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Dark Arts Academy: Book 1
I'm Ayla Night, a regular girl with some seriously bad luck.
When I receive a summons to the elite Dark Arts Academy, I know it has to be a mistake. I'm a human. A nobody. And yet... I have no soul.
How the f-- did that happen?
Once class starts, I manage to piss off all the major Clans just by breathing.
The Pyros, the Necromancers, the Shades, and the Alchemists all want me dead.
Because I'm a lost pupil of the Cursed Clan and it seems my luck is just about to turn.
This book was previously published as Dark Arts Academy Episodes 1-53 in the Vella store.
This is a reverse harem paranormal romance with steam, a snarky grimoire, and a badass FMC that will blow your mind.
Dark Arts Academy is a self-contained series written in the Blood Stone Universe. While series can be read in any order, here is the recommended reading Seven Sins (Succubus Sins, Books 1-3)The Vampire Curse (Her Vampire Mentors, Royal Covens, Books 1-3)Fortune Academy (Books 1-9)Dark Arts Academy (Vella)Crescent Five (Books 1-3)Unicorn Shifter Academy (Books 1-3)
When I receive a summons to the elite Dark Arts Academy, I know it has to be a mistake. I'm a human. A nobody. And yet... I have no soul.
How the f-- did that happen?
Once class starts, I manage to piss off all the major Clans just by breathing.
The Pyros, the Necromancers, the Shades, and the Alchemists all want me dead.
Because I'm a lost pupil of the Cursed Clan and it seems my luck is just about to turn.
This book was previously published as Dark Arts Academy Episodes 1-53 in the Vella store.
This is a reverse harem paranormal romance with steam, a snarky grimoire, and a badass FMC that will blow your mind.
Dark Arts Academy is a self-contained series written in the Blood Stone Universe. While series can be read in any order, here is the recommended reading Seven Sins (Succubus Sins, Books 1-3)The Vampire Curse (Her Vampire Mentors, Royal Covens, Books 1-3)Fortune Academy (Books 1-9)Dark Arts Academy (Vella)Crescent Five (Books 1-3)Unicorn Shifter Academy (Books 1-3)
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
503 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Thorn
82 books1,616 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author J.R. Thorn is a Reverse Harem Romance author. All her books are written in the same world except for co-write books, so be sure to check out the recommended reading order listed above or on the website! (She'll also admit to having an unhealthy obsession with magical tattoos and alpha males.)
Be sure to stop by J.R. Thorn's Website: www.AuthorJRThorn.com
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Be sure to stop by J.R. Thorn's Website: www.AuthorJRThorn.com
Get a free book when you join the Newsletter! https://www.subscribepage.com/AuthorJ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 24, 2024
It's fun interesting but can seem choppy. I understand it's 25 episodes combined into a book, and sometimes it feels it. I had to go back a few times to try and work out what I missed.
The world around the characters is a harsh one, but I think a lot of the world building may be in another series or is just lacking in some parts. You do end up getting the gist. It is just quite sudden. Personal preference here: I wish the FMC was in her 20s and not 18. I get that sometimes they need to be for the event to trigger, but just a preference that would help me relate more.
There is spice, and one moment too short of smex and an okay smut. So it goes slow, fast, slow burn...so let's go with medium burn.
I think the Fortune Academy series comes before this, as a few moments suggest something big happened which explains the villain calamity... because of this, I have no idea who or what the villain is. Could have done with a little recap for those like me. I had no idea there was a before Dark Academy book.
The FMC is hardened from life. I wish I had more detail on her ex, as she mentions it a lot. She's also a little bratty but has a big heart and loyalty.
The MMCs are well all powerful and have their own stories. And apparently hot and sexy.
I enjoyed the book, easy read and was fun. Not perfect, but not bad
3.3 stars
The world around the characters is a harsh one, but I think a lot of the world building may be in another series or is just lacking in some parts. You do end up getting the gist. It is just quite sudden. Personal preference here: I wish the FMC was in her 20s and not 18. I get that sometimes they need to be for the event to trigger, but just a preference that would help me relate more.
