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Academy of the Dark Arts #1
Basic Witch
Hide your magic.
Never admit that you're a witch.
And never, ever trust a hot guy with a gun.
...This witch is about to discover that some rules are made to be broken.
All sassy witch-in-hiding Mallory Serra wants is to go to work and live a normal life. After all, magic is illegal--not that she can totally control her powers, anyway--and any witch who's been caught casting spells is forced into the elite Academy of the Dark Arts, then drafted into the military after graduation.
Slinging coffee for cranky commuters is bad enough for Mallory, but actually being shot at? No, thanks.
But when a friend needs help, Mallory breaks her rules and performs one teeny, tiny spell. What could go wrong?
Everything.
Matt, a hot-as-sin soldier, catches her in the magical act. Taken by the government, Mallory is forced to enter the Academy, where she's surrounded by three sarcastic, mouth-watering students teachers who are more interested in pushing her out of their special ops program than helping her succeed.
Until she learns their dirty little secret, when they have no choice but to give her a hand. Or several.
This book is part 1 of a 4 book series, and has more than a little steam with the romance. Happy reading!
Never admit that you're a witch.
And never, ever trust a hot guy with a gun.
...This witch is about to discover that some rules are made to be broken.
All sassy witch-in-hiding Mallory Serra wants is to go to work and live a normal life. After all, magic is illegal--not that she can totally control her powers, anyway--and any witch who's been caught casting spells is forced into the elite Academy of the Dark Arts, then drafted into the military after graduation.
Slinging coffee for cranky commuters is bad enough for Mallory, but actually being shot at? No, thanks.
But when a friend needs help, Mallory breaks her rules and performs one teeny, tiny spell. What could go wrong?
Everything.
Matt, a hot-as-sin soldier, catches her in the magical act. Taken by the government, Mallory is forced to enter the Academy, where she's surrounded by three sarcastic, mouth-watering students teachers who are more interested in pushing her out of their special ops program than helping her succeed.
Until she learns their dirty little secret, when they have no choice but to give her a hand. Or several.
This book is part 1 of a 4 book series, and has more than a little steam with the romance. Happy reading!
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2019
268 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 15, 2020
3.5 stars
I was worried this would be too 'young' considering there is an academy and from the cover, a school-girl-esque uniform. But it turns out the academy is more like what college for magic would be (if you were forced to go to college against your will by the military once they figure out you have magic). I enjoyed the premise and the reverse harem stuff (though I very rarely read that type of book, so I can't compare it much to anything else). There are some issues - there's an event that happens at the very beginning of the book and then it jumps in time by several years. And it never goes back to that original story in any way so I am not sure what the point of it was and why it had to be in this book at all, nevermind the first thing in the book. But I'm already the second book after that cliffhanger (which is pretty abrupt in the middle of a scene, I hate those).
I was worried this would be too 'young' considering there is an academy and from the cover, a school-girl-esque uniform. But it turns out the academy is more like what college for magic would be (if you were forced to go to college against your will by the military once they figure out you have magic). I enjoyed the premise and the reverse harem stuff (though I very rarely read that type of book, so I can't compare it much to anything else). There are some issues - there's an event that happens at the very beginning of the book and then it jumps in time by several years. And it never goes back to that original story in any way so I am not sure what the point of it was and why it had to be in this book at all, nevermind the first thing in the book. But I'm already the second book after that cliffhanger (which is pretty abrupt in the middle of a scene, I hate those).
January 1, 2020
It's surprisingly good. I loved the heroine and her sarcasm was awesome. I'm definitely reading the second one.
September 9, 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
THIS was a spectacular surprise. Very fun RH.
Interesting world, full of fun characters with realistic responses to things. It's an academy setting without the bullying, so bonus points for that.
THIS was a spectacular surprise. Very fun RH.
Interesting world, full of fun characters with realistic responses to things. It's an academy setting without the bullying, so bonus points for that.
April 16, 2020
Okay, that was different.
I went into this hoping for a fun action packed romp, and to start with I was feeling more than a little disappointed. I wasn’t enjoying the characters or the world building. Everything seemed depressing and almost colourless. However, once Mallory ended up at boot camp things picked up. Her abilities have increase at an amazing rate, and the guys who bullied her when she first got there are having second thoughts about her.
Still not sure why she had no say in her coursework (everyone else conscripted seems to), and the guys know more than they’re telling her. So far there hasn’t been the usual bitchy jealous clique that torment the new student/protagonist, and for that I’m grateful. Ends on a whacking great cliffhanger so book 2 better be available 🤨
3.5 stars ⭐️
I went into this hoping for a fun action packed romp, and to start with I was feeling more than a little disappointed. I wasn’t enjoying the characters or the world building. Everything seemed depressing and almost colourless. However, once Mallory ended up at boot camp things picked up. Her abilities have increase at an amazing rate, and the guys who bullied her when she first got there are having second thoughts about her.
Still not sure why she had no say in her coursework (everyone else conscripted seems to), and the guys know more than they’re telling her. So far there hasn’t been the usual bitchy jealous clique that torment the new student/protagonist, and for that I’m grateful. Ends on a whacking great cliffhanger so book 2 better be available 🤨
3.5 stars ⭐️
June 6, 2022
Este libro es de esos que sabes que no tiene mucho sentido pero son adictivos y solo quieres seguir leyendo.
October 26, 2019
Loved. 😍😍😍 & bonus it got me back into reading after a bit of a rut i couldnt put it down and was super disappointed when it ended! Cant wait for the next installment which thankfully is currently set for release on dec 31st! If i had to wait a season or even a year i mightve died given that slight cliffhanger!
😱😱😱
ill have to check out the authors other books in the meantime!
(Edit i did and just a quick look was disappointing but im glad shes chosen something different for this new series and hopefully will stick with it -no judgement i defs read some pretty deliciously trashy stuff just the smoking stuff aint my cuppa tea at all)
💖💖💖
😱😱😱
ill have to check out the authors other books in the meantime!
(Edit i did and just a quick look was disappointing but im glad shes chosen something different for this new series and hopefully will stick with it -no judgement i defs read some pretty deliciously trashy stuff just the smoking stuff aint my cuppa tea at all)
💖💖💖
February 24, 2025
This was an interesting read. I like the guys besides the initial first meetings. Reminds me of a knockoff Evelyn Maynard Trilogy. Her in er monologue and constant talking out loud to herself was a little annoying. I like how she slowly adds the men to her harem. Interested to see whats next.
January 4, 2023
Good story
Ok, so I'm up in the air with this one. It had an amazing storyline, but it was kind of all smoshed together. Parts were confusing, but I got the jist of it. Also it seemed repetitive but at the same time intriguing. I will read on because I want to see what happens next. I just hope the words flow better in the next book.
Ok, so I'm up in the air with this one. It had an amazing storyline, but it was kind of all smoshed together. Parts were confusing, but I got the jist of it. Also it seemed repetitive but at the same time intriguing. I will read on because I want to see what happens next. I just hope the words flow better in the next book.
January 1, 2020
So awesome!!
Read this book you will not be disappointed!! Mal is pretty much who I want to be when I grow up. The storyline is intriguing, the characters are enigmatic and the world building top notch. I haven’t gotten excited about a book and series in a bit and already pre-ordered book 2. Seriously, read this!!!
Read this book you will not be disappointed!! Mal is pretty much who I want to be when I grow up. The storyline is intriguing, the characters are enigmatic and the world building top notch. I haven’t gotten excited about a book and series in a bit and already pre-ordered book 2. Seriously, read this!!!
September 29, 2022
I liked the story, the sassiness of the FMC and the secrets that surround the guys. The attraction was a little to quick to call it well developed. Not a higher score due to writing style, especially the amount of inner monologue and talking to herself.
November 1, 2019
Fun one. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 11, 2019
It was good but it was a bit drawn-out and unfortunately it ended right when I thought things got really interesting
May 1, 2024
Special powers/RH MMMMM/Multi PoV
SYNOPSIS (5 Book Series): The FC, Mallory, lives in a world where there are humans and individuals with magic gifts (kind of like X men). If you are discovered to have a gift then you are immediately sent to the academy to train before being required to join the army as the “country” is always at war. As there is no choice the FC tried to hide her powers but was discovered and enrolled. She meets the MCs at the academy and gradually wins each one over. The story revolves around the development of the FC/MCs relationships, Mallory’s growing powers and the fight to avoid being drafted into the army.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆🍆 The amount of scenes increases as the series progress and there are both single and group scenes. There’s no particular kink but they are well written and hot and do not overtake the story too much.
There are a lot of typos and editing issues that are annoying otherwise the story is decently written but this just wasn’t for me. Whilst I liked Mallory and she came across as strong and capable the overall story didn’t work. It was odd to apparently have the army running everything (where was the government for example) and one particular individual in the army who seemed to be in total control of everything. The underlying “secret” that the MCs would not reveal was simply annoying as there was no real reason not to tell her. When everything came out it was anticlimactic and I had already worked out what was happening.
I found the storyline around the amaroq and all the labs to be confusing (and hackneyed) and it was never really explained why so much time or resource had been put into tracking it down or what the army was trying to achieve (save for satisfying one man’s desire for immortality). Ultimately it seemed to just be an excuse for the author to write in some dramatic scenes. The ending also felt like a let down. Nothing changes and the FC and MCs just hide away - what’s that about?
Each book seems to deal with one MC relationship and have one dramatic scene. It felt formulaic. There are multiple questions left unanswered such as who put the amaroqs in the sigils in the first place and why, at the end, was the breaking of the sigils apparently no longer important.
Whilst I liked the FC the MCs it all felt a bit basic and there was no background given as to their lives apart from some very basic information. I found it hard to really buy in to them or their relationship with the FC.
Not a bad series just not for me
SYNOPSIS (5 Book Series): The FC, Mallory, lives in a world where there are humans and individuals with magic gifts (kind of like X men). If you are discovered to have a gift then you are immediately sent to the academy to train before being required to join the army as the “country” is always at war. As there is no choice the FC tried to hide her powers but was discovered and enrolled. She meets the MCs at the academy and gradually wins each one over. The story revolves around the development of the FC/MCs relationships, Mallory’s growing powers and the fight to avoid being drafted into the army.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆🍆 The amount of scenes increases as the series progress and there are both single and group scenes. There’s no particular kink but they are well written and hot and do not overtake the story too much.
There are a lot of typos and editing issues that are annoying otherwise the story is decently written but this just wasn’t for me. Whilst I liked Mallory and she came across as strong and capable the overall story didn’t work. It was odd to apparently have the army running everything (where was the government for example) and one particular individual in the army who seemed to be in total control of everything. The underlying “secret” that the MCs would not reveal was simply annoying as there was no real reason not to tell her. When everything came out it was anticlimactic and I had already worked out what was happening.
I found the storyline around the amaroq and all the labs to be confusing (and hackneyed) and it was never really explained why so much time or resource had been put into tracking it down or what the army was trying to achieve (save for satisfying one man’s desire for immortality). Ultimately it seemed to just be an excuse for the author to write in some dramatic scenes. The ending also felt like a let down. Nothing changes and the FC and MCs just hide away - what’s that about?
Each book seems to deal with one MC relationship and have one dramatic scene. It felt formulaic. There are multiple questions left unanswered such as who put the amaroqs in the sigils in the first place and why, at the end, was the breaking of the sigils apparently no longer important.
Whilst I liked the FC the MCs it all felt a bit basic and there was no background given as to their lives apart from some very basic information. I found it hard to really buy in to them or their relationship with the FC.
Not a bad series just not for me
January 6, 2020
Basic Witch has an interesting premise but it's held back by the lack of focus on world building when it's set in a post WW-3 time that has witches and mages in military.
The book doesn't really commit to the post apocalyptic scene. It's telling me about nuclear war decimating the world as we know and rebirthing countries from the ashes of this disaster with the surviving population. The military theme is strong but doesn't get utilised with the way this book wants to convey. After that one scene which pushes the FMC towards the academy it stays very passive and toned down that it feels shallow.
Mallory was a strong character that didn't take bullshit from the frankly unprovoked rudeness with some of her harem members. The harem was okay, they don't have much depth and even the guys she made a connection with, Nico and Matt feel like paper thin personalities. I have no idea what was the weirdness with the two girls Mallory meets in the academy, they were made out to be side characters to be friends with her only to give a cold shoulder for no reason in the next scene like what?
Mallory's powers kept me fascinated enough to breeze through the book but not without direly feeling the lack of action scenes that you would expect with a post apocalyptic mention.
The book doesn't really commit to the post apocalyptic scene. It's telling me about nuclear war decimating the world as we know and rebirthing countries from the ashes of this disaster with the surviving population. The military theme is strong but doesn't get utilised with the way this book wants to convey. After that one scene which pushes the FMC towards the academy it stays very passive and toned down that it feels shallow.
Mallory was a strong character that didn't take bullshit from the frankly unprovoked rudeness with some of her harem members. The harem was okay, they don't have much depth and even the guys she made a connection with, Nico and Matt feel like paper thin personalities. I have no idea what was the weirdness with the two girls Mallory meets in the academy, they were made out to be side characters to be friends with her only to give a cold shoulder for no reason in the next scene like what?
Mallory's powers kept me fascinated enough to breeze through the book but not without direly feeling the lack of action scenes that you would expect with a post apocalyptic mention.
February 17, 2023
Loved this book!! Totally love Mallory, she is a great kick ass heroine who definitely doesn't need to be saved.
Love her interactions with the guys, so far it's mainly Nico and Matt getting all the attention, but I can see Alec joining in soon. Can't wait to discover what the real story is between their group... Im almost thinking Fated mates given her instant attraction and the the smoke magic no one seems to own.
I wish there was more of a build up of her friendship with Shea and the other girl though, but we know Mal is not one to make friends easily.
Everett confused me, because by all accounts he doesn't do touch due to his magic blocking, but he was hugging Mal during her episode with the euthanized beast, then on the sports court, he wants nothing to do with her.
Damon we don't know much about at all yet, except that he was a proper dick to her on her first day.
Love her interactions with the guys, so far it's mainly Nico and Matt getting all the attention, but I can see Alec joining in soon. Can't wait to discover what the real story is between their group... Im almost thinking Fated mates given her instant attraction and the the smoke magic no one seems to own.
I wish there was more of a build up of her friendship with Shea and the other girl though, but we know Mal is not one to make friends easily.
Everett confused me, because by all accounts he doesn't do touch due to his magic blocking, but he was hugging Mal during her episode with the euthanized beast, then on the sports court, he wants nothing to do with her.
Damon we don't know much about at all yet, except that he was a proper dick to her on her first day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2019
The is the first book I have read by Dean - and I ended up staying up until way too late because I couldn’t put it down :) Mallory is blunt, fierce, sarcastic, and a great MC. The guys are interesting, and I like the banter between them. They do start off a little jerk-ish, but Mallory calls them on it. I wish we had some POVs from them, especially since their jerkish-ness is supposed to be out of character for them, and I’m interested to know why. We get to know Nico and Matt the most in this book, but there is enough of Alec and Damon to keep me intrigued :) I can’t wait to see what Mal does next and what is really going on at the Academy :)
November 6, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by Nikki Dean and it did not disappoint! Mallory has always been told to hide her powers so that she doesn't get sent to the Academy of the Dark Arts and then enrolled in the military. When an attack happens and her friend is injured, Mal has no choice but to use her powers...which the military sees and has on video. After that, she's enrolled in the Academy of the Dark Arts and meets three gorgeous but jerky TAs. I really loved this book and the unique story line. There are so many mysterious things in the book and I can't wait for the series to continue so I can find out more!
October 25, 2019
Is it possible to be in love with fictional characters?
Nico is my main man. He has replaced someone on my book boyfriend list. I'm just not sure who yet....
When I first started this I was iffy, i know what you're all thinking... ANOTHER academy book??!
Alas, READ THIS BISH. It's sooo good. My only hope for book two us that we see more of Paul and that Ev lightens up. 5 stars from me 😍😘
Nico is my main man. He has replaced someone on my book boyfriend list. I'm just not sure who yet....
When I first started this I was iffy, i know what you're all thinking... ANOTHER academy book??!
Alas, READ THIS BISH. It's sooo good. My only hope for book two us that we see more of Paul and that Ev lightens up. 5 stars from me 😍😘
January 6, 2020
This is the first book in the Academy of the Dark Arts series, and I really enjoyed it. While its reverse harem content means it won't be appropriate for everyone (it is pretty explicit! Though you can skip over those paragraphs if you want, it does build up the characters' relationships I think) it's a great read, and I highly recommend this to all lovers of magical academy and reverse harem stories. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
November 29, 2022
Fun, sexy, and intriguing
I am loving the characters in this story; the FMC is consistent, truly funny/sarcastic and despite the propensity for people to think she's a ...ch, she doesn't create unnecessary childish drama that is supposed to come off as badass. And the guys do not feel like cookie-cutter tropes, even though they kinda are. I sincerely hope the rest of the series remains as fantastic as this book.
I am loving the characters in this story; the FMC is consistent, truly funny/sarcastic and despite the propensity for people to think she's a ...ch, she doesn't create unnecessary childish drama that is supposed to come off as badass. And the guys do not feel like cookie-cutter tropes, even though they kinda are. I sincerely hope the rest of the series remains as fantastic as this book.
November 4, 2019
4
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
December 17, 2019
Hidden Magic
OMG this is one of the best urban fantasy I read. The heroine is kick a** and sassy while she traverses her world. The author provided some world building and character development. The first book in this series is beyond my expectations. Can't wait to read the next book.
OMG this is one of the best urban fantasy I read. The heroine is kick a** and sassy while she traverses her world. The author provided some world building and character development. The first book in this series is beyond my expectations. Can't wait to read the next book.
March 13, 2020
Great to read a dystopian post WWIII book where there is law and order and coffee shops and jobs. Magic is coming back into the world and there are witches! A great storyline, a good slow burn intro to the guys (this is reverse harem) and hot sex (okay, not that slow for one of them). The book could use a better editor but I liked the original story.
October 24, 2019
Great start to a series
I saw this book on Facebook and had to read it! I’m so glad I saw it!! I love the characters and the plot and I cannot wait for the rest of the series ! It is definitely a must read!!!
I saw this book on Facebook and had to read it! I’m so glad I saw it!! I love the characters and the plot and I cannot wait for the rest of the series ! It is definitely a must read!!!
November 5, 2019
Fantastic
I love this.
The concept of being forced into military life and the comparison to the draft is innovative.
The characters have the best connection and I love the guys so far.
If this book is any indication this series is a winner.
I love this.
The concept of being forced into military life and the comparison to the draft is innovative.
The characters have the best connection and I love the guys so far.
If this book is any indication this series is a winner.
November 9, 2019
I freaking loved it...
Damn Nikki Dean.... I need book 2.... I totally went into this thinking I'd be ok to wait for the next book to break up all my other series....NOOOO I fooled myself once again...
I'll be waiting for book 2 impatiently lol
Damn Nikki Dean.... I need book 2.... I totally went into this thinking I'd be ok to wait for the next book to break up all my other series....NOOOO I fooled myself once again...
I'll be waiting for book 2 impatiently lol
January 14, 2020
Interesting
The storyline is good. There were something that didn’t make sense but overall has a good flow to it. I enjoyed the MC. Mallory’s personality is what got me interested in keep reading on. The sexy scenes! Omg! Look forward to next book.
The storyline is good. There were something that didn’t make sense but overall has a good flow to it. I enjoyed the MC. Mallory’s personality is what got me interested in keep reading on. The sexy scenes! Omg! Look forward to next book.
April 23, 2020
Pretty darned awesome
Action packed, slow building harem with an amazing mfc who hasn't finished evolving her powers. Doesn't keep a lid on her hilarious throughts or mouth. Definitely recommend. Can't wait to read more. JL
Action packed, slow building harem with an amazing mfc who hasn't finished evolving her powers. Doesn't keep a lid on her hilarious throughts or mouth. Definitely recommend. Can't wait to read more. JL
May 5, 2020
Not a bad start to a series.
I haven't read Nikki Dean before but this wasn't a bad start to a series. It was a little slow for me. Hoping the rest of the series picks up. Good concept though.
I haven't read Nikki Dean before but this wasn't a bad start to a series. It was a little slow for me. Hoping the rest of the series picks up. Good concept though.
August 10, 2022
Quick easy read, a little drawn out and the internal monologue juvenile and repetitive at times (thankfully it’s in a different font, easy to skip). Interesting world building and I’m keen to see where book two goes after that cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews