Spellcrest Academy: Year One

Spellcrest Academy #1-3

by Michael Pierce

This box set includes Books 1 – 3 in the Spellcrest Academy series and is nearly 1,000 pages of adventure, mystery, romance, and twists you’ll never see coming.

As the school year progresses, Maeve discovers her invitation to the Academy might not have been so innocent after all. Sinister forces want her unique abilities and are willing to kill for them.

Maeve doesn’t just need to survive her classes, she must survive the plots against her, a decades-old magical war, and following her own capricious heart. She’s never been averse to diving into danger, but this time, she might be in over her head.

If you’re a fan of Bella Forrest or Leia Stone, then this will be one hell of a ride you won’t want to miss.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

762 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2020

About the author

Michael Pierce loves stories that are thrilling and unexpected, fantastical and romantic—addictive tales that keep you reading long past the witching hour.

He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, kids, and two blood-thirsty chiweenies. When he's not at the computer, he enjoys spending quality time with family, practicing yoga, playing guitar behind closed doors, and listening to audiobooks.

Find him on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Pierce...

Visit his website: www.michaelpierceauthor.com

List of Michael's books:

SPELLCREST ACADEMY

Spellcrest Academy (Book 1)
Crestfallen (Book 2)
Crystallize (Book 3)
Medial Candidate (Book 4)
Medial Candidate (Book 5)
Chrysalis (Book 6) ➜ Releasing July 10, 2020
Sapient Curse (Book 7) ➜ Releasing early 2021

ANGELES VAMPIRE

Angeles Vampire (Book 1)
Angeles Underground (Book 2)
Angeles Betrayal (Book 3)
Angeles Covenant (Book 4)
Angeles Prophecy (Book 5) ➜ Releasing Fall 2020

ROYAL REPLICAS (Completed Series)

Royal Replicas (Book 1)
Royal Captives (Book 2)
Royal Threat (Book 3)
Royal Return (Book 4)

HIGHER REALMS (Completed Series)

Provex City (Book 1)
SUSY Asylum (Book 2)
Doria Falls (Book 3)
Archanum Manor (Book 4)

And don't forget to say "hello" on...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrpierceauthor
Twitter: @mrpierceauthor
www.michaelpierceauthor.com

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars for the trilogy.

Book 1:
This was a quick read and I definitely enjoyed it enough to want to move forward in the series. Still, this book ended rather abruptly, and I'm not sure if it's because it's part of the omnibus year one collection and they edited it so that it would read more like a single book, but this first book really does just stop and the next book (I've started book 2) picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. So if you're going to read this, I would recommend you just read the year one omnibus edition rather than the individual books and just think of it as a single book.

So on to the story itself. In some ways, it reminds me of Harry Potter (they even have references to the book in a few of the places), except Harry Potter WAS born as a wizard, but he was raised ignorant of that fact. In this one, the magical world exists, and Maeve is ignorant of it, but she is not pulled in until she meets a mysterious woman at the beginning that starts her journey in the magical world. She goes to Spellcrest Academy with her brother as a first-year student.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I really liked some of the other characters, but I was iffy on Maeve, the main character. She is quick to anger, especially when it comes to her little brother (both at him and at anyone who she perceives as a threat to his well-being), but she is also funny (well, snarky) and there are definitely times when I like her. Still, time will tell how she turns out. I'm hoping the continuing story will find her growing and learning and being a bit more likable!

Book 2:
Overall I enjoyed this second book more than the first--the action was non-stop and I definitely wanted to find out what was next. I still don't love Maeve, but she's starting to grow on me. And I really like her best friends Nym and Razielle. As was the case in the first book, it's hard to tell who are the bad guys and good guys, although some of the characters are pretty nasty. I think part of what annoys me about Maeve is that she often acts like she is 14 rather than 18, maybe because she is a neophyte, but I think it's been part of her survival mode that makes her lash out as the first instinct. She does mature a little bit more in this one, although her anger still gets the best of her. But she's learning to channel that anger in a more productive way and for me, that's a sign of maturity. There were a number of surprises in this book, but the ending is not quite as abrupt as in the first book. It feels more wrapped up than the first book. I'll be continuing the series to find out what happens. One good thing about this series is that it moves so quickly!

Book 3:
Of the three books, this was my favorite of the books, partly because Maeve has definitely matured, and while she still has her faults, she acknowledges them and tries to work on them. This third book was definitely non-stop action and I ended up reading it in one sitting. I won't include any spoilers, but I do like how it ended. While this 3-book ARC ends nicely and I could totally stop right here and not feel like I'm missing anything, I plan on reading year 2 next. So overall I would say it was a slow start for me, but then the characters started growing on me and by the end, I loved it.

If I were to score the books individually, the first two books would get 4 stars and the third book would get 5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of stories. All three in one place to entertain you. Loved it

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - I tore through this 3 book collection in a couple days and I am torn between wanting to dive back in to the next collection right away or sit with this nice resolution at the end of this story arc.

3 books in one is a bit of a heavy lift, and when you load this set it shows it will take forever to finish, but that didn't deter me from diving in and learning about the wonderful world of Spellcrest Academy. I had never heard of the series before and read limited summaries, so was along for the ride 100%. The story revolves around Maeve. She's tough and was raised in the foster care system with her brother, Finley. Together, they take on the good and the bad, while trying to find their individuality, too.

What starts as a simple tale ends up taking a sharp turn when Maeve ends up being bestowed some magical seamstress powers by a dying woman. This is what ultimately leads her, and her brother (who they essentially need to sneak in) to the Spellcrest Academy. This is an elite magical school, complete with rich students, lots of hazing and bullying, and high pressure academics. I've got to say, Maeve's roommates and lunch friends are a definite highlight of these books. Finley, however, is not. While at first I thought Maeve may have been too paranoid or controlled, she ends up proving me wrong when she gets betrayed by just about... everybody! Jeez.

Book 1 show Maeve grow into a magical powerhouse, only to get thrown on her butt at the end. Book 2 picks up with Maeve in the "real world," but again, life has some surprises in store for her. A part I didn't mention from book 1 is Maeve's sort-of kind-of boyfriend, Devon, who is just... a problem. By book 2, I was pretty much done with him, but Maeve ends up taking him back when she returns to school. Book 2 is pretty much a build up to Maeve getting stronger and believing in herself. By Book 3, Maeve is a powerhouse with oodles of entanglements, which ends up making her easier to manipulate, but also so much stronger.

By the end of this crazy sprint through "year one" we ended in a place I never expected us to. This 3 book collection gives you a great rollercoaster ride through Maeve's first year at school. I'm 100% in, but also so exhausted! I think I'm going to take a quick break and then dive into box set 2 - where I hope we finally get to see Maeve punch youknowwho.

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin my review for Spellcrest Academy: Year One by Michael Pierce, I would personally like to thank the author, the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.


An imaginative and ignitable world of magic, multiverses and mind-bending tales, Spellcrest Academy: Year One is your one stop shop for all your supernatural Academy needs. Spellcrest Academy doesn't know what hit them when snarky, sassy and short-tempered Maeve barges head first into their world. Prepare to laugh out loud at the high level of sass, smile at the unbreakable friendships formed and gasp at the brutal betrayals. This combination of the first 3 Spellcrest Academy novels is a bombshell boxset that will keep you entranced right through night.

Spellcrest Academy: Year One features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Magic
○ YA fantasy
○ YA romance
○ Magic/supernatural Academy
○ Friendships
○ Family
○ Betrayals
○ Multiverse
○ Fight scenes



My overall rating for Spellcrest Academy: Year One is…

4.5 Stars!

Wow oh wow did this series get better and better with each cliffhanger ending! Michael Pierce has created such a whimsical world with attractive characters and a storyline with thorns to drag you under. Though its a mountain to get through, with the 3 books in 1, I found myself enchanted by the magic of the stories. I can't wait to attend year 2 of Spellcrest!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC in return for an honest review.

