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HellNight Academy #1
Unshaken: HellNight Academy, Book 1
I was supposed to be a Light Guardian. My whole life was mapped out, and I was going to proudly follow my ancestor's footsteps. So why did the Angels reject me? When the time came for me to attend Caelum Academy, my invitation never came. With my dreams in ashes, I was ready to give up, go out on my own, and walk away from my family for good.
A knock upon my door changed everything, and this is when my story truly begins.
An invitation to be admitted to HellNight Academy, the most prestigious supernatural Academy in the world. Suddenly I am exposed to a world of darkness and chaos. And nothing is what it seems.
I discover I'm more powerful than I thought, and my magic continues to grow. Everyone is watching me, and my list of enemies is a mile long, which includes the Headmistress. Of course, I have the added complication of finding my Soul tethers. My crazy band of lovers are bound to me whether they like it or not. My world is spiraling out of control.
All of my life I thought my path would be the light. I find out my destiny is fated to be something more dark, wicked, and . . . delicious.
Should I fight against it? Or should I give in?
Contains mature themes.
A knock upon my door changed everything, and this is when my story truly begins.
An invitation to be admitted to HellNight Academy, the most prestigious supernatural Academy in the world. Suddenly I am exposed to a world of darkness and chaos. And nothing is what it seems.
I discover I'm more powerful than I thought, and my magic continues to grow. Everyone is watching me, and my list of enemies is a mile long, which includes the Headmistress. Of course, I have the added complication of finding my Soul tethers. My crazy band of lovers are bound to me whether they like it or not. My world is spiraling out of control.
All of my life I thought my path would be the light. I find out my destiny is fated to be something more dark, wicked, and . . . delicious.
Should I fight against it? Or should I give in?
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published September 13, 2022
1010 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
September 30, 2022
The book I’ve been waiting for
This book is everything I have ever wanted in a story since I dove hard back into reading. All black main cast, PNR , why choose, dark romance, with a plus size lead, this is the holy grail!!! The writing and pace are great. The characters are well developed and invoke strong emotions. The twins are quite possibly the loves of my life. And holy dark night the plot is phenomenal. My heart feels to full and come on with the “to be continued” at least it wasn’t a clify. Also don’t let the title deter you these are majority 20+ yo characters. Happy reading!
This book is everything I have ever wanted in a story since I dove hard back into reading. All black main cast, PNR , why choose, dark romance, with a plus size lead, this is the holy grail!!! The writing and pace are great. The characters are well developed and invoke strong emotions. The twins are quite possibly the loves of my life. And holy dark night the plot is phenomenal. My heart feels to full and come on with the “to be continued” at least it wasn’t a clify. Also don’t let the title deter you these are majority 20+ yo characters. Happy reading!
November 8, 2023
4.5 rounded up!
This was a wild ride and really enjoyable! Full review to come but BRB gotta go download the rest of the series!
This was a wild ride and really enjoyable! Full review to come but BRB gotta go download the rest of the series!
December 4, 2024
Not bad
January 6, 2023
This book is about Micah, a 23 year old witch who's been constantly denied to be who she truly is. Amongst her latest rejection from Caelum Academy, a school that trains witches and warlocks to be Light Guardians she's ready to give up. Until she receives a box inviting her to the most prestigious supernatural school in the world, HellNight Academy. It's there that things change for Micah in a major way, not only does she meet her Soul Tethers Ty, Trys, Esme and Rodyn but she also learns the truth about her real lineage. She's a witch but she's something else as well. From there she has to deal with learning magic, dodging attacks from other students trying to kill her and figuring out who she is.
This book was fairly enjoyable. It's not the best i've ever read but it was pretty interesting. What I absolutely LOVED is that this is a black(not IR) but black supernatural pseudo dark academia reverse harem romance. Not only is Micah black but so are all of her soul tethers. God only knows how long I've been waiting for a black academia series. Authors haven't jumped on the bandwagon for this sub genre yet unfortunately so finding books for it is severely underwhelming. Stumbling upon this was a God send. The twins, Ty and Trys are my favorite of the tethers. They're truly unhinged but their dedication to loving and keeping Micah safe was precious. Rodyn was doing wayy to much so I didn't care for him to much. He's definitely going to be doing a lot of groveling in the second book for her to forgive him. Esme needs to grow a backbone and stop being so timid and scary all the time. Micah wasn't a bad FMC but she annoyed me at times. Sometimes she acted 23 other times she acted 16.
The biggest issues I had with this book is the overly formal way it's written. Dreia must have something against contractions because she barely used them and because of that the story didn't flow as well for me. Instead of simplifying it by saying "I'm" or "There's" or "I'll" it was always "I am" "There is" "I will". Nobody, especially in the US, even more than that the southern part of the US talks like that. This school is located in Louisiana. A state I was born and raised in. We don't talk like that. The south is the land of contraction grammar. We're always simplifying words. Not to mention these characters are black. Them talking overly proper makes no sense and often took me out the story. I hope the second book flows better because I couldn't take the way this one was written.
Also this story was too slow of a burn. She has 4 soul tethers and in this almost 400 page book by the end she's only claimed two of them, the twins. Even more than that the sex in this book doesn’t happen til the last hundred pages and it's only 2 scenes. One with each twin. This series is a super slow burn RH. I wasn't really fond of that. Hopefully in book 2 which drops at the end of January it'll be more fast paced. Rating is 4/5
This book was fairly enjoyable. It's not the best i've ever read but it was pretty interesting. What I absolutely LOVED is that this is a black(not IR) but black supernatural pseudo dark academia reverse harem romance. Not only is Micah black but so are all of her soul tethers. God only knows how long I've been waiting for a black academia series. Authors haven't jumped on the bandwagon for this sub genre yet unfortunately so finding books for it is severely underwhelming. Stumbling upon this was a God send. The twins, Ty and Trys are my favorite of the tethers. They're truly unhinged but their dedication to loving and keeping Micah safe was precious. Rodyn was doing wayy to much so I didn't care for him to much. He's definitely going to be doing a lot of groveling in the second book for her to forgive him. Esme needs to grow a backbone and stop being so timid and scary all the time. Micah wasn't a bad FMC but she annoyed me at times. Sometimes she acted 23 other times she acted 16.
