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From the Academy: Cursed Curriculums and Lessons in Lore
Welcome to the Academy, where spells are just the beginning…
Those with adventurous spirits strive to enroll, facing dangerous tests. But mayhem—or midterms—might get you expelled.
From the Academy: Cursed Curriculums and Lessons in Lore is a collection of 12 stories brought to you by Indie Fantasy Addicts.
From institutions with deadly centuries-old secrets, to universities with crafty creatures, each story will take you through the hallowed halls of learning where mischief, magic, epic combat, and maybe a little romance await.
Those with adventurous spirits strive to enroll, facing dangerous tests. But mayhem—or midterms—might get you expelled.
From the Academy: Cursed Curriculums and Lessons in Lore is a collection of 12 stories brought to you by Indie Fantasy Addicts.
From institutions with deadly centuries-old secrets, to universities with crafty creatures, each story will take you through the hallowed halls of learning where mischief, magic, epic combat, and maybe a little romance await.
- GenresAnthologies
Unknown Binding
Published September 8, 2025
8 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Liz Delton
33 books154 followersLiz Delton writes and lives in New England, with her husband and sons. She studied Theater Management at the University of the Arts in Philly, always having enjoyed the backstage life of storytelling.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 16, 2025
Another year, another IFA anthology and once again, I am left wondering why I avoid shorts on the whole. I mean, I know why; I like to get my teeth into something meaty, but the collection of shorts on offer here are genuinely great and so many of them have made me look into the author further. There are one or two I didn't get on with, but as a whole this was a resounding success.
The Illusion of Nettles by Sarah M. Wasson; 3/5 stars
A simple and heart warming tale of a faerie determined to change his station and become a Blade, a position held only by elves. I liked Nettles character and would be interested in reading more about his time at the Academy, but the ending felt a little magic wand waving and simplistic. There's an interesting world here though that I imagine would really shine in a full length novel.
Chosen-One Adjacent by Ison Ashe; 5/5 stars
Hah, this both entertained me and fascinated me and I really, really wish it had been a full length novel as I'd read the hell out of it. It's a slightly tongue in cheek look at the Chosen One trope, as Arlow finds himself having to step in the Chosen One's shoes for the sake of the prophecy. Yes, it's his own fault but it would be a lot easier if he wasn't a monumental screw up in all things magical. The characterisations were really well done and I enjoyed every moment of this one. Unfortunately I can't find anything else published by the author.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone; 5/5 stars
Oh I'm a sucker for a story about stories, or in this case rogue books, escaped book monsters and a chef come mature student who is - at least according to the librarian - a walking disaster. This is another light read full of humour, but the characterisations are wonderfully done and the annoyance of the librarian very much radiated off the page. I've put The Wing Cycle and Song of Ink series on my KU list as this is really well written and engaging.
The Many Secrets of Dhall'Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter; 4/5 stars
This is a far more serious tale and one which feels like a taster of a far larger universe. It's intriguing and the way the world is built up and the foundation of lies and deceit is excellently done. It could have done with more depth to it, possibly even working better as a full length novel or at least a novella, but it's well written and intriguing.
The Demigod's Dilemma by Ellysa Marin; 2/5 stars
Eh, this is the first short in here that didn't really work for me at all. It felt juvenile and crude in comparison, with a fated love interest shunted in without any build up or development. I liked the idea; teaching Gods how to fit into the modern world. I even quite liked the main character, but the Gods themselves brought it to a middle school level of funny, just with more genitals involved.
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton; 4.5/5 stars
This was excellently done. It's a self contained mystery with an interesting world and characters who caught me from the start. There's hints and references to a larger world building that cannot be explored in a short, but the entire thing felt whole and complete. Half a star knocked off because there were some repetitive aspects that might have worked in a larger piece, but felt jarring when hammered in such a short piece. But minor niggle aside, this is an excellent little taster of the authors work and I'd firmly recommend Flames of Gold and The Witch at the Edge of the Wood if you want something more meaty to get stuck into.
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth; 4/5 stars
I enjoyed this but it felt incomplete, needing something more to finish it off. Illona is a runaway and is brought to a magical academy, only to find out that her powers may be far more unpredictable and dangerous than her fellow students. There's history and tensions that are captured well in very few pages as Illona comes to terms with her powers and heritage and the characterisations are excellently done. It's another one that could possibly have done with being a longer novella though to fully flesh out the world, the school and the conflict as well as coming to a more satisfying conclusion. That said, the writing is excellent and it turns out I already own the Spirit Seeker series by the author so that's bumped up my list.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider; 4/5 stars
Another really strong entry here with a really cozy feel to it as Nevah suddenly finds herself responsible for the aquatics display. I'm also a sucker for nerd magic and this hit the spot with the focus on plants. There's a decent amount of world building here, but again it's limited to what you can display in a short story. But definitely interested to read Evergreen Academy where I hope more of the world will be developed.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt; 5/5 stars
Ooooh, this one worked. Another mystery based short and both of those have been incredibly strong. With students going missing every ten years, it's finally decided that the mystery must be solved. This has strong characterisations, a fully realised narrative that wrapped up all the loose ends and a tensely foreboding setting with interesting magics. It'll be interesting to see if By Wingéd Chair is as good.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola; 5/5 stars
This reminds me that I need to go back and finish the A Vengeful Realm series; only the first two were released last year and there's more now! This is a far darker tale with brutal undertones, as Kadrus fights to the death in duals to save his crewmen's lives. The physical fight isn't all that's at stake here though, and this delves into guilt, shame and fear as well as accepting the past and being able to move forward.
