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Knightwood Academy #1
Survival
Each year, the Knightwood Academy chooses the best of the best to join them.
Males from different factions are sent there to train.
This year, it’s my brother's turn to take part, but sickness eats at his body every day, making it impossible for him to take part in the training.
I have no choice but to take his place, not only to save him from dying during training but also because I need the money for his medicine. It’s my job as his sister to do this for him.
I’m not worried. I know I can do this. I’m as fast and deadly as any man. My father made sure both my brother and I are very capable with a sword.
At the Academy, I have to share a room with the four men who will now be my unit. We have been ordered to grow close by sharing every moment of every day with each other.
My new unit mates don't believe I will be able to keep them alive in the coming trials, because of my size, but I would prove them wrong no matter what it takes.
If they find out who I really am, I’ll be sentenced to death, and if no one can pay for my brother's medicine, he’ll share in my fate.
Will I be able to keep my identity a secret to save my brother’s life?
I’m not sure, but I have to try.
It’s my only option.
Knightwood Academy is set in its own Dystopian world.
Slow-burn and dark Reverse Harem novel. Triggering elements appear in the story.
Males from different factions are sent there to train.
This year, it’s my brother's turn to take part, but sickness eats at his body every day, making it impossible for him to take part in the training.
I have no choice but to take his place, not only to save him from dying during training but also because I need the money for his medicine. It’s my job as his sister to do this for him.
I’m not worried. I know I can do this. I’m as fast and deadly as any man. My father made sure both my brother and I are very capable with a sword.
At the Academy, I have to share a room with the four men who will now be my unit. We have been ordered to grow close by sharing every moment of every day with each other.
My new unit mates don't believe I will be able to keep them alive in the coming trials, because of my size, but I would prove them wrong no matter what it takes.
If they find out who I really am, I’ll be sentenced to death, and if no one can pay for my brother's medicine, he’ll share in my fate.
Will I be able to keep my identity a secret to save my brother’s life?
I’m not sure, but I have to try.
It’s my only option.
Knightwood Academy is set in its own Dystopian world.
Slow-burn and dark Reverse Harem novel. Triggering elements appear in the story.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2021
212 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 29, 2021
I haven't been as regular on GR because RL is kicking my ass but after reading this book I decided to come on. This book was so horrible that if I can even save one person from reading it then I can be able to mark my charitable contribution to society as done.
This book was awful and I read book who ( which I DNF) so beware. The premise is like Mulan. The brother of our heroine(Raven) is sick, he is supposed to go to an academy to learn how to work with a unit who will then help defeat some King hellbent on killing everyone for some reason.
Raven takes his place instead and goes to the Academy. When she gets there she is put into the Number One Unit in the Academy, since she is the only swordsman she has to prove herself to them. Immediately Raven sees the guys in her unit she is lusting over them, every one of them is gorgeous and so handsome and hot that she clenching her thighs all the time, this same Raven has never had sex or even touched herself but all of a sudden she's doing that whenever she can.
The guys don't know she's female and think she's weird. They all start to have feelings for her and don't know why. They start to experience similar crisis about their attraction since none of them identify as gay. When I say similar crisis, the author almost copied their several thoughts word for word. One of the guys from another team knows that she is female and they start hanging out together. Her teammates are jealous and don't know why they are jealous of the attention the guy is getting.
I was already having issues with Raven being so needy and lustful, don't get me wrong I usually like when a FMC wants someone and gets them but Raven's inner monologue was too much for me to handle, the guys as well if I'm being honest. what really ruined the book was when Vespin, Adora and Antha came in. WTF.
All of a sudden there is a prophecy about Raven. I was already suspending belief about this fictional world in the first place because why is Raven and her brother the only good swordmen in the city book. Why can't the other people learn how to sword fight, the other villages can be thought, sword fighting wasn't anything magical or tied to their bloodline so why couldn't the other people pick up the skill. It made no sense for her and her brother to the ONLY swordsman in the ENTIRE book, that's just silly but I digress. The prophecy was about Raven using her sword fighting skills to somehow free the people from the evil king.
'Miss I can't see a handsome man without wanting him' meets Vespin and wants him as well, then lo and behold, the witches have seen them together so he is added to her harem. Vash the only guy who knows she's female is gravely injured and lo and behold, Raven has healing magic. She is called before the evil king and the king tells her if she wants to protect her unit she has to suck him off. The king who thinks she's male is so taken with her that he develops an obsession for NO REASON at all.
So Raven is still pretending to be male to her unit when one of her teachers is added to the harem, this happens with no rhyme or reason. The "seers" see that he is part of her "journey" so we have her making googly eyes at yet another person. This is a teacher that has been in the book since the very start. She only thought he was attractive( as she does with everyone) and that was only once, there was no reciprocation of attraction but immediately the witches say so they both start to lust after one another.
The second book continues with a trial that they have to do FOR NO REASON which kills off A LOT of them, I mean if you're trying to win a war why would you want to kill your soldiers before they even make it out there? It literally makes no sense but hey, in this book we are just told the king is cuckoo but I think even a mad king should realize that those people can be used at the warfront. Anyway this trial starts and a young boy from Raven's village was kidnapped and sent to it, her cover is blown because he knows her and outs her to her team, they are VERY understanding and she decides to help the boy escape. During the trial she does that, when the Evil King realizes that his bait is missing he order her and her entire team lashed in order for them to confess, when they don't he starts to plan to kidnap Raven she he can f**k her.
While they were being lashed, yet another teacher joins to take the punishment, this teacher has been looking at Raven and seems to be fighting an attraction to her as well ( he does not know they she's female) , the guys are understanding of what he's going through but don't tell him though they are ok with him being in the harem, Raven is as well. Then all of a sudden he's not part of the harem anymore, instead he dreams of a redheaded beauty who is going to be his "Everything". This is the guy that was getting erections and adjusting himself when he was sparring with Raven .
Honestly this book was a mess, things happen for no reason. The author can decide to change things up mid book and just wants you to go with it. The conversations are childish and lackluster, there is no mystery , no action and honestly no plot whatsoever.
This book was awful and I read book who ( which I DNF) so beware. The premise is like Mulan. The brother of our heroine(Raven) is sick, he is supposed to go to an academy to learn how to work with a unit who will then help defeat some King hellbent on killing everyone for some reason.
Raven takes his place instead and goes to the Academy. When she gets there she is put into the Number One Unit in the Academy, since she is the only swordsman she has to prove herself to them. Immediately Raven sees the guys in her unit she is lusting over them, every one of them is gorgeous and so handsome and hot that she clenching her thighs all the time, this same Raven has never had sex or even touched herself but all of a sudden she's doing that whenever she can.
The guys don't know she's female and think she's weird. They all start to have feelings for her and don't know why. They start to experience similar crisis about their attraction since none of them identify as gay. When I say similar crisis, the author almost copied their several thoughts word for word. One of the guys from another team knows that she is female and they start hanging out together. Her teammates are jealous and don't know why they are jealous of the attention the guy is getting.
I was already having issues with Raven being so needy and lustful, don't get me wrong I usually like when a FMC wants someone and gets them but Raven's inner monologue was too much for me to handle, the guys as well if I'm being honest. what really ruined the book was when Vespin, Adora and Antha came in. WTF.
All of a sudden there is a prophecy about Raven. I was already suspending belief about this fictional world in the first place because why is Raven and her brother the only good swordmen in the city book. Why can't the other people learn how to sword fight, the other villages can be thought, sword fighting wasn't anything magical or tied to their bloodline so why couldn't the other people pick up the skill. It made no sense for her and her brother to the ONLY swordsman in the ENTIRE book, that's just silly but I digress. The prophecy was about Raven using her sword fighting skills to somehow free the people from the evil king.
'Miss I can't see a handsome man without wanting him' meets Vespin and wants him as well, then lo and behold, the witches have seen them together so he is added to her harem. Vash the only guy who knows she's female is gravely injured and lo and behold, Raven has healing magic. She is called before the evil king and the king tells her if she wants to protect her unit she has to suck him off. The king who thinks she's male is so taken with her that he develops an obsession for NO REASON at all.
So Raven is still pretending to be male to her unit when one of her teachers is added to the harem, this happens with no rhyme or reason. The "seers" see that he is part of her "journey" so we have her making googly eyes at yet another person. This is a teacher that has been in the book since the very start. She only thought he was attractive( as she does with everyone) and that was only once, there was no reciprocation of attraction but immediately the witches say so they both start to lust after one another.
The second book continues with a trial that they have to do FOR NO REASON which kills off A LOT of them, I mean if you're trying to win a war why would you want to kill your soldiers before they even make it out there? It literally makes no sense but hey, in this book we are just told the king is cuckoo but I think even a mad king should realize that those people can be used at the warfront. Anyway this trial starts and a young boy from Raven's village was kidnapped and sent to it, her cover is blown because he knows her and outs her to her team, they are VERY understanding and she decides to help the boy escape. During the trial she does that, when the Evil King realizes that his bait is missing he order her and her entire team lashed in order for them to confess, when they don't he starts to plan to kidnap Raven she he can f**k her.
While they were being lashed, yet another teacher joins to take the punishment, this teacher has been looking at Raven and seems to be fighting an attraction to her as well ( he does not know they she's female) , the guys are understanding of what he's going through but don't tell him though they are ok with him being in the harem, Raven is as well. Then all of a sudden he's not part of the harem anymore, instead he dreams of a redheaded beauty who is going to be his "Everything". This is the guy that was getting erections and adjusting himself when he was sparring with Raven .
Honestly this book was a mess, things happen for no reason. The author can decide to change things up mid book and just wants you to go with it. The conversations are childish and lackluster, there is no mystery , no action and honestly no plot whatsoever.
December 16, 2021
4 stars
This was such an amazing debut novel. Very refreshing to read, it gave off Mulan vibes. Loved Raven's character. I can't wait to read book 2 next year.
This was such an amazing debut novel. Very refreshing to read, it gave off Mulan vibes. Loved Raven's character. I can't wait to read book 2 next year.
October 20, 2021
DNF @ 16%
Picked this up on the recommendation of a reviewer I follow but I couldn’t finish this. I liked the Mulan type storyline and didn’t care if it would be predictable but the writing and lead are causing me frustration. I tried ignoring and reading without over judging but the problems are persistent.
The first thing I noticed was the stilted dialogue, internal and external. It feels very clipped only a few steps above how bullet points read. Too formal and lacking transitions. I hate flowery writing but books need some superfluous dialogue to paint a picture, set the mood, pull you in. It should be like a hypnotist slowly easing you in until you are so wrapped up you are living alongside the characters. This book was reading like a young English teacher listing off points of events and breaking down essay formats until you’re hoping for an outdated meme or YouTube video in the slides to keep you awake.
The stilted writing I probably could have pushed through but the lead all of a sudden becomes THIRSTY once she gets surrounded by men. And I get she’s coming from a rural village with only her brother and one other dude to choose from but good goddess she doesn’t even have any preferences. Every guy is giving her “twinges” and making her “clench her thighs” while she devolves into a Mary Sue. Like if it was isolated to her unit ok maybe, but she keep reacting and doing the love struck hotness breakdown of every guy she interacts with. I have a feeling it’s meant as a red herring about whose in the eventual harem but I’m 99% sure it’s going to be the unit. Meanwhile, her reactions are making her seem like she’s some porno character who gets aroused by everything and anything and I can’t take her seriously. Like strong characters can have a libido I just don’t want to read about a strong libido with no character.
So yeah I bailed, if I was bored I wouldn’t review but these are things that should be considered if you are picking this book up.
2.25 stars, 63%, C
Picked this up on the recommendation of a reviewer I follow but I couldn’t finish this. I liked the Mulan type storyline and didn’t care if it would be predictable but the writing and lead are causing me frustration. I tried ignoring and reading without over judging but the problems are persistent.
The first thing I noticed was the stilted dialogue, internal and external. It feels very clipped only a few steps above how bullet points read. Too formal and lacking transitions. I hate flowery writing but books need some superfluous dialogue to paint a picture, set the mood, pull you in. It should be like a hypnotist slowly easing you in until you are so wrapped up you are living alongside the characters. This book was reading like a young English teacher listing off points of events and breaking down essay formats until you’re hoping for an outdated meme or YouTube video in the slides to keep you awake.
The stilted writing I probably could have pushed through but the lead all of a sudden becomes THIRSTY once she gets surrounded by men. And I get she’s coming from a rural village with only her brother and one other dude to choose from but good goddess she doesn’t even have any preferences. Every guy is giving her “twinges” and making her “clench her thighs” while she devolves into a Mary Sue. Like if it was isolated to her unit ok maybe, but she keep reacting and doing the love struck hotness breakdown of every guy she interacts with. I have a feeling it’s meant as a red herring about whose in the eventual harem but I’m 99% sure it’s going to be the unit. Meanwhile, her reactions are making her seem like she’s some porno character who gets aroused by everything and anything and I can’t take her seriously. Like strong characters can have a libido I just don’t want to read about a strong libido with no character.
So yeah I bailed, if I was bored I wouldn’t review but these are things that should be considered if you are picking this book up.
2.25 stars, 63%, C
August 28, 2021
What a great debut novel for this series.. This book has so much. This author hooks you from the first page and has you turning the pages to see what happens next. Be ready for an emotional roller coaster ride. This book will have you laughing, crying, shouting, and so much more. Be prepared for one heck of a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
In Survival, Raven takes her brothers place because of his current condition. She felt honor and duty bound to do so because he was all she has left. She took this risk despite the consequences of the actions that could come down on her if anyone discovers she’s a female in a mans world. It’s like the Disney movie Mulan all grown up with a whole lot more twists and turns. You definitely don’t see some of the things coming. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series and what comes next from this author.
In Survival, Raven takes her brothers place because of his current condition. She felt honor and duty bound to do so because he was all she has left. She took this risk despite the consequences of the actions that could come down on her if anyone discovers she’s a female in a mans world. It’s like the Disney movie Mulan all grown up with a whole lot more twists and turns. You definitely don’t see some of the things coming. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series and what comes next from this author.
August 28, 2021
What a amazing debut book for this author. She not only created an amazing story but set it in the most amazing world. Survival takes place in a dystopian society. Each year 1 person is selected from Vulture Bay to attend Knightwood academy for an attempt to serve under King Blaine, that is if they can survive the Academy. Raven's twin brother Roe is the expected candidate for the upcoming year and suffers health wise. Raven having love for her brother and not wanting to see him perish decides to take his place and pretend to be him. Here comes the intrigue. Rising feelings and attractions from the men in her unit towards her as well as others in the school lead to some crazy situations. We learn of lies told , secrets that are kept and feelings that arise. If you were only given one reverse harem to read this would definitely be the one. I am anxiously sitting on the edge of my chair after that cliffhanger eager to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
what in the Wattpad
This had to have been uploaded straight from a first draft word document straight onto Kindle, and if this is the standard for publication…
Full of plot holes, at least 1/3 of the book is grammatically incorrect or incoherent, and it’s just not that interesting. This was so poorly written that I wonder if the author speaks English as a fist language. It’s totally fine if that’s not the case, but whatever it may be, they are in desperate need of an editor and some honest proofreaders in their life. DNF.
This had to have been uploaded straight from a first draft word document straight onto Kindle, and if this is the standard for publication…
Full of plot holes, at least 1/3 of the book is grammatically incorrect or incoherent, and it’s just not that interesting. This was so poorly written that I wonder if the author speaks English as a fist language. It’s totally fine if that’s not the case, but whatever it may be, they are in desperate need of an editor and some honest proofreaders in their life. DNF.
August 29, 2021
This is an amazing debut book for this awesome author……What would you do if your king chose the best in you area to go and train to be in his army. Thing is he only takes men. Raven finds herself conflicted because he twin brother is the best sword man and they both know that he will be chosen. Only thing is Roe is sick and if he goes Raven knows he will get killed. So what does any loving sister do she takes his place. She cuts her hair and with a bit of magical help she can now pass as her brother or so she hopes. Once she is in her unit the fun begins. Some of the guys developed feelings for her. But the poor guys are so confused because they think she is a he.. See where the fun begins? The guys can’t understand why they have feelings for her. But what they don’t know is she has feelings for them as well. Hang on for a wild ride and a few emotional ups and downs as well oh and don’t forget the steamy scenes as well. This is by far one of my favorite books of the year. Chomping at the bits waiting for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021

I devoured this book within a few hours. Once I started, I was hooked! I loved the idea of an academy of knights, and it was even more exciting when there was a magic faction included. I honestly just love when magic is included in books, so this was a pleasant surprise.
I really enjoyed the main character Raven. I felt that she was strong and courageous with a dash of sassy. I loved all the guys in Unit one, and I was honestly a little skeptical of Vash. I liked him, but I was afraid he was going to betray Raven. I guess I've read too many novels where this does happen, so I couldn't trust myself. I suppose I have trust issues for the guys that are a little bit too nice. I was honestly super happy when Vash ended up being a genuinely nice guy. I didn't trust that until his POV chapter though; my bad! I loved that all the guys had their own personality and contributed well to the group. It was a bit weird with the two new guys towards the end of the book though. They don't mesh with the group yet, so I'm hoping that's something explored in the next book. Also, I am almost positive that I know who is in the cliffhanger. Good thing he's genuine.
Overall, I really enjoyed the world development and the characters. I felt like I was right there with them in the academy, which is how you know it was a good book! Sometimes I felt like the sentence structure didn't flow as well as I would like and this snagged the story pace some, which is the only reason it is getting four stars instead of five. I would definitely recommend this to any fan of reverse harems! It has spice, great characters, and an amazing plotline. You won't be disappointed.
https://coffeewanderbooks.blogspot.co...
I devoured this book within a few hours. Once I started, I was hooked! I loved the idea of an academy of knights, and it was even more exciting when there was a magic faction included. I honestly just love when magic is included in books, so this was a pleasant surprise.
I really enjoyed the main character Raven. I felt that she was strong and courageous with a dash of sassy. I loved all the guys in Unit one, and I was honestly a little skeptical of Vash. I liked him, but I was afraid he was going to betray Raven. I guess I've read too many novels where this does happen, so I couldn't trust myself. I suppose I have trust issues for the guys that are a little bit too nice. I was honestly super happy when Vash ended up being a genuinely nice guy. I didn't trust that until his POV chapter though; my bad! I loved that all the guys had their own personality and contributed well to the group. It was a bit weird with the two new guys towards the end of the book though. They don't mesh with the group yet, so I'm hoping that's something explored in the next book. Also, I am almost positive that I know who is in the cliffhanger. Good thing he's genuine.
Overall, I really enjoyed the world development and the characters. I felt like I was right there with them in the academy, which is how you know it was a good book! Sometimes I felt like the sentence structure didn't flow as well as I would like and this snagged the story pace some, which is the only reason it is getting four stars instead of five. I would definitely recommend this to any fan of reverse harems! It has spice, great characters, and an amazing plotline. You won't be disappointed.
https://coffeewanderbooks.blogspot.co...
September 1, 2021
Without Trust You Have Nothing
One of my favorite things about reading is discovering a new author. Rowen Black is a new author for me and Survival was quite a pleasant surprise.
The story drew me in from the first page and to say that the plot is intriguing would be an understatement. Rowen has created a world full of magic, prophecies, and hope. Masterfully written, I can’t help but sympathize over the plight that Raven finds herself in. The decisions she makes and will have to make in the future will have far reaching consequences for all involved.
Without trust you have nothing and this is the basis for what is to come. Secrets and lies are poisonous to any relationship and a hard lesson to learn. The world Raven and her assigned unit of men at the Academy live in is harsh and brutal at times. As the story progresses, the reader will also find that it offers hope and new beginnings based on choices the characters will make.
Intrigue, plot twists, and moments where no one is who you think they are will keep you on the edge of your seat. Who do you put your faith and trust in when one false move could mean death. Amid all of this, Raven’s awakening sexual nature and feelings for her unit both confuse and entice her to explore further. The sex isn’t gratuitous and is definitely HOT!! I found myself getting just as frustrated as Raven, Garrett, Clay, Archer, and Orion.
The book does end with a surprise cliffhanger and I think I have it figured out. Either way, it makes waiting for book 2 that much more exciting. Please don’t let a cliffhanger ending turn you away from this story. It is beautifully written and well worth your time. I absolutely LOVED it and definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new author with a fresh voice.
One of my favorite things about reading is discovering a new author. Rowen Black is a new author for me and Survival was quite a pleasant surprise.
The story drew me in from the first page and to say that the plot is intriguing would be an understatement. Rowen has created a world full of magic, prophecies, and hope. Masterfully written, I can’t help but sympathize over the plight that Raven finds herself in. The decisions she makes and will have to make in the future will have far reaching consequences for all involved.
Without trust you have nothing and this is the basis for what is to come. Secrets and lies are poisonous to any relationship and a hard lesson to learn. The world Raven and her assigned unit of men at the Academy live in is harsh and brutal at times. As the story progresses, the reader will also find that it offers hope and new beginnings based on choices the characters will make.
Intrigue, plot twists, and moments where no one is who you think they are will keep you on the edge of your seat. Who do you put your faith and trust in when one false move could mean death. Amid all of this, Raven’s awakening sexual nature and feelings for her unit both confuse and entice her to explore further. The sex isn’t gratuitous and is definitely HOT!! I found myself getting just as frustrated as Raven, Garrett, Clay, Archer, and Orion.
The book does end with a surprise cliffhanger and I think I have it figured out. Either way, it makes waiting for book 2 that much more exciting. Please don’t let a cliffhanger ending turn you away from this story. It is beautifully written and well worth your time. I absolutely LOVED it and definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new author with a fresh voice.
September 2, 2021
There are no enough words in the dictionary to describe the love I have for this book! Rowen Black smashed her debut novel! The twist and turns this book took, left me guessing the whole time.
Raven is an amazing FMC, who is trying to do the right thing for her sick brother. She takes his place at Knightwood Academy. The only problem is, it’s an all boys school, made to test the wills of the students, only the strongest will survive.
Raven’s unit is filled with drool worthy men. Garret the sweetheart, I love him so much. Orion, Clay and Archer. They all must learn to trust each other to survive!
Vash is from another unit, at first I wasn’t sure about him, but he’s so well written, I found myself rooting for him. He’s definitely a unique part of the story. Every character is important to the story.
I love watching her Harlem grow. The sexy scenes are out of this world hot! I will be thinking about the shower scene probably forever. Just thinking about it has me all worked up.
Her growth from the beginning of the book, to the end of book one was astounding and I can’t wait to read more! This book has definitely been one of my top reads this year.
Raven is an amazing FMC, who is trying to do the right thing for her sick brother. She takes his place at Knightwood Academy. The only problem is, it’s an all boys school, made to test the wills of the students, only the strongest will survive.
Raven’s unit is filled with drool worthy men. Garret the sweetheart, I love him so much. Orion, Clay and Archer. They all must learn to trust each other to survive!
Vash is from another unit, at first I wasn’t sure about him, but he’s so well written, I found myself rooting for him. He’s definitely a unique part of the story. Every character is important to the story.
I love watching her Harlem grow. The sexy scenes are out of this world hot! I will be thinking about the shower scene probably forever. Just thinking about it has me all worked up.
Her growth from the beginning of the book, to the end of book one was astounding and I can’t wait to read more! This book has definitely been one of my top reads this year.
September 3, 2021
This book was AMAZING!! My first dystopian that I’ve read and I am completely head over heels. It has all the mystery that you could possibly want, which kicks my brain into overdrive with all my theories of what’s to come. This is a debut novel and so well written. The mystery, backstory, the steam factor are all amazing. I love all the characters.
I just want to crawl inside Rowen Blacks mind and hang out for a day.
This is a secret girl story, think Mulan with a bunch of sexy men. The angst in this book almost killed me, I was sooo ready for my girl to get what she clearly needed.
I’m soooo ready for the next book. Also, Vash is mine.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
I just want to crawl inside Rowen Blacks mind and hang out for a day.
This is a secret girl story, think Mulan with a bunch of sexy men. The angst in this book almost killed me, I was sooo ready for my girl to get what she clearly needed.
I’m soooo ready for the next book. Also, Vash is mine.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
September 3, 2021
Omg this book by far is one of my favorites! The twist and turn it takes you on the emotional highs and lows are just amazing! The characters in this book are by far the next level amazing they will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. The sex scene in the book are melt yourself in your seat hott and make you want to join in!! There is no down fall to this book other than the next isn’t out yet!!
December 19, 2021
actual rating 3.5 stars
What a nice surprise, this is a hidden gem. I enjoyed this more than i expected. The story is so intriguing, it keeps you on your toes sort of. So much is going on and there is a lot of twists that you will not know of. I was a bit sceptic at first but then i decided to just start it, i realized how good it was. I like the heroin Raven , she is one of the best sword fighters and she is smart knows how to work hard and survive out there. It make an interesting plot with having a woman pretending to be a man in a school full of just guys.
I laughed so much when the guys did question their sexuality and started kissing each other, lmfo
OMG i fucking knew it, it´s not confirmed yet at who it is at the end standing there in all black with a crown. But i have a feeling that it has to be Vash? cuz i did not believe that he had died at that time.
So we have king vespin, garrett, lukos, orion, clay, archer and( vash?) maybe tyler also, or not
who is the guys that is obviously gonna be in the harem, what i think at least
I am so excited to read the next book!
Btw i know it wa mm in it, so i was a bit hesitant to read it. I aint against it it´s just that in some books that have mm in it it takes over and i feel like the heroin is not in the center, if you know what i mean. But i think this is alright, i am fine with orion & garrett , they actually fit each other. But i hope that it will stay like that.
What a nice surprise, this is a hidden gem. I enjoyed this more than i expected. The story is so intriguing, it keeps you on your toes sort of. So much is going on and there is a lot of twists that you will not know of. I was a bit sceptic at first but then i decided to just start it, i realized how good it was. I like the heroin Raven , she is one of the best sword fighters and she is smart knows how to work hard and survive out there. It make an interesting plot with having a woman pretending to be a man in a school full of just guys.
I laughed so much when the guys did question their sexuality and started kissing each other, lmfo
OMG i fucking knew it, it´s not confirmed yet at who it is at the end standing there in all black with a crown. But i have a feeling that it has to be Vash? cuz i did not believe that he had died at that time.
So we have king vespin, garrett, lukos, orion, clay, archer and( vash?) maybe tyler also, or not
who is the guys that is obviously gonna be in the harem, what i think at least
I am so excited to read the next book!
Btw i know it wa mm in it, so i was a bit hesitant to read it. I aint against it it´s just that in some books that have mm in it it takes over and i feel like the heroin is not in the center, if you know what i mean. But i think this is alright, i am fine with orion & garrett , they actually fit each other. But i hope that it will stay like that.
December 30, 2021
I couldn’t get past the first five chapters. The storyline has promise I guess but good god the writing style was so bad. Every other sentence was a run-on, and while that isn’t usually a big deal, I just could not get past it. For example, here is a single sentence from the fourth chapter:
“In front of you is a list of possible things that could happen, nothing is set in stone so plan for any eventualities, good luck to you all.”
That is three sentences in one and it just feels sloppy.
Also, the author over explains everything. When writing, its important to give just enough detail or exposition so the reader is able to make inferences. For example, if you want the reader to know that someone was injured in the war, you can just say that most men around his age are on active duty, not instructors, and that he has a slight limp. You don’t need to have an entire paragraph explaining why the main character thinks he was injured at war and then end it with “he walked with a limp.” Its way way too much. And don’t even get me started on the dialogue.
It just reads like wattpad fanfic, and not even one of the better ones. Yikes.
“In front of you is a list of possible things that could happen, nothing is set in stone so plan for any eventualities, good luck to you all.”
That is three sentences in one and it just feels sloppy.
Also, the author over explains everything. When writing, its important to give just enough detail or exposition so the reader is able to make inferences. For example, if you want the reader to know that someone was injured in the war, you can just say that most men around his age are on active duty, not instructors, and that he has a slight limp. You don’t need to have an entire paragraph explaining why the main character thinks he was injured at war and then end it with “he walked with a limp.” Its way way too much. And don’t even get me started on the dialogue.
It just reads like wattpad fanfic, and not even one of the better ones. Yikes.
January 6, 2022
Emotionally stunted, needs an editor
The story idea is a good one: the main character needs to save her twin, so she pretends to be him.
Unfortunately, every person in the book talks like either an android or a weird horny AI. There's very little use of contractions so every conversation sounds stilted.
- People referred to as their gender. "Male" is a deception, not a person.
- Main character is a badass except not but also surrounded by mean men who treat her like trash but oh NO they're so HOT she can't resist. Ugh.
- Mary Sue A-Go-Go. She's fine as a character, but not that interesting, honestly. Then a super flimsy magical mate bond is introduced.
- Show don't tell has been thrown right out the window here. There's so much exposition you might expect a World's Fair to spontaneously appear.
To the author: I'm begging you to find an editor to help with this. Someone who isn't your friend works best, so they'll be honest with you but not cruel. There's potential here, but you're going to need help to polish it.
The story idea is a good one: the main character needs to save her twin, so she pretends to be him.
Unfortunately, every person in the book talks like either an android or a weird horny AI. There's very little use of contractions so every conversation sounds stilted.
- People referred to as their gender. "Male" is a deception, not a person.
- Main character is a badass except not but also surrounded by mean men who treat her like trash but oh NO they're so HOT she can't resist. Ugh.
- Mary Sue A-Go-Go. She's fine as a character, but not that interesting, honestly. Then a super flimsy magical mate bond is introduced.
- Show don't tell has been thrown right out the window here. There's so much exposition you might expect a World's Fair to spontaneously appear.
To the author: I'm begging you to find an editor to help with this. Someone who isn't your friend works best, so they'll be honest with you but not cruel. There's potential here, but you're going to need help to polish it.
January 18, 2022
This was 4 stars for me during the first half, but I'm not sure the second half was edited, as errors were suddenly everywhere. In the second half, I also started to get annoyed with the plot. It seemed like every named male character was added to the MC's collection, and I didn’t care at all about the last 2. It drove me crazy that the MC told her unit literally every secret she had except the one they needed from her. I also started skimming alot in the second half, especially through the sex scene with the real Roe and his girl. I didn't care about those 2 at all, and the book didn't need those pages. The second half also felt emotionally disconnected somehow, especially when the MC was supposed to be grieving. I'm about to start book 2, so I'm hoping it channels more of the first half of this book than the second half.
March 28, 2023
mulan vibes, it was really goood
March 24, 2022
The idea is there alright. I like it. The story is interesting.
This is kind of a mulan, hunger games and throne of glass mash up if you ask me. I like it.
What I don't like is how superficial it was written. Every scene I think is going to be deep and meaningful lasts like one page and then is like cut scene and lets move on to a week after...
His twin sister goes to this school undercover with the risk of penalty of death if discovered and comes back and he is like look what I did with the house while you were gone. Im like... where is the worry? A little fight would have been nice before he automatically accepted that she would return to that danger. And that is just an example of many others with other characters as well.
That made me feel so much less than I know I would have in a well written scene.
The drag on of keeping the secret from the guys stopped making any sense really. If she supposedly trusted them. I was just waiting for her to finally reveal it. Whenever she decided to wait to tell (maaaany times btw) i just knew the author wanted it to be by accident and even then I was like ok fineee but lets do it alreadyyy
Gosh whyyyyyy do authors choose to get more guys in the harem after the ones and onlys have been stablished. I was never sure of vash so I though he is gling to get killed off and then there will be balance but nooooo!! He is alive, and 2 randoms are being added. Great. Fantastic.
Also, I hate how we barely have action (considering the story) and keep being interrupted with sex in ghe most inconvinient of times. Like that time garret was supoosed to be KEEPING WATCH and instead took the time to jerk off and have a makeout-drama session with raven. Seriously?
Eveything from start to finish is told in such a dry way that is hard to connect my feelings with the story. Orion kills someone in one of the LESSONS they have and we just move on like its NORMAL.
Although I liked how garrets lack of information led to ghat scene with roe, I still didnt like how easy and quick the reveal was. "I forgive you" for making him believe he was a boy and ghat he was gay for months. Just like that? Also I hated that it was only garret... ughhhhhhhhhh
Conclusion: likey but dislikey
This is kind of a mulan, hunger games and throne of glass mash up if you ask me. I like it.
What I don't like is how superficial it was written. Every scene I think is going to be deep and meaningful lasts like one page and then is like cut scene and lets move on to a week after...
His twin sister goes to this school undercover with the risk of penalty of death if discovered and comes back and he is like look what I did with the house while you were gone. Im like... where is the worry? A little fight would have been nice before he automatically accepted that she would return to that danger. And that is just an example of many others with other characters as well.
That made me feel so much less than I know I would have in a well written scene.
The drag on of keeping the secret from the guys stopped making any sense really. If she supposedly trusted them. I was just waiting for her to finally reveal it. Whenever she decided to wait to tell (maaaany times btw) i just knew the author wanted it to be by accident and even then I was like ok fineee but lets do it alreadyyy
Gosh whyyyyyy do authors choose to get more guys in the harem after the ones and onlys have been stablished. I was never sure of vash so I though he is gling to get killed off and then there will be balance but nooooo!! He is alive, and 2 randoms are being added. Great. Fantastic.
Also, I hate how we barely have action (considering the story) and keep being interrupted with sex in ghe most inconvinient of times. Like that time garret was supoosed to be KEEPING WATCH and instead took the time to jerk off and have a makeout-drama session with raven. Seriously?
Eveything from start to finish is told in such a dry way that is hard to connect my feelings with the story. Orion kills someone in one of the LESSONS they have and we just move on like its NORMAL.
Although I liked how garrets lack of information led to ghat scene with roe, I still didnt like how easy and quick the reveal was. "I forgive you" for making him believe he was a boy and ghat he was gay for months. Just like that? Also I hated that it was only garret... ughhhhhhhhhh
Conclusion: likey but dislikey
September 9, 2021
Interesting story and world-building
I enjoyed the premise of this book. It did remind me a lot of the Hunger Games with a mix of the Culling Trials. Very similar with the being chosen to go to a school, different factions with different skills and rich-poor, plus the sister taking over the sibling spot. While it was similar to these books it did have its own bit of world building and different reasons for being trained/going to a school.
I think the lore and history of the world was written and explained well. I was just confused about some things they had like using horses but they were still in jeans, used archery and swordsman but then there was something about being able to freeze sperm to keep the population. Just a little confused about the level of technology/the world. However, other than those little things, the history of the war, royal family etc. was pretty interesting
When it comes to the romance part, some relationships did move quickly, although that could be because some of the story went by fairly quickly. The MM seemed rushed between the guys and I wasn’t really sure how I felt about it going that fast. We shall see how it works out in book 2.
I do like the few twists and turns that did occur though. Especially with some dangerous situations and the ending.
I would probably rate this a 3.5/5, I think the world building and the story was pretty interesting. Rounding up to a 4 because there were some twists I enjoyed. I feel like I had a lot of questions and some of the histories of the guy and the quickness of relationships felt rushed. I will continue reading this series because I think the author is a good storyteller and I would like to see where she takes this story.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. It did remind me a lot of the Hunger Games with a mix of the Culling Trials. Very similar with the being chosen to go to a school, different factions with different skills and rich-poor, plus the sister taking over the sibling spot. While it was similar to these books it did have its own bit of world building and different reasons for being trained/going to a school.
I think the lore and history of the world was written and explained well. I was just confused about some things they had like using horses but they were still in jeans, used archery and swordsman but then there was something about being able to freeze sperm to keep the population. Just a little confused about the level of technology/the world. However, other than those little things, the history of the war, royal family etc. was pretty interesting
When it comes to the romance part, some relationships did move quickly, although that could be because some of the story went by fairly quickly. The MM seemed rushed between the guys and I wasn’t really sure how I felt about it going that fast. We shall see how it works out in book 2.
I do like the few twists and turns that did occur though. Especially with some dangerous situations and the ending.
I would probably rate this a 3.5/5, I think the world building and the story was pretty interesting. Rounding up to a 4 because there were some twists I enjoyed. I feel like I had a lot of questions and some of the histories of the guy and the quickness of relationships felt rushed. I will continue reading this series because I think the author is a good storyteller and I would like to see where she takes this story.
August 30, 2021
What a great start and debut by this author.
Dystopian vibe, great world building, and an absolutely fantastic FMC. Raven is such a relatable FMC. I love Roe her twin. What Raven does for him, took alot of guts, The guys in her unit tho I am still up in the air about them…….
I overall really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of twists and turns, and that ending…… I will definitely read book 2.
Dystopian vibe, great world building, and an absolutely fantastic FMC. Raven is such a relatable FMC. I love Roe her twin. What Raven does for him, took alot of guts, The guys in her unit tho I am still up in the air about them…….
I overall really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of twists and turns, and that ending…… I will definitely read book 2.
September 2, 2021
Rowen certainly took us on a ride with this one and her writing style is unique! The story feels original and the men are infuriating in the best way. I can recommend this to anyone who is looking for a Mulan-type, hidden girl trope-loving, sword and sorcery RH with a slow-building harem (slow/medium burn but I can't tell you WHO in the harem gets some.) The world is a large one and there's a whole lot more story to come, I can tell!
February 4, 2022
Quite bad. The worst thing about it is that the heroine is extremely sex driven. Like, a man can’t get near her without her getting aroused. You can see the problem if she’s masquerading as a man and is surrounded by men all the time, yes? It was frustrating. I kept wanting for her to be competent and take the situation seriously but instead she was just lust lust lust all the time. I’m over her.
August 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! Excellent plot line and hot, infuriating yet lovable guys. Cannot wait for second book.. Must read!
August 28, 2021
Just done reading and love love love this book. One of the ones you can't stop reading because you need to see what happens next. Totally different than all the other reverse harem stories.
December 16, 2021
Great storyline but needs editing
This was a great storyline. I had thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are likeable, except for the villain, of course. He's a pretty nasty person.
This would have been a perfect five star book for me if there weren't so many editing needs. Some were simple things like "your" instead of "you're", then punctuation in wrong places, etc. Typically I would stop reading a book when there's the same issues with grammar, spelling, etc., but as noted, the storyline was good for me, so I kept on reading till the end.
This was a great storyline. I had thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are likeable, except for the villain, of course. He's a pretty nasty person.
This would have been a perfect five star book for me if there weren't so many editing needs. Some were simple things like "your" instead of "you're", then punctuation in wrong places, etc. Typically I would stop reading a book when there's the same issues with grammar, spelling, etc., but as noted, the storyline was good for me, so I kept on reading till the end.
January 8, 2022
Raven's twin brother is sick and the annual selection for which swordsman will attend Knightwood Academy is coming up. She knows if her brother goes, he will die. So, she disguises herself as a boy and heads to the academy in his place and hopes to keep her secret while surviving.
I loved the idea of this story, but it could have been better.
One major thing that bothered me was how stilted the writing seemed. The dialogue between characters seemed so disconnected... I'm not sure if it was from the lack of contractions which made everything seem so formal, or what, but it was like everyone was talking at each other instead of talking to each other. I just didn't connect with the characters. I liked some of them, but I wasn't convinced about anything they said or did.
The story was a little inconsistent. The whole point of Raven disguising herself as a boy and going to Knightwood Academy in her brother's place was because he was sick and if he went he would die. We read early in the book that if she is found out, or if he doesn't attend the school, they will both be executed. Circumstances are pretty dire here; its life or death. And yet, once she is there, it seems like she could care less. We read about her nearly throwing it all away it seems like every other chapter because she is more interested in getting the D.
Which brings me to the guys. I would have liked more relationship building between the group (except for Vash, we got plenty of that). We have this group of guys who, up until meeting Raven/Roe, have been straight and are now questioning whether or not thats been true. But, in the book it comes out of no where. One chapter they all dislike her and loathe having a weak looking guy in their unit that they all view as a liability. Then a few chapters later, they are all attracted to her and confused as to why. What changed? We barely read any interactions between Raven/Roe and the guys up until this point where they all realize that they want her. It was like all of a sudden they are all infatuated with her bordering on love.
Also, I don't even know what to say about the mate bonds and their sudden appearance at about 70% into the book. It seemed like the author got the idea after already writing most of the book and then decided to run with it. There's no mention of them up until this point and it just seemed to come out of nowhere. To me, it was like an idea that came up after the fact and just thrown in there because, why not?
Anyways. Despite all I've mentioned, it wasn't terrible. I liked how strong Raven was. She showed up and everyone assumed she was just gonna fail out and drag her team down, but really, her team benefitted from having her. A lot of the time, if it weren't for her, they probably would have failed.
I'm not sure if I will continue this series or not. Im kind of curious to see what happens, but at the same time I barely made it though this book. I did end up skimming a bit towards the end because a lot of it started to get repetitive and I was frustrated with her saying "Im gonna tell them all the truth," and then I would wait for her to actually tell them ANYTHING, but then she told them nothing. I wanted the big reveal, like "Tada... I have boobies!"... but it never came. Bummer.
I would recommend to anyone who likes the 'girl disguised as a boy' trope, or anyone who likes a strong heroine and twisty-turny plots. Again, I reiterate, this wasn't terrible, but it could have been better. My expectations were probably too high though, so there is that.
January 10, 2023
This book had so much potential, but it needs work.
I really liked the concept, as I love Mulan and loved reading the Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce when I was young. I think this book has some of the right ingredients to being great but needs some work as it fell short.
There are issues throughout - spelling, grammar, misuse of words; and the overall flow needs a lot of work - far too many individual sentences have bad flow that just doesn't sound natural, and the flow and transition between paragraphs aren't smooth, with topics too often jumping around or just seem to be inserted randomly and don't quite make sense.
The characters took a while to really connect to and start to like.
Worldbuilding and story...well there's still outstanding questions, some bigger than others, particularly around the Academy and the trials.
All in all there's great potential here, but it needs some work. And while I am curious as to what will happen next, I note there's about 4 books planned for this series, and I won't make it through that many books if they're in similar state as this one with editing issues etc.
I really liked the concept, as I love Mulan and loved reading the Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce when I was young. I think this book has some of the right ingredients to being great but needs some work as it fell short.
There are issues throughout - spelling, grammar, misuse of words; and the overall flow needs a lot of work - far too many individual sentences have bad flow that just doesn't sound natural, and the flow and transition between paragraphs aren't smooth, with topics too often jumping around or just seem to be inserted randomly and don't quite make sense.
The characters took a while to really connect to and start to like.
Worldbuilding and story...well there's still outstanding questions, some bigger than others, particularly around the Academy and the trials.
All in all there's great potential here, but it needs some work. And while I am curious as to what will happen next, I note there's about 4 books planned for this series, and I won't make it through that many books if they're in similar state as this one with editing issues etc.
October 6, 2021
Really good
I really liked this! I love the hidden women amongst the men reads. We meet raven, who takes the place of her twin brother to keep him from being killed. She's brave and gets treated horrible by everyone in the beginning. but she stays strong, and soon her squad is having an identity crisis in trying to figure out if they all like men in reality. Its kinda down right hilarious them kissing each other, I was crackling! But on a serious note this book is crazy with all that is going on, the twist I did see coming was so good, even though I knew where this entire book was going, it still was so enjoyable. I will say there is a huge trigger. I don't know if its mentioned, I could have totally passed by it, If thats the case thats definitely on me. But there is a sexual forced act on our H. It is jarring and sick. Do please be warned
I really liked this! I love the hidden women amongst the men reads. We meet raven, who takes the place of her twin brother to keep him from being killed. She's brave and gets treated horrible by everyone in the beginning. but she stays strong, and soon her squad is having an identity crisis in trying to figure out if they all like men in reality. Its kinda down right hilarious them kissing each other, I was crackling! But on a serious note this book is crazy with all that is going on, the twist I did see coming was so good, even though I knew where this entire book was going, it still was so enjoyable. I will say there is a huge trigger. I don't know if its mentioned, I could have totally passed by it, If thats the case thats definitely on me. But there is a sexual forced act on our H. It is jarring and sick. Do please be warned
January 16, 2023
Needs SERIOUS editing. I can typically look past a few things here and there, but the reoccurring and consistent issues were enough that I almost put the book down. Tbh I only finished because I didn’t have WiFi access to download another book.
I think the story line and the world has potential, honestly. Raven should have been revealed as a girl before the third trial, then her other plot twist at the end. As it was, I felt it was unnecessarily drawn out as if to make the story longer.
Characterizations need more work because raven felt very one note and the guys were so forgettable that I still don’t remember their names and I’ve finished the book.
I think the story line and the world has potential, honestly. Raven should have been revealed as a girl before the third trial, then her other plot twist at the end. As it was, I felt it was unnecessarily drawn out as if to make the story longer.
Characterizations need more work because raven felt very one note and the guys were so forgettable that I still don’t remember their names and I’ve finished the book.
December 16, 2021
DNF 67%.
Mulan type story where girl goes into army to protect family member. In this case twin brother instead of father.
Obvious problems:
The barracks setup where she shared a room and open concept bath with four guys. No way you're getting away with pretending to be a man for months.
The army school seems designed to kill all the soldiers before the war. Bad battle strategy.
The only fun part of this was seeing her squadmate have unusually protective tender and even lustful thoughts toward someone they thought was male.
Mulan type story where girl goes into army to protect family member. In this case twin brother instead of father.
Obvious problems:
The barracks setup where she shared a room and open concept bath with four guys. No way you're getting away with pretending to be a man for months.
The army school seems designed to kill all the soldiers before the war. Bad battle strategy.
The only fun part of this was seeing her squadmate have unusually protective tender and even lustful thoughts toward someone they thought was male.
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