! Woot about time! Woman power! haha
I loved that we learned more in the story, things unraveled a bit. I totally loved that Sang is slowly getting a back bone! Thank God! I was hoping she would get a real kiss in this book, but I have high hopes for the next. I did miss Gabriel this time, but I loved that we had a lot of North time too.
Alas, just when it's getting good the book ends! Ugh, more wait time. Another enjoyable read.
I loved that we learned more in the story, things unraveled a bit. I totally loved that Sang is slowly getting a back bone! Thank God! I was hoping she would get a real kiss in this book, but I have high hopes for the next. I did miss Gabriel this time, but I loved that we had a lot of North time too.
Alas, just when it's getting good the book ends! Ugh, more wait time. Another enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 2, 2018Check out the first book's review
July 29, 2018
This is my favourite book. I love Sang, she is the best heroine ever. I hate the bad stuff that she goes through. Also, I love how the boys protect her.
My favourite boy is North. Silas is my second favourite. Then, Mr. Blackbourne rounds out my top three. Each boy brings a special and unique quality to the book.
This was a fantastic sequel. It is something totally different than what you usually expect from an author. I think it makes the story fresh and new. I can't wait to read Drop of Doubt next! Overall, an amazing read.
My favourite boy is North. Silas is my second favourite. Then, Mr. Blackbourne rounds out my top three. Each boy brings a special and unique quality to the book.
This was a fantastic sequel. It is something totally different than what you usually expect from an author. I think it makes the story fresh and new. I can't wait to read Drop of Doubt next! Overall, an amazing read.
July 5, 2018
So this was full of drama and cutesy scenes that I loved! Obviously the fours stars are for pure enjoyment and not the quality of the story or writing.
October 29, 2013
Let me start off by saying I am 100 percent addicted to this series. I want to go all fan girl on CL and give her a big hug and kiss on the cheek for giving me something so different from the norm. These books are different. The direction they are heading is different and even though I wasn't so sure about it she's given me a reason to want to follow it through.
In this book Sang and her sister are on there own, crazy mom is in a hospital and the father has abandoned them both. Each one of these books has had an underlying theme and in this one it's trust. Sang must learn to trust the boys with everything and it's not an easy thing to do. She wants into the Academy. She thinks once she's in she will understand the boys better and feel like she is truly a part of this family they keep telling her she is in. The thing is she's got it backward. This group really is "Family First Academy Second" There is also more of an underlying current of romance in this book then in the other three. Each of the boys is ready to move Sang into dating but the order says she's got to make the move. Each boy has his own unique way of showing Sang what she means to them and the Author makes some of the most innocent touches so much more My heart pounded sure he would kiss me. I waited. Only he didn't he did something unexpected and better. His nose traced over the side of my nose, across my cheek. Hovering right there. So Close. Where his nose trailed, my heart followed. Each one of the boys is something different to her but equally as important. Kota, "The boss." North, "The fierce, ever vigilant watchman." Mr.Blackbourne "Of all the boys in the group, I never imagined Mr. Blackbourne being the one to understand me so well. Someone I could trust to talk to me, to tell me the answers."
This book was more about establishing the perimeters of the relationships between the characters. Not only teaching Sang to continue to open up and trust the boys but that they too needed to trust her abilities and her judgment. Even if that meant arguing or yelling. "Yes. You had the right idea. You need to continue to argue back. Listen to that he has to say and if you disagree, speak up and say so, He'll listen." He yell's to show he cares about you." "What if he doesn't care?" "He won't talk to you." I think that is a hard lesson for anyone to learn even outside of a book. Just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I don't like them or care for them. Actually it's the opposite. If I didn't care I wouldn't bother.
