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Magical Creatures Academy #1
Night Shifter
The top-100 Amazon bestselling series is now complete!
I come from a long and powerful line of supernaturals, but I’ve never shown any abilities whatsoever.
So when the prestigious Magical Creatures Academy invites me to attend, I’m more than a little hesitant. From shifters to vampires and even fae, everyone flaunts their impressive abilities … everyone but me.
I’m so frustrated I’m about ready to give up, when the super handsome and totally-off-limits prince of the elves decides to show me some extra attention.
He’s not the only one who has his sights set on me though. A dangerous rebel faction is closing in on the school, and they don’t think I’m a dud either. Instead, they believe I’m hiding a rare and coveted form of magic, one they could use to turn me into the ultimate weapon.
I just wanted to find a place to belong, but now my very existence could threaten everyone I’ve ever known or loved. No pressure, right?
Night Shifter is the start of an exciting, magic-filled fantasy; starring a girl with lots of moxie; fine, brawny shifters; BFFs with questionable morals; and pygmy trolls in need of an attitude adjustment.
I come from a long and powerful line of supernaturals, but I’ve never shown any abilities whatsoever.
So when the prestigious Magical Creatures Academy invites me to attend, I’m more than a little hesitant. From shifters to vampires and even fae, everyone flaunts their impressive abilities … everyone but me.
I’m so frustrated I’m about ready to give up, when the super handsome and totally-off-limits prince of the elves decides to show me some extra attention.
He’s not the only one who has his sights set on me though. A dangerous rebel faction is closing in on the school, and they don’t think I’m a dud either. Instead, they believe I’m hiding a rare and coveted form of magic, one they could use to turn me into the ultimate weapon.
I just wanted to find a place to belong, but now my very existence could threaten everyone I’ve ever known or loved. No pressure, right?
Night Shifter is the start of an exciting, magic-filled fantasy; starring a girl with lots of moxie; fine, brawny shifters; BFFs with questionable morals; and pygmy trolls in need of an attitude adjustment.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
2813 people are currently reading
2146 people want to read
About the author
Lucía Ashta
103 books907 followersLucía Ashta is the internationally top 20 bestselling author of young adult, new adult, and adult paranormal and urban fantasy books, including the series Magical Creatures Academy, Witches of Gales Haven, Smoky Mountain Pack, and Supernatural Bounty Hunter.
When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.
Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta
Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
www.facebook.com/groups/LuciaAshta
www.luciaashta.com
When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.
Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta
Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
www.facebook.com/groups/LuciaAshta
www.luciaashta.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
April 5, 2019
Vastly underwhelming
Other than the genre, there really wasn't anything I found particularly great about this book. The MC annoyed me. She cared so much about being a magical creature, had family that was, but couldn't be bothered to crack 1 book about it? Then be mad at her brother for not informing her enough? Come on, are 18 or 8?
Then she has a romantic connection to the prince yet they have nothing deeper than surface interaction. Perhaps the following books will be better, but I doubt that I'll bother reading them.
Other than the genre, there really wasn't anything I found particularly great about this book. The MC annoyed me. She cared so much about being a magical creature, had family that was, but couldn't be bothered to crack 1 book about it? Then be mad at her brother for not informing her enough? Come on, are 18 or 8?
Then she has a romantic connection to the prince yet they have nothing deeper than surface interaction. Perhaps the following books will be better, but I doubt that I'll bother reading them.
March 30, 2020
As my first-ever Kindle Unlimited book, I was hoping to find a hidden gem with Night Shifter. Instead, I got a major dud.
Everything about this book was a mess. It read like a rip-off Harry Potter with extremely poor world-building, trope-y characters, and a lackluster plot. The story was horribly predictable in so many ways. The writing quality was noticeably bad. I rolled my eyes several times and was overall irritated by how corny this story was as a whole. I really don't understand what the point of this book was.