When I first started reading The SpellCrest Academy Year One I had no idea I’d signed up to read 3 books. But, it turned out to be a blessing. The first book of the three wasn’t great. I had a hard time liking the main character Maeve, and I felt the whole magical school a little been there done that. I’ve read Harry Potter and found a few too many similarities, and because of this I couldn’t really embrace the book. Had it not been a 3 part book I probably would have stopped at book one and never picked up book two. But, I pushed on, and I’m so glad I did. The plot evolved wonderfully and the characters, including Maeve really started to grow on me. By the third book I was hooked, I finished it in an evening. The story line and world that Michael Pierce created became more original and highly entertaining. Maeve mostly stopped being a bratty teenager, and I kind of grew to enjoy her attitude and sharp wit.

I’ll definitely be buying the next in this series because there’s so much more to this story that I can’t wait to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Michael Pierce for sharing this series with me.

[Westveil Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was granted complimentary access to Spellcrest Academy Year One via NetGalley. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

This is a bind-up of books 1-3 in the Spellcrest Academy series by Michael Pierce and covers Maeve's first year at the academy. Part paranormal mystery, part dark academia, this is a female protagonist alternative to the Harry Potter franchise for today's teens and teens at heart. Full of magic, lots of action, and a generous dose of teen angst, these books are easy reads that will keep you turning page after page without any desire to put it down!

I very much appreciate an academic series that devotes more than a single book to each school year, as that really is such a large chunk of time in a young person's life and the sheer number of notable events big and small in a teen's life that happen in the span of one year really could fill multiple novels. This series gets that!

My favourite book within this book was the third, and I hope that means the rest of the series just keeps getting stronger! Perhaps I would rate a year 2 bind-up at a full 5?

Check out this series if you love YA fantasy, mysteries, or dark academia.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spellcrest Academy is very quick to get into. There isn’t a lot of heavy info dump and for the most part the characters are likeable. Maeve can be a bit immature at times and arrogant but it is understandable because she is still young, and as the books go on you can see she grows.

Maeve is a magical seamstress and that means her ability is unique in that she can fix the fabric of the universe when needed. She was basically just given this power and she is thrown into the deep end of the magical world. Just the structure of how this magical world works is neat.
If you like the misadventures of students at a magical boarding school then you will definitely love this.

I love her friendships with Nym and Razielle. There are some twists and turns and a lot of omg what are they doing moments but I thought that’s part of what made the books so enjoyable.

The box set does not end on a cliffhanger and of that I am so thankful. It helps to have them all together in this omnibus. This just marks the end of school year one.

I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC in return for an honest review.

[wonderfullyweird88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a breath of fresh air. The author is inventive in his magical world with slight nods to the ultimate magical school series, Harry Potter. When you initially open this in your kindle it's easy to be overwhelmed with how long it is but it really flies by. The first book sets up this magical world and is a quick read. the second book picks up right where the previous finishes and the action really begin to heat up. The second book ends on a major reveal that will shock. The third book wraps up all the major storylines from the first few books and while the main story is not over, the story concludes with a good resolution.

I loved Maeve as a character, she is confident and courageous but she isn't an idiot. cross her and you'll feel her wraith. She isn't one to quickly forgive, even family. The supporting characters are intriguing and it's hard to know who to trust in this rollercoaster ride.

I can't recommend this series enough. It's creative, engaging and highly entertaining. This is a must for anyone who loves YA Fantasy.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[David Ketelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Pierce is a hell of a writer. He's able to make a chronicle of a year in the life of a pain-in-the-ass 17 year old Maeve Rhodes, a kid stuck in the foster system along with her younger brother, not only interesting but downright compelling. Of course Maeve's meeting with a dying wizard (Seamstress, to be accurate) and gaining her powers does add a lot of zest to the tale.

There are innumerable twists and turns in these three books and they're almost always plausible given the context of the plot. We ride along with Maeve and her friends, all students at Spellcrest Academy, a magic school of the first caliber, as they careen from crisis to disaster and back to crisis again. It's a real adventure and Pierce's writing chops make it well worthwhile tagging along. As interesting as the magic is--the complex interplay of changing relationships is even more compelling. Almost all the characters in the books evolve and often have hidden motives that really add to the unpredictable plot line.

[Pixie 🍜 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was provided an earc by netgalley and the publishers in exchange of an honest review.

So I know abusive foster parents exist but this just felt like one cliche after another. I’m not sure if the author has been in the care system but it read like a list of cliches along with siblings who won’t let each other out of their sight. The only trope that makes sense.

However it’s not obviously at first how old maeve is but it’s clear she’s in school. High school. And yet she has tattoos and no one questions this. Her best friend is an adult man five years older than her with alcohol and drug problems, and her other friend is her smaller brother.

It really does kind of read like a list of cliches. The writing itself isn’t bad but it’s obviously a man writing a female character and she’s not particularly likeable. The action is fast paced but so is the entire book so everything feels very surface level.

I didn’t love this book as you can tell and I really liked everyone else more than I liked Maeve.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and reviewed all three of these books separately. And I REALLY love this series. Chomping at the bit for book six.

Tye books are about 17 yr old Maeve and what happens to her when she stops to help a dying woman. The woman happens to be a "Seamstress" and she has magical powers. Maeve end up getting the seamstress's needle and becomes magical on her own. She ends up being recruited to attend Spellcrest Academy, where she will be trained to use her new abilities the right way.

These books are really tye opening to a magical place here on Earth but cloaked by magic to the real world. There are much more types of magic then we , the non-magical, realize and it's really enjoyable to learn about them and the different people Mae and her younger brother encounter. And some of them wants her needle and are willing to kill her for it.

I just talked myself into re-reading the first three books. And isn't it great to have the first three books in one volume! Toodles.

[Novel Grounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add To Goodreads
Guys This is a 3 book boxset and I devoured it in like 3 days. I am on an academy kick and this completely fit the bill. Michael is a wordsmith in this genre and I am officially hooked.



The first book in the set took a little while for me to get into but once I did I was hooked. It had the typical Magical Academy setup and a cast that you decide you absolutely love. The book had some great twists and after I got hooked it really kept my attentions, especially in book 2 and 3.

I love the twists that completely catch you off guard because you don't eee them often in this genre and the author did a great job of that which is one of the reasons I loved the book. I can't wait to read more.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the story building really made the story more interesting. Some of the characters were enjoyable, though some seemed to lack much personality, like Devon. I really disliked that though this was about a high schooler, it contained language and some mature content. There wasn't too many details (thankfully) but I still felt myself skimming some. Some of it had no business being in a YA book, especially when a majority of the characters are like fourteen....While Maeve has reason enough to be a bit rough around the edges, given her circumstances, she didn't read like a female typically does. I had a hard time connecting with her as the protagonist because not only her actions, but her speech and gut reactions felt really foreign to me. However, it was still interesting. I am glad the ARC was an omnibus as it kept me reading beyond the first book, which I may not have otherwise. It does pick up steam and get better.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read each one of these books separately and let me just say that this isn’t your ordinary magical academy book. Far from it. Very original and well written. I enjoyed Mr Pierce’s world of wonders unlike any other. Maeve was propelled unwittingly into a magical world when she attempted to save the life of a woman lying injured in the dark, but instead was given a rare token to help save a world that was literally being ripped open by evil. Spellcrest Academy was a place where she was to learn how to use her newly acquired gift. Of course some things just don’t go according to plan. Through all of the challenges she faces, she has become stronger not only physically but mentally as well. Very inspiring.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compendium of three books set over one school year. They all have their own individual plots but follow one larger story arc. I would highly recommend reading them one after another, as I felt it was more of one book with three parts than three books.

The books follow the tale of Maeve and her brother Finley, who get unexpectedly caught up in a magical world, and enrol in Spellcrest Academy. Unlike so many books set in magical schools, which seem to be based on the Harry Potter world, I thought these novels were unique, and I enjoyed them even more because of this.

I would recommend these three books, and I look forward to following Maeve's adventures in her second year.

Copy received through NetGalley

[Aimee Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This omnibus of 3 of spellcrest was amazing!! It was such a thrilling read and the storyline was just phenomenal... I really love the character of Maeve and the way she just does anything that she sets her mind to and makes sure that she and her friends do what is right. I do like the character of Devon.. he is always there for Maeve not matter what and always has her best interests at heart even though he does some stupid things... also, the way they work together at the end to stop tarquin is very inspiring and I'm so glad that maeve was able to kill him as she was the one who seemed to be most affected by him. Overall, this was an incredible book and I highly enjoyed reading it... cant wait to read year 2 !!
Thanks to netgalley for this early read.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book One. Maeve is pierced by a old lady who has fallen down on the street. *Unknowingly passes magic power of a seamstress to Maeve who is a senior in high school.
With her new powers Maeve is recruited to attend Spellcrest Academy but refuses to go without her younger brother. Maeve taps into her new power to give him just enough to get him admitted to the same academy.
Both new students begin training as spellcasters but her powers are much more rare and needed to mend tears in time and space to prevent rifts and unwanted visitors from other times and world.
Brother is just as malcontent in the new environment as he was in the previous one. The series includes the entire three book series and the first year at Spellcrest Academy. The roommates, the trials, the friends and the love interest.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is a set of the first three books in the series known as Year One. I have previous done a review for just the first book in the series. It is often you find the female lead character to be strong from the start of the book and she continues to build and keep her confidence in Book 1 Spellcrest Academy on to book 2 Crestfallen and into book 3 Crystallize. That story line is strong, but I had my doubt that it would be like any other magical academy books and that something I go. I am glad I continue to read for the world was wonderfully put together. I can't want to read Year 2.

[Reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley

This was a decent YA fantasy for a reader new to the genre. I don't really have any specific complaints. There were no glaring errors or plot holes, although there were some times I found myself frowning, raising an eyebrow or rolling my eyes. It was just generic and kind of uninteresting, towards the end in particular. I think that if you are not well-versed in YA fantasy, you might like this series. If you have read plenty of YA fantasy, this will just fade into the background for you, as it did for me.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellcrest Academy - Year One (Spellcrest Academy Omnibus Book 1)


I have read all three books in a day and I must say....I LOVE THEM!

Maeve is just a regular teenage... She stumbles upon a dying old woman that changes her life forever. She is thrust into the magical world of Spellcrest Academy; a world full of love, laughter, twists & turns, action, and betrayal. You will not be disappointed reading these! I cannot wait to start reading the next three.

I would recommend these books/series…

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read this author before so wasn't sure what to expect. I found it a little hard to get into with the first book even though the premise behind it (the whole seamstress deal isn't one I have heard of before), the newness of the character type didn't really draw me in like I would have wanted. I did finish the stories in this box set and I enjoyed them well enough, not sure if I will read any of the others that came out after these.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

t took a while to get this book really going. But once it starts, it is really interesting. The heroine is great. She isn't the weak and 'nice' type of heroine. I love how strong she is. A great plot and a good read overall! Looking forward to more books in this series!

[Pam Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I highly recommend this YA magical boxed set to readers who love great characters, thrilling plots, and the paranormal. Enjoy!

[Claire Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Written well keeps you hooked, constant throughout
Would defo recommend relationships, family, attitude what more could you ask for..... oh yeh and magic

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

Such a riveting tale. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the story that I actually felt like I was apart of the story.

[Crystal Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Great story line, wonderful characters, lots of twists and turns, with a build up that lasts to keep you guessing til the end! Thoroughly enjoyed these 3!

[Heather Huntzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three books and I must say....I LOVE THEM! Michael Pierce has created a different type of adventure. Maeve is just a regular teenage...isn't she? She stumbles upon a dying old woman that changes her life forever. Queue being thrust into the magical world of Spellcrest Academy; a world full of love, laughter, twists & turns, action, and betrayal. You will not be disappointed reading these! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next three!

**I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

[Jessica Milverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost cried when this book ended, I want more! I have too many books on my TBR at the moment and need to get through them first.

This was such a cozy, comfy, and exciting read. The perfect amount of romance, action, and magic. This book isn't going to become a classic but it made me feel better on the hard days and was so satisfying to read on the good days. I would recommend this book!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this eARC for review.

This was a quick, fun read. While I wouldn't go out of my way to buy a paper copy, it was interesting enough to keep my attention and I enjoyed it. I haven't sought out the next books, but if I come across the next volume, I would read them.