There is spice, and one moment too short of smex and an okay smut. So it goes slow, fast, slow burn...so let's go with medium burn.
I think the Fortune Academy series comes before this, as a few moments suggest something big happened which explains the villain calamity... because of this, I have no idea who or what the villain is. Could have done with a little recap for those like me. I had no idea there was a before Dark Academy book.
The FMC is hardened from life. I wish I had more detail on her ex, as she mentions it a lot. She's also a little bratty but has a big heart and loyalty.
The MMCs are well all powerful and have their own stories. And apparently hot and sexy.
I enjoyed the book, easy read and was fun. Not perfect, but not bad
3.3 stars
September 1, 2024
It seems like I'm the outlier here. I'm now seeing that this is part of a bigger storyline that others have read, so maybe that's why?
The bones of a great story were all here, but it felt rushed and choppy. Things kept happening, but in a way that felt like the author was running down a list of things she wanted thrown in there. It all felt...vague, I guess? It's hard to explain. Ayla was the personification of a shrug and an "ugh, whatever." I can't remember the last time I read a more disinterested heroine. The shortcut of "just knowing" everything about her guys and the info dumps made them feel underdeveloped and impossible to connect with.
I think another reason I had trouble getting as into it as I wish I could've is the narration. The voice of Ayla sounded bratty, even in rare moments when she actually wasn't being bratty. The narrator doing the men sounded fantastic while voicing Mal, he was channeling his inner anime voice actor for the rest of the characters. There was a lot of dramatic blustering and lines running into each other like a run-on sentence. Both narrators rushed through the performance. Between that and the rushed writing, I kept feeling like I'd missed something, went "Wait, what?" and rewound the audiobook, only to find that, nope, I hadn't missed a thing.
Not sure if I'll finish the series. I'm a little curious to see what happens next, but I feel very disconnected from the characters.
The bones of a great story were all here, but it felt rushed and choppy. Things kept happening, but in a way that felt like the author was running down a list of things she wanted thrown in there. It all felt...vague, I guess? It's hard to explain. Ayla was the personification of a shrug and an "ugh, whatever." I can't remember the last time I read a more disinterested heroine. The shortcut of "just knowing" everything about her guys and the info dumps made them feel underdeveloped and impossible to connect with.
I think another reason I had trouble getting as into it as I wish I could've is the narration. The voice of Ayla sounded bratty, even in rare moments when she actually wasn't being bratty. The narrator doing the men sounded fantastic while voicing Mal, he was channeling his inner anime voice actor for the rest of the characters. There was a lot of dramatic blustering and lines running into each other like a run-on sentence. Both narrators rushed through the performance. Between that and the rushed writing, I kept feeling like I'd missed something, went "Wait, what?" and rewound the audiobook, only to find that, nope, I hadn't missed a thing.
Not sure if I'll finish the series. I'm a little curious to see what happens next, but I feel very disconnected from the characters.
September 13, 2024
Entertaining enough. Easy fantasy to follow. Fast read!
August 19, 2024
The story line is there. The writing just wasn’t. Kept repeating the same phrases over and over. Also rushed the ending and not really enough about the actual academy in my opinion.
January 24, 2022
Dark arts academy where all is not as it seems. A fantastically well written a reverse harem paranormal romance with steam, a snarky grimoire, and a kickass, badass FMC. Once you start this you will not be able to put this down, it’s exciting, it’s gripping, it’s fierce and I really enjoyed it!
April 5, 2022
3-1/2 stars
For me the beginning of this book was confusing I kept making sure it was book 1. It was as if I was missing something and it seemed disjointed. It did start to flow better and hold my interest.
For me the beginning of this book was confusing I kept making sure it was book 1. It was as if I was missing something and it seemed disjointed. It did start to flow better and hold my interest.
April 24, 2023
I am so obsessed with this book—I read it a while back and now I've listened to it twice already, in the span if a couple months. It's brilliantly done and will immediately pull you into its world ... and its world manages to incorporate other realms/worlds by this author (Enchanted Forest, which you may know from Unicorn Shifter Academy and the Netherworld, which you may or may not know from her Netherworld Dreams story). We get to see some familiar characters and what they're up to now (which is set after their own books) and that's super fun as well.
Ayla is a villain but ... I expect you'll find yourself rooting for her from the start.
She's smart, doesn't take any (word I can't say here) and seems to vastly underestimate herself. At just 18 she's extremely powerful and insightful ... though as you read more into it, you'll learn there are reasons for this because continuity is perfect.
This is an absolutely addictive read that promises to only get more so as it goes in—cannot recommend enough.
I do recommend reading it after the Fortune Academy: Year One series—you don't need to, you just might appreciate some bits more if you already have.
ALL the stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audiobook—
Narration, performance and production quality are all absolutely perfect. All the stars on this front too.
Ayla is a villain but ... I expect you'll find yourself rooting for her from the start.
She's smart, doesn't take any (word I can't say here) and seems to vastly underestimate herself. At just 18 she's extremely powerful and insightful ... though as you read more into it, you'll learn there are reasons for this because continuity is perfect.
This is an absolutely addictive read that promises to only get more so as it goes in—cannot recommend enough.
I do recommend reading it after the Fortune Academy: Year One series—you don't need to, you just might appreciate some bits more if you already have.
ALL the stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audiobook—
Narration, performance and production quality are all absolutely perfect. All the stars on this front too.
January 23, 2022
calamity rears its head again 😉...
LOVED this!!! Oodles of snark, combined with one fierce and determined female desperate to find her way in the world. What and who is she?! There's definitely more here than she knows...and something or someone is about to make that known soon. Welcome to Dark Arts Academy where things are not all things sunshine and rainbows. However there are more than a few pieces of eye candy along the way to class. Retract those catty claws as you never know who has more power than you 😉. Here's hoping our main gal finds her way and soon as someone seems out to make her out as prime suspect for all that's going wrong. Dive into this delicious read and all the fun...ya might even bump into a familiar character or two from previous series 💗.
LOVED this!!! Oodles of snark, combined with one fierce and determined female desperate to find her way in the world. What and who is she?! There's definitely more here than she knows...and something or someone is about to make that known soon. Welcome to Dark Arts Academy where things are not all things sunshine and rainbows. However there are more than a few pieces of eye candy along the way to class. Retract those catty claws as you never know who has more power than you 😉. Here's hoping our main gal finds her way and soon as someone seems out to make her out as prime suspect for all that's going wrong. Dive into this delicious read and all the fun...ya might even bump into a familiar character or two from previous series 💗.
January 25, 2022
Jen had these episodes originally on Amazon’s Vella, but being in Australia I didn’t have access to it, so I was excited when she decided to make it a ebook. If you have read the Fortune Academy series you’ll know that this book takes place after that and Calamity is searching for a new conduit. Ayla’s story starts as her believing she is just a human. When she tries to sell her soul to a demon, she finds out she doesn’t have one and is taken to the Dark Arts Academy. Once there she finds out her soul was actually broken in pieces when she was born and put into other vessels and she has to try to find out who in order to have a complete soul. Only she gets into trouble with one thing after another! Can she just catch a break?
September 23, 2025
This was a unique adventure, Ayla Night’s life changes catastrophically in one night, when she decides to attend a party for which she is not supposed to.
I love the magic system, the different types of mages, the power structures, and the different clans.
Ayla is a strong willed woman, she is unique, and she may or may not be the one that will save the world, or help end it.
I love the connections and chemistry between Ayla and her “mates”, there is annoyance, frustration, explosive heat, doubt, hope, protectiveness and so much more.
I can’t wait to see how Ayla and her guys deal with Calamity & their future.
I love the magic system, the different types of mages, the power structures, and the different clans.
Ayla is a strong willed woman, she is unique, and she may or may not be the one that will save the world, or help end it.
I love the connections and chemistry between Ayla and her “mates”, there is annoyance, frustration, explosive heat, doubt, hope, protectiveness and so much more.
I can’t wait to see how Ayla and her guys deal with Calamity & their future.
January 31, 2022
Disjointed
The premise seemed interesting however the H behaves and thinks like a child. There has been no logic in her thinking at all. 18 ... Doubtful. The episode thing is annoying because we keep getting told the plot over and over and.. You get my drift.
54% and this could/should have been chapter 1. If this was Wattpad I would understand the beta testing however taking this as a literary achievement, no.
This should be a YA without the ineffective smut, it just doesn't blend in.
The premise seemed interesting however the H behaves and thinks like a child. There has been no logic in her thinking at all. 18 ... Doubtful. The episode thing is annoying because we keep getting told the plot over and over and.. You get my drift.
54% and this could/should have been chapter 1. If this was Wattpad I would understand the beta testing however taking this as a literary achievement, no.
This should be a YA without the ineffective smut, it just doesn't blend in.
February 28, 2023
A lot to work through but a good story underneath with strong relationships
I liked the relationship between the female and male protagonists but the over arching story of “calamity” and it’s destructive force was a little vague for me. I’m sure it explains it more in the second book but I found myself skimming a lot to give it a chance. There was just a lot happening with Dark mage soul eating, an academy trope, the Sun mage, the necromancy plot, the big reveal at the end. It just had a lot to work through, and it makes sense since it started out as a Vella.
I liked the relationship between the female and male protagonists but the over arching story of “calamity” and it’s destructive force was a little vague for me. I’m sure it explains it more in the second book but I found myself skimming a lot to give it a chance. There was just a lot happening with Dark mage soul eating, an academy trope, the Sun mage, the necromancy plot, the big reveal at the end. It just had a lot to work through, and it makes sense since it started out as a Vella.
August 18, 2025
I started out really liking this book.
I thought it was interesting, well thought out, and a little campy.
Then she became Mary Sue and used all the most hated tropes in paranormal romance and it went down hill.
I still like the basic plot, but it did ramp up too quickly, there was no build up at all. I would love to see a sensible main character and males that can keep in in their pants and remember that she's the equivalent of a baby or a little sister to them and stop going ga-ga to get in her pants.
I thought it was interesting, well thought out, and a little campy.
Then she became Mary Sue and used all the most hated tropes in paranormal romance and it went down hill.
I still like the basic plot, but it did ramp up too quickly, there was no build up at all. I would love to see a sensible main character and males that can keep in in their pants and remember that she's the equivalent of a baby or a little sister to them and stop going ga-ga to get in her pants.
August 19, 2025
Ayla Night is a human with a plan for her future. However, her plan goes awry when it turns out she's not human after all. In fact, she's a member of the Cursed Clan, long thought to no longer exist. Her soul has been fractured and placed in vessels, allowing her their powers -Necromancy, Alchemy, Pyromancy. Now they just have to discover, is she their Savior or their Destroyer?
This is a mess. There's no world-building or character history. The reader is thrown into a scene with no background or explanation, and it's confusing. I felt like I was playing catch-up until the very end.
This is a mess. There's no world-building or character history. The reader is thrown into a scene with no background or explanation, and it's confusing. I felt like I was playing catch-up until the very end.
January 21, 2022
Fantastic book.
I've been reading this episodically on vella, but I've been unable to write a review for it.
I love the characters and the world this book is set in. The charactersare so well thought out I find myself wanting to keep reading. But, unfortunatel, I need to wait for the next episode to release. J.R. Thorn is such a fantastic writer that I always look forward to new release by her. It is always well worth the wait.
I've been reading this episodically on vella, but I've been unable to write a review for it.
I love the characters and the world this book is set in. The charactersare so well thought out I find myself wanting to keep reading. But, unfortunatel, I need to wait for the next episode to release. J.R. Thorn is such a fantastic writer that I always look forward to new release by her. It is always well worth the wait.
January 20, 2026
This made me feel weirdly nostalgic, it felt like a really bad Wattpad story. The timeline was all over the place, there was insta-love, and of course an ‘I’m not like other girls’ FMC.
Honestly, it’s the perfect book to read during exam season because you won’t get distracted by a good story… since it isn’t one.
The frustrating part is that the potential was there. The magic system was actually something new and interesting, but the execution? Just bad.
Honestly, it’s the perfect book to read during exam season because you won’t get distracted by a good story… since it isn’t one.
The frustrating part is that the potential was there. The magic system was actually something new and interesting, but the execution? Just bad.
January 20, 2022
Ayla, her guys and Jen’s Muse
If you are in the USA please check out this story In Vella you will not regret it, the story is awesome but the commentary between Jen and her Muse will have you laughing your a@@ off. Ayla and her guys will make you wish you belonged in this world (if you go to Jens Facebook and participate in her post you might even find yourself included!)
If you are in the USA please check out this story In Vella you will not regret it, the story is awesome but the commentary between Jen and her Muse will have you laughing your a@@ off. Ayla and her guys will make you wish you belonged in this world (if you go to Jens Facebook and participate in her post you might even find yourself included!)
January 21, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 1, 2022
Dark Arts Academy: Part I: Episodes 1-53 by J.R. Thorn is a book I loved reading very much. This is Part one in this series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
February 8, 2022
Oh how I enjoyed this! I live how this series or maybe saga is more like it, has progressed. The facts through out have stayed the same. I’ve seen no hiccups or changes from book to book. This is set in a very easy pace. It is definitely not hard to follow along with.I love how previous champions always come into play in the new books. I certainly cannot wait for more.
April 24, 2022
Ayla is not what anyone thought she was, not even herself. Another fight against Calamity and poor Ayla is stuck in the middle. She thought she was human but in fact she is a type of mage thought to be extinct. She is struggling to learn who she is and whether or not she can even trust her sexy men. A must read with lots of snark and sexiness.
May 12, 2023
Storyline was good overall, but with this originating as a vella series it makes the chapters/episodes seem choppy? idk i like short chapters but when it cuts off like a tv series does reminds me not to use vella cause I’m not an episode a week kinda person & i would have to reread all previous parts every time the new one came out & i ain’t got time for that lol
April 1, 2022
Strange story
This is, to me, like a harem story. Except without all of the constant sex. I actually enjoyed reading this book and will continue reading more stories from this author.
This is, to me, like a harem story. Except without all of the constant sex. I actually enjoyed reading this book and will continue reading more stories from this author.
April 3, 2022
so good
Despite several things being constantly repeated I loved the characters of this story. The twist at the end came out of nowhere, in all the good ways of storytelling. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Despite several things being constantly repeated I loved the characters of this story. The twist at the end came out of nowhere, in all the good ways of storytelling. I can’t wait to read the next book.
April 18, 2022
Wow
This is the first 53 episodes of Dark Arts academy in kindle vella. We get to go on Ayala journey to go against calamity it does seem to take place after all of Fortune academy underworlds books that need to be finished. I love this world
This is the first 53 episodes of Dark Arts academy in kindle vella. We get to go on Ayala journey to go against calamity it does seem to take place after all of Fortune academy underworlds books that need to be finished. I love this world
August 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, although I did have a bit of trouble getting to grips with the format. I really liked the characters and the plot had some interesting twists, definately looking forward to the next instalment.
November 18, 2022
Interesting
An interesting way to start the next calamity. There should be a balance that will need to be done. Wonder how that will occur. If both are in one then the battle will begin.
An interesting way to start the next calamity. There should be a balance that will need to be done. Wonder how that will occur. If both are in one then the battle will begin.
February 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book but I feel like certain things could been explained in more detail then go straight to the next chapter. Honestly loved this book and ready to read the next in the series
March 24, 2025
DNF at the halfway point. Choppy, too fast paced, and lots of gaps and questions unanswered. You would have to already live in and understand this universe to be able to follow. I was convinced my app had skipped over chapters at first.
July 3, 2025
This was so bad. No introduction, doesn’t even let us get to know the characters and barely anything happens. Halfway through the book we’ve barely even met the 1st person main character. I know more about her familiar than her or any other character in the book. It’s ridiculously poor writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews