My time at Monster Academy continues to get more dangerous...
I've survived the first semester in Monstreuse. But my life continues to tangle, just like my budding relationship with Byron, my obnoxious, sorcerer tutor. It turns out my strange powers are tied to the force turning my fellow students into monsters, and that's not awkward at all. And it definitely doesn't put a target on my back.
As Byron and I attempt to unravel the truth about me and help my new friends maintain their humanity, I learn I'm in the middle of plans to change the world--but not for the better--and my fate is closing in. I'll need Byron's help to avoid the worst, but can I reach the real guy that he's hiding behind that confident exterior?
Holly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters...literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist.
Ali continues to learn about her powers and strengthen the relationships she first formed in her first semester at Monstreuse Academy.
The synopsis makes the book sound like it's mostly about her relationship with Byron, and her own dark magic, and while she if, of course, at the center of the story, her budding relationship isn't a main plot point - which I like. All of her relationships are the main point of the story, with her friends and with her perceived enemies. Ali must work through all of her relationships in this book, they are the central theme of the tale.
While I thought the first book was just okay, I prefer the second much more. Originally, I kept reading not out of a desire to continue the story but out of curiosity. This book changed that, and I am eager for the next book, I'm glad it's already been released.
This book is very much in the Young Adult genre and I wish it has been around when I was younger. I've recommended it to a few friends with younger teens and they are enjoying the series.
If Semester One was a chaotic magical rollercoaster, Semester Two is the part where the track catches fire and the ride operator turns out to be a demon in disguise. And yes—I loved every minute of it. Ali’s back, and her life is still a delightful disaster. Her powers are getting weirder, her classmates are turning into monsters (again), and her relationship with Byron—the sorcerer tutor with the emotional range of a teaspoon—is tangled enough to require its own spellbook. The stakes are higher, the secrets are juicier, and the awkward moments are peak paranormal sitcom. Holly Hook continues to deliver fast-paced, twisty storytelling with just the right amount of snark and heart. The mystery deepens, the monster transformations get creepier, and Ali’s quest to stay alive (and maybe save the world?) keeps you flipping pages like your Kindle owes you money. If you’re into magical academies, reluctant heroes, and slow-burn romance with a side of “what the heck just happened,” this installment won’t disappoint. I’m officially committed to this series like a vampire to a blood bank.
This one was really cute ☺️ Ali is trying to keep her two best friends from changing into monsters, while also trying to learn how to control her own powers. Add to that a little high school drama in the form of the mean girl, Vee, and the slow simmering resentment of her classmates that have begun to suspect that Ali is preventing her friends from changing into monsters but doing nothing to help the rest of them.
The story definitely is on the younger side of a YA story. Ali starts to have a relationship with Byron, but it’s not steamy or graphic at all. Just kinda cute. And it more or less takes a back seat to her friendships, and the ever present threat of the Society.
My favorite scene by far was the swamp monsters. I’m starting to like Vee a little bit. Sometimes this story feels a little bit dragged out, although not to the point that it’s slow moving or anything like that. I’m still curious to see what the Society is really up to, and how this will all play out.
Exams have come around and it almost feels as if we’ve come full circle to where it all began. Except these test the knowledge and skills that monsters will need to survive instead of subjects to get into college. Ali and her friends are still searching for answers and the journey to the truth is full of danger and surprises. This story is filled with tension and anxiety for many reasons. The lives of Ali and her friends are teetering on the brink of something huge but they’re not sure what and those who might know are not forthcoming with answers. I love how the series is progressing, it’s keeping me on the edge of my seat! Can’t wait to see what’s next for this group of rebels! I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I do so love this series and this second d book is every bit as good as the first one.
Ali is trying very hard trying to stop her two closest friends at the academy, from turning into the monsters they are destined to be. Her relationship with Byron, her tutor and mentor, has progressed into something else. The spy teacher from last year is changing into a monster and wants her help, although he is bargaining with her to get it. It is all about her old friend Bibi. Apparently the Society is holding her, hoping to use her as bait to get Ali - and they don't want her back for any good reason. Of course, you know it is not going to be straight forward at all.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave this review.
This was a good, fast paced read. I feel it's better than the first one. Even though it doesn't end with a cliffhanger, you know it continues on in a series. You definitely need to read semester one first. If you like the feel of the Harry Potter books, try this series. It's angsty, YA monster fun. I did recieve this as an ARC but these opinions are my own.
The fun and monsters are back and so are the questions and a few answers found. I enjoyed watching it all unfold. Enjoyed the story, the characters and guessing what might happen next. Some surprises and fun times had as I laughed and groaned and enjoyed it all. Ali is amazing and definitely grows and learns more as the story unfolds. Enjoyed it.
Ali is still trying to figure out what she can do with Byron’s help. What she can do scares her and she is desperate to find answers. This book kept me on my toes. It was a thrill reading and I absolutely loved it.
This is the second book in the Monster Academy series. I have really loved it and cannot wait for book 3. I have received an arc of this book from Holly Hook.
This is a unique academy series. It's perfect for younger readers lacking the spice level of many others. The magical system is amazing as is the world building.
If Semester One was a chaotic magical rollercoaster, Semester Two is the part where the track catches fire and the ride operator turns out to be a demon in disguise. And yes—I loved every minute of it. Ali’s back, and her life is still a delightful disaster. Her powers are getting weirder, her classmates are turning into monsters (again), and her relationship with Byron—the sorcerer tutor with the emotional range of a teaspoon—is tangled enough to require its own spellbook. The stakes are higher, the secrets are juicier, and the awkward moments are peak paranormal sitcom. Holly Hook continues to deliver fast-paced, twisty storytelling with just the right amount of snark and heart. The mystery deepens, the monster transformations get creepier, and Ali’s quest to stay alive (and maybe save the world?) keeps you flipping pages like your Kindle owes you money. If you’re into magical academies, reluctant heroes, and slow-burn romance with a side of “what the heck just happened,” this installment won’t disappoint. I’m officially committed to this series like a vampire to a blood bank.