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Star Crossed Academy #1
Sea of Flames
He's loved her since he was five years old. And he will never feel her touch.
Adara is literally fire, and Beck is ice. Even the barest hint of touch burns them both.
He loves her with everything he has. Which is why he has to let her go.
Beck and Adara were raised together at Vitolas Academy, an elite boarding school for elementals. They learned to add, subtract, read, and harness the powers flowing through them.
They learned to fight.
To become soldiers.
Warriors.
Hunters.
But never lovers. It would hurt too much.
It takes everything Beck has to keep Adara at arms' length. She deserves a life with physical affection, and that's a life he can't give her. Not without a miracle.
A miracle that might come from the last source he expects--the monsters that he's spent his whole life learning to fight. The monsters that threaten his whole world.
The monsters that hold the key to Adara's heart and soul.
Adara is literally fire, and Beck is ice. Even the barest hint of touch burns them both.
He loves her with everything he has. Which is why he has to let her go.
Beck and Adara were raised together at Vitolas Academy, an elite boarding school for elementals. They learned to add, subtract, read, and harness the powers flowing through them.
They learned to fight.
To become soldiers.
Warriors.
Hunters.
But never lovers. It would hurt too much.
It takes everything Beck has to keep Adara at arms' length. She deserves a life with physical affection, and that's a life he can't give her. Not without a miracle.
A miracle that might come from the last source he expects--the monsters that he's spent his whole life learning to fight. The monsters that threaten his whole world.
The monsters that hold the key to Adara's heart and soul.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2019
62 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 24, 2019
I was in the mood for something different than what I've been reading so I decided on a paranormal book. With elemental powers, these characters are fighting the classic fight of good vs. evil. They are being trained to use their powers to fight against the chaos. It's YA and the main characters are mostly high school age but it didn't feel overly teenage dramatic. In fact, I enjoyed it enough to pick up the following books in this series (there are six total). Yup, I read them all in one weekend. It was a good side binge from my regularly scheduled reading. ;) You should definitely read these books in order because it's a continuing story line with each book focusing on different characters, although all characters are present throughout all the books. I loved the growing connections between the characters and how they all learned how to work together to make everyone stronger. There was a strong sense of loyalty and family which I am always drawn to.
Content: some mild swearing
Content: some mild swearing
February 18, 2019
Wow wow wow.
I have always love books about magic and pushing the boundaries. I've been wanting to get back into YA, and this book has rekindled that lost love. Original, fresh and unique this book pulled me in and I was trapped from the first page till the last.
A long time reader of Wendy Knight, I knew I was in for a book full of strong multi-layered characters, and a well developed, complex plot; I was not disappointed. Both our MC's are strong, powerful but not perfect. Wendy has a way of writing OP characters while keeping them grounded, relatable and undouchy. This book was not different and I can tell you that you are going to love these characters and this fresh heart pounding story
This series is going to be on my watchlist and I foresee amazing things to come. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval that you will fall head over heels for this amazing one of a kind read.
Happy Reading.
-E.A. Walsh
I have always love books about magic and pushing the boundaries. I've been wanting to get back into YA, and this book has rekindled that lost love. Original, fresh and unique this book pulled me in and I was trapped from the first page till the last.
A long time reader of Wendy Knight, I knew I was in for a book full of strong multi-layered characters, and a well developed, complex plot; I was not disappointed. Both our MC's are strong, powerful but not perfect. Wendy has a way of writing OP characters while keeping them grounded, relatable and undouchy. This book was not different and I can tell you that you are going to love these characters and this fresh heart pounding story
This series is going to be on my watchlist and I foresee amazing things to come. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval that you will fall head over heels for this amazing one of a kind read.
Happy Reading.
-E.A. Walsh
October 7, 2019
Sea of Flames (Star Crossed Academy Book 1) by Wendy Knight, is a fascinating dive into two children’s lives, as they grow up with elemental powers, and find themselves and each other. Adara and Beck are “elementals” who control specific powers. After they’re admitted to the Vitolas Academy so they could learn control, they find that the world is a lot more complicated and dangerous.
The challenges that face elementals Adara and Beck aren’t just learning to control their powers. They find their attraction to each other places them in an awkward position. Because Adara is fire and Beck is ice, they can’t touch without causing pain. That makes a the romantic relationship they both desire almost impossible. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, a rogue group of elementals are revealed who call themselves Chaos, causing disasters that appear to be natural, but are anything but.
Knight does an excellent job crafting this young adult urban fantasy story. She weaves the experiences of first love/forbidden love while also providing interesting conflicts—both physical and emotional—along the way. There’s a nice little mystery about our two heroes, and Knight invites readers to ride along while Adara and Beck attempt to sort their powers, themselves, and Chaos.
