Awakening

My Harem Academia #2

by Xya Olsen

I got through my first term at the Wilderness Academy for Shifters, but will my luck run out in the Trials?

Two weeks of training wasn’t enough to harness my mysterious powers. Now Saber, Renard, Tiberius, and I must face the Trials. Two months of hell in the belly of the Forest of Endings.

Thrust into the unforgiving wilderness and pitted against our classmates, we must come out on top. If we fail... We’ll meet a fate far worse than expulsion.

My mates vowed to protect me whatever the cost. But my waking power is unstable and deadly. While the Trials bring us closer together, the beast within threatens to tear us apart.

The Trails will reveal what kind of monster I truly am—and for better or for worse—the truth will change my new life forever.

Genres: Magic, Shapeshifters, M M Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2020

About the author

Xya Olsen is a MM author who writes wholesome paranormal fantasy romance. Her stories are filled to the brim with love and magic and features fated mates, harem, mpreg, and of course, lots of strong heroes yearning for their happily ever afters.

To sign up for Xya Olsen’s newsletter for release updates, visit https://www.xyaolsen.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Kathreadsall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so badly to like this book, it has a promising premise, and I love the idea of four people all being mates with each other.

However, there were some serious pacing issues with this book that I couldn't overlook. It kept skipping really important times, like it went from Lucian waking up and realizing two of his mates were turned to stone and then the next chapter was Lucian having emergency surgery for the egg inside him. We get a throwaway sentence about how his mates woke up and they all mated, but I would have loved to read those scenes.

Speaking of sex scenes, we only get one, and it's really only between two partners? If you're going to write about multiple partners, you have to make sure the sex scenes have everyone involved the whole time. There was a reason for "taking turns", but that was the only sex scene in the entire book.

So while the paranormal world was promising, this book disappointed me.

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
Liked this one maybe slightly more than I did the first one in the series. I found the trials to be the most interesting part.

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I like this overall as a series idea, and I am enjoying the overall storyline. After the first book, there were questions about the ages of the characters, and the author addressed that in the first chapter (thank you!). In this book, Lucian is with his three mates and dealing with the trials that were announced at the end of the book. Normally the trials don't allow for death, but for some unexplained reason, they have allowed it this time. Lots of students are very much after Lucian because they still don't like that he is a half-human with "no" powers. The 4 guys go through the trials and of course, they hit some snags.

I had a couple of main issues with this, but I will put details in the spoiler zone so you can avoid reading them. First, I hated that there were so many things happening off-page that we don't know more about. Ward and Blair have joined the trials but don't really say why other than Blair's father asked them to. Then all of a sudden, during the trial, one of their teammates helps Lucian. Why? We get no explanation.. Also, they are together physically one time, kind of, but then when they are together in a meaningful way that leads to pregnancy we aren't even aware they were together in the first place. That brings me to another thing that bothered me: the time skip. They are in the forest. Then all hell breaks loose and Lucian is in the infirmary. He is upset rightfully so. He doesn't know how Renard and Saber are and hasn't seen them since their predicatment. Then the story skips to 2 months later. It seems like we missed quite a bit in those 2 months. How is the school reacting to what happened? How is everyone treating Lucian now? How are Ren and Sab? Lots of questions.

So that was wordy; sorry. As I said, the story itself was very interesting. I'm very much invested in wanting to know what happens next. I just hope we get some clarity in the explanation of stuff in the next book.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews

[Kitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a little disappointed with this book. I love the characters, the theme and plot lines. What I didn't like was all the gaps and time jumps, and the blank spaces that were not filled in. For example, there is a big knock down drag out fight that leaves one member of the foursome near death and two others incapacitated. Then, the injured member wakes up recovering in the hospital. No story of how they were rescued. Then another skip and the two (we'll call it *spelled* to avoid spoilers) members are recovered and there has been a reunion, none of which we get to see! This is a pretty short book. I think it would have been much more enjoyable if the author had written those scenes instead of having them all happen off page. It was like the author was in such a hurry to get to the end that they didn't fill in the details. By the way, this is book 2, and you really NEED to read book 1 first, because there is no summary or any kind of recap in the beginning of this one to let you know how Lucien got to the academy or met his mates. This one just takes off running.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jess | dapper.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge perk? These are super short, quick reads. However they feel like they could have easily been just on solid novel instead of several books. That’s my opinion though.

My biggest question was answered early in this book - the age thing - but I don’t see why that had to wait. I feel like it should have been included in book one. But here we are.

This book had a twist at the end I wasn’t prepared for, which is unusual for me. Now that I think about it, I have no idea why it shocked me but it definitely took me by surprise. So that’s a perk as well.

Honestly, I learned everything I wanted to learn. Will I finish the series? Sure. They’re short books and I don’t actively dislike them. I don’t love them either but they’re definitely readable.

[Coline Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I opened up this book and next thing I knew I had read the whole thing, it was so good it held me capitavated from the very start it was so good. We're mates now, entered into the trials and trying our darnedest to win, yes there are a few obstacles to work our way around before we are finished, but together we can do anything. Can't wait to read the next installment, this one answered some of my questions from the first book which is a must read, although still have some questions and in need of more answers.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This is the second book in the series and they should be read in order.)

Lucien along with his fated mates, Saber (Wolf), Renard (Panda), and Tiberius (Lion) are ready for the Trials even if they aren’t ready.

This book was definitely better than the first one. Much more of the background was filled in and the story makes more sense.

I liked the progress of the fated mates relationship. But at the same time many more questions came to light. I’m curious about where the series is going.

I received an arc of this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. I loved the 1st book in this series BUT this book was even better. It's trials time and Lucien along with his fated mates, Saber, Renard, and Tiberius are ready, well sorta. They are in the forest looking for keys when they are attacked and then Lucien gets lost in the fog and is almost killed. When he wakes up in the infirmary he finds out who is father was. Can't wait for the next book to see how everyone treats Lucien after they all find out about his father.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening by Xya Olsen is the second book in the My Harem Academia series. This is an exciting paranormal harem romance with shifters, magic, and unexpected surprises. Saber, Renard, Tiberius and Lucian are heat and romance and loyal. These characters are amazing and entertaining and definitely draw the reader into their story. The story is well written, full of adventure, suspense, excitement and steam. I am loving this series and cant wait for more.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series needs to be read in order, as each one picks up where the last one finished.

This was a gripping instalment. There were a few close calls that left my heart pounding with utter dread.

So far, I’m really enjoying the series. The ending surprised me, I didn’t see it coming but it was a good surprise. I can’t wait to see how things progress in the next book.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this more than the first. It definitely filled in some answers and holes that didn’t make sense in the first book. I did think it was a little fast paced and could of been longer for more details but I’m glad the quartet finally claim each other. I am looking forward to the next book to see how this all plays out.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I need more!!!

I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’m so glad i was able to get an arc copy. I read it twice lol. I needed to know how the Trials went. We finally get some answers. Like the author’s other books it tends to be the characters are learning with us and this was no exception. I can’t wait for the next one. I need to see how the.... plot hatches.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fast pace of the story once they are in the forest, It was fun following the chemistry as their relationship evolved. I also enjoyed the information we learn and I can’t wait to continue the story with the next book.
Should be read in order as each book follows on from the events in the previous book.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series is good.. its interesting and cute.. i like the characters.. im glad we find out the ages in this story so i am not quite so confused haha.. there is a lot happening in this story... on and off page.. there is a lot going on and i got confused at times... it was overall a lot of fun to read and good storyline. i liked it

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and picks up where the last one left off. I really enjoyed Lucien and his mates! He’s slowly getting the hang of things and I love the shifters and magic in this story. The characters are really engaging and keep the story moving at a good pace. I can’t wait for the next installment to see what happens next for these characters and in this world.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable addition to this series. I really like the continuation of Lucian, Renard, Tiberius and Saber's story. Xya Olsen has pull me right into this story and I couldn't stop reading. This is such a fast pace story and I can't wait for more.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one hell of a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, fast paced, action packed, fascinating, powerful, incredible, exciting, and totally awesome addition to this marvelous series. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Carla Gallop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. We finally find out what Lucian is and if they survive the Trials. I can't wait for the next book. I am really enjoying this series.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!! This book was like Hunger Games meets shifters and oh so good! And the adventure and sexiness...I need more, right now!

[Mary A Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked as soon as I started reading! Lucien, Saber, Renard and Tiberius have started the trials. Their adventures get more intense throughout the story. I can’t wait for the next book!