The biggest issues I had with this book is the overly formal way it's written. Dreia must have something against contractions because she barely used them and because of that the story didn't flow as well for me. Instead of simplifying it by saying "I'm" or "There's" or "I'll" it was always "I am" "There is" "I will". Nobody, especially in the US, even more than that the southern part of the US talks like that. This school is located in Louisiana. A state I was born and raised in. We don't talk like that. The south is the land of contraction grammar. We're always simplifying words. Not to mention these characters are black. Them talking overly proper makes no sense and often took me out the story. I hope the second book flows better because I couldn't take the way this one was written.
Also this story was too slow of a burn. She has 4 soul tethers and in this almost 400 page book by the end she's only claimed two of them, the twins. Even more than that the sex in this book doesn’t happen til the last hundred pages and it's only 2 scenes. One with each twin. This series is a super slow burn RH. I wasn't really fond of that. Hopefully in book 2 which drops at the end of January it'll be more fast paced. Rating is 4/5
July 12, 2025
3.5⭐️🌶️
There is a lot of world building to this book, and a lot of things that are left unanswered. The connection between all of the main characters seems like faded mates, but then this incubus causes himself to be a fated mate, so I’m very confused. And of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, which I hate. So I have to continue to the next book to see what the hell happens next.
There is a lot of world building to this book, and a lot of things that are left unanswered. The connection between all of the main characters seems like faded mates, but then this incubus causes himself to be a fated mate, so I’m very confused. And of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, which I hate. So I have to continue to the next book to see what the hell happens next.
September 8, 2022
HellNight Hangover!
Well there’s a lot occurring in this first book, it’s a great set up for the rest of the series 😄
Micah, a witch, has been training hard to become a Light Guardian via Caleam Academy- waiting for the angels to choose her! But little does she know there’s wider things at play 😬
But on offer for Hell Night academy may offer her the opportunity to become more and fulfil her potential 🙌🏻 HOWEVER there is a reason this academy is called hell night….you have to survive all the tests and trials to get into the academy and then the first night 🙈
Upon entering the academy Micah discovers her fated mates….let’s just say the twins Trys and Ty they’re a little bit out of this world - but they instantly adore her in their own psychotic ways🥰 and ou do these twins being the 🔥🔥 there’s also Esme who, well actually not entirely sure how that one’s going to pan out 🥴
It doesn’t help that the more fated mates one has the more powerful the witch they are and Micah seems to be picking up mates left right and centre, even if they truly hate her (Looking at you Rodykyns 🙄)
An innocent blood test in class reveals more than Micah ever expected and raises even more questions as to who she is and what she can do 😅 and it might just all reach a peak at that cliffhanger ending….
There’s some great tropes in this book - angels/demons; enemies to lovers; academy setting; unknown badass FMC, with plenty of action and intrigue to keep you reading, spaced with bits of drama and tension! Look forward to the next one 😄
Well there’s a lot occurring in this first book, it’s a great set up for the rest of the series 😄
Micah, a witch, has been training hard to become a Light Guardian via Caleam Academy- waiting for the angels to choose her! But little does she know there’s wider things at play 😬
But on offer for Hell Night academy may offer her the opportunity to become more and fulfil her potential 🙌🏻 HOWEVER there is a reason this academy is called hell night….you have to survive all the tests and trials to get into the academy and then the first night 🙈
Upon entering the academy Micah discovers her fated mates….let’s just say the twins Trys and Ty they’re a little bit out of this world - but they instantly adore her in their own psychotic ways🥰 and ou do these twins being the 🔥🔥 there’s also Esme who, well actually not entirely sure how that one’s going to pan out 🥴
It doesn’t help that the more fated mates one has the more powerful the witch they are and Micah seems to be picking up mates left right and centre, even if they truly hate her (Looking at you Rodykyns 🙄)
An innocent blood test in class reveals more than Micah ever expected and raises even more questions as to who she is and what she can do 😅 and it might just all reach a peak at that cliffhanger ending….
There’s some great tropes in this book - angels/demons; enemies to lovers; academy setting; unknown badass FMC, with plenty of action and intrigue to keep you reading, spaced with bits of drama and tension! Look forward to the next one 😄
September 10, 2022
This book was fantastic!!!! And my oh my - the author just kept throwing us curve balls at the end their!
Micah is a force to be reckoned with. After 3 yrs of waiting to be accepted into a prestigious academy for Light Guardians - her fear of being different and feeling rejected has finally been accepted. Until she gets an invitation to Hellnight academy. A school filled with dark beings that her kind normally steer clear of.
Running away in the middle of the night to the academy, she is soon put through a bunch of tests to test her worthiness. After being officially accepted, she learns that the academy’s secrets are demented and backwards. She soon finds herself tethered to four people. Later a mate and then promised to someone else.
Everything she thinks she knew has all been a lie! When she goes to seek answers, she is disregarded and ignored. Can Micah get the answers she craves? Will her tethered feel the same way back? Can she survive in the middle of this blood thirsty school?
I loved this book!! It moved a little slow but once it got going, I couldn’t put it down! I love that Sasha got why was coming to her, although did Rodyn really have true feelings for her at all? I’m ready for his comeback! And will Esme be a love interest!? Ahhh I’m dying to know! Can Rook finally give us some truths! Can’t wait for the next book!