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch; 4/5 stars
And we're back to the more cozy feel for this one, very much focussed on the characters and relationships rather than wider world building or a full narrative. It was a quick and light read and I liked the banter between the two characters.
Shield of Duty by S.F. Henne; 5/5 stars
And we finish on a high with a fantastic short full of complex world building and characterisations that I'm amazed can be slotted into such a short page length. This is honestly captivating and I fell in love with the characters and the world to such a degree that I'm genuinely disappointed the authors main Lunar Order Chronicles series doesn't seem to be related to it. Hasn't stopped it from going on my KU list mind! This has everything; a strong narrative, wonderful characters and an intriguing world behind it. I honestly can't fault it in any way, shape or form.
In conclusion, I genuinely enjoyed the vast majority of these and have found several new authors to go and stalk. There's a nice mix of fantasy styles here and they showcase the authors talents well. There's a lot more cozy fantasy in here than in the previous anthologies, but still a breadth of genres and ideas that keeps it interesting.
The Illusion of Nettles by Sarah M. Wasson; 3/5 stars
A simple and heart warming tale of a faerie determined to change his station and become a Blade, a position held only by elves. I liked Nettles character and would be interested in reading more about his time at the Academy, but the ending felt a little magic wand waving and simplistic. There's an interesting world here though that I imagine would really shine in a full length novel.
Chosen-One Adjacent by Ison Ashe; 5/5 stars
Hah, this both entertained me and fascinated me and I really, really wish it had been a full length novel as I'd read the hell out of it. It's a slightly tongue in cheek look at the Chosen One trope, as Arlow finds himself having to step in the Chosen One's shoes for the sake of the prophecy. Yes, it's his own fault but it would be a lot easier if he wasn't a monumental screw up in all things magical. The characterisations were really well done and I enjoyed every moment of this one. Unfortunately I can't find anything else published by the author.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone; 5/5 stars
Oh I'm a sucker for a story about stories, or in this case rogue books, escaped book monsters and a chef come mature student who is - at least according to the librarian - a walking disaster. This is another light read full of humour, but the characterisations are wonderfully done and the annoyance of the librarian very much radiated off the page. I've put The Wing Cycle and Song of Ink series on my KU list as this is really well written and engaging.
The Many Secrets of Dhall'Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter; 4/5 stars
This is a far more serious tale and one which feels like a taster of a far larger universe. It's intriguing and the way the world is built up and the foundation of lies and deceit is excellently done. It could have done with more depth to it, possibly even working better as a full length novel or at least a novella, but it's well written and intriguing.
The Demigod's Dilemma by Ellysa Marin; 2/5 stars
Eh, this is the first short in here that didn't really work for me at all. It felt juvenile and crude in comparison, with a fated love interest shunted in without any build up or development. I liked the idea; teaching Gods how to fit into the modern world. I even quite liked the main character, but the Gods themselves brought it to a middle school level of funny, just with more genitals involved.
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton; 4.5/5 stars
This was excellently done. It's a self contained mystery with an interesting world and characters who caught me from the start. There's hints and references to a larger world building that cannot be explored in a short, but the entire thing felt whole and complete. Half a star knocked off because there were some repetitive aspects that might have worked in a larger piece, but felt jarring when hammered in such a short piece. But minor niggle aside, this is an excellent little taster of the authors work and I'd firmly recommend Flames of Gold and The Witch at the Edge of the Wood if you want something more meaty to get stuck into.
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth; 4/5 stars
I enjoyed this but it felt incomplete, needing something more to finish it off. Illona is a runaway and is brought to a magical academy, only to find out that her powers may be far more unpredictable and dangerous than her fellow students. There's history and tensions that are captured well in very few pages as Illona comes to terms with her powers and heritage and the characterisations are excellently done. It's another one that could possibly have done with being a longer novella though to fully flesh out the world, the school and the conflict as well as coming to a more satisfying conclusion. That said, the writing is excellent and it turns out I already own the Spirit Seeker series by the author so that's bumped up my list.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider; 4/5 stars
Another really strong entry here with a really cozy feel to it as Nevah suddenly finds herself responsible for the aquatics display. I'm also a sucker for nerd magic and this hit the spot with the focus on plants. There's a decent amount of world building here, but again it's limited to what you can display in a short story. But definitely interested to read Evergreen Academy where I hope more of the world will be developed.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt; 5/5 stars
Ooooh, this one worked. Another mystery based short and both of those have been incredibly strong. With students going missing every ten years, it's finally decided that the mystery must be solved. This has strong characterisations, a fully realised narrative that wrapped up all the loose ends and a tensely foreboding setting with interesting magics. It'll be interesting to see if By Wingéd Chair is as good.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola; 5/5 stars
This reminds me that I need to go back and finish the A Vengeful Realm series; only the first two were released last year and there's more now! This is a far darker tale with brutal undertones, as Kadrus fights to the death in duals to save his crewmen's lives. The physical fight isn't all that's at stake here though, and this delves into guilt, shame and fear as well as accepting the past and being able to move forward.
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch; 4/5 stars
And we're back to the more cozy feel for this one, very much focussed on the characters and relationships rather than wider world building or a full narrative. It was a quick and light read and I liked the banter between the two characters.
Shield of Duty by S.F. Henne; 5/5 stars
And we finish on a high with a fantastic short full of complex world building and characterisations that I'm amazed can be slotted into such a short page length. This is honestly captivating and I fell in love with the characters and the world to such a degree that I'm genuinely disappointed the authors main Lunar Order Chronicles series doesn't seem to be related to it. Hasn't stopped it from going on my KU list mind! This has everything; a strong narrative, wonderful characters and an intriguing world behind it. I honestly can't fault it in any way, shape or form.
In conclusion, I genuinely enjoyed the vast majority of these and have found several new authors to go and stalk. There's a nice mix of fantasy styles here and they showcase the authors talents well. There's a lot more cozy fantasy in here than in the previous anthologies, but still a breadth of genres and ideas that keeps it interesting.
September 8, 2025
What a fabulous collection of reads! I highly recommend this anthology, each story is sheer pleasure!
-A DIFFERENT KIND of PEACE by TIM FACCIOLA:
Kadrus Macades and his crew are on the verge of being executed for trespassing on the waters of Azorathi. A duel is proposed by a vicious queen to stay the execution and darn was that exciting! I was hanging on to the edge of my seat for the outcome! This isn't a simple tale, this speaks to remorse, regret, where betrayal and treachery led to an assumed alias. Add in a god whose motive is unclear and I'm very intrigued. A very descriptive, very well presented story I'd love to find out more of. I enjoyed the brutally of the action and it did leave me wanting to know the full story of Kadrus' past and what the future holds for him and his crew. Very interesting addition of the god, loved this one!
-CHOSEN ONE-ADJACENT by ISOM ASHE:
Arlow finds himself in a situation he never expected to, all because of a rune and a broken brush gone wrong... or right...I liked Arlow, he felt very relatable and personable. I liked how he tried to fix what he had broken, but with runes not being his strong suit, he bumbles through. Fixed yet not...Caspan, his perfect roommate, is the Chosen One but as he's....incapacitated, it falls on Arlow to do the trial in his stead. Well....yeah, not quite what either expected. I loved the twist at the end, well played by the author! This was a delightful read, easy to read, easy to want more, which I do. I liked the unexpected hints of humour in this tale full of prophecy and trials. Awesome read.
-MIDNIGHT and MISCHIEF by CAMILLA VAVRUCH:
Oh Lyra has it bad for Jasper! It was fun seeing her try to convince herself she wasn't watching him. Both cool characters, I liked her determination and her snark, I liked seeing him climbing off his self imposed pedestal. Cute and fun read.
-SHIELD by DUTY by S. F. HENNE:
I loved this story! It captivated me immediately and was so well presented, I was almost disappointed there wasn't more! Ashara is second born, as such, she's a defender, like it or not. First born is to lead, second to defend and third a loose end...Ashara is very dedicated to achieving recognition and honour, to aid her sister, to become Throne Guardian. So when an exhibition is announced, she's thrilled at the prospect to show her skill. I really enjoyed this story, the author conveyed exactly who Ashara was, the secret she held so close to her chest was a great unexpected revelation, her fear palpable. Both Ashara and her friend Torian are extremely likeable, great character portrayal, my goodness did I love Ashara's strength! Internal strength, emotional strength, physical strength, she has it all, as well as being snarky and sassy! Too wonderful! I loved the tension, I loved the drama, I loved the nail biting action, I loved that there are Nephilim, I loved the magic, I loved Arion and I applude the author for delivering an awesome well rounded story in so few words. And the ending? Well shoot, I really REALLY want more of this, pretty please...
-THE DEMIGODS DILEMMA by Ellysa MARIN:
Oh I loved the way this started, a date. A bad date. One where Demi couldn't remember the guy's name beyond "A". Demi has the inevitable task of teaching the gods of Pantheon how to assimilate into the modern world, a task she grudgingly undertakes but her primary agenda is to find her soulmate who's... missing. Only with her soulmate can the gods, once more, get back to the mortal world. Hence her attempts at dating to see if she can somehow find them. Oh glory did I grin through most of this read, these gods are incorrigible! Whining school kids comes to mind.... This was a fun read, I loved the authors take on the gods, giving them a spin, humanising them and making them very tongue in cheek likeable. As infantile as they do behave, their support and loyalty to Demi is unquestionable. I loved the scenes where Damon appeared, a wonderful light and fun read.
-The ILLUSION of NETTLES by SARAH M WASSON:
Nettles is seeking a place in the Elf Academy, he trains hard, he trains alone because, well, he's not an elf but doesn't allow that to deter him. He's a fairy and as such, cannot take a spot as a Blade, a position he covers. I enjoyed the lengths he goes to try attain a place, his resolve and determination.
-The LIBRARIAN at GREYWALL by E.G. STONE:
Laslo Norgrivaldi is, according to librarian Anahita, a walking disaster, everywhere he goes, chaos is sure to ensure. He's charming, always smiling, and a whole lot older than the other students in the academy, he's in his 40's, not teens, but the academy accommodates all ages, and he's everything that Anahita loathes, right down to his pretty blue eyes and dimples. Gosh this was an adorable story! I loved how the author managed to convey the differences between them so starkly, I got a sense of who each was immediately and, quite frankly, I loved both characters and I loved the uncomplicated easiness of it. Death by book scenario made me giggle. Great read, fun, humourous and very entertaining. I was smiling from start to finish, I would love to read a complete novel.
-The MANY SECRETS of Dhall'mahal by DAVID S TROTTER:
A prophecy, a trial, syphoning of power, an academy built on lies. This is what Zah'ellar was excited for the trial, to prove her worth but her advisory was Rhudak, stronger than she, which was cause for concern. And then he shows her a hidden secret, making her head spin in denial, making her label him a traitor. But at the trial, Rhudak proves right. A story of misconceptions and truths unveiled. Good idea, good premise, I think as a full novel this would work brilliantly.
TOWER under MIDNIGHT by KENDRA MERRITT:
I'm a sucker for awesome familiars and Flicker is just so cool! And this was a really cool retelling of 12 Dancing Princesses, except they weren't Princesses, they were students, male and female, taken to sustain the lives of other beings, from another realm. Tense and scary, it was so well done, the twist was original and the underlying message was beautiful. Even the most selfish, Trace, had a major personality reset, and came out smelling roses, loved that. As for Aaron, well, he put himself, body, mind and soul where it matters, right at Sky's feet! Well done story!
WHISPER of the WATER LILIES by HEATHER SNEIDER:
This was absolutely adorable! I loved the feel good it brought out in me, which, I do confess, stayed with me for a while, all the warm fuzzy feelings of cozy. Thrown in the deep end by a misfortune (sorry... couldn't resist it...) Nevah suddenly has the aquatic display land in her lap. With only Kai helping her when all the other Aquatics take ill, they really make a wonderful team. When rain threatened to put a damper (sorry...did it again!) on the display, Nevah pulls a rabbit out of a hat in spectacular fashion. I liked her very much, she so personable and I really liked Kai, he was so charming and positive, turning more than just the plants, he turned Nevah good and solid! Lighthearted, cute and sweet short story
WYLD WITCH by JANNA RUTH:
Illona is a runaway, her fire magic unpredictable and trying to control the fire she holds before she burns everything to a crisp. She encounters a fiery squirrel like creature who puts her at ease, almost like kindred spirits but then she's accosted, or "saved"....and taken to the Wyld Lands Academy. Suddenly, a whole new world opens up to her, suddenly she realises she's not the freak her mother claimed she was, suddenly she discovers there's another world on the other side of a portal, suddenly she doesn't have to fear what she is. The author did this exemplary, I felt Ilona's pain, uncertainty, she really tugged on my heartstrings. I loved how the story developed and I'd love more of it.
ARCHIVES AND ARCANIA by LIZ DELTON:
Myrtle is very good at what she does, she... retrieves items for the Order but all that potion taking is leaving a mark, she needs our. Her opportunity comes in a complete change of, well everything: location, duties, alchemy, the works, as a student in Soldark, except, it appears alchemy won't let her go. Even relocating to the other side of the world, it finds her. I loved Myrtles inquisitive mind, that's how she started her whole alchemy thing, she loved blending, creating, inventing. Alchemy potions are dangerous so when Myrtle notices someone suspect, who possibly is imbuing potions, she is compelled to get to the bottom of it. And she learns something valuable, potions and alchemy are not the only weapons at her disposal, she finds out that reasoning, threatening and plain words are far more potent. The pen, or word is mightier by far. With the combo of magic and tech and a really likable cast, this was a lovely story!
-A DIFFERENT KIND of PEACE by TIM FACCIOLA:
Kadrus Macades and his crew are on the verge of being executed for trespassing on the waters of Azorathi. A duel is proposed by a vicious queen to stay the execution and darn was that exciting! I was hanging on to the edge of my seat for the outcome! This isn't a simple tale, this speaks to remorse, regret, where betrayal and treachery led to an assumed alias. Add in a god whose motive is unclear and I'm very intrigued. A very descriptive, very well presented story I'd love to find out more of. I enjoyed the brutally of the action and it did leave me wanting to know the full story of Kadrus' past and what the future holds for him and his crew. Very interesting addition of the god, loved this one!
-CHOSEN ONE-ADJACENT by ISOM ASHE:
Arlow finds himself in a situation he never expected to, all because of a rune and a broken brush gone wrong... or right...I liked Arlow, he felt very relatable and personable. I liked how he tried to fix what he had broken, but with runes not being his strong suit, he bumbles through. Fixed yet not...Caspan, his perfect roommate, is the Chosen One but as he's....incapacitated, it falls on Arlow to do the trial in his stead. Well....yeah, not quite what either expected. I loved the twist at the end, well played by the author! This was a delightful read, easy to read, easy to want more, which I do. I liked the unexpected hints of humour in this tale full of prophecy and trials. Awesome read.
-MIDNIGHT and MISCHIEF by CAMILLA VAVRUCH:
Oh Lyra has it bad for Jasper! It was fun seeing her try to convince herself she wasn't watching him. Both cool characters, I liked her determination and her snark, I liked seeing him climbing off his self imposed pedestal. Cute and fun read.
-SHIELD by DUTY by S. F. HENNE:
I loved this story! It captivated me immediately and was so well presented, I was almost disappointed there wasn't more! Ashara is second born, as such, she's a defender, like it or not. First born is to lead, second to defend and third a loose end...Ashara is very dedicated to achieving recognition and honour, to aid her sister, to become Throne Guardian. So when an exhibition is announced, she's thrilled at the prospect to show her skill. I really enjoyed this story, the author conveyed exactly who Ashara was, the secret she held so close to her chest was a great unexpected revelation, her fear palpable. Both Ashara and her friend Torian are extremely likeable, great character portrayal, my goodness did I love Ashara's strength! Internal strength, emotional strength, physical strength, she has it all, as well as being snarky and sassy! Too wonderful! I loved the tension, I loved the drama, I loved the nail biting action, I loved that there are Nephilim, I loved the magic, I loved Arion and I applude the author for delivering an awesome well rounded story in so few words. And the ending? Well shoot, I really REALLY want more of this, pretty please...
-THE DEMIGODS DILEMMA by Ellysa MARIN:
Oh I loved the way this started, a date. A bad date. One where Demi couldn't remember the guy's name beyond "A". Demi has the inevitable task of teaching the gods of Pantheon how to assimilate into the modern world, a task she grudgingly undertakes but her primary agenda is to find her soulmate who's... missing. Only with her soulmate can the gods, once more, get back to the mortal world. Hence her attempts at dating to see if she can somehow find them. Oh glory did I grin through most of this read, these gods are incorrigible! Whining school kids comes to mind.... This was a fun read, I loved the authors take on the gods, giving them a spin, humanising them and making them very tongue in cheek likeable. As infantile as they do behave, their support and loyalty to Demi is unquestionable. I loved the scenes where Damon appeared, a wonderful light and fun read.
-The ILLUSION of NETTLES by SARAH M WASSON:
Nettles is seeking a place in the Elf Academy, he trains hard, he trains alone because, well, he's not an elf but doesn't allow that to deter him. He's a fairy and as such, cannot take a spot as a Blade, a position he covers. I enjoyed the lengths he goes to try attain a place, his resolve and determination.
-The LIBRARIAN at GREYWALL by E.G. STONE:
Laslo Norgrivaldi is, according to librarian Anahita, a walking disaster, everywhere he goes, chaos is sure to ensure. He's charming, always smiling, and a whole lot older than the other students in the academy, he's in his 40's, not teens, but the academy accommodates all ages, and he's everything that Anahita loathes, right down to his pretty blue eyes and dimples. Gosh this was an adorable story! I loved how the author managed to convey the differences between them so starkly, I got a sense of who each was immediately and, quite frankly, I loved both characters and I loved the uncomplicated easiness of it. Death by book scenario made me giggle. Great read, fun, humourous and very entertaining. I was smiling from start to finish, I would love to read a complete novel.
-The MANY SECRETS of Dhall'mahal by DAVID S TROTTER:
A prophecy, a trial, syphoning of power, an academy built on lies. This is what Zah'ellar was excited for the trial, to prove her worth but her advisory was Rhudak, stronger than she, which was cause for concern. And then he shows her a hidden secret, making her head spin in denial, making her label him a traitor. But at the trial, Rhudak proves right. A story of misconceptions and truths unveiled. Good idea, good premise, I think as a full novel this would work brilliantly.
TOWER under MIDNIGHT by KENDRA MERRITT:
I'm a sucker for awesome familiars and Flicker is just so cool! And this was a really cool retelling of 12 Dancing Princesses, except they weren't Princesses, they were students, male and female, taken to sustain the lives of other beings, from another realm. Tense and scary, it was so well done, the twist was original and the underlying message was beautiful. Even the most selfish, Trace, had a major personality reset, and came out smelling roses, loved that. As for Aaron, well, he put himself, body, mind and soul where it matters, right at Sky's feet! Well done story!
WHISPER of the WATER LILIES by HEATHER SNEIDER:
This was absolutely adorable! I loved the feel good it brought out in me, which, I do confess, stayed with me for a while, all the warm fuzzy feelings of cozy. Thrown in the deep end by a misfortune (sorry... couldn't resist it...) Nevah suddenly has the aquatic display land in her lap. With only Kai helping her when all the other Aquatics take ill, they really make a wonderful team. When rain threatened to put a damper (sorry...did it again!) on the display, Nevah pulls a rabbit out of a hat in spectacular fashion. I liked her very much, she so personable and I really liked Kai, he was so charming and positive, turning more than just the plants, he turned Nevah good and solid! Lighthearted, cute and sweet short story
WYLD WITCH by JANNA RUTH:
Illona is a runaway, her fire magic unpredictable and trying to control the fire she holds before she burns everything to a crisp. She encounters a fiery squirrel like creature who puts her at ease, almost like kindred spirits but then she's accosted, or "saved"....and taken to the Wyld Lands Academy. Suddenly, a whole new world opens up to her, suddenly she realises she's not the freak her mother claimed she was, suddenly she discovers there's another world on the other side of a portal, suddenly she doesn't have to fear what she is. The author did this exemplary, I felt Ilona's pain, uncertainty, she really tugged on my heartstrings. I loved how the story developed and I'd love more of it.
ARCHIVES AND ARCANIA by LIZ DELTON:
Myrtle is very good at what she does, she... retrieves items for the Order but all that potion taking is leaving a mark, she needs our. Her opportunity comes in a complete change of, well everything: location, duties, alchemy, the works, as a student in Soldark, except, it appears alchemy won't let her go. Even relocating to the other side of the world, it finds her. I loved Myrtles inquisitive mind, that's how she started her whole alchemy thing, she loved blending, creating, inventing. Alchemy potions are dangerous so when Myrtle notices someone suspect, who possibly is imbuing potions, she is compelled to get to the bottom of it. And she learns something valuable, potions and alchemy are not the only weapons at her disposal, she finds out that reasoning, threatening and plain words are far more potent. The pen, or word is mightier by far. With the combo of magic and tech and a really likable cast, this was a lovely story!
September 8, 2025
Excellent collection of stories!
September 16, 2025
The Illusion of Nettles by Sarah M. Wasson [4.5 stars]
This is a fun story that kept me gripped and I really enjoyed the twist. A great underdog story with some nice lessons woven throughout.
Chosen-one Adjacent by Isom Ashe [4 stars]
An unexpected read and stylistically quite different from what I’m used to. I particularly liked the twist on the Chones One trope, which adds so much to this story and makes it so very unusual.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone [5 stars]
I absolutely LOVED this sweet story. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feels. Anahita is just my kind of librarian, and Laslo compliments her perfectly, and the Harry Potter-style “restricted books” section is brilliant. Just what I needed and by far my favorite of this collection!
The Many Secrets of Dhall’Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter [3.5 stars]
This one wasn’t quite for me. It’s got a good premise and some very interesting elements, but I felt I needed more time to connect with the character and truly care for what was going on. I think, as a novella, this story would probably be amazing.
The Demigod’s Dilemma by Ellysa Marin [4.5 stars]
Contemporary fantasy. Hilarious. Love the premise! A school to train the Ancient Gods from all the pantheons to integrate in modern society? Yes. I needed this in my life. Loki is the absolute best. And then the ending is so, so sweet.
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton [4.5 stars]
This is a fun Gaslamp science fantasy with a bit of a mystery. I particularly enjoyed the sleuthing aspects which kept me guessing. Myrtle is a fun character and the twist at the end was perfect.
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth [4 stars]
This upbeat contemporary fantasy story follows Ilona as she finds out about her powers as a fire wielder and lets go of some pent-up guilt. I liked the message related to Mindfulness and living in the present, as well as the insight that controlling emotions never works. We have to acknowledge them and let them dissipate.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider [5 stars]
Another really wonderful read. I loved the magic in this one and the characters having to work together to pull off their show was so much fun. So endearing and uplifting with a sweet romance side-story.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt [4.5 stars]
The spooky vibes in this story are really well done. It’s an intriguing mystery and kept me engaged, second-guessing everything. The twist surprised me and made for a nicely rounded and satisfying ending.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola [5 stars]
This story is so unexpected and comes with a brilliant twist. I loved the pacing and the fight scenes kept me glued to the pages. Another favorite and from a new-to-me author, so I’ll definitely be checking out more!
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch [4.5 stars]
Another really enjoyable story about a magical mishap and the class’s enemies having to work together to fix it. Good fun and a wonderful message about the power of teamwork. I also think it’s worth mentioning that the subtle exploration of how prejudices can color our perspectives and make us overlook important things offers another wonderful message to always take to heart.
Shield by Duty by S.F. Henne [5 stars]
Wow, what an incredible finale! I loved every moment of this outstanding story that gripped me throughout and had a character with a powerful arc and whose choice at the end proved empowering and motivating. Absolutely adore this story and now I need to hunt down more by this author too!
All in all, this anthology is an incredible collection of stories with a good balance of vibes and some truly inspirational stories that carry so many emotions. Highly recommend!
This is a fun story that kept me gripped and I really enjoyed the twist. A great underdog story with some nice lessons woven throughout.
Chosen-one Adjacent by Isom Ashe [4 stars]
An unexpected read and stylistically quite different from what I’m used to. I particularly liked the twist on the Chones One trope, which adds so much to this story and makes it so very unusual.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone [5 stars]
I absolutely LOVED this sweet story. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feels. Anahita is just my kind of librarian, and Laslo compliments her perfectly, and the Harry Potter-style “restricted books” section is brilliant. Just what I needed and by far my favorite of this collection!
The Many Secrets of Dhall’Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter [3.5 stars]
This one wasn’t quite for me. It’s got a good premise and some very interesting elements, but I felt I needed more time to connect with the character and truly care for what was going on. I think, as a novella, this story would probably be amazing.
The Demigod’s Dilemma by Ellysa Marin [4.5 stars]
Contemporary fantasy. Hilarious. Love the premise! A school to train the Ancient Gods from all the pantheons to integrate in modern society? Yes. I needed this in my life. Loki is the absolute best. And then the ending is so, so sweet.
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton [4.5 stars]
This is a fun Gaslamp science fantasy with a bit of a mystery. I particularly enjoyed the sleuthing aspects which kept me guessing. Myrtle is a fun character and the twist at the end was perfect.
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth [4 stars]
This upbeat contemporary fantasy story follows Ilona as she finds out about her powers as a fire wielder and lets go of some pent-up guilt. I liked the message related to Mindfulness and living in the present, as well as the insight that controlling emotions never works. We have to acknowledge them and let them dissipate.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider [5 stars]
Another really wonderful read. I loved the magic in this one and the characters having to work together to pull off their show was so much fun. So endearing and uplifting with a sweet romance side-story.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt [4.5 stars]
The spooky vibes in this story are really well done. It’s an intriguing mystery and kept me engaged, second-guessing everything. The twist surprised me and made for a nicely rounded and satisfying ending.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola [5 stars]
This story is so unexpected and comes with a brilliant twist. I loved the pacing and the fight scenes kept me glued to the pages. Another favorite and from a new-to-me author, so I’ll definitely be checking out more!