The challenges that face elementals Adara and Beck aren’t just learning to control their powers. They find their attraction to each other places them in an awkward position. Because Adara is fire and Beck is ice, they can’t touch without causing pain. That makes a the romantic relationship they both desire almost impossible. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, a rogue group of elementals are revealed who call themselves Chaos, causing disasters that appear to be natural, but are anything but.
Knight does an excellent job crafting this young adult urban fantasy story. She weaves the experiences of first love/forbidden love while also providing interesting conflicts—both physical and emotional—along the way. There’s a nice little mystery about our two heroes, and Knight invites readers to ride along while Adara and Beck attempt to sort their powers, themselves, and Chaos.
October 10, 2019
What terrific characters.
Wendy Knight has created a wonderful world with Elementals – people whose powers draw from the four elements: wind, water, earth and fire. She’s written a friends to lovers story with a twist – Adara and Beck’s elements are not only incompatible, their being together in the Elite forces fighting Chaos (rumored to be rogue Elementals) is illegal. As Adara and Beck, along with several minor characters, battle Chaos, dark secrets from the past begin to emerge.
Several issues are raised in this book and apparently will be addressed later in the series. While I’m fine with the questions spinning out through the series, I found the constant repetition of the characters not being able to touch a bit tiresome. I do wonder how the author is going to resolve that problem! Looking forward to the next book!
Wendy Knight has created a wonderful world with Elementals – people whose powers draw from the four elements: wind, water, earth and fire. She’s written a friends to lovers story with a twist – Adara and Beck’s elements are not only incompatible, their being together in the Elite forces fighting Chaos (rumored to be rogue Elementals) is illegal. As Adara and Beck, along with several minor characters, battle Chaos, dark secrets from the past begin to emerge.
Several issues are raised in this book and apparently will be addressed later in the series. While I’m fine with the questions spinning out through the series, I found the constant repetition of the characters not being able to touch a bit tiresome. I do wonder how the author is going to resolve that problem! Looking forward to the next book!
February 19, 2019
Magic, Adventure and Romance on an epic scale
I just couldn't put this book down, just when I think I might have a favourite series by Wendy Knight she pulls another out of that amazing head of hers.
The two main characters are elemental,one controls fire and the other water. Both alone with no family they form a bond but they can't touch without pain. Their love is forbidden especially as the elite fighters they want to become. When outside forces begin attacking what they both hold dear is their bond strong enough to protect both themselves and others. I'm already hanging out for the next book in this series.
I just couldn't put this book down, just when I think I might have a favourite series by Wendy Knight she pulls another out of that amazing head of hers.
The two main characters are elemental,one controls fire and the other water. Both alone with no family they form a bond but they can't touch without pain. Their love is forbidden especially as the elite fighters they want to become. When outside forces begin attacking what they both hold dear is their bond strong enough to protect both themselves and others. I'm already hanging out for the next book in this series.
March 11, 2019
I used to give 5 stars all the time, but now they have been very few. This one deserved the 5 stars. It's compelling, well-written, and you feel like you're there with the characters. I literally could not put it down. Star crossed lovers doomed to live by each other but never touch fight an enemy together, only to find out that it might be possible to be together without literally being in pain or killing each other because of their powers. It gives new meaning to icey hot.
February 17, 2019
Lost sleep agajn
Love this book, read through the night and lost sleep just trying to see what had happened. Need more books
Love this book, read through the night and lost sleep just trying to see what had happened. Need more books
March 10, 2020
Where to start??? Let's start at the beginning..... first of all the cover art is BEAUTIFUL! It gives you an insight to how amazing this book will be. You can see the strength and determination that Adara and Beck both have. Once you start reading Sea of Flames, you will see that they are two of the strongest people you will ever meet. They are faced with these crazy challenges, one being that they have Elemental powers of fire and water.The Elementals are constantly having to fight off the Chaos and save the world. Then there are the emotional challenges. Adara and Beck's powers are opposite each other, so they can never touch without causing extreme pain and one day it will be illegal for them to be together. That wouldn't be so bad except they've been in love with each other since they were five. How can you be separated from your Soul Mate?? The heartache and heartbreak are so real that you feel everything that they do. You know that it was for the right reasons, but man, right in the feels! Sea of Flames is a book that will stick with me for a long time. If you're ever lucky enough find that special Author that speaks to your soul, grab on and don't let go!