There is still so much to figure out and I am looking forward to the next books in the series. I love that she mixes the mystery of The Academy with the dynamics of the relationships. Sang is still a target at school and it isn't just from the students anymore. I have enjoyed seeing each of the characters. especially Sang evolve into a someone I can feel for. See that's the deciding factor for me with a book. I want to be invested in the characters by the time I'm done. I want to crave the rest of the story. I want to be excited because the Author hasn't shown her entire hand yet. and This series delivers all of that and a little something extra. I have always had my heart set on North, call me biased but I love the guys who are rough around the edges and a little bit harder to get close to but that have that larger than life heart on the inside. Heck I married one! However as this series continues I find that like Sang I can see something I love about each one. I get the mixed up feelings and the way she can't let any of them go. It's not like a triangle where your loyalties are divided. It's like all of them make a whole. That it wouldn't work right without the others just like any other family. The fact that they are all smokin hot doesn't hurt either. Again I say start at the beginning if you haven't read the first 3 books go get em, do it now! I am so hooked on this one and I want you all to join me on the ride :-)
In this book Sang and her sister are on there own, crazy mom is in a hospital and the father has abandoned them both. Each one of these books has had an underlying theme and in this one it's trust. Sang must learn to trust the boys with everything and it's not an easy thing to do. She wants into the Academy. She thinks once she's in she will understand the boys better and feel like she is truly a part of this family they keep telling her she is in. The thing is she's got it backward. This group really is "Family First Academy Second" There is also more of an underlying current of romance in this book then in the other three. Each of the boys is ready to move Sang into dating but the order says she's got to make the move. Each boy has his own unique way of showing Sang what she means to them and the Author makes some of the most innocent touches so much more My heart pounded sure he would kiss me. I waited. Only he didn't he did something unexpected and better. His nose traced over the side of my nose, across my cheek. Hovering right there. So Close. Where his nose trailed, my heart followed. Each one of the boys is something different to her but equally as important. Kota, "The boss." North, "The fierce, ever vigilant watchman." Mr.Blackbourne "Of all the boys in the group, I never imagined Mr. Blackbourne being the one to understand me so well. Someone I could trust to talk to me, to tell me the answers."
This book was more about establishing the perimeters of the relationships between the characters. Not only teaching Sang to continue to open up and trust the boys but that they too needed to trust her abilities and her judgment. Even if that meant arguing or yelling. "Yes. You had the right idea. You need to continue to argue back. Listen to that he has to say and if you disagree, speak up and say so, He'll listen." He yell's to show he cares about you." "What if he doesn't care?" "He won't talk to you." I think that is a hard lesson for anyone to learn even outside of a book. Just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I don't like them or care for them. Actually it's the opposite. If I didn't care I wouldn't bother.
There is still so much to figure out and I am looking forward to the next books in the series. I love that she mixes the mystery of The Academy with the dynamics of the relationships. Sang is still a target at school and it isn't just from the students anymore. I have enjoyed seeing each of the characters. especially Sang evolve into a someone I can feel for. See that's the deciding factor for me with a book. I want to be invested in the characters by the time I'm done. I want to crave the rest of the story. I want to be excited because the Author hasn't shown her entire hand yet. and This series delivers all of that and a little something extra. I have always had my heart set on North, call me biased but I love the guys who are rough around the edges and a little bit harder to get close to but that have that larger than life heart on the inside. Heck I married one! However as this series continues I find that like Sang I can see something I love about each one. I get the mixed up feelings and the way she can't let any of them go. It's not like a triangle where your loyalties are divided. It's like all of them make a whole. That it wouldn't work right without the others just like any other family. The fact that they are all smokin hot doesn't hurt either. Again I say start at the beginning if you haven't read the first 3 books go get em, do it now! I am so hooked on this one and I want you all to join me on the ride :-)
October 29, 2013
To come so far I guess you've read book 1 and 2 and 3 and were as me, just about as crazy as you
can become to read book4! Waiting and waiting and waaaaiting... just thinking about the book, imagening different outcomes, and reading the other books again and again. And when book 4 finally were released, you bought it the second it was awailable? I sure did!
Is it as good as the others? YES!
Are there still secrets, intrigues, action, laugh out loud moments? Oh yes!
Does Sang still suprise you? You betcha!
Continuing drooooling over the fabulous, gorgeous, kissable 9 available hotness in the books? MMmm oh god yes!
Did I read the book too fast? Sure did! Devoured it in one sitting!!
Would i deem the book worth the price? I would have paid the double! And I've got student loans up to my neck...
Where to begin?
I must say this time I were almost dreading as much as looking forward to read this book because I were afraid that too many loose ends were gonna get knotted together, and the book would probably end up "slowing down" with filler moments as many series these days do, but oh no it didnt! LOL!
Sure some loose ends were knotted, but aaaah, those who werent just got longer and more tangled than ever. The action and kick ass moments made my heart jump, my hands shaking in the air rooting, scaring my cat to death for laughing or maybe guaffing for witty comments and dialogs, and tearing up at the soft, endearing, and heartbreaking moments. I really oculdn't have asked for a better continue of the three amazing books beforehand.
Sang is dealing with living alone with her sister, while being abandon by her father for his "other family". The boys are still there supporting, caring and rooting for her, but as the story moves along we notice some really good changes to Sang. I will not go into wich, but lets just say, I HOPED FOR THEM :D it just made the story ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY perfection.
Oh here are soom goodies: more intimate moments, near death experience, Sangs groving confidence and somewhat "stand-on-her-own-two-feet" wanting independency, just gut-wreanching action moments, adorable moments you just sigh, because admit it, you want to be there too.
Buy the book, and if you havent read the 3 beforehand, please do. There are no regret and no feelings of utter boredom. Just be prepared for the Academy addiction flooding goodreads atm.
Oh, btw, i bought it on realease day, and am currently reading it again atm, just to enjoy it even more. Its THAT GOOD!
can become to read book4! Waiting and waiting and waaaaiting... just thinking about the book, imagening different outcomes, and reading the other books again and again. And when book 4 finally were released, you bought it the second it was awailable? I sure did!
Is it as good as the others? YES!
Are there still secrets, intrigues, action, laugh out loud moments? Oh yes!
Does Sang still suprise you? You betcha!
Continuing drooooling over the fabulous, gorgeous, kissable 9 available hotness in the books? MMmm oh god yes!
Did I read the book too fast? Sure did! Devoured it in one sitting!!
Would i deem the book worth the price? I would have paid the double! And I've got student loans up to my neck...
Where to begin?
I must say this time I were almost dreading as much as looking forward to read this book because I were afraid that too many loose ends were gonna get knotted together, and the book would probably end up "slowing down" with filler moments as many series these days do, but oh no it didnt! LOL!
Sure some loose ends were knotted, but aaaah, those who werent just got longer and more tangled than ever. The action and kick ass moments made my heart jump, my hands shaking in the air rooting, scaring my cat to death for laughing or maybe guaffing for witty comments and dialogs, and tearing up at the soft, endearing, and heartbreaking moments. I really oculdn't have asked for a better continue of the three amazing books beforehand.
Sang is dealing with living alone with her sister, while being abandon by her father for his "other family". The boys are still there supporting, caring and rooting for her, but as the story moves along we notice some really good changes to Sang. I will not go into wich, but lets just say, I HOPED FOR THEM :D it just made the story ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY perfection.
Oh here are soom goodies: more intimate moments, near death experience, Sangs groving confidence and somewhat "stand-on-her-own-two-feet" wanting independency, just gut-wreanching action moments, adorable moments you just sigh, because admit it, you want to be there too.
Buy the book, and if you havent read the 3 beforehand, please do. There are no regret and no feelings of utter boredom. Just be prepared for the Academy addiction flooding goodreads atm.
Oh, btw, i bought it on realease day, and am currently reading it again atm, just to enjoy it even more. Its THAT GOOD!
February 28, 2018
It's been confirmed. I'm a masochist for even trying to finish reading this book. There were moments when I wanted to stop but I had to know what happens to my favorite characters! I deeply dislike the protagonist though. Idk what a majority of guys in the series sees in her because there's nothing remarkable about her except her surprising abilities. Besides that, I really don't see any reason for them to be attracted to her. Heck, even the waiter or some random guy in a party is attracted to her!
I guess this image accurately describes my relationship with this book.
Basically, I'm reading it for specific characters. However, it looks like I'm not continuing this series any longer. I'm exhausted. Also, the girl in the meme (from the pic) is how I imagine Sang to look like.
I really disliked this book except for Blackbourne. I'm upset about Kota's life choices in this book as well(but I still love the guy) because he was so different. He believed something was ridiculous or disgusting but he still did it anyway because the protagonist was okay with it. Like, why??? It's so sad because he was my favorite character on here.
Besides the boys (specifically Blackbourne, Kota, and Victor), this book had been interesting for me because I'm aro ace. I'm curious what's going on between all these guys and her. Who is she going to pick, for instance? I've never read or watched any media that involves polyamory and polygamy. It seems like this is where it's heading and I don't think I'm looking forward to it. I might eventually look at spoilers before considering to read the other books in the series. It just won't be something I'd be interested in reading any time soon.
I need to clear my mind out of all the craziness that happened on here. It had been uncomfortable reading about these boys babying her. Are they her father? Brother? Boyfriends? Sometimes it feels like they're all of the above and not just a romantic interest. It's weird because the writing in this book made it seem like Sang was a child. I'm not sure if it's bad writing (again), although the writing did not improve since its previous novels.
I guess this image accurately describes my relationship with this book.
Basically, I'm reading it for specific characters. However, it looks like I'm not continuing this series any longer. I'm exhausted. Also, the girl in the meme (from the pic) is how I imagine Sang to look like.
I really disliked this book except for Blackbourne. I'm upset about Kota's life choices in this book as well
Besides the boys (specifically Blackbourne, Kota, and Victor), this book had been interesting for me because I'm aro ace. I'm curious what's going on between all these guys and her. Who is she going to pick, for instance? I've never read or watched any media that involves polyamory and polygamy. It seems like this is where it's heading and I don't think I'm looking forward to it. I might eventually look at spoilers before considering to read the other books in the series. It just won't be something I'd be interested in reading any time soon.
I need to clear my mind out of all the craziness that happened on here. It had been uncomfortable reading about these boys babying her. Are they her father? Brother? Boyfriends? Sometimes it feels like they're all of the above and not just a romantic interest. It's weird because the writing in this book made it seem like Sang was a child. I'm not sure if it's bad writing (again), although the writing did not improve since its previous novels.
September 23, 2023
Ok, it took 4 ghost bird and all the meeting sang books for me to finally be sick of her woe as me feelings.
The way the boys are going on and on about her needing to trust them, without giving that same trust me, and her basically sucking it up and accepting that shit. I'm tired of it.
Even when she FINALLY says something to stand up for herself, she goes off and cried about it?
Really!?
A little communication goes a long as s way. Especially for someone who was sheltered and had her rights and choices forcibly taken from her.
Show her the meaning of life by showing her she CAN have a voice, and doesn't need to be worried that if she speaks for herself that she will be abandoned!
And the fact that we are sitting here, reading all this defeatist attitude is fucking drug my me nuts!
I love Blackbourne. I do. But, on one hand, he's telling her more than the guys are but in the other hand he is telling THEM to hide shit...Like feelings.
I say, all in or all out.
Tell her how you feel and ask her HER feelings and go from there.
Concept! Party of..nine?
The way the boys are going on and on about her needing to trust them, without giving that same trust me, and her basically sucking it up and accepting that shit. I'm tired of it.
Even when she FINALLY says something to stand up for herself, she goes off and cried about it?
Really!?
A little communication goes a long as s way. Especially for someone who was sheltered and had her rights and choices forcibly taken from her.
Show her the meaning of life by showing her she CAN have a voice, and doesn't need to be worried that if she speaks for herself that she will be abandoned!
And the fact that we are sitting here, reading all this defeatist attitude is fucking drug my me nuts!
I love Blackbourne. I do. But, on one hand, he's telling her more than the guys are but in the other hand he is telling THEM to hide shit...Like feelings.
I say, all in or all out.
Tell her how you feel and ask her HER feelings and go from there.
Concept! Party of..nine?
March 29, 2021
the whole book was a four stars to me, but the end was a five stars - and my beloved group is more alive than never!!
oh boy, the tension here was GOLD, the end was heart wrenching in such a good way, that you read with a smirk in your face.
But this story was a bit slower than the others, lots of important things happen but still felt a little slower - oh and let me take a moment to talk about Sang, because she is blooming!
The boys here are flawless and I'm more in love than never for them <3
oh boy, the tension here was GOLD, the end was heart wrenching in such a good way, that you read with a smirk in your face.
But this story was a bit slower than the others, lots of important things happen but still felt a little slower - oh and let me take a moment to talk about Sang, because she is blooming!
The boys here are flawless and I'm more in love than never for them <3
November 2, 2013
Loved it! Please don't make me wait til Jan of 14 , please, please, please! I absolutely am on board with the bird being with all of the dogs!!! I was leaning more towards Mr. Blackbourne as her love interest, but when I read that...I got ..well...excited by the concept! Love this series, just don't think I'll make it til Jan! And just for the record I am in love with all of them...ALL of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 31, 2013I want it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shakes the crap out of goodreads!
Shakes the crap out of goodreads!
October 29, 2013
If the rest of this series continues down the path that this one appears to be heading down then THAT IS HOW MORE BOOKS SHOULD DEAL WITH LOVE TRIANGLES/QUEADRANGLES/PENTAGONS! ;P Heeheehee
November 1, 2013
Oh my, that ending.....!!!!!!! Must.Read.The.Next.Book.NOW!!
July 13, 2018
Now that her stepmother is in the hospital and her father has wandered off, Sang has a bit of freedom to get to know the boys from the Academy. Even without the threat of abuse from home, there is still plenty to trouble Sang. Principal Hendricks wants her to spy on the boys from the Academy, and Vice Principal McCoy is showing a lot more creepy interest in her than is comfortable. The boys will have to continue to work hard to keep her safe. Sang will have to learn to trust them despite not knowing all their secrets.
Like I mentioned in previous reviews, I'm actually further ahead in the series as I write this review. Looking back, it makes me appreciate the pacing of the books. While there is plenty of action at school, the romance is much slower paced. I am actually enjoying remembering what it was like to be 16 and all those butterflies that you feel when you think a guy is going to kiss you. And yes, this is the first book that we get close to kissing! Sang is deliciously naive, but the Academy guys are very respectful. It highlights the stark contrast between how respectfully the Academy boys treat her versus how other boys from school treat her. I love it!
Like I mentioned in previous reviews, I'm actually further ahead in the series as I write this review. Looking back, it makes me appreciate the pacing of the books. While there is plenty of action at school, the romance is much slower paced. I am actually enjoying remembering what it was like to be 16 and all those butterflies that you feel when you think a guy is going to kiss you. And yes, this is the first book that we get close to kissing! Sang is deliciously naive, but the Academy guys are very respectful. It highlights the stark contrast between how respectfully the Academy boys treat her versus how other boys from school treat her. I love it!
March 8, 2025
I no longer know what I’m doing here but I will continue my journey.
Read
September 11, 2022What, you say? Why would I want Sang with Derrick when there are nine guys ready to plunge into her panties at a moment's notice? Well, I'm so glad you asked!
Derrick doesn't force intimacy under the guise of friendship. He jumps on the trampoline with Sang, rides bikes with her, hangs out with her, all without resorting to things like sleeping in her bed with her, or sucking on her fingers, or nuzzling her nose, or giving forced kisses through her fingers, or have her sit on his lap, or tell her to say they're dating when they aren't. He doesn't blur the line between friendship and dating to her, who has no idea how it works.
Derrick doesn't make Sang feel indebted to him. Sang helps Derrick fix up her and Marie's old bikes and doesn't think about needing to bend over backwards to repay him. She never feels the need to be completely complacent to him. She never thinks about constantly failing him or making him mad over stupid, insignificant things.
Derrick doesn't spy on Sang. He doesn't put cameras in her house, or recorders on her phone to watch her every move in case she gets a boo boo.
Derrick doesn't expect Sang's trust but withhold trust from her. He tells her the secret call that he and his friends keep from the Academy boys, figuring she won't tell them. He doesn't demand her total and complete trust while keeping secrets from her and expecting her to comply. He doesn't keep her in his sights at all times because he thinks something could happen when she's not under twenty-four hour surveillance.
Derrick isn't jealous that Sang has friends that aren't in his circle. He's totally fine with her being friends with the Academy boys. He doesn't get growly and pouty before stamping his foot and demanding that she only hang out with people he likes or deems appropriate.
Derrick doesn't make Sang feel like she can't tell him things. Anything she wants to say, she doesn't need to keep bottled up because it might anger him. She doesn't have to be afraid to speak up even when it's something he doesn't want to hear. She doesn't have to be compliant and submissive to his every whim.
So yeah, Derrick x Sang!
...Yes, I am aware that Derrick isn't in the series enough for my doomed little ship. However, everything that Derrick doesn't do in my points above, is exactly what all the Academy boys do. It's creepy! It's unnatural! It's unhealthy! And she just goes along with it because she's an idiot!
Sang's every idiotic thought is about how she needs to hand her life over to her harem because being an individual would piss them off. If something happens, she immediately blames herself and wonders how she can fix it and make them love her again. Her self-esteem is so low that she thinks everything is her fault and she always screws up. She doesn't stand up for herself, she doesn't voice her concerns, and the moment she does, she cries about how she's a terrible person who doesn't deserve her friends. She is a martyr+++ and I'm getting tired of it.
The Academy boys don't trust her, but expect her trust and betray it over and over and over, yet her only thought is that she isn't one of them. They treat her like one of them to a point, aka most of the invasive bullshit and nothing else. They steamroll her, they don't let her make decisions for herself, they have her so far retreated into her head that she's basically breasts and a vagina for them to fondle whenever they feel like it. She's the only Playstation console in the house and everyone has to take turns with her. How can this be considered anything other than creepy?
The epilogue is terrible. It's another Academy member from a different group, who says the only way to bring Sang into their all-male team is for everyone to be in love with her and share her, and for her to agree to it. And fucking Blackbourne thinks they can do it! You know why, Blackbourne? Because Sang is too stupid to know any better. Way to justify this ridiculous notion, series!
In other news, Stone needs to look up what "beaming" means. People are constantly beaming when they wouldn't be.
Also, North is an asshole and needs counseling for his anger issues.
December 27, 2016
Before writing this review, I do have to admit that I have enjoyed this series to date and am enjoying it and want to see what happens but for some reason Forgiveness and Permission drove me freaking cray-cray, and I wanted to scream at this book and to be honest, I think there was a bit of shaking the Ipad as well . Parts of this one just frustrated the hell out of me. So to catch up, Sang's mother is now in the hospital, and her father has run off. We still don't know too much about Sang's birth mother. Sang and her older sister Marie are fending for themselves and trying to keep up appearances. The Academy boys have been stepping up to the plate and helping and spending more time with Sang. We also saw in this book a bit more introduction of Derrick, Micah, and Tom - the neighbors. As the year is getting by and of course hormones are raging, the boys are all falling in love, and some more than others are developing strong feelings for Sang. Of course, she can't just date one of them - it's all or nothing as North and Blackbourne are about to learn when they go to visit someone whose Academy team made it work with a Bird, however, in their case, it was four guys and one girl not nine guys and one girl. I felt in this book that Sang was just playing with the boy's emotions and not caring about them. It's like be honest, how many times do they need to save you for you to trust them and HELLO - tell them everything as they will find out eventually. Can Sang work with the boys and love them all equally to make things work or will this be the turning point in Sang's life where she seriously needs to make a decision and an ultimatum and stop messing everyone around her lives up, just because hers sucks doesn't mean everyone else does? I think it might have been the whole one-sided relationship of this book that frustrated me or the fact of playing games with people's emotions and hearts but it would have to be my worst Academy read in the series so far. I honestly have not felt so worked up about a book in ages, but this one I think worked me up more as I do love the boys and care about them but desperately want Sang to get over her freaking naivety ARGH. After that little rant, I am however looking forward to seeing how it develops and YAY - the boys Luke and North finally have their diner open.
March 25, 2014
Overall, we don't see a whole lot of development in Sang's character since the first book (fragile, insecure and naiive at times) - except perhaps towards the end when she starts to show more courage and independence. She still doesn't quite know what to make of all the attention and flirtations by the Academy boys - as if she were the queen bee. More frustrating are the internal dialogues: "Did Nathan biting my fingers mean something?" "What happens when someone made it clear they were interested in something more than friendship? Was I supposed to say something?" Ugh...let's hope she doesn't stay naiive for long...
Despite the shortcomings, it's also good to see a little bit of character development in the guys. We get to discover more about their backgrounds and their friendships. At one point, Nathan admits that he doesn't mind "sharing" stuff with Kota - and that includes a certain girl, apparently...ahemm. On another occasion, in a moment of transparancy (or was it drunkeness), North blurts out, "I'm not sharing. I don't want to share her...Sang." Well, at least someone here finally spoke up and not pretended like what's going on is just innocent affection!
Surprisingly, one of the things I liked about this book were the uncomplicated friendships that Sang developed with other people including Derrick, Micah and Tom. They seemed like pretty average or "normal" neighborhood guys who aren't part of the secretive Academy group. Such moments are brief reminders that Sang is capable of having a life that doesn't involve seven raging hormone boy friends and crazy family members.
Overall, a decent book that's easy and fun to read, especially if you're not expecting clever dialogue, complex characters and mind-blowing plots. Then again...most girls who read this type of book are probably not expecting Jane Austen-style classic romance novels.
Despite the shortcomings, it's also good to see a little bit of character development in the guys. We get to discover more about their backgrounds and their friendships. At one point, Nathan admits that he doesn't mind "sharing" stuff with Kota - and that includes a certain girl, apparently...ahemm. On another occasion, in a moment of transparancy (or was it drunkeness), North blurts out, "I'm not sharing. I don't want to share her...Sang." Well, at least someone here finally spoke up and not pretended like what's going on is just innocent affection!
Surprisingly, one of the things I liked about this book were the uncomplicated friendships that Sang developed with other people including Derrick, Micah and Tom. They seemed like pretty average or "normal" neighborhood guys who aren't part of the secretive Academy group. Such moments are brief reminders that Sang is capable of having a life that doesn't involve seven raging hormone boy friends and crazy family members.
Overall, a decent book that's easy and fun to read, especially if you're not expecting clever dialogue, complex characters and mind-blowing plots. Then again...most girls who read this type of book are probably not expecting Jane Austen-style classic romance novels.
October 30, 2013
To be completely honest, I'm a little bit shocked with THAT END!, perhaps I'm too naive and I didn't considered that THAT would be the 'solution' to the reverse harem situation *feels dumb*. Not that I don't approve it, I've already stated that I couldn't/wanted to pick just one, but seriously, C.L. Stone you have surprised me once again. HUGE surprise.
I've realized I write almost the same things in my reviews about these books but it's only the truth. This series are unique and incredible. Forgiveness and Permission is really good, Sang is showing off her character and I loved reading more about *adorable* Kota, Nathan, Mr. Blackbourne and North. Although I missed Gabriel and Victor this time. I still love all of the mistery and secrets from The Academy but I'm eager to know where the story is going, and if the guys and Sang are going to implement that option ;). I hope to survive till January for book 5 because it's going to be a long, long wait.
Awesome job C.L. Stone!
I've realized I write almost the same things in my reviews about these books but it's only the truth. This series are unique and incredible. Forgiveness and Permission is really good, Sang is showing off her character and I loved reading more about *adorable* Kota, Nathan, Mr. Blackbourne and North. Although I missed Gabriel and Victor this time. I still love all of the mistery and secrets from The Academy but I'm eager to know where the story is going, and if the guys and Sang are going to implement that option ;). I hope to survive till January for book 5 because it's going to be a long, long wait.
Awesome job C.L. Stone!
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