*Overall 5/5
*Heat 3/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple First person POV
*Ends on cliffhanger
Micah is a force to be reckoned with. After 3 yrs of waiting to be accepted into a prestigious academy for Light Guardians - her fear of being different and feeling rejected has finally been accepted. Until she gets an invitation to Hellnight academy. A school filled with dark beings that her kind normally steer clear of.
Running away in the middle of the night to the academy, she is soon put through a bunch of tests to test her worthiness. After being officially accepted, she learns that the academy’s secrets are demented and backwards. She soon finds herself tethered to four people. Later a mate and then promised to someone else.
Everything she thinks she knew has all been a lie! When she goes to seek answers, she is disregarded and ignored. Can Micah get the answers she craves? Will her tethered feel the same way back? Can she survive in the middle of this blood thirsty school?
I loved this book!! It moved a little slow but once it got going, I couldn’t put it down! I love that Sasha got why was coming to her, although did Rodyn really have true feelings for her at all? I’m ready for his comeback! And will Esme be a love interest!? Ahhh I’m dying to know! Can Rook finally give us some truths! Can’t wait for the next book!
*Overall 5/5
*Heat 3/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple First person POV
*Ends on cliffhanger
October 27, 2024
oh my- MICAH????
soul tethered to triplets? and a beautiful darkskinned seer? AND A FATED MATE OF AN INCUBUS? ANDDDDDD A BETROTHED????? GIRL????? OH MY- DADDY SHOWIN UP???? GIRLL I- OH- ITS A LOT GOING AWNNNNN & i'm here for it every single bit of ittttt!!! i know micah better show OWTTTT in this next book!!!
soul tethered to triplets? and a beautiful darkskinned seer? AND A FATED MATE OF AN INCUBUS? ANDDDDDD A BETROTHED????? GIRL????? OH MY- DADDY SHOWIN UP???? GIRLL I- OH- ITS A LOT GOING AWNNNNN & i'm here for it every single bit of ittttt!!! i know micah better show OWTTTT in this next book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
whoever gave this more than 2 stars, sleep with one eye open.
edit: i'm so shocked about the positive reviews that i keep questioning whether or not we've all read the same book.
edit: i'm so shocked about the positive reviews that i keep questioning whether or not we've all read the same book.
December 3, 2024
So good! A black paranormal/fantasy book that is cute and sexy and action packed. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. Very enjoyable read!
September 13, 2022
I don’t even know if this is going to make any sense. My brain is still trying to process what I just read and it’s having a little trouble catching up. This book almost felt like The Hunger Games crossed with academy romance crossed with Dogma. I know that sounds like the most unlikely combination, but those are the connections that clicked in my mind. I loved Micah. It was so easy to feel her pain at the unfairness in her life and her confusion as she faced this strange new world of the HellNight Academy. I get the sense that there are so many more things going on just below the surface that we haven’t seen yet, and I’m desperate to find out more. It is one heck of a cliff-hanger ending, but I’m going to cling by the tips of my fingers, if that’s what it takes, until we learn what happens next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
February 8, 2023
Mysteries abound
Micah is tired of being the only non guardian in her family. She's trained her entire life but has never been accepted. Then she receives an invitation to another academy, HellNight. It sounds ominous but at least her training will be used, right? Little did she realize she'd be put through the wringer the moment she stepped through that gate. And then there's the soul tethers. And the very deadly curfew. And the headmistress that wants her dead...or maybe just under her control- remains to be seen. And she finds out an unknown fact about herself. And now she has to respond to a challenge made by an idiot drunk, because rules. She's had an interesting couple weeks.
Spoilers ahead.
So I avoid academy romances like the plague. It's usually mean girls, angst, contrived drama, deliberate miscommunication, and I just don't enjoy all that. But I figured she's 23, it has good reviews, I'll try. And, as cheesy as the name seems (HellNight?) it sort of makes sense in the context of the story. What earns it that name doesn't. Who pays to send their kids off to die? Anyway, a strong heroine, an intriguing blurb and the reviews lured me in. A little insta-love-ish, but not exactly? The bond snaps into place instantly, they decide the speed after that. It's very character driven. We only get world building details as not pertains to each event deemed necessary. The characters develop somewhat. The guys are portrayed as one way but act very differently. It wasn't a slow change, it was pretty much a 180. There's a main plot hinted at and danced around. It gets lost a few places here and there but eventually meanders back in. I'd love more world building. What all other beings are there? Why are they all so insular? How do they function and remain hidden in the human world? Do they all have magic? Why, if there's a huge library full of information, isn't Micah in there every moment she can be learning about tethers, magic and her new classmates to look for strengths and weaknesses to protect herself? Knowledge is power! I thought beating a challenger gave you their strength and abilities, she took down an alpha wolf. What did she gain? What magic allows the terrors every night but stops them for Friday and Saturday? And why only those 2 days? How can a person remain in charge of a school when so many kids die? I have so many questions.
Oh, and it says triggers inside. It never actually lists them. Warnings for gore, death, maternal abuse, macabre humor and brothers raised as competition not companions. Also for too many uses of chocolate to describe darker skin tones. Ebony, mahogany, umber, sienna, coffee, russet, cinnamon, walnut, mocha, sepia, carob, hickory, sable, sandstone, ...
Micah is tired of being the only non guardian in her family. She's trained her entire life but has never been accepted. Then she receives an invitation to another academy, HellNight. It sounds ominous but at least her training will be used, right? Little did she realize she'd be put through the wringer the moment she stepped through that gate. And then there's the soul tethers. And the very deadly curfew. And the headmistress that wants her dead...or maybe just under her control- remains to be seen. And she finds out an unknown fact about herself. And now she has to respond to a challenge made by an idiot drunk, because rules. She's had an interesting couple weeks.
Spoilers ahead.
So I avoid academy romances like the plague. It's usually mean girls, angst, contrived drama, deliberate miscommunication, and I just don't enjoy all that. But I figured she's 23, it has good reviews, I'll try. And, as cheesy as the name seems (HellNight?) it sort of makes sense in the context of the story. What earns it that name doesn't. Who pays to send their kids off to die? Anyway, a strong heroine, an intriguing blurb and the reviews lured me in. A little insta-love-ish, but not exactly? The bond snaps into place instantly, they decide the speed after that. It's very character driven. We only get world building details as not pertains to each event deemed necessary. The characters develop somewhat. The guys are portrayed as one way but act very differently. It wasn't a slow change, it was pretty much a 180. There's a main plot hinted at and danced around. It gets lost a few places here and there but eventually meanders back in. I'd love more world building. What all other beings are there? Why are they all so insular? How do they function and remain hidden in the human world? Do they all have magic? Why, if there's a huge library full of information, isn't Micah in there every moment she can be learning about tethers, magic and her new classmates to look for strengths and weaknesses to protect herself? Knowledge is power! I thought beating a challenger gave you their strength and abilities, she took down an alpha wolf. What did she gain? What magic allows the terrors every night but stops them for Friday and Saturday? And why only those 2 days? How can a person remain in charge of a school when so many kids die? I have so many questions.
Oh, and it says triggers inside. It never actually lists them. Warnings for gore, death, maternal abuse, macabre humor and brothers raised as competition not companions. Also for too many uses of chocolate to describe darker skin tones. Ebony, mahogany, umber, sienna, coffee, russet, cinnamon, walnut, mocha, sepia, carob, hickory, sable, sandstone, ...
September 15, 2023
Yes! I'm so hooked! This series was a FaceBook recommendation in the ads and it was worth the click!! I read it on KU and I am adding it to my physical library immediately. It hit all my buttons as a quick fantasy romance read with black a main black female character. And that ending is making me jump right into book two.
Noq is the writing perfect and full of gorgeous prose and sentence structure and epic world building, no. But keep me turning pages and and interested. I am invested in the characters both loving and hating them. My Ty and Trys, oh my hearts. and Micah is a bad B***h!
Noq is the writing perfect and full of gorgeous prose and sentence structure and epic world building, no. But keep me turning pages and and interested. I am invested in the characters both loving and hating them. My Ty and Trys, oh my hearts. and Micah is a bad B***h!
September 13, 2022
Micah was positive that she would become a Light Guardian and join their academy, but when the invite didn't arrive all other dreams came crushing down. Instead, she got invited to HellNight Academy—a mysterious school in her world. It's better than nothing, and Micah becomes one of the students. However, the academy is more bloody that she could have possibly thought. She needs to survive classes and exams, and if that is not enough, she needs to deal with her mates who aren't the nicest, to put it simply, and when she finds out that there is more to her and her powers than she could have possibly imagined, Micah is in for a wild ride.
I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I can't wait for the next book to come out.
July 15, 2023
Micah jones is a badass
This book moves at warp speed be warned. The storyline is amazing from the prologue all the way to the epilogue I had no clue what to expect.Each say at hell night academy Micah has to fight for her life with two tethers on her side and two ignoring her. She’s strong and so fierce that you can’t help but root for her. I’m so happy to have a African American reverse harem novel with possible bi tendencies! I’m in love!
This book moves at warp speed be warned. The storyline is amazing from the prologue all the way to the epilogue I had no clue what to expect.Each say at hell night academy Micah has to fight for her life with two tethers on her side and two ignoring her. She’s strong and so fierce that you can’t help but root for her. I’m so happy to have a African American reverse harem novel with possible bi tendencies! I’m in love!
October 4, 2024
I'm sorry, this shit was so cringey. the male narrator's voice <<< anytime he mentioned something sexual, I literally wanted to yeet my headphones across the room. "I'm gonna make my own way in the world and defy my parent's expectations blah blah blah enroll into magical school & get into a reverse harem." okay?... there are better stories featuring magical schools with Black supernatural characters. HELLO, The Secret World of Maggie Grey by Granger!
November 18, 2024
4.5/5 - Now THIS was a good time! I know everyone loves Legendborn so much, but this is what I expected a fantasy book to entail, especially for black characters. It was gripping and easy to follow, with a little bit of spice, which I LOVE. Now I am left on a cliffhanger, so off to book #2.
December 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Every element is well balanced. The right amount of family drama, chaos, and SPICE🥵🤣🤣 whew. Excited about book 2 in this trilogy.
September 12, 2022
Welcome to HellNight
What did I just read? There are not enough words, while simultaneously being too many words, to describe this book. HellNight Academy was freaking awesome, consider my mind blown. I've never read anything like this, it's like Harry Potter meets the Hunger Games meets the Purge and I'm here for it.
Micah tries so hard, she trains and studies to be the best but she doesn't fit in with her light guardian family. She's been treated differently all her life. Yeah, she's a little rebellious, strong-willed, and opinionated but she loves her family and is willing to do anything to make work. Micah is the go-get-'em sort so when things don't work out as planned she decides to make herself a new future. She's strong, confident, smart, and overall someone with a good moral compass. I like her a lot she doesn't take any crap while holding on to her compassion. The only problem I had with her was she need to listen to Rook more, in an unknown situation seeking advice is not a bad thing.
A bunch of potential mates is revealed in this book alone. The twins who are really triplets (two identical, one fraternal) were the ones who got me. Ty and Trys are psychotic and very deadly but when it comes to Micah are all teddy bears. They got hooked fast as for the others... Esme is leery and with her background, I can see the positives and the negatives. Rodyn is a jerk who absolutely irritated me. Some of the crap he pulled has me seeing red, he will have to do some groveling in the future. As for the others they were quite the surprise and I can't wait to see how they turn out. Actually, except for Ty and Trys, I'm curious as to how all the others will turn out.
The plot for this book was surprising, to say the least. An elite super secretive academy for supernaturals sounds great, right? HellNight Academy is exactly what it sounds like, students have to survive the night, bodies are piling up, creatures are roaming, students are psychotic, and the headmistress could give Satan a run for his money. It's literally like the Purge, killing is legal. I was shook. The world-building seems like it's got a lot of promise, Wells is building things slowly, introducing different supernaturals and how the groups work, unique magic (like the keys), and more. Plus, there's a book map (which makes me so happy) and the school library is the stuff dreams are made from. Not to mention the housing and electronics are super swanky, love it.
HellNight Academy was a joy to read, funny considering how dark it was but I liked the characters and the world and I'm greedy for more. Everything is shrouded in mystery, Micah herself, Micah's mates, and what is the headmistress's endgame? There was never a dull moment and that includes a few shocking revelations. The last chapter and the epilogue was everything, I'm already itching to get my greedy hands on the next book.
What did I just read? There are not enough words, while simultaneously being too many words, to describe this book. HellNight Academy was freaking awesome, consider my mind blown. I've never read anything like this, it's like Harry Potter meets the Hunger Games meets the Purge and I'm here for it.
Micah tries so hard, she trains and studies to be the best but she doesn't fit in with her light guardian family. She's been treated differently all her life. Yeah, she's a little rebellious, strong-willed, and opinionated but she loves her family and is willing to do anything to make work. Micah is the go-get-'em sort so when things don't work out as planned she decides to make herself a new future. She's strong, confident, smart, and overall someone with a good moral compass. I like her a lot she doesn't take any crap while holding on to her compassion. The only problem I had with her was she need to listen to Rook more, in an unknown situation seeking advice is not a bad thing.
A bunch of potential mates is revealed in this book alone. The twins who are really triplets (two identical, one fraternal) were the ones who got me. Ty and Trys are psychotic and very deadly but when it comes to Micah are all teddy bears. They got hooked fast as for the others... Esme is leery and with her background, I can see the positives and the negatives. Rodyn is a jerk who absolutely irritated me. Some of the crap he pulled has me seeing red, he will have to do some groveling in the future. As for the others they were quite the surprise and I can't wait to see how they turn out. Actually, except for Ty and Trys, I'm curious as to how all the others will turn out.
The plot for this book was surprising, to say the least. An elite super secretive academy for supernaturals sounds great, right? HellNight Academy is exactly what it sounds like, students have to survive the night, bodies are piling up, creatures are roaming, students are psychotic, and the headmistress could give Satan a run for his money. It's literally like the Purge, killing is legal. I was shook. The world-building seems like it's got a lot of promise, Wells is building things slowly, introducing different supernaturals and how the groups work, unique magic (like the keys), and more. Plus, there's a book map (which makes me so happy) and the school library is the stuff dreams are made from. Not to mention the housing and electronics are super swanky, love it.
HellNight Academy was a joy to read, funny considering how dark it was but I liked the characters and the world and I'm greedy for more. Everything is shrouded in mystery, Micah herself, Micah's mates, and what is the headmistress's endgame? There was never a dull moment and that includes a few shocking revelations. The last chapter and the epilogue was everything, I'm already itching to get my greedy hands on the next book.
April 13, 2025
I didn’t think I was going to get into it at first, but it got better. It’s an interesting storyline and I am excited to read the rest of them. Whew, my girl got her work cut out for her with so many people tied to her.
August 10, 2024
Yup I’m definitely running to start book 2 immediately!!!
Let’s jut say that I’ve had this book downloaded for over 6 months and I am mad that I’m just now getting to read it. It gives everything that it should and more with paranormal fantasy and to add a reverse harem to it, is top freaking tier!!
Micah has been denied access to the prestigious celestial academy for a while and when a box appears on her doorstep her life changes after she goes through the contents of the box. This box is her acceptance into hell academy and that when everything goes from sugar to ish quickly. Finding her anchor key that is supposed to be her guide can talk to her but only to ghost her when she needs him the most until…………
From meeting who she thought were twins turns out to triplets and another who is soul tethered to her, her first week is very eventful. And the cliffhanger and epilogue is gonna send you for sure. I’m headed into the 2nd book but babeeee so much has happened In just one week that all ima say is READ THE DAMN BOOK!!!!!!
Let’s jut say that I’ve had this book downloaded for over 6 months and I am mad that I’m just now getting to read it. It gives everything that it should and more with paranormal fantasy and to add a reverse harem to it, is top freaking tier!!
Micah has been denied access to the prestigious celestial academy for a while and when a box appears on her doorstep her life changes after she goes through the contents of the box. This box is her acceptance into hell academy and that when everything goes from sugar to ish quickly. Finding her anchor key that is supposed to be her guide can talk to her but only to ghost her when she needs him the most until…………
From meeting who she thought were twins turns out to triplets and another who is soul tethered to her, her first week is very eventful. And the cliffhanger and epilogue is gonna send you for sure. I’m headed into the 2nd book but babeeee so much has happened In just one week that all ima say is READ THE DAMN BOOK!!!!!!
April 25, 2023
OH MY!!!!!
I have a new favorite author. I have been searching for a n African American author who writes reverse harem and I found her. Add in he paranormal and I am in heaven. Dreia Wells pulls you in from page one and keeps you wanting more until the end. This book ends on a cliffhanger. This not Harry Potter and this is not Twilight. This a 1000 times better.
Micah thought she knew who she was and who her family was but she goes to HellNight and discovers everything is not what she thought.
I can’t wait to see where this all goes.
I have a new favorite author. I have been searching for a n African American author who writes reverse harem and I found her. Add in he paranormal and I am in heaven. Dreia Wells pulls you in from page one and keeps you wanting more until the end. This book ends on a cliffhanger. This not Harry Potter and this is not Twilight. This a 1000 times better.
Micah thought she knew who she was and who her family was but she goes to HellNight and discovers everything is not what she thought.
I can’t wait to see where this all goes.
September 9, 2024
Maybe it’s because I listened to/read this coming off the heels of a book I hated but I ate this up so fast! This is like Legacies, Fourth Wing, Legendborn, and probably more all wrapped in one. The plot moves fast, I was basically at the end of the book when I remembered the timeframe the whole book occurs in. The cliffhanger at the end?! I have so many questions and I’m so glad I get to keep reading. Love that this book is also about POC!! We need more representation in the fantasy/paranormal space.
September 20, 2022
Now that was a good story!!! Wow. Micah is a fabulous main character. Absolutely love all action in this story. Oh and the steam. Storyline was so good. This one has it all. Fantastic storyline and the characters are great. Yes it does end on a cliffhanger. With that said I so need the next book. Be prepared to be hooked!!! Definitely recommend.
February 8, 2023
Unshaken begins with 23-year-old Micah trying to earn approval from her parents and the "Light Guardian" academy. That changes quickly.
The scene where Micah gets her, let's call it, Letter of Acceptance, to HellNight Academy, things start to get crazy! This is a super memorable moment in this book for me. I loved every second of it. I laughed, I went OOOOOO, and even said "ooo pretty, I want one."
HellNight Academy, is set in beautiful southern Louisiana. The author describes the heat and humidity to perfection! "I take in a deep breath, groaning at the hot sticky humid air invading my lungs like thick soap." Being from the southwestern part of GA, this is pure truth!! The way the author describes this beautiful Gothic academy set on what I see as beautiful, manicured plantation lands in the south. Black stone, red vines, b.e.a...u.tiful!!! Steal your breath world building!!
The academy is essentially Hell at night, or at least, what our characters think of as Hell. It is utter chaos and pandemonium at night. Literally fighting to live until the next day, every. single. night. SUPER entertaining, completely insane, but very entertaining.
Ty and Trys, oh my. Can I get me a pair?? These two guys are utterly bonkers. I do believe that Trys is the more psychotic one. His personality is amazing. Insane, cruel, ruthless, but wears fluffy pink Narwhal slippers with silver horns!!! Trys does not overshadow his twin,Ty. Ty is just more contained. I'm unsure how to fully describe him. He isn't any less intense than Trys, but not as in your face about it like Trys. Ty reminds me of an Emo kid. Don't ask me why, he just does.
"Ty is the quiet one, cold and calculating, his eyes piercing, seeking out weakness, and if you were found wanting, he marked you for death. No one is safe. He can manipulate the shadows, so even a locked door can’t keep him out. He is death walking, and his brother is a crazed attack dog."
Rodyn, oh he has made some mistakes. This unlikely match to the TRIPLETS, yes you read that right, is Grade A. I do not know how the "Viper" is going to redeem himself in book two. His life choices have been epically low thus far.
Esme, we don't get a lot from this beautiful quiet soul in this book. She is so sweet and incredibly confused. I can't say I blame her. I am so excited to see where book two takes us with this character.
Hardly any time at all passes in this story. It reads fast and is full of action. I didn't expect the ending. AT ALL. Though I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
*I am at 4 stars because the writing wasn’t as smooth flowing as I’m used to. There was 1 thing that was a pet peeve, but didn’t take away from the story. I absolutely recommend reading this book!!!
The scene where Micah gets her, let's call it, Letter of Acceptance, to HellNight Academy, things start to get crazy! This is a super memorable moment in this book for me. I loved every second of it. I laughed, I went OOOOOO, and even said "ooo pretty, I want one."
HellNight Academy, is set in beautiful southern Louisiana. The author describes the heat and humidity to perfection! "I take in a deep breath, groaning at the hot sticky humid air invading my lungs like thick soap." Being from the southwestern part of GA, this is pure truth!! The way the author describes this beautiful Gothic academy set on what I see as beautiful, manicured plantation lands in the south. Black stone, red vines, b.e.a...u.tiful!!! Steal your breath world building!!
The academy is essentially Hell at night, or at least, what our characters think of as Hell. It is utter chaos and pandemonium at night. Literally fighting to live until the next day, every. single. night. SUPER entertaining, completely insane, but very entertaining.
Ty and Trys, oh my. Can I get me a pair?? These two guys are utterly bonkers. I do believe that Trys is the more psychotic one. His personality is amazing. Insane, cruel, ruthless, but wears fluffy pink Narwhal slippers with silver horns!!! Trys does not overshadow his twin,Ty. Ty is just more contained. I'm unsure how to fully describe him. He isn't any less intense than Trys, but not as in your face about it like Trys. Ty reminds me of an Emo kid. Don't ask me why, he just does.
"Ty is the quiet one, cold and calculating, his eyes piercing, seeking out weakness, and if you were found wanting, he marked you for death. No one is safe. He can manipulate the shadows, so even a locked door can’t keep him out. He is death walking, and his brother is a crazed attack dog."
Rodyn, oh he has made some mistakes. This unlikely match to the TRIPLETS, yes you read that right, is Grade A. I do not know how the "Viper" is going to redeem himself in book two. His life choices have been epically low thus far.
Esme, we don't get a lot from this beautiful quiet soul in this book. She is so sweet and incredibly confused. I can't say I blame her. I am so excited to see where book two takes us with this character.
Hardly any time at all passes in this story. It reads fast and is full of action. I didn't expect the ending. AT ALL. Though I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
*I am at 4 stars because the writing wasn’t as smooth flowing as I’m used to. There was 1 thing that was a pet peeve, but didn’t take away from the story. I absolutely recommend reading this book!!!
September 25, 2022
Micah has been waiting to be asked to join the Caelum Academy, to be trained to be one of the soldiers for the Angels army. But that invitation never comes, meanwhile her younger brother has already started there and her mother is the headmistress.
We all find out in the prologue why she is never asked, but Micah doesnt know the truth. Her parents keep telling her that if she just does better then she will be asked. After 3 years she is done with feeling like a failure, it's time to search for a new goal in life. And at that moment Micah get's the invitation to join HellNight Academy.
The worst people in society went/goes there, but there are probably good people there too right?
She barely arrived at the campus and she immediately finds herself tethered to multiple people. And the enemy of multiple others. It doesnt seem to help that her parents are Light Guardians.
There is so much mystery going on; Who is Micah's father? Who is Rook (the guy who lives in her key)? What does the headmistress want, and why does she do what she does? What is Rodyn's angle in everything?
For the people who would like to know some of the basic stuff
- I would say this is a bit of a darker book, as in the guys are not good people (maybe even a bit insane).
- I do not consider this a bully book. One of the guys hates her and he does try to get her killed but not in a bullying way (keep in mind the book is darker themed).
- I think that there will be some FF in the next book, but I'm not sure.
When I started reading I was thinking of giving the book 3 stars. I found it very hard to get through and sometimes the writing made me have trouble reading the sentences. Also the thoughts and actions of Micah came across as very unnatural to me. When the POV changed to one of the guys I didnt have this problem anymore.
Just past 50% of the book it started to get a lot better to read. Probably because things were actually starting to happen. So that's why I decided to still give it 4 stars.
There were still some things that really annoyed me. The biggest thing was her key AKA Rook AKA the guy who was her guide. Every time he wanted to tell her something she told him she did not have time for him. She had a lot of questions and wanted to look for answers, but at no point she thought to ask Rook any of her questions. I think they should've had way more conversations, not only asking questions but also just getting to know each other.
We all find out in the prologue why she is never asked, but Micah doesnt know the truth. Her parents keep telling her that if she just does better then she will be asked. After 3 years she is done with feeling like a failure, it's time to search for a new goal in life. And at that moment Micah get's the invitation to join HellNight Academy.
The worst people in society went/goes there, but there are probably good people there too right?
She barely arrived at the campus and she immediately finds herself tethered to multiple people. And the enemy of multiple others. It doesnt seem to help that her parents are Light Guardians.
There is so much mystery going on; Who is Micah's father? Who is Rook (the guy who lives in her key)? What does the headmistress want, and why does she do what she does? What is Rodyn's angle in everything?
For the people who would like to know some of the basic stuff
- I would say this is a bit of a darker book, as in the guys are not good people (maybe even a bit insane).
- I do not consider this a bully book. One of the guys hates her and he does try to get her killed but not in a bullying way (keep in mind the book is darker themed).
- I think that there will be some FF in the next book, but I'm not sure.
When I started reading I was thinking of giving the book 3 stars. I found it very hard to get through and sometimes the writing made me have trouble reading the sentences. Also the thoughts and actions of Micah came across as very unnatural to me. When the POV changed to one of the guys I didnt have this problem anymore.
Just past 50% of the book it started to get a lot better to read. Probably because things were actually starting to happen. So that's why I decided to still give it 4 stars.
There were still some things that really annoyed me. The biggest thing was her key AKA Rook AKA the guy who was her guide. Every time he wanted to tell her something she told him she did not have time for him. She had a lot of questions and wanted to look for answers, but at no point she thought to ask Rook any of her questions. I think they should've had way more conversations, not only asking questions but also just getting to know each other.
September 27, 2022
*****Spoilers*****
Very well written though not free from the occasional typo, misused, or misspelled word. But the story is crazy good! Micah is the secret love child of her seemingly perfect mother and a fallen angel, probably why she wasn't invited to go to the light academy. Instead, she receives an invitation mid school year to attend the school of night. Learning about her true parentage is a tough pill and since Micah left to go to the school, she's been unable to get in touch with her family. Add to that, all of the information she and therefore we, don't know about soul tethers. Triplet brothers, two more identical than the other plus a female seer Esme, and not to mention an incubus mate Lyrik, and Micah has a lot to figure out. This book, between revelations, was mostly world building and getting to know the characters. Ty and Trys, the almost identical of the three meet Micah when she arrives at the supernatural academy and fall fast and hard despite their gruesome reputations for blood, death, and torture before Micah arrives. Rodyn is the third brother and not only resists the soul tether but sets Micah up to be killed. Thanks to Ty and Trys, it doesn't happen. Ty, silent but deadly and Trys, off his rocker scary are like teddy bears when it comes to Micah which I loved. More could be explained about the soul tethers, as I was reading I had so many questions.
The school itself is a place where students take out the weak amongst them, death is a regular occurrence. And they especially love newbies. Had Micah not met Ty and Trys, who are the headmistress' sons along with Rodyn, she may have found herself pitted against more student than she could protect against but that didn't happen. The magic and the key were interesting additions in a good way. I liked Micah, Ty and Trys. Esme was just kind of there and Rodyn was an a-hole but was being puppeteered by his mom. Micah's unwillingness to listen to the soul in her Anchor key bugged me some, particularly since she doesn't know much of anything, the least she could've done was listen but weigh the advice to determine her next steps.
Looking to the next though still because I loved it.
Very well written though not free from the occasional typo, misused, or misspelled word. But the story is crazy good! Micah is the secret love child of her seemingly perfect mother and a fallen angel, probably why she wasn't invited to go to the light academy. Instead, she receives an invitation mid school year to attend the school of night. Learning about her true parentage is a tough pill and since Micah left to go to the school, she's been unable to get in touch with her family. Add to that, all of the information she and therefore we, don't know about soul tethers. Triplet brothers, two more identical than the other plus a female seer Esme, and not to mention an incubus mate Lyrik, and Micah has a lot to figure out. This book, between revelations, was mostly world building and getting to know the characters. Ty and Trys, the almost identical of the three meet Micah when she arrives at the supernatural academy and fall fast and hard despite their gruesome reputations for blood, death, and torture before Micah arrives. Rodyn is the third brother and not only resists the soul tether but sets Micah up to be killed. Thanks to Ty and Trys, it doesn't happen. Ty, silent but deadly and Trys, off his rocker scary are like teddy bears when it comes to Micah which I loved. More could be explained about the soul tethers, as I was reading I had so many questions.
The school itself is a place where students take out the weak amongst them, death is a regular occurrence. And they especially love newbies. Had Micah not met Ty and Trys, who are the headmistress' sons along with Rodyn, she may have found herself pitted against more student than she could protect against but that didn't happen. The magic and the key were interesting additions in a good way. I liked Micah, Ty and Trys. Esme was just kind of there and Rodyn was an a-hole but was being puppeteered by his mom. Micah's unwillingness to listen to the soul in her Anchor key bugged me some, particularly since she doesn't know much of anything, the least she could've done was listen but weigh the advice to determine her next steps.
Looking to the next though still because I loved it.
September 2, 2022
Unshaken is a novel I dreamed about reading. It's dark and compelling and no one is safe. It is not your usual Academy setting either where the good guys and the bad guys are easily defined.
When we meet Micah she was raised to become a Light Guardian. Her plans are thrown out the window when she gets an offer to attend HellNight Academy. Totally wasn't what she expected because she thought she would go to Caelum Academy run by the Angels. However, the Angels reject her even though she trained all of her life to become worthy of being a Light Guardian.
HellNight Academy, even though it's prestigious, isn't a safe place. Yes there's learning, but there is this vicious Headmistress who has no drama with students going home in body bags! And the tension ramps up at night when it's either kill or be killed if you are outside when the sun goes down.
Micah embraces her situation. It is totally opposite what she expected an Academy to be like yet realises she isn't following the footsteps of her family, and is somewhere they had never been..
What I also like was the humour displayed by DW. There were a few parts where I chuckled and appreciated her comic touch, which is a great counterpoint to the danger in the story.
Micah's mates are just gorgeous, and I love how they are different to her. Not all of them are accepting of their Soul Tether, never mind the fact the mother of the triplets forbade them from getting close to Micah, and one of them is engaged to the school bitch. Oh boy, the fur does fly! But in a first for the author she has included a female mate for our hero. Esme is reluctant to be a Soul Tether. And then throw in a Professor! And at the end we meet her final mate, who Micah tought was a soul trapped in her key.
Poor Micah has all of these bomb drops and she seems to be perpetually reeling from one surprise to another. Instead of running away and crying she ends up facing it head on. And I love her strength of character.
This book is just another example of Dreia's ability as an author to write a complex story with twists and turns that left me gasping no way while I scramble to read the next word desperate to find out what happens next.
When we meet Micah she was raised to become a Light Guardian. Her plans are thrown out the window when she gets an offer to attend HellNight Academy. Totally wasn't what she expected because she thought she would go to Caelum Academy run by the Angels. However, the Angels reject her even though she trained all of her life to become worthy of being a Light Guardian.
HellNight Academy, even though it's prestigious, isn't a safe place. Yes there's learning, but there is this vicious Headmistress who has no drama with students going home in body bags! And the tension ramps up at night when it's either kill or be killed if you are outside when the sun goes down.
Micah embraces her situation. It is totally opposite what she expected an Academy to be like yet realises she isn't following the footsteps of her family, and is somewhere they had never been..
What I also like was the humour displayed by DW. There were a few parts where I chuckled and appreciated her comic touch, which is a great counterpoint to the danger in the story.
Micah's mates are just gorgeous, and I love how they are different to her. Not all of them are accepting of their Soul Tether, never mind the fact the mother of the triplets forbade them from getting close to Micah, and one of them is engaged to the school bitch. Oh boy, the fur does fly! But in a first for the author she has included a female mate for our hero. Esme is reluctant to be a Soul Tether. And then throw in a Professor! And at the end we meet her final mate, who Micah tought was a soul trapped in her key.
Poor Micah has all of these bomb drops and she seems to be perpetually reeling from one surprise to another. Instead of running away and crying she ends up facing it head on. And I love her strength of character.
This book is just another example of Dreia's ability as an author to write a complex story with twists and turns that left me gasping no way while I scramble to read the next word desperate to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
As a reader, I'm not often drawn to a book by its cover, but once I saw this beauty pop up on social media I knew I needed to get my hands on it. It's amazing how well it paints the atmosphere of this book. HellNight Academy is a true hell on earth, where only the strong survive, and look at that gorgeous woman on the cover; she oozes strength and a "take-no-sh..." attitude. Micah is an awesome fmc; she's a fighter, both physically and emotionally, with a view on right and wrong not many people own on these academy grounds. In my opinion, that only adds to her power, and I'm looking forward to finding out what more she'll be able to do.
In this first book in the series, Micah already meets several of her mates. Some of them are still a bit unclear, but the twins are absolute perfection from the very first moment they are mentioned. Ty and Trys are my kind of men; I'm always drawn to the psycho's and these men are awesome. I'll admit I'm usually not a fan of instalove, but with these two it was never sappy or overly romantic. They just know Micah is it for them, and they are all in. And let me tell you: with these two you get a lot more than many women could ever hope to handle.
Little word of caution: The author does give us all a "throw-your-kindle-against-the-wall" moment with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, so make sure you're somewhere safe when you read the last two chapters...
In this first book in the series, Micah already meets several of her mates. Some of them are still a bit unclear, but the twins are absolute perfection from the very first moment they are mentioned. Ty and Trys are my kind of men; I'm always drawn to the psycho's and these men are awesome. I'll admit I'm usually not a fan of instalove, but with these two it was never sappy or overly romantic. They just know Micah is it for them, and they are all in. And let me tell you: with these two you get a lot more than many women could ever hope to handle.
Little word of caution: The author does give us all a "throw-your-kindle-against-the-wall" moment with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, so make sure you're somewhere safe when you read the last two chapters...
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