Bloodshed Academy: Year Three

Bloodshed Academy #3

by Jen L. Grey

A society that you can't escape... or you can die trying

Embracing her wolf, Raven became stronger than she ever imagined, but the next challenges she must face could break her.

The culling was coming. Only the strongest survive, and with it, the potential to change everything and everyone around her.

Now Raven and her friends must make decisions unlike anything they ever could have imagined. Their choices would set the course of a war. Their enemies were many, and even unknown. Once again, Raven was left with no other options. If she doesn't take a stand, she would lose everything she held close.

Vampire Diaries meets Daughter of the Moon in YEAR ONE, a steamy academy romance story for readers that love snark and strong alphas.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Werewolves

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
​
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Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

W. T. F.

Have you ever been in the middle of a task, and suddenly you realize you’re late for something important... so you rush and either leave the task unfinished, like leaving half the dirty dishes in the sink...That is the ending of this book.

At around 83% I stopped, to see how much longer in the book I had left. It felt like everything was rushing to finish. I thought “there is still time” but good grief that ending was WTF worthy.

A few things were wrapped up, but hello cliffhangers. Literally, the last two pages were “oh my god, we kind of won, but now we have to runaway, bye” and you are left there saying out loud “Wait, WHAT?!?!”

I read the Wolf Moon Academy series by this author before, and it was good, so I’m not sure what happened with this series. I wanted so much to like it, but that ending was just too much.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the final book in the Bloodshed Academy series, and I thought it was rather disappointing. This series started out promising, I was hooked in book 1, but the story and characters just seemed to get weaker with each book.

First of all, I don’t understand Raven’s mother keeping the secrets of her past, especially once Raven was going to the academy. Surely she had to know that keeping her in the dark would have been the worst thing. And I’m unsure of Rage’s parents . . . At least his father. The mother seems oblivious. There’s just too much confusion with the storyline and character development.

At times, the dialog, particularly the arguments between characters, both major and minor characters, seemed pretty juvenile. And unless this series is going to lead directly into a sequel series, the ending just sucked ass. There was no resolution. While not a “cliffhanger” per se, the gang is still in jeopardy from the elites, they still don’t know where the half breeds are, what’s really going on with Isadora, are Rage’s parents really in with the elites? Sure, it may seem that way, but there was nothing definitive in the storyline. Professor Shaw kept talking about Raven being the one to complete his destiny, but how, exactly? He mentions a dream, but only that she was bleeding in it. As a reader, one shouldn’t have this many questions at the end of a book, let alone a series.

Anyway, for what started out so promising, I was sorely disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend this series to anyone. There are so many better books out there.

[Jennifer Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Cole is the absolute best! The scene where was talking about tracking a fart had me DYING 🤣! Year three for a Raven comes action-packed and some surprise twist with her motley crew. Rave and Rage are adorable as ever! While they’re technically done with school and one enemy is defeated, there’s still more to be done so I hope the story will continue (and I’m totally hoping there’s a baby Jackson in there somewhere!).

Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending

With all the action and decisions that were made in the book it keeps the reader interested in this series. It is well written and the characters are lovable.

Raven is in deep and her friends are there to help her out. Lies come forward, twists are definitely in play in this book. The past comes back and bites people in the butt.

While this book wrapped up one story, it just leads to more questions. There is a small cliffhanger at the end of the book, but there is a spin-off series that follows. On my way to get that one so I can finally find out everything!

[Alyrica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good But Felt Unfinished

So, I mostly enjoyed this series but there were several aspects that kept this from being a 5* read.

What I Liked:
*Raven. I really enjoyed her progression from a confused people pleaser to a strong, compassionate leader.
*The secondary characters. This author did a phenomenal job of fleshing out the characters which I usually don't feel with such limtied backstories. Each one of Raven's pack had such strong and distinctive personalities that the limited information from pre-Bloodshed academy didn't bother me overly much.
*The found family dynamic. This book completely nailed this trope in my opinion. I loved it.

What I Didn't Like:
*The lack of school time on page. With academy in the title there is an expectation that there will be a lot of on page class time but that didn't happen. If there was a class it was only one a day which was strange and a lot of the main character's learning was done one on one with another student. I was yearning for more classroom scenes.
*The lack of intensity and grit. It is hard to explain but I went into this read with the expectation that there would be a lot of action and high stakes. Though the reader is told that Bloodshed academy is brutal, it didn't feel that way. The only times I even remotely worried about the heroine was in book 3 but it was a mild worry.
*The lack of a satisfying conclusion. I may be wrong, but I think this is the last book in this series with a spin-off set 20 years or so in the future as the only means of getting a conclusion to the main conflict that has built up over 3 books. It felt very unfinished which was majorly unsatisfying. I want answers but am not in the mood for a prison book at the moment.

Overall, this was an interesting series.

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

the only reason thiis book gets a 3 star is cuz of the main 5 characters, other than them the plot was absolute shit.

is it me or did this book felt rushed and super slow at the same time. Like all of thus happened in 3 years but it felt so rushed. the time was super odd. Rave's parents were absolutely horrible like i have neve rbeen so fuckng pissed off.

there were so many empty plot lines left. like is Rage's dad acc part of the Elites, what happened between Rave and her parents. IDK this book had a lot of missed potential. but the comedy was oone of the best so far

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, this book has romance, intrigue, twists and turns, fast paced, action packed read. Raven has to do the culling, and taking down the Elites. Loose ends are wrapped up from Year 2, and we also find out why Raven' s parents were hiding the fact the attended Bloodshed Academy. I hope there are more books to come, I love this Series!

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow such a fantastic read!!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I'm going to be one of those people who didn't love this book. The book just didn't flow well or make sense in a lot of places...it was like a jigsaw puzzle with several missing pieces so it was hard to see the big picture. The book jumped around a lot. I still love Raven's pack and how they have come together as a group/family. There is still plenty humor, action and love, but the plot just kinda fizzled like the big finale did. It didn't fully deliver and felt a bit rushed. After I read it, all I could say was "huh".

[AliAliOxonFree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed

I was a little disappointed in the way this book turned out. I loved the first two and couldn’t put them down. I couldn’t put this one down either, but the ending kind of it irritated me. I know that there are “sister” books this series but I would like there to be a fourth to this book. I want all of my questions answered with these characters instead of having my questions answered with a book with different characters. I understand the characters from this book are in the others, but they aren’t the main characters. Disappointed.

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. Raven and Rage are getting closer to taking down the Elites... or are they? Everywhere they turn they discover things just are not what they seem with this group.
This entire series has been just amazing and has had me hooked from page ... and once you start reading it, you cannot stop. Raven and her friends are just amazing

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year Three is the much desired third book Jen L. Grey’s Bloodshed Academy series. This book brings readers the next piece of the story that we have been eagerly anticipating. Things are progressing in Raven’s life with Rage, but the Elites are quiet right now…but not gone. The next stage in Bloodshed Academy is coming for Raven – the Culling. The pressure is on for Raven on all sides. No matter what happens next Raven’s life is about to be changed forever.
Year Three: Bloodshed Academy is the best book in the series in my opinion. Where book two focuses mostly on Raven’s relationship with Rage, book three gives me the storyline that I was hoping for and more. Rage and Raven continue to move forward in their relationship and begin to deal with the secrets that swirl all around them. They are still a part of The Elites, and they have to stay in “good graces” so that they aren’t suspected in their part of keeping a hybrid from being taken. Things are going well for a minute, but then a twist or two is thrown their way and things begin to escalate from there.
Piece by piece the author brings this story together and it is truly hard to put down. While some aspects of the story are predictable, I enjoy the drama that kicks up and the humor sprinkled throughout. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I LOVE Cole. On more than one occasion I had to choke back laughs at his antics. He is a refreshing and enjoyable change from the usual vampire character that most authors give us. I appreciate that he and Jess get some attention with their relationship as well in this book. This book focuses more on all of the characters and that it is something I truly like.
The author raises some questions though throughout. It seems that there are some things going on with a couple of the characters and I’m honestly curious as to how that is going to play out. Is it going somewhere? Is there going to be some drama down the road? Or is this a one-time thing/slip? I can’t give specifics as it would kinda spoil the book/scene, but you’ll understand when you read it.
This book has a couple of “steamy” moments between Raven and Rage, but it honestly feels like there are some parts missing to it. The first especially feels a bit rushed and…what happened to her pants? Rage takes everything off, but her pants…do they just…disappear? It just feels like a bit of oversight. I’ll admit that I’m a bit disappointed that Raven doesn’t try to reach out to her parents to resolve things, but it honestly goes both ways. The author reveals all near the end, but how it all goes down between them.
I really did enjoy this book and it kept me page-turning as piece by piece things come together and Raven learns just how deep they are in this mess. Powers are at war, and I can’t wait for more from this author in connection to this series. Things are really getting good and I like that they have reached the stage of “trust no one outside the group.” I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. A great addition to the series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven has made it to her third year at Bloodshed Academy and things aren't getting any easier. Raven and the gang are investigating the hate group called the Elites, Raven's relationship with her parents isn't the best and Raven is about to face the culling, a no-holds-bars competition to see who can keep their place at the academy. To say things are stressful is an understatement.

Raven has gone a long way since she started Bloodshed. She has connected to her wolf, learned more about her world, and found a group of people she can connect to, Raven has accomplished a lot. Although Bloodshed is a highly revered school in the supernatural community it has its faults. The brutality the school encourages, not to mention the fostering of superiority and now the segregation of species, things are not good. Raven cares about people and is open-minded which is something she sees less and less in the supernatural community and I commend her for recognizing the problems around her and trying to do something about them.

As for the story, it was interesting to see segregation in the supernatural world. That's not something many authors deal with in urban fantasy books, what that would look like, the problems it causes, and how change could come about. See problems in the supernatural that mirror our own somehow grounds the story. I also like the fact that in all actuality the hybrids aren't less powerful than their whole counterparts but more. The ideas of hybrids are pretty cool too. The possibilities and the powers can be endless, I would read that book.

The group dynamic is my favorite aspect of the series. How the group is made up of varying supernaturals, how close they all are, and supportive they are, it's a great group. Plus Cole is the best the tagline in this book was "He has lost his mind", he is hilarious, and while his family situation isn't the best he has found his family in their group. I had a theory about what was going to happen with the group and I am so happy that things worked out.

I will admit I am gobsmacked by Bloodshed Year Three. The story seemed like it was going one way and then went another. Raven's parent's secret was revealed and while I figured part of it, I thought that Jen was hinting at something bigger, dealing with Raven and it didn't pan out. Also, I have no idea if this is the last book in the series or Raven's arc or what. The story ended so openly, with a lot of questions left unanswered not to mention the group is hanging in the balance. I have so many questions I want to be answered, here's to hoping another book is in the works.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦇🦇ONE ENTRANCING THRILL🦇🦇
Blazing bats! Jen cranks up the intensity with this thrilling treat, raising the stakes and keeping it real, laying down this action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block buster, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Tempting, tangled and tightly entwined, baring the frivolous quirks and defying bents, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Trodding through a minefield of perilous drama, chilling danger, intense intrigue and electrifying suspense, maneuvering through the cunning manipulations of malicious intent, blasting this jewel to life spectacularly. Restraints are amplified and sustained, laying out all the fervent facts, deals and debacles, igniting a fierce protectiveness and impressive with such passion, riding the currents and breaching waves, blasting this jewel into a frenzy with a mind-blowing culmination. The complexity of the characters are realistic, authentic and original with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transform into formidable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Jen, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Gabby’s library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended the trilogy well, it was a great read and made me feel a lot of feels and Cole is absolutely hilarious! The fart scene 😂 like wow I loved that and was in fits reading it. I liked all of the surprises and there little pack I
And saw a lot of the characters personal developments throughout this book.

The only thing I felt was missing or didn’t sit well with me was that I felt like I preferred Cole and Jess over the main character and her ‘true mate’ I thought there was something different or special about her why they were drawn to her not just the half breeds but also her pack of friends. On top of that she really wasn’t an overly amazing friend to any of them so I couldn’t see how she became alpha and was the ‘heart of the group’ It also annoyed me that she would let this teacher boss her and her friends around I feel like she needed more growth not just her but Rage as well, for one of the strongest alphas I never got to see that side of him only him spitting words and when he finally did fight he was knocked out straight away?

After finishing the series it made me come away with a few questions which I hate having like who runs the society, are the half breeds safe, what are they doing to them, are her parents safe, are rages parents apart of the society etc but overall it was a fun read

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great finale to this series, with lots of action, romance, a wedding, answers to many questions... and yet leading to more questions.
Raven and her pack finally learned the truth about the Elites, but how to deal with it is a completely other topic. While chasing the darkness spreading around the academy and trying to understand the issue with half breeds, Raven also uncovers her parents' secrets and the reason behind the rift between them. However strong the bond among the five is, even their united forces are challenged facing the huge operation with the half breeds, and they alone might not be enough to battle them once and for all..
As I mentioned, a great finale, escalating the tension and emotional exposure higher then before, yet the unfinished business at the end leads to maybe kind of disappointment. Should the story really end here? Don't we all expect more?... Yes, we do, but the answers come in another series, which is maybe dissatisfying on one side yet exciting on the other. The characters we became fond of during the academy times will come again, complemented with others, and the dance will come back ... until then, we have to live off the emotions brought by this book.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this series! There aren't many academy series that suck me in, but this one has my heart! I loved these characters! They're just the best bunch of supes. They're entertaining with their snarky wit and true devotion to each other. The bond they form makes me long for my own bestie pack. The group dynamic is unforgettable making this trilogy unputdownable!

There's something to adore about each of these characters! Cole is one of my favorites. His flirty ways are absolutely hilarious. He's the ultimate good guy, even though he's first in line to pull a prank. Jess is sweet and sassy and the best bestie. You totally need her in your corner. Damien is quiet and focused and he definitely needs his own book.

Raven and Rage are perfect together! I loved seeing their bond grow and seeing what their relationship could be. Raven shows such phenomenal leadership and compassion. Rage is the perfect alpha male and his growly ways were enticing.

The plot was thumping and exciting. I never wanted this to end! It's over and I'm just feeling so sad. Jen L. Grey is a stunningly captivating storyteller! Go pick this series up!! It's one wild ride!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weddings, secrets & Cole oh my! Year Three is just as action-packed as the previous two years at Bloodshed Academy, but now there's a contest to see who is the best of the best at Bloodshed? The guys & Jess have already passed their trials before Raven became a part of the Academy, so now it's Raven's turn. The happiness of her wedding day is interrupted by Isadora calling the group back to Bloodshed for Raven's first battle that will determine if she's worthy of staying at the Academy. The other two are just to see how she stacks up against the competition. Between her fights she still continues to try & get more involved with the Elites, but her liaison isn't exactly thrilled with the company that she keeps & pushes her remove Cole, Jess & Damon from her life, which obviously isn't an option. The 5 of them are a family & now a pack.
Raven may eventually find out why her parents hid her away, & wouldn't allow her to be recruited by Bloodshed, but it's nothing like you'd have expected! One plot twist after another makes Year Three an amazing read!

[Anmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite character dynamics ever!

Ok so this is absolutely my favourite genre of book, as a result, I’ve read variations of almost everything you could think of about fae, shifters etc. Here I am still getting blown away by this great story. I would’ve liked a bit more on Raven’s parents but just because I’m curious, nothing was lacking for not having that.
These characters are absolutely my favourite group for the friendship dynamics. Raven and Jess bonded slowly and authentically, Damien still fairly quiet but added depth when his character was more vocal, Rage is just an all round cool guy but Cole, he’s it for me. He’s that perfect character that you find equal parts annoying and hilarious, I find myself laughing out loud reading his parts and I still laugh/smile/chuckle to myself thinking about the smart and witty yet slightly disturbing words that Cole gave us, hours or days after I read them.

[Telisha Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you reading!

Ok I'll get to the book in a second, but can we talk about Cole for a minute??? I LOVE a funny character so dang much. It lightens the book perfectly. And I enjoyed him and Jess getting some attention. Ok now Raven not only has to deal with the Elites, but she has reached the Culling! I enjoyed this book, it was a quick and fun read for me. I like where the story is headed and how they have a group they can rely on since they cannot trust anyone else! I enjoy Raven and Rage as a couple, they're not over the top like some shifter books can be. There are some twists and reveals, some I could see coming and some I didnt, and have some theories for what's next. Well done Jen L. Grey!

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the story and truly loved/adored the characters (like seriously they were amazing characters!) but I wasn’t keen on that ending. It thoroughly throws you off and doesn’t make it feel like their story is even properly finished/closed off. I think there’s meant to be spinoff series and maybe that’ll connect more dots? but I really would’ve liked to see the characters I fell in love with, get a more well rounded ending. It just kinda fell flat for me. Which I really hate to say. Endings are everything to me and ultimately they change my view on the whole story unfortunately.

I’m so sorry Jen. I’ve read some of your other works and enjoyed them but I just needed a bit more from this story to feel like they got their finished story.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Action pack with a twist you wont see coming! You wont believe it! After all the battles, shenanigans and laughter, We get Raven into a fist-fighting-trials at the academy and she must prove her worth! And if that’s not enough she still carries the burden of taking down the elites: a powerful group of paranormal's who want take down half-breeds! The more she digs for info the more dirt she finds on people she thought she could trust. Get ready is a bumpy ride! And dont worry, there is some HEA for Raven and her team! Must read in order to understand #Shifters#Love#MixbreedsAreTheBest

[Sara Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen. L. Grey keeps surprising me with this story. I didn't know her work two weeks ago, and now I can't stop listening to her stories!

This third book goes in a pretty good way, fast paced, and a lot of fun. I love the characters growth. The mystery about the society reveals in some ways while darkening in some other aspects, leaving the ending in a cliffhanger. I was waiting for an ending a bit more closed, in this way it feels a bit unfinished... but I already found out that there's a spinoff series, so I'm just going to grab them and only stop when I finish them :D

I received a free audio copy from the author for an honest review.

[B. Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack of their own!!!

What to say about book three? So many twists and turns! This author keeps you guessing all the way to the end. It can’t be over right? I felt like there is so much more to the story.
One girl brings them all together and they make their own pack. Just shows you don’t have to follow the same old ways everyone expects. They formed their own pack/ family. Professor Shaw always gave me the creeps. However, I can’t wait to see what this author has in store next because after all there is so much more we need to learn about the society.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what amazing ending to what has been a fantastic trilogy! Raven and her friends are in the thick of things by this point. They have been recruited to infiltrate the hidden society so they can help stop what has been happening. Working together they are a able to learn all kinds of things bringing the story to one fascinating peak. Wraps up everything quite well. Still fast paced and full of enough twists to keep you hooked until the very end. A must read for fans of paranormal suspense/romance. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to Raven and rages story. I loved the developments in this book and the characters are just perfect. I really enjoyed the plot and where this story goes. There's still questions and the story feels unfinished in a way... But there's a spin off that will give us more info and keeps the story going. This third book gave me lots of laughs and the action was fantastic. The story is unique and I really enjoyed reading it. What a fantastic concept for a story and characters. Fantastic read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year three, starts off where book 2 ended and it’s a wild one! I kept questioning all of the secondary characters not knowing if they should be trusted or not. I was literally on the edge of my seat listening to the story. So good!! We get to see Raven fight and those scenes are my favorite!!
I just love Raven and Rage. Out of the group, Cole is my fave!! He had me laughing with his antics. I’m really looking forward to listening to the next book when it releases.
I recommend the audiobook. The narrator, Brittany is fabulous and she really elevated the story for me.

[Heather Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gang is back. This time Raven and the gang dive deeper into the elites. To get to the bottom of it all and try to save the hybrids. Raven must prove herself at the academy, a certain witchy Fae is introduced, you’ll hate her too. Cole is over the top and still hilarious. From fights, to weddings, so supernatural societies and uncovering secrets and lies. There is never a dull moment with this group. Wonderful series. Loved every single minute of this ride.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year Three (Bloodshed Academy Book 3) by Jen L. Grey is a very amazing story that I have read. This is book number three in this amazing series and I was hooked with the first book of this amazing series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about paranormal romances.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books get better and better. Oh my word Cole.......is hilarious. There were parts of year three that had tears running down my face because I was laughing so hard. Cole's story to Professor Shaw as to why they were together in the clearing.....priceless, I was rolling. I love the characters, ( Cole is a personal fav). The intrigue about the society is spot on, it keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to the fabulous five kicking butts and taking names. Looking forward to the next book.