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Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Academy #1
No Humans Allowed!
From New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux and acclaimed artist Tim Probert comes an all-new original Dungeons & Dragons middle grade series!
Welcome to Dungeon Academy, where monsters and creatures train for the dark world that awaits just beyond the dungeon walls! But Zellidora “Zelli” Stormclash is a bit—different. She’s the one thing monsters and creatures of the Forgotten Realms fear the most: Zelli is a human!
Knowing she’ll never be accepted, Zelli’s parents disguise her as a minotaur in hopes she’ll blend with the academy’s monstrous surroundings. Zelli does her work, keeps to herself, and becomes “invisible” to everyone.
While in History of Horrible Humans class, Zelli learns of the great human adventurer, Allidora Steelstrike, who oddly resembles her. Could Zelli also be a Steelstrike? Seeking answers to her true lineage, Zelli embarks on a dangerous adventure.
But she won’t be alone. A vegan owlbear, a cowardly kobold, and a shapeshifting mimic will join Zelli on her quest for truth in a world that holds no place for them. And who knows? Perhaps these monstrous misfits may discover some truths of their own . . .
Get ready for humor, heart, magic, and adventure as middle graders and beyond learn to embrace who they are, accept others' differences, and discover that making mistakes is OK—as long as you learn from them.
Welcome to Dungeon Academy, where monsters and creatures train for the dark world that awaits just beyond the dungeon walls! But Zellidora “Zelli” Stormclash is a bit—different. She’s the one thing monsters and creatures of the Forgotten Realms fear the most: Zelli is a human!
Knowing she’ll never be accepted, Zelli’s parents disguise her as a minotaur in hopes she’ll blend with the academy’s monstrous surroundings. Zelli does her work, keeps to herself, and becomes “invisible” to everyone.
While in History of Horrible Humans class, Zelli learns of the great human adventurer, Allidora Steelstrike, who oddly resembles her. Could Zelli also be a Steelstrike? Seeking answers to her true lineage, Zelli embarks on a dangerous adventure.
But she won’t be alone. A vegan owlbear, a cowardly kobold, and a shapeshifting mimic will join Zelli on her quest for truth in a world that holds no place for them. And who knows? Perhaps these monstrous misfits may discover some truths of their own . . .
Get ready for humor, heart, magic, and adventure as middle graders and beyond learn to embrace who they are, accept others' differences, and discover that making mistakes is OK—as long as you learn from them.
204 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2021
211 people are currently reading
2660 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Roux
49 books4,796 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author of the ASYLUM series, Allison Hewitt Is Trapped, Sadie Walker Is Stranded and the upcoming House of Furies series.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 3, 2021
There's a lot to enjoy about this middle school book. If you're one of those people who thought the monsters were misunderstood, then this book is for you.
Zelli Stormclash lives with a secret. Her horns and tail are fake. She's been raised by minotaurs but is secretly human. When she comes across a book with the picture of an adventurer who looks just like her, she decides to leave the school for monsters she attends to find her birth mother. But she won't be going alone whether she likes it or not. The vegetarian owlbear, diminutive kobald, and supersmart mimic she's helped are determined to come along too.
I absolutely loved this. It's filled with heart and adventure. Child me would have loved this too as it's set somewhere outside Waterdeep in Forgotten Realms.
Zelli Stormclash lives with a secret. Her horns and tail are fake. She's been raised by minotaurs but is secretly human. When she comes across a book with the picture of an adventurer who looks just like her, she decides to leave the school for monsters she attends to find her birth mother. But she won't be going alone whether she likes it or not. The vegetarian owlbear, diminutive kobald, and supersmart mimic she's helped are determined to come along too.
I absolutely loved this. It's filled with heart and adventure. Child me would have loved this too as it's set somewhere outside Waterdeep in Forgotten Realms.
October 3, 2021
As a big fan of D&D, this middle grade story made me happy to my soul. The academy trains monsters and magical creatures. Zelli is a human. Her parents disguise her as a minotaur so that she can blend in with the other monstrous students. She does her best to not get noticed, but it's a bit difficult to hide what you really are, especially when attending classes like "The History of Horrible Humans.''
This book is just so much fun! The illustrations are wonderful, and the humorous adventure is entertaining. Perfect middle grade book! As an adult and RPG player, I enjoyed it too!
The fun story also has some important lessons on embracing differences and the importance of true friendships.
Loved this book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Harper Collins. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**
This book is just so much fun! The illustrations are wonderful, and the humorous adventure is entertaining. Perfect middle grade book! As an adult and RPG player, I enjoyed it too!
The fun story also has some important lessons on embracing differences and the importance of true friendships.
Loved this book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Harper Collins. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**
November 14, 2021
This was a really cute, engaging, and charming entry in the "Monsters are people too" genre of fantasy books. Mix in some destiny, some "the adults won't believe us," and some "team misfit" fun and you have a middle grade book that is action packed, thoughtful, fun, and clearly set up for a long series. It uses the core monsters and classes of D&D well, the illustrations add a to to the narrative, and while the character growth is somewhat standard hero's journey, there are some interesting choices made around family and destiny. Looking forward to reading more of this!
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2021
I'm so conflicted on this one!
Pros:
> I thoroughly enjoyed the plot (even though the DM in me desperately wanted a twist I hadn't seen coming). It was classic, simple enough to follow but not so simple that children would get bored.
> The main characters where easy to love and fun to get to know. I liked the concept of the group being the 'oddballs', all having kindness and quirks unlikely to be seen in your regular monster. I wasn't 100% sold on the attempt of diversity - for example, whilst I LOVED the consistent and unmentioned they/them pronoun usage for Bauble, their little crush on Gutrash felt out of place and undeveloped. Some pieces hit the mark, others felt more like an unnecessary sidenote.
> I particularly enjoyed the pacing of the big boss fight - this is something that the 'middle grade' genre seems to have a tough time with in my opinion, so I was pleasantly surprised. It also somehow managed to really feel like a dnd fight, the flow was accurate, spells and attacks were given space and described, even the super simple and effective use of concentration was perfectly done!
Cons:
> Considering the target age and audience, I feel that there will be three types of reactions from young readers to this book:
1. Children who already know dnd, so absolutely love all the references.
2. Children who don't know dnd, but love fantasy books already and get on fine by using their imagination.
3. Children who don't know dnd and who could have loved this books, but will be completely turned off by the continuous monster names and half descriptions.
> There was perfect opportunity for a little Monster Manual / Glossary for kids at the back of the book which felt amiss, and considering the map the party uses is illustrated in the book itself, I'm pretty miffed there was no map at the beginning of the book! It's dnd, come on now.
> As much as I loved the illustrations, many towards the last third of the book just didn't match up to the narration. It was like watching a book full of continuity errors - Zelli wearing her horns when it's explicitly said she has taken them off. Allidora still brandishing her sword when it's been said she has sheathed it on her back. The two handed pan swing when one of Zelli's shoulders is supposed to be injured and one arm out of action...
Finally, the point of whether Zelli's disguise only really works because she 'looks like a minotaur', and whether this would still be the case if she were white is an interesting one. I think this again fits into the same bracket for me as the underdeveloped (last minute?) diversity additions. Something just feels slightly off.
I think the whole book is a great concept, but if you are sat in a writing room with this very specific concept that you want to go with, and it only works if your main character is black, I honestly don't expect to see a white author. There are so many amazing POC middlegrade authors or even dnd creators absolutely smashing it out there at the moment. It feels like this could have been such a good moment to give one of them a very big platform through a very specific main character is all.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I think children will love it!
Even if they have no idea what dnd is, it can still be read and enjoyed, it might even be something that gets more kids into dnd itself! However, I do feel that a reader who does know dnd will enjoy it and all its little references the most.
I can imagine this would make such a good cartoon or graphic novel aswell, especially in Probert's style.
I'll be keeping my eye out for the second book for sure.
Pros:
> I thoroughly enjoyed the plot (even though the DM in me desperately wanted a twist I hadn't seen coming). It was classic, simple enough to follow but not so simple that children would get bored.
> The main characters where easy to love and fun to get to know. I liked the concept of the group being the 'oddballs', all having kindness and quirks unlikely to be seen in your regular monster. I wasn't 100% sold on the attempt of diversity - for example, whilst I LOVED the consistent and unmentioned they/them pronoun usage for Bauble, their little crush on Gutrash felt out of place and undeveloped. Some pieces hit the mark, others felt more like an unnecessary sidenote.
> I particularly enjoyed the pacing of the big boss fight - this is something that the 'middle grade' genre seems to have a tough time with in my opinion, so I was pleasantly surprised. It also somehow managed to really feel like a dnd fight, the flow was accurate, spells and attacks were given space and described, even the super simple and effective use of concentration was perfectly done!
Cons:
> Considering the target age and audience, I feel that there will be three types of reactions from young readers to this book:
1. Children who already know dnd, so absolutely love all the references.
2. Children who don't know dnd, but love fantasy books already and get on fine by using their imagination.
3. Children who don't know dnd and who could have loved this books, but will be completely turned off by the continuous monster names and half descriptions.
> There was perfect opportunity for a little Monster Manual / Glossary for kids at the back of the book which felt amiss, and considering the map the party uses is illustrated in the book itself, I'm pretty miffed there was no map at the beginning of the book! It's dnd, come on now.
> As much as I loved the illustrations, many towards the last third of the book just didn't match up to the narration. It was like watching a book full of continuity errors - Zelli wearing her horns when it's explicitly said she has taken them off. Allidora still brandishing her sword when it's been said she has sheathed it on her back. The two handed pan swing when one of Zelli's shoulders is supposed to be injured and one arm out of action...
Finally, the point of whether Zelli's disguise only really works because she 'looks like a minotaur', and whether this would still be the case if she were white is an interesting one. I think this again fits into the same bracket for me as the underdeveloped (last minute?) diversity additions. Something just feels slightly off.
I think the whole book is a great concept, but if you are sat in a writing room with this very specific concept that you want to go with, and it only works if your main character is black, I honestly don't expect to see a white author. There are so many amazing POC middlegrade authors or even dnd creators absolutely smashing it out there at the moment. It feels like this could have been such a good moment to give one of them a very big platform through a very specific main character is all.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I think children will love it!
Even if they have no idea what dnd is, it can still be read and enjoyed, it might even be something that gets more kids into dnd itself! However, I do feel that a reader who does know dnd will enjoy it and all its little references the most.
I can imagine this would make such a good cartoon or graphic novel aswell, especially in Probert's style.
I'll be keeping my eye out for the second book for sure.
December 3, 2024
Das war nett, aber ich bin weder mit den Figuren warm geworden noch bin ich Fan davon, Kindern schon so viele ableistische und saneistische Bezeichnungen mitzugeben.
Read
December 3, 2021Oh, I really wanted to like this. It was literally the Forgotten Realms for younger readers (I'd say MG but I really hate the term so think 7+) and I thought that with such a rich world and backstory that it would be ripe for the picking.
Zellidora has grown up in the Dungeon Academy for most of her life. Raised by two minotaur mums she has successfully integrated herself into the monster culture and society as they train to fight and take on the humans who would get in their way. Think Hogwarts but replace humans with Monster races. Unfortunately, there's a hitch. Zelli is absolutely no monster nor a minotaur: she's human. So when she discovers an image of a brave warrior in one of the library's lore books who looks 'just' like her, she sets out in search of the woman who could be her biological mother. But she's not alone, several monster companions believe in Zelli and join her on her quest.
I think it was the whole carnivalising of the genre that perhaps didn't work for me but probably 'will' work for younger readers. Having played around in the Realms for decades I had envisioned a young group of adventurers heading off but I suspect there's something more playful in having the monsters be the centre of attention.
I also think this could have worked if I didn't have a problem with 'how' Zelli gets by as a minotaur in the Dungeon Academy for so long. Zelli and her minotaur mothers believe that Zelli's disguise is good enough because she's wearing a pair of fake horns - but it is also because she has thick hair and is black too? Would it have worked if the character was white and blond? I think it's this concept that I just didn't feel sat right with me.
The story too was a nice idea - evil necromancer trying to take over the realms but it felt as if the author was trying really hard to juggle plot and character at the same time. Again, parallels to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone abound but Rowling manages that balance a little better by a gradual introduction to the 'bad guy' perhaps.
There are many things that could and probably will work in the future though: the Monster cast is sweet and I think if their characters are allowed to grow then all the better. I had a really sweet spot for Bauble the mimic (who doesn't like fighting) but uses their smarts instead. I also thought that Probert's illustrations were gorgeous too. It's clear that we're to expect more from the series and I just hope that character building continues.
A final niggle was the format of the book. For some reason, the text starts a little higher at the top of each page and I thought this an unusual design. Younger readers tend to enjoy less text on the page and slightly larger gaps between lines and I wondered what the choices were here.
Overall, I felt that Roux had a LOT to juggle here - there are attempts at diversity that are admirable but are problematic in places; there's the introduction to a host of monsters that children might not know (which makes it difficult to understand the audience - a Bestiary at the back could have helped?) and then there's the plot which is thin on the ground but will probably grow as the series continues.
** I don't think it's fair to star this as it's the first review on Goodreads and I'd rather her from other readers' perspectives**
Zellidora has grown up in the Dungeon Academy for most of her life. Raised by two minotaur mums she has successfully integrated herself into the monster culture and society as they train to fight and take on the humans who would get in their way. Think Hogwarts but replace humans with Monster races. Unfortunately, there's a hitch. Zelli is absolutely no monster nor a minotaur: she's human. So when she discovers an image of a brave warrior in one of the library's lore books who looks 'just' like her, she sets out in search of the woman who could be her biological mother. But she's not alone, several monster companions believe in Zelli and join her on her quest.
I think it was the whole carnivalising of the genre that perhaps didn't work for me but probably 'will' work for younger readers. Having played around in the Realms for decades I had envisioned a young group of adventurers heading off but I suspect there's something more playful in having the monsters be the centre of attention.
I also think this could have worked if I didn't have a problem with 'how' Zelli gets by as a minotaur in the Dungeon Academy for so long. Zelli and her minotaur mothers believe that Zelli's disguise is good enough because she's wearing a pair of fake horns - but it is also because she has thick hair and is black too? Would it have worked if the character was white and blond? I think it's this concept that I just didn't feel sat right with me.
The story too was a nice idea - evil necromancer trying to take over the realms but it felt as if the author was trying really hard to juggle plot and character at the same time. Again, parallels to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone abound but Rowling manages that balance a little better by a gradual introduction to the 'bad guy' perhaps.
There are many things that could and probably will work in the future though: the Monster cast is sweet and I think if their characters are allowed to grow then all the better. I had a really sweet spot for Bauble the mimic (who doesn't like fighting) but uses their smarts instead. I also thought that Probert's illustrations were gorgeous too. It's clear that we're to expect more from the series and I just hope that character building continues.
A final niggle was the format of the book. For some reason, the text starts a little higher at the top of each page and I thought this an unusual design. Younger readers tend to enjoy less text on the page and slightly larger gaps between lines and I wondered what the choices were here.
Overall, I felt that Roux had a LOT to juggle here - there are attempts at diversity that are admirable but are problematic in places; there's the introduction to a host of monsters that children might not know (which makes it difficult to understand the audience - a Bestiary at the back could have helped?) and then there's the plot which is thin on the ground but will probably grow as the series continues.
** I don't think it's fair to star this as it's the first review on Goodreads and I'd rather her from other readers' perspectives**
November 14, 2021
I was really, really looking forward to this book. D&D is huge at both of my workplaces - a school and a public library. I'm currently running one game in the after-school club (there are enough students involved that there are five or six games there, total), and two for the public library. Livin' the dream. Many of my players, and a lot of other students who are in the after-school club, are the target age and definitely target demographic for this book. It's really needed, especially since many of my students already read the D&D equivalent of Choose Your Own Adventure (side note: they seriously need to make more of those).
So, does it live up to my expectations?
The plot, the characters, the quest - they're GRRRRREAT! *Tony the Tiger voice*
The illustrations are a lot of fun, too, though a few (especially in the exciting parts) didn't match the text.
The writing style was a drawback. And here's where you mileage may vary. I'm not a fan of dropping the reader right into a new world. But it's a short book, aimed at kids who may have a high interest and low reading level, so that might be okay. Keep things interesting.
But then there's the cafeteria scene. There's a descriptive sentence that is the longest run-on sentence I've seen this side of Tolkien. It begins about a quarter of the way down one page and travels on to the next. That's not exactly appropriate for the intended audience.
However, that sentence is the only one of its kind. Which makes it really weird.
I am looking forward, overall, to being able to hand this book to my students and patrons. The characters are great, the setting imaginative (an academy for monsters). I think my kids will enjoy this.
Now, give us twenty more books like this, please.
So, does it live up to my expectations?
The plot, the characters, the quest - they're GRRRRREAT! *Tony the Tiger voice*
The illustrations are a lot of fun, too, though a few (especially in the exciting parts) didn't match the text.
The writing style was a drawback. And here's where you mileage may vary. I'm not a fan of dropping the reader right into a new world. But it's a short book, aimed at kids who may have a high interest and low reading level, so that might be okay. Keep things interesting.
But then there's the cafeteria scene. There's a descriptive sentence that is the longest run-on sentence I've seen this side of Tolkien. It begins about a quarter of the way down one page and travels on to the next. That's not exactly appropriate for the intended audience.
However, that sentence is the only one of its kind. Which makes it really weird.
I am looking forward, overall, to being able to hand this book to my students and patrons. The characters are great, the setting imaginative (an academy for monsters). I think my kids will enjoy this.
Now, give us twenty more books like this, please.
Read
December 22, 2021Mimics, minotaurs, owlbears, oh my! This juvenile book captures the adventurous spirit of D&D!
Meet Zellie, the minotaur daughter of Professor Stormclash--at least that’s what she wants her classmates to think. In a place where humans are despised, Zellie just wants to blend into the crowd, but some classmates have taken a greater interest in her than she would like. Determined to learn about her past, she sets off on an daring adventure with her unlikely friends.
Madeleine Roux tells a humorous and action-oriented story of family, friends and courage to face oneself. I enjoyed the quick pace, wonderful illustrations, and fun characters in this first book of the Dragon Diaries series. And, I look forward to forthcoming adventures!
Meet Zellie, the minotaur daughter of Professor Stormclash--at least that’s what she wants her classmates to think. In a place where humans are despised, Zellie just wants to blend into the crowd, but some classmates have taken a greater interest in her than she would like. Determined to learn about her past, she sets off on an daring adventure with her unlikely friends.
Madeleine Roux tells a humorous and action-oriented story of family, friends and courage to face oneself. I enjoyed the quick pace, wonderful illustrations, and fun characters in this first book of the Dragon Diaries series. And, I look forward to forthcoming adventures!
July 14, 2022
As D&D was part of the defining experience of my childhood, I couldn't resist. This was a shambles. The writing was super-forced and constantly trying to be cute. The story does a disservice to D&D and is instead trying to be something greater. Even a middle schooler will see the absolute absurdity of trying to pass a human off as a minotaur (the author even mentions this is seriously idiotic as she has no hooves, um no bull head, no fur, is super small and has horns maybe glued on? they don't really say). The characters are barely described, toneless and the story is insanely boring. The audiobook voice actor sounded like they were nine or ten and their inflection and emotion/lack of emotion was distracting.
March 12, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I did. I like the concept of a party of monsters instead of a party of adventurers. It's also fun that the book uses real D&D places, creatures, and lore. However, the party came together a bit too quickly and there were two holes in the plot that I couldn't quite get past. I know it's for young audiences but I would have liked more detail about the characters and their world. I do feel like it's told almost like a DM running a campaign which could appeal to kids just starting out in D&D. There is also plenty of real info about creatures in it which new players might find helpful as they play their own games. It was fun but I wanted it to be a bit more.
August 6, 2022
3,5 stars. Good story, though maybe the plot was a bit too uneven/fastpaced at times. The illustrations were a great add and supported the story nicely.
February 5, 2024
It was very adventurous
July 3, 2025
Cute and fun story but it’s a little bit childly written. The drawings/illustrations were amazing! There was also more text than I expected for a graphic novel but I didn’t mind at all, this made it feel like a more fluent story
I think I’m still gonna read the next ones in this series because it’s an fun, easy and short read in between my other books😌
I think I’m still gonna read the next ones in this series because it’s an fun, easy and short read in between my other books😌
December 27, 2023
måtte stoppe efter ca 25% - den er tåkrummende dårligt skrevet - karakterer, plot, handling - intet vækkede nogen begejstring. Ærgerligt brug af IP'en - selve præmisset med de traditionelle "skurke" fra DnD som hovedrollerne var ellers spændende nok
January 26, 2025
No Humans Allowed!
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 5
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 5
May 20, 2023
Had fun reading this for the kids' bedtime book!
April 5, 2022
No words will correctly describe how I felt for this book and the story along with it. It is truly a wonderful magical tale of a young human girl who doesn’t feel like she belongs in a world of monsters.
A definite lesson on learning that family isn’t about who you’re blood-related to, but family is about who has always been there for you.
Highly recommend this book for all children looking for an adventure; those who may feel lost; and of course for those who enjoy D&D.
A definite lesson on learning that family isn’t about who you’re blood-related to, but family is about who has always been there for you.
Highly recommend this book for all children looking for an adventure; those who may feel lost; and of course for those who enjoy D&D.
January 2, 2022
a strong entry into the hallowed halls of 'monsters are people, too' fantasy books. zelli and her little troop of misfit monsters who don't quite fit in absolutely warmed my heart on this cold new year's day.
i'm a sucker for found family, and zelli being given the choice of where she belonged was the cherry on top. the cast of secondary characters made this funny and endearing and the little dungeon crawl, from a somewhat experienced DM, was fun and suspenseful.
i cried no less than four times because of how sweetly and lovingly the book treated the concept of belonging, bravery, and family. and yes, zelli having two minotaur mothers filled me with untold sapphic euphoria.
i'm so glad i picked this up on a whim as i was heading to the register!
i'm a sucker for found family, and zelli being given the choice of where she belonged was the cherry on top. the cast of secondary characters made this funny and endearing and the little dungeon crawl, from a somewhat experienced DM, was fun and suspenseful.
i cried no less than four times because of how sweetly and lovingly the book treated the concept of belonging, bravery, and family. and yes, zelli having two minotaur mothers filled me with untold sapphic euphoria.
i'm so glad i picked this up on a whim as i was heading to the register!
June 13, 2022
Meh. Five stars if I were 8.
July 3, 2022
Zellidora (Zelli) Stormclash attends Dungeon Academy, a boarding school where all types of monsters go to learn how to lurk, sneak, roar, fight, and all other things monstrous. Both of Zelli’s Minotaur mums are professors at the school. But Zelli has a secret. She is in fact, human – found abandoned as a baby in a basket. She has been raised proud and strong by her mighty mums but always disguised as a Minotaur, as humans are the enemy of ALL monsters.
There is no kindness, friendship, empathy or any sign of weakness condoned at Dungeon Academy, and Zelli can suppress those parts of her human nature. But she can’t abide a bully. With all she has learn from her Minotaur mums, she will stand up for those who are smaller or picked on. The downside is, some begin to follow her around. She does her best to ignore them.
When studying the Human Manual for Monsters one day for extra grades, she comes across Allidora Steelstrike on one of the pages. It’s like looking in a mirror. This turns Zelli upside down, wondering if this warrior Allidora could be her birth mother? Then why was she abandoned? Her Minotaur mums won’t talk about it, and she has no friends to talk to.
After her frustration boils over in class, she is sent to detention in the Hall of Eternal Suffering and Monotony. But she’s far from bored, with a plan beginning to bubble in her mind. She overheard on the way to detention that some monster students are missing and Allidora Steelstrike is rumoured to be in the area. Zelli knows she won’t get a better chance to find answers to her questions about her past.
Sure enough, the monsters she stuck up for aren’t far behind. There is Hugo, a vegetarian Owl Bear. (The size of a bear but with an owl head and no wings – and supposed to be a meat eater). Alongside is a mimic called Bauble (who is supposed to shapeshift into terrible things but can only manage practical items or their preferred shape of a book). Lastly, the small but feisty 2ft dragon named Snabla chooses to lead the way – keen to prove himself to his father in an act of bravery.
Squabbling all the way, they discover the local town has been abandoned. Following many footprints they not only find Allidora Steelstrike, but see her in full fighting action. Dozens of skeleton warriors are attacking her inside a cave. Zelli dives in too, determined to not lose her chance at answers. Her motley crew follow but evil forces are much stronger. Will Zelli get to ask her questions? Will Snabla get to prove himself, and will kindly huge Hugo finally step up and use his strength to fight back?
The first in this illustrated series, Dungeon Academy is rich in all kinds of monsters. Think boarding school with slime, spiders, bulging eyeballs, multiple legs, sharp teeth and all manner of horrors, present in the hallways and classrooms. But as in every school, there are students who don’t fit the mold, are too small, or too kind. The only problem is, they stand out even more in a monster school.
Zelli’s difference is the worst kind – being human. Her disguise has worked so far (monsters are a bit thick) but she’s not even sure she wants to still wear it. Her quest to find her human roots is a brave, exciting and often funny one as her misfits come along for the adventure. (Think Indiana-Jones-type funny).
Madeleine Roux is a master of all things creepy but this series will suit younger monster lovers.
Illustrations by Tim Probert are (as always) charming, perfectly capturing the emotions of the scene. The depictions of the monsters throughout are imaginative, humourous and plentiful throughout the novel.
Age – 8+
There is no kindness, friendship, empathy or any sign of weakness condoned at Dungeon Academy, and Zelli can suppress those parts of her human nature. But she can’t abide a bully. With all she has learn from her Minotaur mums, she will stand up for those who are smaller or picked on. The downside is, some begin to follow her around. She does her best to ignore them.
When studying the Human Manual for Monsters one day for extra grades, she comes across Allidora Steelstrike on one of the pages. It’s like looking in a mirror. This turns Zelli upside down, wondering if this warrior Allidora could be her birth mother? Then why was she abandoned? Her Minotaur mums won’t talk about it, and she has no friends to talk to.
After her frustration boils over in class, she is sent to detention in the Hall of Eternal Suffering and Monotony. But she’s far from bored, with a plan beginning to bubble in her mind. She overheard on the way to detention that some monster students are missing and Allidora Steelstrike is rumoured to be in the area. Zelli knows she won’t get a better chance to find answers to her questions about her past.
Sure enough, the monsters she stuck up for aren’t far behind. There is Hugo, a vegetarian Owl Bear. (The size of a bear but with an owl head and no wings – and supposed to be a meat eater). Alongside is a mimic called Bauble (who is supposed to shapeshift into terrible things but can only manage practical items or their preferred shape of a book). Lastly, the small but feisty 2ft dragon named Snabla chooses to lead the way – keen to prove himself to his father in an act of bravery.
Squabbling all the way, they discover the local town has been abandoned. Following many footprints they not only find Allidora Steelstrike, but see her in full fighting action. Dozens of skeleton warriors are attacking her inside a cave. Zelli dives in too, determined to not lose her chance at answers. Her motley crew follow but evil forces are much stronger. Will Zelli get to ask her questions? Will Snabla get to prove himself, and will kindly huge Hugo finally step up and use his strength to fight back?
The first in this illustrated series, Dungeon Academy is rich in all kinds of monsters. Think boarding school with slime, spiders, bulging eyeballs, multiple legs, sharp teeth and all manner of horrors, present in the hallways and classrooms. But as in every school, there are students who don’t fit the mold, are too small, or too kind. The only problem is, they stand out even more in a monster school.
Zelli’s difference is the worst kind – being human. Her disguise has worked so far (monsters are a bit thick) but she’s not even sure she wants to still wear it. Her quest to find her human roots is a brave, exciting and often funny one as her misfits come along for the adventure. (Think Indiana-Jones-type funny).
Madeleine Roux is a master of all things creepy but this series will suit younger monster lovers.
Illustrations by Tim Probert are (as always) charming, perfectly capturing the emotions of the scene. The depictions of the monsters throughout are imaginative, humourous and plentiful throughout the novel.
Age – 8+
November 7, 2022
I am a huge nerd for D&D and love incorporating it into our homeschool - when I saw this middlegrade novel coming out, I HAD to grab a copy for me and my kids. This story is so heartwarming with tons of diversity and characters that you can truly root for. Snabla the Kobold was THE star of the book, he is so funny and his story arc was my favorite; I also loved the casual use of they/them pronouns for Bauble - though their little "crush" felt cringy and out of place.
The illustrations are beautiful and helped the pace of this book immensely. Though sometimes it seemed like the images did not line up with the descriptions in the writing, like Zelli swinging an axe with two hands after just injuring her shoulder. There were quite a few inconsistencies like that. I also was disappointed in the lack of descriptions - people familiar with dnd will have no problem... but I forsee a lot of middle schoolers going "what the eff is a bugbear?"
Overall this was a very sweet middlegrade novel and will totally help raise the next generation of geeks!!
The illustrations are beautiful and helped the pace of this book immensely. Though sometimes it seemed like the images did not line up with the descriptions in the writing, like Zelli swinging an axe with two hands after just injuring her shoulder. There were quite a few inconsistencies like that. I also was disappointed in the lack of descriptions - people familiar with dnd will have no problem... but I forsee a lot of middle schoolers going "what the eff is a bugbear?"
Overall this was a very sweet middlegrade novel and will totally help raise the next generation of geeks!!
August 16, 2023
Zelli attends Dungeon Academy. She was adopted by her minotaur moms when she was really young. Unlike all the other students, she is human. When she learns that her mom may be Allidora Steelstrike, famous adventurer, and may be nearby, she sets off an an adventure to find her. She is followed by 3 other misfit students - a vegetarian owlbear named Hugo, a book-smart and easily frightened mimic named Bauble, and an enthusiastic kobold named Snabala.
3.5 stars rounded up. This was cute but not terribly special or exciting. It woudl be a lot of fun for kids who are into D&D. I did like that is turns a lot of RPG tropes on their head.
3.5 stars rounded up. This was cute but not terribly special or exciting. It woudl be a lot of fun for kids who are into D&D. I did like that is turns a lot of RPG tropes on their head.
February 22, 2023
I never got into D&D, but it's always been something that I knew I would care about. Recently my partner and I have been really into a D&D adjacent (HeroQuest) so it felt like the perfect time to finish this book!
I love how this book introduces D&D concepts/characters, but the book is so much more than an intro to a game. The found family aspects laced throughout the whole story brings such a wholesome vibe to the whole thing, I really can't wait to read the next one.
I love how this book introduces D&D concepts/characters, but the book is so much more than an intro to a game. The found family aspects laced throughout the whole story brings such a wholesome vibe to the whole thing, I really can't wait to read the next one.
January 21, 2024
aw, this was a cute book! reading this one and the second for a book club. zelli is a fun mc, and i love that she has two minotaur moms 💖 also that bauble uses they/them pronouns. overall a sweet, short read, very nice!
January 20, 2025
I like that this was a quick easy read, and I love the characters. But I didn't like the storyline that much. Maybe when I was younger than I would of loved this. The friendship was the best part about this book. I don't think I'll be continuing on with these books.
June 16, 2022
Great middle school book about a team of misfits finding each other and coming together. A great tale with a good moral. Looking forward to more if this turns into a series.
July 3, 2022
This is a lot more than your standard fantasy adventure fare for middle schoolers. This story touches on found family, identity, doubt, fear, and acceptance, which is pretty weighty stuff for a D&D story about a school for monsters. Not just for fans of the RPG, this is a great story for any young reader.
September 14, 2022
This was a quick fun read. I will be interested to read the other ones.
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