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch [4.5 stars]
Another really enjoyable story about a magical mishap and the class’s enemies having to work together to fix it. Good fun and a wonderful message about the power of teamwork. I also think it’s worth mentioning that the subtle exploration of how prejudices can color our perspectives and make us overlook important things offers another wonderful message to always take to heart.
Shield by Duty by S.F. Henne [5 stars]
Wow, what an incredible finale! I loved every moment of this outstanding story that gripped me throughout and had a character with a powerful arc and whose choice at the end proved empowering and motivating. Absolutely adore this story and now I need to hunt down more by this author too!
All in all, this anthology is an incredible collection of stories with a good balance of vibes and some truly inspirational stories that carry so many emotions. Highly recommend!
September 19, 2025
The Illusion of Nettles by Sarah M. Wasson
Nettles has grit and gumption, gotta give him that. I love the end solution the King and his wife? daughter? present to help ensure that no one will have to fight to get into the academy again like Nettles. The challenges were creative too, I really enjoyed them.
Chosen-One Adjacent by Isom Ashe
Okay, this one made me laugh. I'm not the chosen one, not even chosen adjacent. But look how awesome I can actually be if I have to. And the slight plot twist was great.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone
Oh my goodness. This story. Libraries, monsters, *food*, a student that is baffling, and did I mention amazing sounding food?! I loved every second of this story and very much need more.
The Many Secrets of Dhall'Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter
I have several books on my TBR by Mr Trotter due to friends recs. I will probably go read them much sooner now after this sampling of his work, because I greatly enjoyed it! He got me with a good plot twist too.
The Demigod's Dilemma by Ellysa Marin
I will not lie, I did not read this story. It had a fun premise but was a bit too much for me with language and *that* scene towards the beginning...
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton
No surprise that I adored Delton's story. I have yet to read something by Delton I have not enjoyed. I am going to be prioritizing Soldark because this intro to that world is so incredible!
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth
This was really good. I love the idea of there being witches and mages, and being completely separate factions. I'm intrigued by this silent war they seem to be fighting.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider
I absolutely loved the magic in this story. With people basically being able to work different elements. And the show they put on! I wish I could see something like that in real life.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt
Alright, I see you. You like mystery with your fantasy. Maybe even on the darker side? I also really loved the nod to 12 dancing princesses, quite impressive if you ask me.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola
The action in this was very well written. I loved the description of the Rapier, it made me laugh.
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch
Oooh someone's being drawn to be naughty. And it's great fun to read it from the comfort of my own home, knowing those high stakes wont actually have any effect on me or my life.
Shield by Duty by S.F. Henne
Very interesting premise. Is there a whole world built around this idea of Nephilim and humans fighting? Well written, I loved the idea of being strong in who you are, regardless of what others or you may expect.
Nettles has grit and gumption, gotta give him that. I love the end solution the King and his wife? daughter? present to help ensure that no one will have to fight to get into the academy again like Nettles. The challenges were creative too, I really enjoyed them.
Chosen-One Adjacent by Isom Ashe
Okay, this one made me laugh. I'm not the chosen one, not even chosen adjacent. But look how awesome I can actually be if I have to. And the slight plot twist was great.
The Librarian of Greywall by E.G. Stone
Oh my goodness. This story. Libraries, monsters, *food*, a student that is baffling, and did I mention amazing sounding food?! I loved every second of this story and very much need more.
The Many Secrets of Dhall'Mahal Academy by David A. Trotter
I have several books on my TBR by Mr Trotter due to friends recs. I will probably go read them much sooner now after this sampling of his work, because I greatly enjoyed it! He got me with a good plot twist too.
The Demigod's Dilemma by Ellysa Marin
I will not lie, I did not read this story. It had a fun premise but was a bit too much for me with language and *that* scene towards the beginning...
Archives and Arcana by Liz Delton
No surprise that I adored Delton's story. I have yet to read something by Delton I have not enjoyed. I am going to be prioritizing Soldark because this intro to that world is so incredible!
Wyld Witch Fire by Janna Ruth
This was really good. I love the idea of there being witches and mages, and being completely separate factions. I'm intrigued by this silent war they seem to be fighting.
Whisper of the Water Lillies by Heather Schneider
I absolutely loved the magic in this story. With people basically being able to work different elements. And the show they put on! I wish I could see something like that in real life.
Tower Under Midnight by Kendra Merritt
Alright, I see you. You like mystery with your fantasy. Maybe even on the darker side? I also really loved the nod to 12 dancing princesses, quite impressive if you ask me.
A Different Kind of Peace by Tim Facciola
The action in this was very well written. I loved the description of the Rapier, it made me laugh.
Midnight and Mischief by Camilla Vavruch
Oooh someone's being drawn to be naughty. And it's great fun to read it from the comfort of my own home, knowing those high stakes wont actually have any effect on me or my life.
Shield by Duty by S.F. Henne
Very interesting premise. Is there a whole world built around this idea of Nephilim and humans fighting? Well written, I loved the idea of being strong in who you are, regardless of what others or you may expect.
September 20, 2025
THE ILLUSION OF NETTLES BY SARAH M WASSON
This was such a good short story! I love how it ended, and I hope there will be more written in this world!
CHOSEN-ONE ADJACENT BY ISOM ASHE
I loved this take on the chosen one trope! Such a unique and fun story! Lots of action!
THE LIBRARIAN OF GREYWALL BY E.G. STONE
This was such a cute and fun story! I absolutely loved it! It also made me hungry.. but I definitely won't be eating in a library anytime soon, haha
THE MANY SECRETS OF DHALL’MAHAL ACADEMY BY DAVID A. TROTTER
This story was packed with emotion and action, especially for a short story! Such a great read! I did have trouble with some of the names, but that's true of many epic fantasies, haha
THE DEMIGOD’S DILEMMA BY ELLYSA MARIN
This was an interesting take on mythological gods. Lots of humor! It was a fun, light story.
ARCHIVES AND ARCANA BY LIZ DELTON
This was such a great story! I loved seeing familiar characters from Soldark, and I absolutely must read Everturn Chronicles ASAP! A delightfully fun story!
WYLD WITCH FIRE BY JANNA RUTH
This story was a unique take on witch magic. I really liked the last line. It felt powerful!
WHISPER OF THE WATER LILLIES BY HEATHER SCHNEIDER
This was such an adorably sweet story! Full of cozy vibes and botany! I absolutely loved it and definitely have to bump this author's books up on my TBR!
TOWER UNDER MIDNIGHT BY KENDRA MERRITT
A great fantasy full of mystery, magic, and a bit of darkness. I really enjoyed this one!
A DIFFERENT KIND OF PEACE BY TIM FACCIOLA
This was such a great story with a classic fantasy/sword and sorcery feel!
MIDNIGHT AND MISCHIEF BY CAMILLA VAVRUCH
This story felt so magical and unique! Such a good read!
SHIELD BY DUTY BY S.F. HENNE
I was worried when I read the triggers, not going to lie, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. While I found myself skimming some of the story, I really really loved how it ended!
This was such a good short story! I love how it ended, and I hope there will be more written in this world!
CHOSEN-ONE ADJACENT BY ISOM ASHE
I loved this take on the chosen one trope! Such a unique and fun story! Lots of action!
THE LIBRARIAN OF GREYWALL BY E.G. STONE
This was such a cute and fun story! I absolutely loved it! It also made me hungry.. but I definitely won't be eating in a library anytime soon, haha
THE MANY SECRETS OF DHALL’MAHAL ACADEMY BY DAVID A. TROTTER
This story was packed with emotion and action, especially for a short story! Such a great read! I did have trouble with some of the names, but that's true of many epic fantasies, haha
THE DEMIGOD’S DILEMMA BY ELLYSA MARIN
This was an interesting take on mythological gods. Lots of humor! It was a fun, light story.
ARCHIVES AND ARCANA BY LIZ DELTON
This was such a great story! I loved seeing familiar characters from Soldark, and I absolutely must read Everturn Chronicles ASAP! A delightfully fun story!
WYLD WITCH FIRE BY JANNA RUTH
This story was a unique take on witch magic. I really liked the last line. It felt powerful!
WHISPER OF THE WATER LILLIES BY HEATHER SCHNEIDER
This was such an adorably sweet story! Full of cozy vibes and botany! I absolutely loved it and definitely have to bump this author's books up on my TBR!
TOWER UNDER MIDNIGHT BY KENDRA MERRITT
A great fantasy full of mystery, magic, and a bit of darkness. I really enjoyed this one!
A DIFFERENT KIND OF PEACE BY TIM FACCIOLA
This was such a great story with a classic fantasy/sword and sorcery feel!
MIDNIGHT AND MISCHIEF BY CAMILLA VAVRUCH
This story felt so magical and unique! Such a good read!
SHIELD BY DUTY BY S.F. HENNE
I was worried when I read the triggers, not going to lie, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. While I found myself skimming some of the story, I really really loved how it ended!
September 19, 2025
This was such a fun anthology! There are so many wonderful and diverse stories that made this a must-read for me. While the entire book is centered around academies, the stories were not juvenile. Some stories I definitely marked as my favorite and will absolutely be reading more from the authors. But not a single story wasn't worth reading. They all entertained.
September 5, 2025
I was lucky enough to be chosen to review the group of stories that were to be included in this anthology. What a wonderful experience! Every story brought something different to the table but all suited the theme so well. I wish we could have included them all!
I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did!
I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did!
September 8, 2025
This is a great collection of stories by some amazing authors.
All are fantasy taking place in a magical academy. Every single one was extremely entertaining!
All are fantasy taking place in a magical academy. Every single one was extremely entertaining!
September 21, 2025
Over the course of the summer I had the honor of taking part in watching this book come together. The moment it was released, I had it purchased and it was on my step in its physical glory by the very next morning.
This collection of Academy stories will take you on many new adventures featuring some of my very favourite authors and introduced me to more whom I will now be doing a deeper dive with.
You will face fears, magic, turmoil, honor and deceit. You will cheer, clutch your chest, and want to delve deeper into some of these worlds.
Some of these stories hold a VERY close spot to my heart and truly makes me so happy to be a part of the IFA family as a reader. So come in, settle into your next class, and join the next adventure.
This collection of Academy stories will take you on many new adventures featuring some of my very favourite authors and introduced me to more whom I will now be doing a deeper dive with.
You will face fears, magic, turmoil, honor and deceit. You will cheer, clutch your chest, and want to delve deeper into some of these worlds.
Some of these stories hold a VERY close spot to my heart and truly makes me so happy to be a part of the IFA family as a reader. So come in, settle into your next class, and join the next adventure.
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