I'm confused as to who the target audience for this book is. Is it tweens? Teens? Young adults? The main character is supposed to be 18 but she has the maturity and naivety of a 12 year old. If this was meant to be for a middle grade audience, I think it would work. It still wouldn't be very good, but I think 10-13 year olds would really enjoy this. And yet... I don't think that was the author's intent and I'm confused as to why they made the story, characters, dialogues, and descriptions so simple and childish if they ultimately wanted to write and cater to an older age demographic. I think everything would have made a lot more sense if the author just aged everything down and made Rina a tween.
The only positive I have for Night Shifter (which, by the way, the title makes zero sense) is that the cover is really pretty. However, cover love can't save this one. I definitely won't be continuing with the series.
Everything about this book was a mess. It read like a rip-off Harry Potter with extremely poor world-building, trope-y characters, and a lackluster plot. The story was horribly predictable in so many ways. The writing quality was noticeably bad. I rolled my eyes several times and was overall irritated by how corny this story was as a whole. I really don't understand what the point of this book was.
I'm confused as to who the target audience for this book is. Is it tweens? Teens? Young adults? The main character is supposed to be 18 but she has the maturity and naivety of a 12 year old. If this was meant to be for a middle grade audience, I think it would work. It still wouldn't be very good, but I think 10-13 year olds would really enjoy this. And yet... I don't think that was the author's intent and I'm confused as to why they made the story, characters, dialogues, and descriptions so simple and childish if they ultimately wanted to write and cater to an older age demographic. I think everything would have made a lot more sense if the author just aged everything down and made Rina a tween.
The only positive I have for Night Shifter (which, by the way, the title makes zero sense) is that the cover is really pretty. However, cover love can't save this one. I definitely won't be continuing with the series.
August 24, 2019
2-2.5 stars. Honestly this has an interesting premise but it really failed to deliver for me. So the start of this had some great things going for it. A unique combination and introduction of many new and unfamiliar supernatural creatures. Makes sense considering the name of the series.. but the problem starts off with an FMC raised in the supernatural world and yet knows absolutely nothing about it.. like it was astounding the fact dump we, as readers, were constantly getting as it was being spewed at the FMC because she had no clue what was going on in this world, where she was raised.... yea would have made a whole lot more sense if for some reason the FMC didn't know she was magical in any way. Not only was she super dense about all the different supernatural's and their way of life, she was also unfamiliar with customs, courtesies, and just magical creatures in general.. So after that I'm already reading with my eyebrows raised. Add in the fact that we really get almost no world building, backstory, or set up for the plot we have going on here. Apparently there is a war going on between certain supernatural factions all this is revealed way later in the story really, not quite like an after thought but pretty close. There is some sort of insta something going on in the FMC's head with the fey princeling. The problem was that, as the reader, it may only be going down in the FMC's head because we couldn't really see any real evidence other than vague impressions that any sort of feelings might be reciprocated. In all honesty, i'm not 100% in love with the FMC.. she seems kind of lazy, has some self esteem issues, and seems like shes in possession of a set of bulbs on a dimmer switch.. that are turned to "mood" lighting.
I like the idea of the dual magican, shifter but I do feel like her abilities could have been woven into the story a little more cohesively. Some information about how that is even possible would be nice as well, maybe even a little more information about them in general? I don't know.. I feel like maybe this series may need just one more chance. I really like all the different magical creatures.. I just wish the world built around their awesomeness was equally as amazing.. Going to have to think on this series a little more.
I like the idea of the dual magican, shifter but I do feel like her abilities could have been woven into the story a little more cohesively. Some information about how that is even possible would be nice as well, maybe even a little more information about them in general? I don't know.. I feel like maybe this series may need just one more chance. I really like all the different magical creatures.. I just wish the world built around their awesomeness was equally as amazing.. Going to have to think on this series a little more.
September 30, 2020
Academy perfection!
This was such a fun and quick romp in an academy that promises lots of romance, surprises, and laughs. Can’t wait to read the next book in Rina’s adventures, because the romance lover in me wants more Leander.
This was such a fun and quick romp in an academy that promises lots of romance, surprises, and laughs. Can’t wait to read the next book in Rina’s adventures, because the romance lover in me wants more Leander.
May 28, 2019
Opening line
Every light in the living was on, revealing the droopiness of the well-worn furniture.
Review
I picked up this book based on the cover it was bright lots of colors and honestly, it captured my attention. I instantly dove right into Rina's story she's waiting for her birthday to find out if she will have mage magic, shifter magic or be just a human and when the time comes and goes they suspect that she's just human. However, a fairy shows up offering her an invitation to the prestigious Magical Creature Academy but her abilities are unknown. She ventures off with her brother when the school term starts unsure if she's really in the right place as she doesn't know what kind of creature she will become.
Her first day in class finds Rina having to choose if she's a Vampire, shifter or other and not knowing what she is she decides to choose shifter hoping she's gotten the ability from her mother and like her brother. As the school year progresses she attempts to shift but it just doesn't seem to be an option yet but hopefully, she will figure it out before it's too late. As if she doesn't have enough to deal with the school is being threatened.
I like Rina she's an adorable character she's this sweet innocent girl who doesn't know much about the shifter world but is eager and excited to learn about it. I found her refreshing she's not perfect, but she's a total sweetheart even befriending two unlikely friends. She meets two friends right from the start and instantly the three become three peas in a pod. Willow who can shapeshifter into a tree and Jas who can shift into a skunk. However, we also have Rina's older brother Ky who has his two best friends who make an appearance throughout the book.
I've been in a reading slump for a while and this was just the book to pull me out of my funk. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving Rina she's just adorable. The concept is also entertaining I like the idea of a secret paranormal Academy it's a popular theme and I think the author has done a great job creating her own unique world. I love the shifters aren't your traditional shifters we have skunks, trees, mountain lions and even the headmaster is an owl. I love that the author has taken a new twist on the shifter concept and featuring other animals. The author has created a quick paced story that I found hard to put down as I was instantly sucked right into Rina's world. It was a lovely story with magical characters and an equally magical world. I can't wait to continue the series.
Every light in the living was on, revealing the droopiness of the well-worn furniture.
Review
I picked up this book based on the cover it was bright lots of colors and honestly, it captured my attention. I instantly dove right into Rina's story she's waiting for her birthday to find out if she will have mage magic, shifter magic or be just a human and when the time comes and goes they suspect that she's just human. However, a fairy shows up offering her an invitation to the prestigious Magical Creature Academy but her abilities are unknown. She ventures off with her brother when the school term starts unsure if she's really in the right place as she doesn't know what kind of creature she will become.
Her first day in class finds Rina having to choose if she's a Vampire, shifter or other and not knowing what she is she decides to choose shifter hoping she's gotten the ability from her mother and like her brother. As the school year progresses she attempts to shift but it just doesn't seem to be an option yet but hopefully, she will figure it out before it's too late. As if she doesn't have enough to deal with the school is being threatened.
I like Rina she's an adorable character she's this sweet innocent girl who doesn't know much about the shifter world but is eager and excited to learn about it. I found her refreshing she's not perfect, but she's a total sweetheart even befriending two unlikely friends. She meets two friends right from the start and instantly the three become three peas in a pod. Willow who can shapeshifter into a tree and Jas who can shift into a skunk. However, we also have Rina's older brother Ky who has his two best friends who make an appearance throughout the book.
I've been in a reading slump for a while and this was just the book to pull me out of my funk. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving Rina she's just adorable. The concept is also entertaining I like the idea of a secret paranormal Academy it's a popular theme and I think the author has done a great job creating her own unique world. I love the shifters aren't your traditional shifters we have skunks, trees, mountain lions and even the headmaster is an owl. I love that the author has taken a new twist on the shifter concept and featuring other animals. The author has created a quick paced story that I found hard to put down as I was instantly sucked right into Rina's world. It was a lovely story with magical characters and an equally magical world. I can't wait to continue the series.
June 15, 2019
Well, that was bland.
The school and students were pretty mundane for an academy of magical creatures. Plus, the should-be exciting bits were glossed over so we’re left with dragging conversations about troll butts and half-assed pep talks on “how to perfect your shift”. Christ, and we didn’t even get to read about that girl who gets to shift into a tree??? Total scam.
2.5 Stars.
The school and students were pretty mundane for an academy of magical creatures. Plus, the should-be exciting bits were glossed over so we’re left with dragging conversations about troll butts and half-assed pep talks on “how to perfect your shift”. Christ, and we didn’t even get to read about that girl who gets to shift into a tree??? Total scam.
2.5 Stars.
June 29, 2022
Let me just say… the cover drew me in, but everything else tossed me to the curb (this is a review for both book 1 & 2).
I don’t like the MC or Leander… Especially Leander. I really expected the MC to end up falling for a different love interest so the fact she remained with him left me stumbling cluelessly.
This all to summarize, the book didn’t really work for me. But that’s not to say others won’t like it. Just that I didn’t.
I don’t like the MC or Leander… Especially Leander. I really expected the MC to end up falling for a different love interest so the fact she remained with him left me stumbling cluelessly.
This all to summarize, the book didn’t really work for me. But that’s not to say others won’t like it. Just that I didn’t.
September 7, 2019
Cute! Started excellent and slowly dwindled but the characters are fun and the situation, while a bit rushed, interesting enough. I like the brotherly bond. I'm not warming up to her romantic interest, it seems too rushed and he's not appealing to me, but I'll definitely be checking out the next book. It is unrealistic she didn't know anything about magic, and some of the power stuff is a bit cliche later. 3.5, changed from initial 4
April 5, 2020
Rating: 1,25/5
First of all, to be clear, I didn't pick up this book because I was expecting to be blown away and add one more book to my favorites. No. That's not why I picked this up. Initially, I was searching for a book that could fit the prompt "shapeshifting" for OWLS Magical Readathon and this was just there and pretty short too so I added it hoping it would be one of those cute cliche fantasy books full of ya tropes about magical academies and falling for this super hot and super popular too guy and silly stuff like that. I like reading this type of books just for a good time and taking a break from more serious stuff, you know what I mean? But no. This was not even close to what I wanted it to be.
The writing was terrible, the main character was a loser, didn't like any of her "friends" either, cause I didn't find anything that could make that a solid friendship, the plot was not so bad, but executed very poorly and rushed and everything was just a mess, to be honest. I even was bored halfway through the book, which is something that shouldn't happen with trashy books. It wasn't the good trash, it was the bad trash.
The romance wasn't even there! I was waiting for that cliche romance and it just wasn't there. All that they were doing was starring at each other for absolute no fucking reason until one of them looked away and that's about it.
Let's say the family dynamics was the best thing out of this book, but it still wasn't good. It could have been done so much better. Something just didn't click!
In conclusion, I'm pissed.
First of all, to be clear, I didn't pick up this book because I was expecting to be blown away and add one more book to my favorites. No. That's not why I picked this up. Initially, I was searching for a book that could fit the prompt "shapeshifting" for OWLS Magical Readathon and this was just there and pretty short too so I added it hoping it would be one of those cute cliche fantasy books full of ya tropes about magical academies and falling for this super hot and super popular too guy and silly stuff like that. I like reading this type of books just for a good time and taking a break from more serious stuff, you know what I mean? But no. This was not even close to what I wanted it to be.
The writing was terrible, the main character was a loser, didn't like any of her "friends" either, cause I didn't find anything that could make that a solid friendship, the plot was not so bad, but executed very poorly and rushed and everything was just a mess, to be honest. I even was bored halfway through the book, which is something that shouldn't happen with trashy books. It wasn't the good trash, it was the bad trash.
The romance wasn't even there! I was waiting for that cliche romance and it just wasn't there. All that they were doing was starring at each other for absolute no fucking reason until one of them looked away and that's about it.
Let's say the family dynamics was the best thing out of this book, but it still wasn't good. It could have been done so much better. Something just didn't click!
In conclusion, I'm pissed.
June 13, 2020
Very Enjoyable!
I imagine this Author's stories are written for a younger generation than this 62year old, but I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series!
I imagine this Author's stories are written for a younger generation than this 62year old, but I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series!
November 12, 2019
Disappointing.
Not much happens.
And then it ends.
Not much happens.
And then it ends.
May 14, 2019
Hmm I really had to gather my thoughts for this book. So let me start off by saying I liked it! A few people actually warned me against it because it was just a little too "weird." But knowing that going into it actually made it more enjoyable for me. Now by weird I am assuming they meant the fact that the headmaster is an Owl, there was a skunk shifter (who is actually hilarious and bad ass...probably because she is mad that she is a skunk) and there is even a shifter who is still learning to control his power and ended up walking around with the head of an animal and the body of a human.
Weirdness aside. This book was written well. It followed a typical story arc of an Academy Book, which was what I was looking for, and it felt like fun parts of Wonderland mixed with OZ in a Harry Potter like setting.
Pros:
- Writing
- Bounced between reading and listening to the to the audio which I enjoyed.
- Unique/ "Weird" shifters and creatures
- Strong brother sister bond (I kinda hope the brother gets his own story because he is one of my favorite characters
- Sexy Elf Prince.... yes please
-Excited for book 2
Cons:
-I need more sexy Elf Prince
- Weirdness (again because I was warned I liked it but some people might not... *cough cough* Don't be racist against Skunk Shifters)
-Climax/ fight scene seemed a little obvious and slightly rushed.
That being said I really liked this book.
Recommend to: Those looking for a fun Academy book or a YA Paranormal Romance.
Weirdness aside. This book was written well. It followed a typical story arc of an Academy Book, which was what I was looking for, and it felt like fun parts of Wonderland mixed with OZ in a Harry Potter like setting.
Pros:
- Writing
- Bounced between reading and listening to the to the audio which I enjoyed.
- Unique/ "Weird" shifters and creatures
- Strong brother sister bond (I kinda hope the brother gets his own story because he is one of my favorite characters
- Sexy Elf Prince.... yes please
-Excited for book 2
Cons:
-I need more sexy Elf Prince
- Weirdness (again because I was warned I liked it but some people might not... *cough cough* Don't be racist against Skunk Shifters)
-Climax/ fight scene seemed a little obvious and slightly rushed.
That being said I really liked this book.
Recommend to: Those looking for a fun Academy book or a YA Paranormal Romance.
March 22, 2019
Oh my gracious! I say every book by Lucia is the best.
In the opening book of this new series we meet Rina Nelle Mont who is moments away from officially turning 18 and discovering her magic. When the clock strikes the appropriate time . . . nothing happens. Needless to say, Rina is disappointed. Both her father and her brother try to bolster her but nothing works.
A knock at the door shortly thereafter heralds an invite for Rina to the Magical Creatures Academy.
She is the only creature with no apparent magic until she pushes and pushes and she shifts into something with magical that no one has ever seen before. But what does it do?
Rina's new friends all have magic. A skunk, a willow tree, a fairy but no one has ever seen Rina's magic.
Whilst showing Sir Lancelot, Ky, Leander and Boone her shift, the school is attacked by the Voice, a new threat to magic everywhere. And the story goes on with yet a new twist for outstanding pleasure.
This will be another can't put down series from Ms. Ashta.
In the opening book of this new series we meet Rina Nelle Mont who is moments away from officially turning 18 and discovering her magic. When the clock strikes the appropriate time . . . nothing happens. Needless to say, Rina is disappointed. Both her father and her brother try to bolster her but nothing works.
A knock at the door shortly thereafter heralds an invite for Rina to the Magical Creatures Academy.
She is the only creature with no apparent magic until she pushes and pushes and she shifts into something with magical that no one has ever seen before. But what does it do?
Rina's new friends all have magic. A skunk, a willow tree, a fairy but no one has ever seen Rina's magic.
Whilst showing Sir Lancelot, Ky, Leander and Boone her shift, the school is attacked by the Voice, a new threat to magic everywhere. And the story goes on with yet a new twist for outstanding pleasure.
This will be another can't put down series from Ms. Ashta.
April 10, 2019
I think from all the new series starters by this author that I have read in the last month, this one was by far the best one.
Rina expected the moment of her 18th birthday with high hopes, expectations, and fear. When nothing happened, she supposed her luck ran out and was born human - only to have her life turned upside down in a minute, being admitted to study at the Menagerie. Horribly unprepared by lacking knowledge about the magical world, she enters the enchanting, beautiful, and utterly dangerous world with innocence and lack of skills.
Rina is one of the heroines I can easily identify with, and I loved to follow her story holding my breath. Her transformation was amazing, and the fact she never gave up despite the evidence casting her out make me root for her. The male trio starring in this story draws all kinds of the right attention, and I can't wait long enough to see what adventures are waiting for the young supernaturalsin the Fae realm.
Rina expected the moment of her 18th birthday with high hopes, expectations, and fear. When nothing happened, she supposed her luck ran out and was born human - only to have her life turned upside down in a minute, being admitted to study at the Menagerie. Horribly unprepared by lacking knowledge about the magical world, she enters the enchanting, beautiful, and utterly dangerous world with innocence and lack of skills.
Rina is one of the heroines I can easily identify with, and I loved to follow her story holding my breath. Her transformation was amazing, and the fact she never gave up despite the evidence casting her out make me root for her. The male trio starring in this story draws all kinds of the right attention, and I can't wait long enough to see what adventures are waiting for the young supernaturalsin the Fae realm.
November 2, 2024
Seems like YA slow burn paranormal coming of age series.
I think this is written after the Sirangle series. It is a standalone series, but I recognise Thanes name, although he is a silent character. We also have the pleasure of some of our favourite characters from the series, Sir Lancelot, the head teacher owl, the two fairy cousins, and the magical academy.
So far, it's been okay, an easy book to devour without filling me up or getting me working. Truth be told, I have no idea if this is a YA going NA with more spice. I can see romantic interests, but their characters have been introduced, but not much build. I suspect they will develop more in the next book. The first is more an intro to the FMC... I don't love the FMC, but I also don't hate her. She's sweet, navie, carries unspoken guilt over something she couldn't prevent. The family and brother are loving and the people at the academy. Well, no one seems horrible.. just a nice bunch of sups teaching and learning....
So yea, it was okay, and even though this ends on a cliffhanger, I do not have very strong emotions for these characters, and if I had something else I was interested in, I would probably stop here
3.2 stars
I think this is written after the Sirangle series. It is a standalone series, but I recognise Thanes name, although he is a silent character. We also have the pleasure of some of our favourite characters from the series, Sir Lancelot, the head teacher owl, the two fairy cousins, and the magical academy.
So far, it's been okay, an easy book to devour without filling me up or getting me working. Truth be told, I have no idea if this is a YA going NA with more spice. I can see romantic interests, but their characters have been introduced, but not much build. I suspect they will develop more in the next book. The first is more an intro to the FMC... I don't love the FMC, but I also don't hate her. She's sweet, navie, carries unspoken guilt over something she couldn't prevent. The family and brother are loving and the people at the academy. Well, no one seems horrible.. just a nice bunch of sups teaching and learning....
So yea, it was okay, and even though this ends on a cliffhanger, I do not have very strong emotions for these characters, and if I had something else I was interested in, I would probably stop here
3.2 stars
January 28, 2025
Very ehhhh book. The plot was very bland and slow, especially the battle scenes, it dragged on for a long time and got boring, and the characters did not really have any exciting personality factors. I liked Jaz's character's design, but her personality was a little too consistant. I'm sure the author did their best though, but, def not the best read. Two stars. . .
April 6, 2019
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the first book of the Magical Creatures Academy, the books should be read in order.
The world this series takes place in is the same as in other series by Lucía Ashta, but it's not necessary to read these before, cause there are just some side characters you'll have already met.
I loved this fabulous start of the promising new series like I loved so many books by this author. There are interesting characters and settings, a bit of romance and drama. It's exciting to see if Rina will develop any magical abilities at all, the only seemingly human among shifters, vampires and other magical creatures.
The reason I gave this book only four stars is the naivity of the heroine. She hoped to attend the academy, but is wholly unprepared and has no knowledge of the supernatural world at all, despite the fact that her own father wrote encyclopedias about it. In my opinion she should have at least a little idea of what she'll get into.
Now that this naivity is gone, I can't wait to read the next part.
This is the first book of the Magical Creatures Academy, the books should be read in order.
The world this series takes place in is the same as in other series by Lucía Ashta, but it's not necessary to read these before, cause there are just some side characters you'll have already met.
I loved this fabulous start of the promising new series like I loved so many books by this author. There are interesting characters and settings, a bit of romance and drama. It's exciting to see if Rina will develop any magical abilities at all, the only seemingly human among shifters, vampires and other magical creatures.
The reason I gave this book only four stars is the naivity of the heroine. She hoped to attend the academy, but is wholly unprepared and has no knowledge of the supernatural world at all, despite the fact that her own father wrote encyclopedias about it. In my opinion she should have at least a little idea of what she'll get into.
Now that this naivity is gone, I can't wait to read the next part.
April 18, 2019
A good start to a promising new series
I saw this book as a suggestion in my amazon list and gave it a try, I have to say I am glad that I did. The story was a good start and I am looking forward to the next book. In a genre that is highly competitive and lots of storys exist with the same basic premis, teen goes to special school for supernaturals, Lucia Ashta has managed to keep the story fresh and different enough from others that you are not constantly compairing them.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so that is all I will say for now but would definatly recomend this for a quick read one weekend.
I saw this book as a suggestion in my amazon list and gave it a try, I have to say I am glad that I did. The story was a good start and I am looking forward to the next book. In a genre that is highly competitive and lots of storys exist with the same basic premis, teen goes to special school for supernaturals, Lucia Ashta has managed to keep the story fresh and different enough from others that you are not constantly compairing them.
I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so that is all I will say for now but would definatly recomend this for a quick read one weekend.
September 29, 2019
This us a great start for the series. I'm excited to see what Rina will be able to do once she gets everything figured out. Rage and his twin brother seem like fierce foe by themselves, but add in a dark mage and who knows what can happen. This started off slow, but it was long before it picked up in pace and became very interesting. There is a mixed group of paranormal beings that really star in this story. The most original shifter being, a tree shifter, love that. The characters are great. I'm excited to see what happens next to Ty and Rina!
April 17, 2020
The cover of this book/series caught my attention. The premise was interesting. The story was a bit on the weird side, not great but not bad either. The characters were quirky and fun; the MC was all about the magic/shifting but did nothing to learn more about it prior to her 18th birthday when she would "come into" her magic.
I still want to know about the girl who shifts into a tree.........
I still want to know about the girl who shifts into a tree.........
June 20, 2021
Some classic YA academy shizle going on here. We’ve got the wet rag MC. The brooding love interest. The chosen one. All the good stuff.
Really can’t say anything bad about this book, saying I’ve willingly read it twice.
Also Jas is my spirit animal-but I’m not hers. If you get what I mean by that, you are such a legit person.
Really can’t say anything bad about this book, saying I’ve willingly read it twice.
Also Jas is my spirit animal-but I’m not hers. If you get what I mean by that, you are such a legit person.
April 9, 2019
A magic academy
With a dash of Harry Potter, a touch of wonderland and a sprinkling of fairy dust, this tale emerges as an engrossing and compelling YA academy read of the magical kind. It caught me from the first chapter and refused to let me go, throwing me knee deep into a world filled with every manner of mythical creature, and a few that would serve double duty on eBay (trolls!) It was fun, bringing with it an air of discovery and just the right amount of intrigue to keep me reading.
Pros:
- Leander.... stone cold elf with more secrets than his princely guise can hide.
- Ky, a well loved brother who plays his role, and his creature, well.
- Other Characters, from a snooty skunk to a talking owl, they envelop this story and give it legs to run.
- well edited.
- Fun!
Cons:
- Some parts struck a little too familiar or trite, nothing untoward though.
With a dash of Harry Potter, a touch of wonderland and a sprinkling of fairy dust, this tale emerges as an engrossing and compelling YA academy read of the magical kind. It caught me from the first chapter and refused to let me go, throwing me knee deep into a world filled with every manner of mythical creature, and a few that would serve double duty on eBay (trolls!) It was fun, bringing with it an air of discovery and just the right amount of intrigue to keep me reading.
Pros:
- Leander.... stone cold elf with more secrets than his princely guise can hide.
- Ky, a well loved brother who plays his role, and his creature, well.
- Other Characters, from a snooty skunk to a talking owl, they envelop this story and give it legs to run.
- well edited.
- Fun!
Cons:
- Some parts struck a little too familiar or trite, nothing untoward though.
September 28, 2019
3.5 stars
It was ok. Pretty typical of this trope. FMC was too timid for my liking, so I won’t bother with the series.
It was ok. Pretty typical of this trope. FMC was too timid for my liking, so I won’t bother with the series.
March 8, 2020
i didn’t realize this was YA but not bad
March 15, 2020
the enjoyment factor definitely deserves 5 stars
July 6, 2022
Rina has been accepted to the Magical Creatures Academy but she still doesn't know what her power is. Is she a shifter like her late mother or a mage like her father? Well, she has nine semesters to figure it out. When Rina joins the academy, she finds out more about the supernatural world, and that there is something that her brother and father are keeping secret. When the academy gets attacked, Rina needs to fight if she wants to protect the people she love, and it might be the chance she needed to figure out her brand of power.
I wasn't a big fan of this book. It was fast-paced but a few things could have been taken slower. There is no romance in this book, but I assume it's a slow-burn and more romance will come in the following books.
I wasn't a big fan of this book. It was fast-paced but a few things could have been taken slower. There is no romance in this book, but I assume it's a slow-burn and more romance will come in the following books.
October 24, 2019
I liked this series. I'm sad that the story continues in another book but it's through her friend jas's point of view.
April 5, 2019
Rina Nelle Mont had expected to be a shifter like her brother and mother as soon as she turned eighteen. But nothing happened. Then she was visited by two hilariously comical fairies from The Magical Creatures Academy to extend an invitation for her to attend. Of course she goes there along with her brother who was in his fourth year there. Inside the world of the Academy was wondrous. I loved Ms Ashta’s description of the scenery. I could easily imagine myself there with them. All of her characters each had their own personalities. Some were very serious while others were very shy. And I would be remiss if I forgot to mention Sir Lancelot. What a unique owl he is. I love to listen to how he speaks. Also, I can’t get the picture out of my head that Ms Ashta painted of a troll cooking in the kitchen. It was hilarious. There were many serious moments as well, some very sorrowful and maybe a little bit of a romance budding between Rina and one of her brother’s friends. All in all, this is an awesome read. I highly recommend reading it for total enjoyment.
April 18, 2020
Where do I start with how bad this book is?
The main character is 18, but she acts like a child
The side characters as well, her brother Ky wasn't that bad
Magic system? Who's her? We don't know her?
Timeline? We don't know her either🤷 I swear the action took place in one day through the entire book. She arrives at the school, she goes to classes, they eat, goes back to classes, an attack happens, they go back to classes. There was no time limit, you don't know when a day has passed, you only find out that weeks had gone by somewhere at the end of the book
The story all-over the place, the writing so corny and young, too young
I don't know who is the target audience because definitely not teens, not adults and not even for middle grade audience
The main character is 18, but she acts like a child
The side characters as well, her brother Ky wasn't that bad
Magic system? Who's her? We don't know her?
Timeline? We don't know her either🤷 I swear the action took place in one day through the entire book. She arrives at the school, she goes to classes, they eat, goes back to classes, an attack happens, they go back to classes. There was no time limit, you don't know when a day has passed, you only find out that weeks had gone by somewhere at the end of the book
The story all-over the place, the writing so corny and young, too young
I don't know who is the target audience because definitely not teens, not adults and not even for middle grade audience
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