July 24, 2019
I always love how unique Knight's stories are! Loved the magical focus based on the elements and the sort of private magical school scenario. Adara and Beck were 5 years old when they became orphans and went to live full time at an academy for magically gifted children; they become best friends right away. There are 4 groups based on the elements (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air), Adara is a fire and Beck is a water. Adara can only be safely touched by other fire elementals; it's painful for her to be touched by anyone else. Despite this, Beck and Adara fall in love, but Beck ends up breaking up with Adara because he wants her to be with someone that she can have a full relationship with. Adara is heartbroken; they both are. I loved the connection between Beck and Adara; they are so devoted to each other, but oh man! These two need to be truthful with what they are feeling. I was so sad from the very beginning when Beck and Adara couldn't touch! Talk about a major obstacle in a relationship! In the present day, Adara and Beck are 17, and both are among the most powerful elementals, so they kick some major butt! There's a group of rogue sort of elementals called Chaos that is causing major problems; it's like natural disaster type stuff, earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes, etc. So, the older teens at the academy go out and stop/fight natural disasters and the disasters caused by the Chaos. There's also a bit of mystery surrounding Beck and Adara's origins. I'm sad the next book is about one of the side characters stories because I really just want to see what's going to happen, but I still want to read it. Excited for more!
July 28, 2019
Wendy Knight is a “go-to” author for me ehen I want quality fantasy and sci-fi romance (which, by the way, is a constant craving). No surprise then that I was delighted to find that she’s come out with an entirely new series. No surprise, too, that the book, Sea of Flames (Star Crossed Academy Book 1), was rather fantastic. Talk about opposites attracting: Adara is literally fire and Beck is ice. Raised together at Vitolas Academy, an elite boarding school for elementals, now there’s a bit of a quandary as the very monsters that are a threat to everything may be the very key Beck needs to Adara's heart and soul. Ouch, but perfect ingredients for a great tale when in the hands of a talented author like this one. Quite frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 23, 2019
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. The action is fast-paced, and the main characters, teen elementals, are interesting and compelling—especially the two main ones. These are ‘fire’ Adara who is always trying to catch the sun and ‘water’ Beck who finds ice sliding across his soul because he cannot physically touch this girl, the one he loves. Too painful! Fire and water do not mix.
I enjoyed the setting, a magical private academy for young elementals, especially when it is shrouded in snow. Great atmosphere and descriptions. The enemy they all fight is not one-dimensional, like so many enemies in books I have read lately. It exudes mystery. Therefore you find it hard to stop reading. Got to solve the puzzle! I highly recommend this book for teens and all who enjoy YA fantasy.
I enjoyed the setting, a magical private academy for young elementals, especially when it is shrouded in snow. Great atmosphere and descriptions. The enemy they all fight is not one-dimensional, like so many enemies in books I have read lately. It exudes mystery. Therefore you find it hard to stop reading. Got to solve the puzzle! I highly recommend this book for teens and all who enjoy YA fantasy.
October 15, 2019
A fiery read!
He's loved her since he was five years old...
And he will never feel her touch...
She is literally fire, and he is ice...
Even the barest hint of touch burns them both...
A really unique and interesting read that hooked me right from the start. I loved seeing them when they first met as children - how they found out their touch brings them both pain.
The writing is spectacular. The author has really come back in full force and bringing everything in her arsenal, which is really fantastic.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series! I need to know if they will get together, if it will be possible for them! Fingers crossed.
Full of elementals, magic, pain, heartbreak, family, friends, Chaos and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
He's loved her since he was five years old...
And he will never feel her touch...
She is literally fire, and he is ice...
Even the barest hint of touch burns them both...
A really unique and interesting read that hooked me right from the start. I loved seeing them when they first met as children - how they found out their touch brings them both pain.
The writing is spectacular. The author has really come back in full force and bringing everything in her arsenal, which is really fantastic.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series! I need to know if they will get together, if it will be possible for them! Fingers crossed.
Full of elementals, magic, pain, heartbreak, family, friends, Chaos and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
November 3, 2019
Similar to Harry Potter
I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read book 2! It has all the magic and friendships of Harry Potter, there’s even a beloved headmistress and favorite teacher. But this series has more romance, which I really love!
Beck and Adara are meant to be together, in every way except the most essential. Even though they can’t touch without causing excruciating pain, their hearts are constantly drawn together.
The protagonist is more mysterious than Voldemort. I still can’t decide if Chaos is actually the good guys or not.
I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read book 2! It has all the magic and friendships of Harry Potter, there’s even a beloved headmistress and favorite teacher. But this series has more romance, which I really love!
Beck and Adara are meant to be together, in every way except the most essential. Even though they can’t touch without causing excruciating pain, their hearts are constantly drawn together.
The protagonist is more mysterious than Voldemort. I still can’t decide if Chaos is actually the good guys or not.
July 15, 2021
Good, not great. Nice change of pace. Fast read, intersting on starting after love relationship had occurred for years and then when they took a break to save one another from painful touch. But after awhile of thr back and forth, got boring, wanted to move on to the next thing, and it didn't go back into the start of their relationship. World wise too with the elemental powers, felt like lots of questions but should've already known. Felt like a sequel book rather than first. Liked that they were powerful and that they trained to be that way, not that they just were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
I really wanted to like this series. However, after reading the first book I dont think I'll continue the series. I dont feel like anything is explained. Theres not much of a backstory. And I feel like there is too much dwelling on low importance actions. The romance is very back and forth but there is no progression.
It took me five days to read this book purely because I was not drawn in. I didn't enjoy reading it.
It took me five days to read this book purely because I was not drawn in. I didn't enjoy reading it.
August 17, 2019
wendy has done a great job with sea of flames. the scenarios kept me on the edge of my seat. it's full of action with a dab of romance and will leave you wanting more. a wonderful beginning of a brand new series with lots of wiggle room for lots more. if you're a fan of t. g. ayer you'll love wendy knight.
December 10, 2020
I love books by wendy knight and this was no different. Won't lie sometimes I laughed, other times I cried because damn fate is unfair! seriously why? sadder than Romeo and Juliet for god's sake! I want them to be able to be in love and be happy! So off I go to read the other books and pray for a happy ending so I do not have to hate one of my fave authors forever....
May 31, 2019
Fantastic Characters!
This is book contains one of the best relationships I've ever read! It's not just a romance because there's so much more to it than that. It's family. It's friendship. It's amazing!
This is book contains one of the best relationships I've ever read! It's not just a romance because there's so much more to it than that. It's family. It's friendship. It's amazing!
May 28, 2024
Amazing
I loved this book! I loved Adara and Beck. There are still so many unanswered questions but it was such a good start. The pace of the story was steady and quick with loads of action to keep you hooked. This book definitely needs to be talked about more!
I loved this book! I loved Adara and Beck. There are still so many unanswered questions but it was such a good start. The pace of the story was steady and quick with loads of action to keep you hooked. This book definitely needs to be talked about more!
October 27, 2025
I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't. There were several errors in the book and a ton of plot holes or where things just didn't add up and make sense. It did leave me wanting to know what's actually going on but I don't forsee myself buying and reading the rest of the series 😐
March 4, 2019
I like YA contemporary fantasy where the magic is based on the elements. This was a fun read. Interesting characters. Yes, I'll read the next one.
March 10, 2019
Great read!
March 31, 2019
Chaos
You can't but hurt for the two who were destined to be friends, family and loved. The powerful four works well together but will it be enough against the Chaos?
You can't but hurt for the two who were destined to be friends, family and loved. The powerful four works well together but will it be enough against the Chaos?
April 15, 2019
Like Romeo and Juliet with powers
Beck and Adara are teenagers with powers. She is fire and he is water. If they touch it hurts, but that doesn’t keep them from loving each other.
Beck and Adara are teenagers with powers. She is fire and he is water. If they touch it hurts, but that doesn’t keep them from loving each other.
April 25, 2019
Oh I just loved this one so much, I cannot wait to read the next one in the series! Talk about a badass leading lady!
December 24, 2019
Awesome!!
Am amazing read. I really loved the magic and characters! Can't wait to read more. This book was clean and very entertaining!
Am amazing read. I really loved the magic and characters! Can't wait to read more. This book was clean and very entertaining!
December 9, 2020
Loved, loved, LOVED this book! I've already ordered the 2nd one, and am recommending this YA story to EVERYONE!
July 2, 2020
ONE SOUL SOARING ADVENTURE!!!
Holy hacklers! Wendy blazes the trail, dropping the bomb and lowering the boom, ratcheting up the thrill of the chase and skill of the hunt, laying this baby out, wrapping it up sleek, shiny and tight. Crazy mishaps and startling circumstances swirl with the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, spinning alongside the shocking twists and wicked turns, drawing them closer than they could have ever imagined. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, booting this baby forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with an intoxicating culmination. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rolling out the drama, turmoil, deception, intrigue, secrecy, danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, makes for one mind-blowing masterpiece. Add distress, turmoil and perplexing situations along with nefarious intentions, you have the recipe for disaster. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a soul deep bond and amplifying affections, catapulting this jewel to a whole new realm. The characters are authentic and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into amazing personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it paints an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Outstanding job Wendy, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy hacklers! Wendy blazes the trail, dropping the bomb and lowering the boom, ratcheting up the thrill of the chase and skill of the hunt, laying this baby out, wrapping it up sleek, shiny and tight. Crazy mishaps and startling circumstances swirl with the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, spinning alongside the shocking twists and wicked turns, drawing them closer than they could have ever imagined. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, booting this baby forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with an intoxicating culmination. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rolling out the drama, turmoil, deception, intrigue, secrecy, danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, makes for one mind-blowing masterpiece. Add distress, turmoil and perplexing situations along with nefarious intentions, you have the recipe for disaster. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a soul deep bond and amplifying affections, catapulting this jewel to a whole new realm. The characters are authentic and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into amazing personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it paints an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Outstanding job Wendy, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews