Half Blood Rising:

Moonlight Academy #1

by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

Academy romance, chance of a lifetime, and former rouge on the run–what could go wrong? Jaymin Clarance is a rogue half vampire—she’s hunting supernatural convicts and trying to stay anonymous, which doesn’t always go according to plan. When a mysterious Fae approaches her in Lviv and offers her a spot at the highly sought-after Moonlight Academy, it’s her only chance to finally turn her miserable life around. However, the Academy isn’t just an ordinary school for supernaturals—it’s also the place where students are prepped for admission to the most exclusive academy in Bucharest—The Elite. Soon enough, Jaymin and her new group are sent out on a mission in Moscow. Their job is to rescue the daughter of a warlock who’s been kidnapped by an ancient clan of vampires, however, an experienced member of the school, a handsome Scottish vampire named Lachlan, doesn’t trust a half breed like Jaymin. One mistake during her probationary period could jeopardize Jaymin’s chance to prove that she’s worthy of being considered for a trial in the Elite Academy, and pretty boy, Lachlan, would love nothing more than to see her expelled.

Genres: Vampires

257 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2020

About the author

Joanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English.
The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a first book in an amazing series I’m sure. Jaymin is a Rogue, half vampire hunting paranormal convicts. Fast paced action all the way. Loved it.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been changed but into what? Jaymin was abducted and experimented on. She was human and is now half vampire and also something else. For four years she has been saving people against demons, but when she is betrayed and comes to the attention of an academy that can help her she agrees. But when she meets a powerful vampire some of her memories start coming back and she starts to remember her old life and what was done to her. Now she has powers that she can't control, and she seems to be more powerful than she should be. What is she?

[Joanne H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl made into a vampire and left to die. Somehow she stays alive and lives on the street. She starts working for paranormal that want the bad guys dead and that is how she lived. Some paranormal found her and thought she would do well and learn how to use and control her body at a academy for paranormal.. Then things really get good. Easy reading.

[Esmeralda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, all those four and five stars ratings were misleading...Ugh.

[Brittni Kitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few minor details repeated a few times in the beginning, but after that it is decently fast paced. I like the bloodline twists and the interesting powers that everyone has. Lots of action, magic, and sexual tension. It is another story about adults in a school, acting like teenagers, my only storyline complaint. Didn't want to put it down and can't wait to read the next book!

[Kreela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s face it; I wasted an entire day reading this. I admit that Academy Romance is starting to feel abused as a subgenre. Fresh ideas get more and more difficult, and you have to sort through the poorly written ones to find this jewel.

But waking up in an alley with no memory and a piece of paper with a name on it: precious. Jaymin takes that name (even though it could be the name of her maker,for all she knows) and attempts to scrape by on the streets with abosolutely no money, no knowledge of the Ukrainian language, or toothbrush, for that matter. She performs odd jobs that almost break her, but luckily, just as she reaches bottom, she is given the chance to attend a pre-college.

Only the most likely mercenaries seem to qualify. What also flavors this story is Jaymin’s attraction to a Scottish vampire. The romance is strong in this one, and I am instantly in love with the story. Honesty, I love Romance plus Great Plot!

I have just one teensy criticism: Jaymin doesn’t understand the language, but she likes reading in the public library? Huh? Oh, need I remind her they have a public restroom, too (in America, at least)?

Go with the flow, though, because this is one of her best written novels!

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very action packed, romantic suspense look at a different kind of Academy for the Supernatural. Jaymin is a hybrid 19 yr. old she thinks that she is half human and half vampire and she has taught herself to survive after waking in an alley with no memory of it or what happen to her. She knows that this is not how her life was before even if she didn't have a memory she knows that she has not always lived on the street barely existing. She has been working for the Council without their knowledge and getting paid a bounty, on her last job she got the killer but her handler brought a council member but she knew something was wrong and ran. She got involved in a situation with a Mage she just barley got a way even though she got hurt. A couple days later she finds she is being followed and she meets Ms. Oldman who convinced her to come and join the Academy with other young supernaturals like herself she made it sound so good that Jaymin could not pass up a chance to get off the street. But you know things are not always what they seem, that is a definite with Jaymin and Ms. Oldman's assistant Lachlan. This is an unusual but very interesting story line and the characters are fantastic and Jaymin can kick butt.
I was given an Advance Reader Copy by the author as a gift without obligation. I am providing an honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating new world. Dark and faintly sinister if you’re a member of one of the non-human races. I loved that we got to experience it through Jaymin’s eyes. She’s an outsider in this insular world and she’s learned the hard way that trust isn’t something to be given lightly. Having her entire life history outside of the last several years being shrouded in mystery made for some highly compelling reading. I found that there were some continuity issues in the text that left me scratching my head, but regardless of that, I was sucked into the story and now I desperately want to know more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Michelle Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the story line

This story line is refreshing. While this is still an”acadamey” story, I like that Jaymin starts with no memories and has to figure out who she is. Jaymin goes from strong and independent, but scared and in danger; to becoming even stronger and earning her place. She no longe has to fight alone and knows more about what she is, if not who. It will be interesting to see how she and the other characters develop, and if she becomes more self assured. Will definitely be reading the next book

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half Blood Rising (Moonlight Academy Book One) is a academy romance. Hot off the press, supernaturals embark on a journey that is dangerous. First book in this new series gives well detailed world building descriptions and settings. Jaymin's character is intriguing and I'm looking forward to reading more about her and how she flourishes in the following books. Worthwhile beginning to this series and looking forward to reading what's next in this series.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half Blood Rising, Moonlight Academy, Book 1 is a bit different from the cookie-cutter academy storyline. Our protagonist has no memories of her life before she became (half-)vampire. The action is fast-paced, and the twists kept coming, making this read intense and interesting. It will be fascinating to see what direction the writer takes with these characters.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Read in Kindle Unlimited ***

Great start to a new series and boy oh boy I totally fell in love with Jaymin and how she behaves. The author sets this series out just right by giving great descriptions on the world building and settings There is so much that happens in this book that you will need to read it to find out, since I refuse to give spoilers.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed reading and can't wait to see what happens next.

[Lynn Roncone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to what will be an amazing series. Brilliant characters and an action packed story. Can't wait to see what happens next and the budding romance.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Can't wait to read more in this series.