What do you think?
Rate this book
Kat Sanders #1
A Strange New World
What an extraordinary way to celebrate graduation! Imagine being whisked away from the ordinary confines of human life by your best friend, only to find yourself immersed in a captivating world of magic. I start to readjust to my new normal yet every turn has a trap door or there is a poisoned apple getting thrown at me. My aunt - who I didn't know I had- is the Dean and her guardian is the Hercules. I now have a sometimes invisible wolf as mine, who talks and can kicks arse all on her own. Oh. Did I mention the myriad of hot guys? Picture purple-eyed cutie-pies and irresistibly alluring rocker personas that make your heart skip a beat.
Bring on the drama – and hopefully a chill pill.
In this enchanting tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery, the question Will I be able to handle the extraordinary challenges that lie ahead?
RH Paranormal Academy- Slow burn and build. Book 1 in a series.
Bring on the drama – and hopefully a chill pill.
In this enchanting tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery, the question Will I be able to handle the extraordinary challenges that lie ahead?
RH Paranormal Academy- Slow burn and build. Book 1 in a series.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
294 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Layla Landon
18 books16 followersLayla Landon is a laid back Aussie, who loves her dog and values family above all else. Layla has been an avid reader since high school, thinking nothing of reading 300 books in a year. In memory of her father, Layla finally put aside her fears and published her first book in 2022. When she isn’t writing, she is playing with her dogs, watching anime or reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 20, 2023
A Strange New World- 1.5⭐️ 1.5🌶️
Romantasy
Magical Realism
Greek Mythology
College-like Setting
Elemental Magic
Magical/Mythical Beasts
Multi POV
Slow Burn
Slow Build
Clumsy FMC
🏳️🌈 Side Character Rep
Future Reverse Harem
Flash back/forward
Soul Bond
The chapter heading art is pretty.
There was a trigger warning, I appreciate that.
Lots of grammatical and punctuation errors that detracted from the story telling. A few near identical repetitions of information within a paragraph or two of each other. Some switches between past and present tense that are disorienting.
There are an immense numbers of pop culture references to celebrities, music, movies and such. I’m not usually in favor of this because it dates a book to a very specific time period, even when one isn’t stated.
The writing style was very much NOT for me. It reads like a journal with all of the slang, incessantly heavy sarcasm, self deprecating humor and nuances of “teenager patterned dialogue” made it very hard to take the MC seriously… the MC even states her own immaturity in her internal dialogue. The banter, for me, didn’t read as intended because of how frequent it was. It felt like nothing was sincere.
POV Shifts:
after only 1 PoV for 5 chapters, the shift for Chapter 6 was disorienting and not enough of a tone shift to differentiate enough between the characters. They sounded too similar.
Pov shift for chapter 22 and 34 weren’t labeled whose POV it was. While I imagine/hope it was intentional and served a purpose, it was VERY disorienting.
*note- this book takes place over basically a 2 week period (or possibly less) and while so much happens….. it felt like not a lot happens except for a near minute by minute play by play of every day. Example: The explanation of the inner workings of the college cafeteria that took almost 2 pages of info-dumping made me almost DNF due to how absolutely unnecessary and useless the information was in pushing the plot forward… unless the cafeteria becomes the main setting and a huge plot point later on in the story. I really just don’t see that as being the case, but I could be wrong.
There was next to no sexual tension or chemistry emitted from possible relationships that all read at surface level.
The flash forward that started the book made anticipation for high stakes that never panned out in this book, or was even touched on, causing me to be disappointed when the only twist was that there was an expedited timeline for something widely known and expected the entire time.
There are a lot that seem to be heavily influenced by Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Boys, Percy Jackson and Red Queen.
I unfortunately will not be continuing with this series.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review
Romantasy
Magical Realism
Greek Mythology
College-like Setting
Elemental Magic
Magical/Mythical Beasts
Multi POV
Slow Burn
Slow Build
Clumsy FMC
🏳️🌈 Side Character Rep
Future Reverse Harem
Flash back/forward
Soul Bond
The chapter heading art is pretty.
There was a trigger warning, I appreciate that.
Lots of grammatical and punctuation errors that detracted from the story telling. A few near identical repetitions of information within a paragraph or two of each other. Some switches between past and present tense that are disorienting.
There are an immense numbers of pop culture references to celebrities, music, movies and such. I’m not usually in favor of this because it dates a book to a very specific time period, even when one isn’t stated.
The writing style was very much NOT for me. It reads like a journal with all of the slang, incessantly heavy sarcasm, self deprecating humor and nuances of “teenager patterned dialogue” made it very hard to take the MC seriously… the MC even states her own immaturity in her internal dialogue. The banter, for me, didn’t read as intended because of how frequent it was. It felt like nothing was sincere.
POV Shifts:
after only 1 PoV for 5 chapters, the shift for Chapter 6 was disorienting and not enough of a tone shift to differentiate enough between the characters. They sounded too similar.
Pov shift for chapter 22 and 34 weren’t labeled whose POV it was. While I imagine/hope it was intentional and served a purpose, it was VERY disorienting.
*note- this book takes place over basically a 2 week period (or possibly less) and while so much happens….. it felt like not a lot happens except for a near minute by minute play by play of every day. Example: The explanation of the inner workings of the college cafeteria that took almost 2 pages of info-dumping made me almost DNF due to how absolutely unnecessary and useless the information was in pushing the plot forward… unless the cafeteria becomes the main setting and a huge plot point later on in the story. I really just don’t see that as being the case, but I could be wrong.
There was next to no sexual tension or chemistry emitted from possible relationships that all read at surface level.
The flash forward that started the book made anticipation for high stakes that never panned out in this book, or was even touched on, causing me to be disappointed when the only twist was that there was an expedited timeline for something widely known and expected the entire time.
There are a lot that seem to be heavily influenced by Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Boys, Percy Jackson and Red Queen.
I unfortunately will not be continuing with this series.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review
June 1, 2022
What is even happening?
DNF 26% but skim read the rest
2 stars and not 1 star because the premise is awesome.
From reading this you can definitely tell this is the first book this author has published as there was so much potential with no follow through.
This book is constantly moving with no pause to describe details on what is even happening.
Just as a warning, you will spend a lot of this book (if not all) confused and lost. Good luck
DNF 26% but skim read the rest
2 stars and not 1 star because the premise is awesome.
From reading this you can definitely tell this is the first book this author has published as there was so much potential with no follow through.
This book is constantly moving with no pause to describe details on what is even happening.
Just as a warning, you will spend a lot of this book (if not all) confused and lost. Good luck
November 20, 2024
Interesting but chaotic
Interesting plot, but the writing and story structure was a bit chaotic. The characters were not really fleshed out enough to explain the quickly established group dynamic. However, considering it is this author's first book, I hope these things will improve with more writing experience.
Interesting plot, but the writing and story structure was a bit chaotic. The characters were not really fleshed out enough to explain the quickly established group dynamic. However, considering it is this author's first book, I hope these things will improve with more writing experience.
December 7, 2022
A Strange New World, the first book in the Kat Sanders series by Layla Landon was a fun read and a fabulous dive into a new magical world with characters that will instantly grab a hold of your heart. If you love slow build, slow burn RHs set in a university setting then this is the one for you!
Our poor FMC Kat Sanders is clueless when it comes to the supernatural world until suddenly her life is thrown into the deep end of the paranormal pool and everything changes! Suddenly discovering that there’s a whole other world is one thing-/discovering you’re actually part of it and your mom kept it a secret from you? Mind blowing!
Now thrust into this new life, she finally finds herself sent to a school of magic immersed in a new magical life of familiars and shifters, magical potions and spells and of course a variety of super hot guys and tons of drama and hijinks galore. And yes while this is definitely a slow burn, it’s still captivating enough to grab your attention and enthrall you in this new magical world, so if that’s your choice of tea, then definitely grab this one today!
Our poor FMC Kat Sanders is clueless when it comes to the supernatural world until suddenly her life is thrown into the deep end of the paranormal pool and everything changes! Suddenly discovering that there’s a whole other world is one thing-/discovering you’re actually part of it and your mom kept it a secret from you? Mind blowing!
Now thrust into this new life, she finally finds herself sent to a school of magic immersed in a new magical life of familiars and shifters, magical potions and spells and of course a variety of super hot guys and tons of drama and hijinks galore. And yes while this is definitely a slow burn, it’s still captivating enough to grab your attention and enthrall you in this new magical world, so if that’s your choice of tea, then definitely grab this one today!
January 6, 2024
A Strange New World is the first book in the Kat Sanders fantasy series. Kat Sanders has just graduated high school and is ready to set off for her next adventure at college when her world as she knew it changes. Magic is real and all of the other fantasy creatures Kat has heard about in fantasy books are too. Her best friend is taking her to a school of magic, not college, and Kat is forced to jump into this new world feet first.
I am a fan of fantasy, especially magic, and when I read the description of this book I was instantly intrigued. I love the world that Layla Landon has created in the start of this series and I’m excited to see where this is going to go. This book was full of a lot of background information and information to set up the world Kat has just entered. I have a feeling the next book is really going to get into the heart of the story and I’m looking forward to that. I enjoy most of the characters that have been introduced so far and think that they add a lot to the story. I also didn’t want to put this book down! I’m glad I picked this book up and can’t wait to start of the second book in the series!
I am a fan of fantasy, especially magic, and when I read the description of this book I was instantly intrigued. I love the world that Layla Landon has created in the start of this series and I’m excited to see where this is going to go. This book was full of a lot of background information and information to set up the world Kat has just entered. I have a feeling the next book is really going to get into the heart of the story and I’m looking forward to that. I enjoy most of the characters that have been introduced so far and think that they add a lot to the story. I also didn’t want to put this book down! I’m glad I picked this book up and can’t wait to start of the second book in the series!
March 20, 2022
Lovely New World!!
Fantastic read! Kat is thrust into a brand new world and it takes her for quite the loop!! The story is completely engaging and you will find yourself immersed in this strange new world right along with Kat! You will adore Kat instantly - she has some spark to her that’s for sure! Then her harem (or possible harem interests) will keep you on your toes as well! This is a slow burn so get ready to feel some sizzling chemistry! I absolutely cant wait for more as I can feel we are just getting started.
Fantastic read! Kat is thrust into a brand new world and it takes her for quite the loop!! The story is completely engaging and you will find yourself immersed in this strange new world right along with Kat! You will adore Kat instantly - she has some spark to her that’s for sure! Then her harem (or possible harem interests) will keep you on your toes as well! This is a slow burn so get ready to feel some sizzling chemistry! I absolutely cant wait for more as I can feel we are just getting started.
March 24, 2022
What an amazing start to a new series! Kat is one sassy and witty girl and I am so here for it! Thrown into a world she never knew existed, she makes new friends who help her figure out this new exciting world. The character development is beautifully executed and the world building is wonderful. Top it all off with that ending and I’m seriously so excited for more to come! Definitely a must read!
March 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, FMC is a good mix of naive and sassy. She has been brought into a world she belongs to yet knows nothing about it. The legend of this book however is Carol, I laughed so much at a lot of things that came out of her mouth. This book was an amazing read and I can wait for the next one
March 22, 2022
What an interesting world it is
A very interesting book about a girl's journey into a supernatural world! Kat is forced into a school that is full of otherworldly beings and learns of new powers she didnt know she possessed, and discovers something about herself that even the Dean is confused over.
The entire book is full of funny wit and major sarcasm, loved it!!
A very interesting book about a girl's journey into a supernatural world! Kat is forced into a school that is full of otherworldly beings and learns of new powers she didnt know she possessed, and discovers something about herself that even the Dean is confused over.
The entire book is full of funny wit and major sarcasm, loved it!!
February 8, 2025
Great read
Ahh I'm so invested in this first book. I love all the characters and I am looking forward to seeing relationships grow and secrets revealed. The twist and turns of learning about this unique world have been super fun. A bit of a cross between shadow hunters, Percy Jackson and Harry potter. LOVE. Book 2 here I come.
Ahh I'm so invested in this first book. I love all the characters and I am looking forward to seeing relationships grow and secrets revealed. The twist and turns of learning about this unique world have been super fun. A bit of a cross between shadow hunters, Percy Jackson and Harry potter. LOVE. Book 2 here I come.
July 10, 2023
good book
So much is being put on her plate I’m surprised she hasn’t had a mental breakdown because lord that’s a lot of crazy happening.
So much is being put on her plate I’m surprised she hasn’t had a mental breakdown because lord that’s a lot of crazy happening.
May 3, 2024
great story
Good description of characters. I love the humor and interactions of lead characters. I’m looking forward to the next book
Good description of characters. I love the humor and interactions of lead characters. I’m looking forward to the next book
May 19, 2025
This!!!!
I was in s lump and this one was so good! I am enthralled. Need to know where this will take me
I was in s lump and this one was so good! I am enthralled. Need to know where this will take me
June 29, 2025
Enthralling
Fantastic story. I couldn't put it down. Engaging characters and an entertaining storyline what's not to love. Getting very interesting.
Fantastic story. I couldn't put it down. Engaging characters and an entertaining storyline what's not to love. Getting very interesting.
May 26, 2025
✨ A Slow Start in a Sparkly World ✨
Ohhh this one was a bit of a tough one for me 🎢. A Strange New World by Layla Landon is the first book in the Kat Sanders series, and I was so ready to be swept away into a magical school setting with mysterious vibes and big fantasy energy. And to be fair—it really did have that potential! The magical system had my mind racing with ideas 🌌✨. But the pacing... oh my days. I felt like I was stuck in a loop of Kat’s daily itinerary for two straight weeks, and I nearly didn’t make it to the end. Still, I’ve got a soft spot for magical worlds and I’m holding onto hope that book two finds its footing! 🤞📚
What I Loved About This Book ❤️
🌟 The Magical System
Genuinely—this was the brightest light in the book! The world Layla Landon is building here has a really rich foundation. You can feel the potential humming under the surface. There's something ancient, powerful, and intriguing going on with this magic, and I really wanted more of that.
🏫 The School Vibes
You know me, I’m a sucker for a good magical academy! The setting gave me cosy, mysterious, slightly eerie school vibes, and it’s clear the author has a big world planned for this series.
👀 The Mystery Element
There’s a definite sense of “something’s not quite right” lingering in the air, and that subtle tension kept me reading even when the pacing dragged.
What I Thought Could Change 🛠️
Okay, I’m going to be kind but real here: the info-dumping was intense. Like, “Kat woke up, Kat brushed her teeth, Kat blinked twice, Kat looked out the window…” for two weeks straight 🥲. It was like reading a diary of someone’s every blink and breath, and while I get the need to ground us in her new world, it just became too much. The plot barely moved forward because of it, and I kept waiting for something big to happen.
Also—romance? Is there supposed to be any? Because I couldn’t spot even a breadcrumb of it 😂. I feel like book one could’ve trimmed at least a third of the content and still kept all the essential magic.
The Tropes 📚
Magical Academy
Hidden World
fates mates (again potentially in the future?)
Chosen One Vibes
Slow Burn (but really slow… like... possibly not even lit yet)
Found Family (potentially later!)
Ohhh this one was a bit of a tough one for me 🎢. A Strange New World by Layla Landon is the first book in the Kat Sanders series, and I was so ready to be swept away into a magical school setting with mysterious vibes and big fantasy energy. And to be fair—it really did have that potential! The magical system had my mind racing with ideas 🌌✨. But the pacing... oh my days. I felt like I was stuck in a loop of Kat’s daily itinerary for two straight weeks, and I nearly didn’t make it to the end. Still, I’ve got a soft spot for magical worlds and I’m holding onto hope that book two finds its footing! 🤞📚
What I Loved About This Book ❤️
🌟 The Magical System
Genuinely—this was the brightest light in the book! The world Layla Landon is building here has a really rich foundation. You can feel the potential humming under the surface. There's something ancient, powerful, and intriguing going on with this magic, and I really wanted more of that.
🏫 The School Vibes
You know me, I’m a sucker for a good magical academy! The setting gave me cosy, mysterious, slightly eerie school vibes, and it’s clear the author has a big world planned for this series.
👀 The Mystery Element
There’s a definite sense of “something’s not quite right” lingering in the air, and that subtle tension kept me reading even when the pacing dragged.
What I Thought Could Change 🛠️
Okay, I’m going to be kind but real here: the info-dumping was intense. Like, “Kat woke up, Kat brushed her teeth, Kat blinked twice, Kat looked out the window…” for two weeks straight 🥲. It was like reading a diary of someone’s every blink and breath, and while I get the need to ground us in her new world, it just became too much. The plot barely moved forward because of it, and I kept waiting for something big to happen.
Also—romance? Is there supposed to be any? Because I couldn’t spot even a breadcrumb of it 😂. I feel like book one could’ve trimmed at least a third of the content and still kept all the essential magic.
The Tropes 📚
Magical Academy
Hidden World
fates mates (again potentially in the future?)
Chosen One Vibes
Slow Burn (but really slow… like... possibly not even lit yet)
Found Family (potentially later!)
March 15, 2025
I would have given this book a higher rating but there were some issues. The most important issue is the grammar and editing mistakes. I downloaded my copy via Kindle Unlimited and must assume it is the most recent copy of the book, yet there are many editing issues with words duplicated or spelling mistakes. Easily fixable content that detracts from the story.
The next issue is the Main Character, she was raised in a human world and thrust into a supernatural one and just accepts it? Add in that her best friend is also one of the supernatural and she just accepts it and goes back to the way they were before finding it all out?
Now on to the content, interesting plot, but the writing and story structure were a bit chaotic and disorganized. The characters were not fleshed out enough to explain the group dynamic. I can understand the relationship between Tim and Kat but the fast friendship between the others just seems fake and unrealistic.
One thing I did not really see the need for was the POV change. From chapters 1-5 we had one point of view, then suddenly in chapter 6 we were in a different pov. This shift was disorienting and there was no true tone shift to differentiate between the characters, Tim and Kat just seem to be the same person.
Now mind you this entire book takes place in a very short time frame, approximately 1-2 weeks and some of what happens just blurs by, while other things seem to drag on, the heavy info dump about the school cafeteria for example, simply wasn't needed.
I was expecting some sexual tension or chemistry from possible relationships, but there was nothing. Based on how the book began, I also expected some high stakes, but nothing ever truly happened.
Now due to the fact that this is the author's debut novel, I will give her another chance and continue with the series in the hopes that the writing pans out and becomes less chaotic. I truly hope she learns to show and not tell because that is critical in a good book, and the premise of this book does have promise.
Solid 3 star debut, and as I said I would have given it 4 but the editing and grammar mistakes annoy me to no end.
The next issue is the Main Character, she was raised in a human world and thrust into a supernatural one and just accepts it? Add in that her best friend is also one of the supernatural and she just accepts it and goes back to the way they were before finding it all out?
Now on to the content, interesting plot, but the writing and story structure were a bit chaotic and disorganized. The characters were not fleshed out enough to explain the group dynamic. I can understand the relationship between Tim and Kat but the fast friendship between the others just seems fake and unrealistic.
One thing I did not really see the need for was the POV change. From chapters 1-5 we had one point of view, then suddenly in chapter 6 we were in a different pov. This shift was disorienting and there was no true tone shift to differentiate between the characters, Tim and Kat just seem to be the same person.
Now mind you this entire book takes place in a very short time frame, approximately 1-2 weeks and some of what happens just blurs by, while other things seem to drag on, the heavy info dump about the school cafeteria for example, simply wasn't needed.
I was expecting some sexual tension or chemistry from possible relationships, but there was nothing. Based on how the book began, I also expected some high stakes, but nothing ever truly happened.
Now due to the fact that this is the author's debut novel, I will give her another chance and continue with the series in the hopes that the writing pans out and becomes less chaotic. I truly hope she learns to show and not tell because that is critical in a good book, and the premise of this book does have promise.
Solid 3 star debut, and as I said I would have given it 4 but the editing and grammar mistakes annoy me to no end.
February 4, 2024
Decent debut
This was a pretty decent debut. There was a LOT of information, and it all felt pretty chaotic and confusing, which was kind of annoying but also helped you empathise with Kat. There was NO romance in this installment it was surely setting the scene. I'm not even 100% sure who the harem members are at this point, but if I were to hazard a guess I'd say Shane, Colwyn, Kyle and Prof Tao. But we shall see. I was kind of uncomfortable with how quickly Kat seemed to bond with so mamy new people and the group was all kinds of solidified within less than a week. For someone who's only friend in her entire life had been Tim up to that point it felt somehow off. I also didn't like the random drop in povs I prefer either proper multi pov or single pov these drop ins felt jarring. I also felt that all the characters were incredibly immature all throughout this. I know they're supposed to be late teens but it felt too childish for a romance book. You can usually ignore the ages because they act more maturely so uiu can mentally age them up but that was impossible to do. And I hated how they all laughed at their own jokes and stuff. I don't know why but it just made the humour seem disingenuous somehow. Overall there was definitely enough intrigue for me to try book 2 but I'm not really sold on the series yet.
This was a pretty decent debut. There was a LOT of information, and it all felt pretty chaotic and confusing, which was kind of annoying but also helped you empathise with Kat. There was NO romance in this installment it was surely setting the scene. I'm not even 100% sure who the harem members are at this point, but if I were to hazard a guess I'd say Shane, Colwyn, Kyle and Prof Tao. But we shall see. I was kind of uncomfortable with how quickly Kat seemed to bond with so mamy new people and the group was all kinds of solidified within less than a week. For someone who's only friend in her entire life had been Tim up to that point it felt somehow off. I also didn't like the random drop in povs I prefer either proper multi pov or single pov these drop ins felt jarring. I also felt that all the characters were incredibly immature all throughout this. I know they're supposed to be late teens but it felt too childish for a romance book. You can usually ignore the ages because they act more maturely so uiu can mentally age them up but that was impossible to do. And I hated how they all laughed at their own jokes and stuff. I don't know why but it just made the humour seem disingenuous somehow. Overall there was definitely enough intrigue for me to try book 2 but I'm not really sold on the series yet.
February 9, 2025
3.5 Stars!
Personally I really enjoyed this book and that’s saying something because it’s not my usual type that I’d read, it’s perfect as a palette cleanser.
The main FMC Kat thinks her mum is crazy in emails she reads after her mum has passed, but then later finds out she was telling the truth as it all unfurls when she gets sent off to an academy to begin learning about herself and her skills.
She does have to do extra/independent studies as she has rare ‘powers’ per say and also has a familiar (magical being) that is again rare/hasn’t paired with someone in a while.
Throughout the story Kat’s friends support her when needed too.
Some parts of the story feel rushed but others make a lot of sense. I found parts of the book humourous, the way characters interacted, I don’t know if that was the author’s intention or not but this is in no bad way. This book does end with a bit of a cliffhanger as to continue the series, which I do enjoy.
Favourite quote: This is some next level Wingardium Leviosa sht.
Personally I really enjoyed this book and that’s saying something because it’s not my usual type that I’d read, it’s perfect as a palette cleanser.
The main FMC Kat thinks her mum is crazy in emails she reads after her mum has passed, but then later finds out she was telling the truth as it all unfurls when she gets sent off to an academy to begin learning about herself and her skills.
She does have to do extra/independent studies as she has rare ‘powers’ per say and also has a familiar (magical being) that is again rare/hasn’t paired with someone in a while.
Throughout the story Kat’s friends support her when needed too.
Some parts of the story feel rushed but others make a lot of sense. I found parts of the book humourous, the way characters interacted, I don’t know if that was the author’s intention or not but this is in no bad way. This book does end with a bit of a cliffhanger as to continue the series, which I do enjoy.
Favourite quote: This is some next level Wingardium Leviosa sht.
May 21, 2025
I really want to like this book. I pushed myself to finish it. It dragged on so much with nothing really happening. I wanted to like Kat but she was annoying and whiny. She was funny at times and I liked that she could fight. But it didn’t make up for her being not really like able. She was kinda mean to everyone but they ran to make her happy. Im so over the FMC finding out her she has powers and being a whiny bitch about it. Omg and Tim? Overbearing and touchy best friend. No wonder no guys has liked her before, he pushes everyone dude that gets close to her away. I liked Tammy. But the random POVs from people that aren’t even in her harem I’m assuming was odd too. I was interested in seeing who would be in Kat’s harem but nothing was happening!!! I have an idea on two people but can’t be sure. The world building was confusing and it was a lot of them just eating food and what they wanted to order. Too much detail there when you could have her actual have scenes and conversations with her harem. Ugh so much potential but fell flat.
January 7, 2024
Although I liked the premise of the story there were a couple things that threw me off or made me want to DNF. Starting with the writing style. The FMC came off as a child at and out kind of made me annoyed and I couldn’t take her seriously. One of the important things for me when reading is to fall in love with characters and it sucks i couldn’t do that in this story. I also felt there was unnecessary descriptions and dialogue. The premise is great just the execution needs to be achieved. To keep this short I think this can be a really amazing series if the author focused on formatting the plots. Think of the plot and kind of have a layout of where you’re trying to take the story. There has to be a cause and effect, this happened because of this. All in all, I see the potential and I’m sure the more Layla writes the more she’ll learn through her own writing processes.
April 30, 2025
I did not really enjoy this book. It was infantile and confusing. I was excited by the spirit guardian familiars but even those didn’t elevate this book.
I wanted to like this book, it had potential. However the characters are shallow, and there is zero explanation about what is going on. There was zero emotion from the main character about her mother lying to her, leaving her dad after a trauma, her best friend being an employee. She gets to college and despite being really bright, first week fails everything and there is no support at all. It was kind of depressing. Any normal person would have quit. Felt like a majorly watered down version of Harry Potter.
I wanted to like this book, it had potential. However the characters are shallow, and there is zero explanation about what is going on. There was zero emotion from the main character about her mother lying to her, leaving her dad after a trauma, her best friend being an employee. She gets to college and despite being really bright, first week fails everything and there is no support at all. It was kind of depressing. Any normal person would have quit. Felt like a majorly watered down version of Harry Potter.
January 6, 2025
A strange new world
Honestly I found the book a bit stereotypical. Main female character introduced to a fantasy life for the first time after living a normal life. Kat is a clumsy girl but picking up everything explained to her very quickly.
There was no spice and seemed like it was aimed at a young audience. The ending of the book leads into the story continuing into a school rivalry.
I did like the personalities of the different characters especially Val the magical semi invisible dog. However felt like the book dragged on a bit and got a bit boring.
Honestly I found the book a bit stereotypical. Main female character introduced to a fantasy life for the first time after living a normal life. Kat is a clumsy girl but picking up everything explained to her very quickly.
There was no spice and seemed like it was aimed at a young audience. The ending of the book leads into the story continuing into a school rivalry.
I did like the personalities of the different characters especially Val the magical semi invisible dog. However felt like the book dragged on a bit and got a bit boring.
February 5, 2024
This book was slow to start, but really kicks in around chapter ten when the FMC's new life begins.
Love the characters and the instant connections and bonds that pop up around her.
The world building is great, making the reader really feel apart of the world. This book is very slow-burn with little to no romance yet but can see the potential for more in the rest of the series.
Found family.
New world.
Love the characters and the instant connections and bonds that pop up around her.
The world building is great, making the reader really feel apart of the world. This book is very slow-burn with little to no romance yet but can see the potential for more in the rest of the series.
Found family.
New world.
December 24, 2025
I liked it but….
I liked the book but it was hard to read for some reason and get into it. I think it’s just writing style preference on my end but for some reason I had to force myself to finish the book. I’m gonna keep reading the series to give it a try but I’m not as invested as I wanna be or usually am by the end of a book. Still giving it 4 stars cause it’s a nice concept and storyline to follow. It’s just hard for me to do so.
I liked the book but it was hard to read for some reason and get into it. I think it’s just writing style preference on my end but for some reason I had to force myself to finish the book. I’m gonna keep reading the series to give it a try but I’m not as invested as I wanna be or usually am by the end of a book. Still giving it 4 stars cause it’s a nice concept and storyline to follow. It’s just hard for me to do so.
March 21, 2022
great story!
This series starter is a very interesting read, with cool characters and a lot of potential!
I adore the dynamic between the characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes! It has a great deal of potential!
Boy oh boy though, mind the cliff at the end! It’s definitely worth the read!
This series starter is a very interesting read, with cool characters and a lot of potential!
I adore the dynamic between the characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes! It has a great deal of potential!
Boy oh boy though, mind the cliff at the end! It’s definitely worth the read!
January 31, 2024
A Strange New World
It was a bit slow but progressed through the story. Kat is a bit whinny but I get it since she’s thrown into a whole new world with no knowledge of it. I’m wondering if she is royal or ‘fated’ to be with Slade since they have similar powers. It will be interesting to see how the story plays out.
It was a bit slow but progressed through the story. Kat is a bit whinny but I get it since she’s thrown into a whole new world with no knowledge of it. I’m wondering if she is royal or ‘fated’ to be with Slade since they have similar powers. It will be interesting to see how the story plays out.
September 21, 2025
Interesting characters and world building. First time reading a main character, Kat, who is autistic with ADD I suspect. Friendships are good plus potential love interests for next book. Wish less backstory and real world set up in first half of book so more time spent in new world but oh well! Can’t wait to read book 2!
April 15, 2023
slow burn? no burn?
Good world building and storyline but I would have liked this to be a bit longer. The ending didn’t really feel like an ending it just seemed like it was a deadline and more needed to happen in the book. I look forward to more.
Good world building and storyline but I would have liked this to be a bit longer. The ending didn’t really feel like an ending it just seemed like it was a deadline and more needed to happen in the book. I look forward to more.
June 14, 2025
A brave new world discovered
It's an enjoyable read. The characters are quirky. The world building and plot development is good. I am looking forward to how the series will develop.
It's an enjoyable read. The characters are quirky. The world building and plot development is good. I am looking forward to how the series will develop.
May 23, 2022
DNF. Didn't even get that far, but I just couldn't get into this style of writing. It felt disjointed to me for some reason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews