the academy saga, book 1
The Academy Saga
Kate Connelly should be careful what she wishes for.
Just seventeen, she already feels like she’s suffocating. Since her mother’s death, her father’s basically checked out, so she’s stuck raising her brothers by herself out in the New Mexico scrub. All Kate wants is a little distraction from the same-ole, same-ole that is her life.
When two mysterious guys show up at the diner where she works, she thinks her wish has come true, until they start giving her a hard time. Like her life isn’t hard enough. Something about them niggles her, but she brushes it off. She’s never going to see them again anyway... right?
Then they appear in an alley one night to either rescue or kidnap her (she’s still not sure which) before disappearing like figments of her imagination.
Kate decides to put the bizarre encounters out of her mind. She has bigger problems to worry about: like that elite military academy that’s been pursuing her gifted little brother. When one of their cadets shows up at the high school, he creates instant pandemonium. And just happens to be one of those mysterious guys. Coincidence? Mama said there’s no such thing. And to always trust her instinct. But that might be kind of hard, because every time she’s around Cadet Peter Davenport, her gut starts flip-flopping on her. And her heart.
Can Kate keep it together long enough to stop Cadet Davenport’s mission? She’s about to find out. And—once again—how neatly life can be split into before and after.
Reader Reviews
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An organization presents itself as Elite and an extraordinary opportunity for a young boy and his family. A chance to leave his existence on a secluded dry ranch and be educated in the best military academy in the world on scholarship. A possible life his father loved, but from which had to retire. And all it would cost was the rest of his life. But his sister senses the cost would be greater than the family will ever pay.
Enter the mentor with the mission of recruiting eight-year-old Andrew as he overcomes the problems from the four-year-old brother and his big sister. It’s supposed to a “piece of cake” mission, but chemistry and romance enter the equation, and everything changes.
Is The Academy the sinister enigma Kate believes it to be? Is Pete a hero or antagonist? Who is Ranger and why does he hate her?
Not realizing this book was compared to The Twilight Saga when I began reading, I found myself thinking about it as I read. I’m anxious for the sequel The Academy, Cadet in Training.
Enjoy!
- Victoria
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Intrigued with the blurb I decided to give the book a chance. When starting a new book I'm always open with my expectations, especially with unfamiliar authors, and I have to say this book has left me speechless. It was suspenseful, intense, unique, and definitely worth the read. The compelling characters, well-written story, and plot twists (that'll keep you guessing) will encourage you to read from start to finish. That ending though... you just never see it coming. There are also two chapters with Pete's POV! Which I very much liked, it gave an idea of how he thought and felt, as well as a little insight on the organization. All n' all give this book a read you won't regret it.
- Jennifer
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GOODNESS, I really enjoyed a story that I did not think that I'd enjoy! Filled with action and secrets I could not help but feel sorry for the teenage girl who was taking care of her two little brothers, keeping up the family farm while she worked at a diner to buy them new clothes because her dad was a deadbeat who wouldn't work while he "borrowed" her tips! WHAT A JERK WAD!! When her eight-year-old brother was tested to have above-average skills the Academy wanted her dad to sign over all rights to him, but Katie fought took and nail to save him when the Academy fanned a huge amount of money at him. I didn't like Pete in the beginning and I thought that he only wanted to seduce her to fulfill his orders.
- Hotcha
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What a great thrill to read. This novel has everything in it. The romance and the twist are crazy. This novel will keep you thinking and guessing. When you think you’re right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. It had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page-turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. It will surprise you in every way. The storyline was very good! The theme and setting were well put together. The characters were well put together in the story. What a Rollercoaster! This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. This novel did just that to me. To the point that is wrong. When the ending comes I am in shock. I wouldn't ever believe or guess. Like OMG! Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It’s so good! Can't wait for her next book!
- Abdulia
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I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I DEVOURED this book. This is described as a paranormal YA romance however I wouldn’t describe it as paranormal in its entirety. We do see some hints of that but it definitely takes a backseat in the storyline. I wanted to see more of the paranormal aspect but I’m guessing that is explored more in book 2 of this Saga. Book one did a great job of getting the reader to be invested in this story and fall for our characters. This is the kind of book that my YA loving heart needed and I loved Kate Connelly. She is strong, determined, and selfless. The ending leaves you WANTING MORE. Overall this is a MUST READ!
- @buriedbeaneathmytbr on Instagram
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There are no words for a 500+ page book that is so absorbing that you read it in one sitting. (Ok, I got up and moved around a bit, but still, I read it in one day). I was totally consumed by the story at the start, and CJ Daly keeps hitting you with so many more unexpected twists and turns that just keep you guessing. Not to mention the love-hate relationship between Kate and Pete that takes young romance to a whole new level. The best part of this book…. it ends on a cliffhanger. Why is that the best part? Well because Book 2 is already out and available and you can pick up right where you left off.
If you are a YA fan, love romance, mystery, and paranormal, this book (and series) is totally for you. I guarantee you will devour this one. Highly recommend! 5 stars. CJ Daly is brilliant.
- @readinggirlreviews on Instagram
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This book was excellent. It was so engrossing that I would start reading it and look up and an hour would have passed me by. I got totally caught up in Katie’s story and the nuisances that made this such a great book. I don’t want to give anything away because you need to read this one so I’ll give you a few of my thoughts.
1. Katie is an amazing young adult she goes to school, literally is the boy’s full-time caregiver, works the farm, and works at a diner part-time. She is tough and at the same time innocent.
2. The adults in this book are really terrible for the most part. Demanding, manipulative and lazy.
3. There are so many wonderful and complicated relationships in this book. Katie and her brothers, Katie and Cadet Pete, Cadet Pete, and The Academy are just a few.
4. The ending of this book is action-packed and now I’ll be reading the second book in the series!!
- Debbie
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This book is styled as a Romantic Suspense with a touch of paranormal. Paranormal isn’t usually my bag, but when I read an excerpt of this book, it grabbed me! I think it is because the characters are so well written and developed, I was totally invested in what happened to Kate and Pete. Honestly, I think this is better than Twilight as a story and in the writing. There wasn’t much “paranormal” stuff happening, but it was hinted at so maybe we get that in book 2. It defies logic that a 500-page book could be called a page-turner, but believe me it was! I read this at just the right time when I was traveling and had long hours to read this book. It made traveling a joy instead of a chore.
I highly recommend you give this book a try! 5/5
- @lowkeybookish on Instagram
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The Perfect Escape!
Off the charts INCREDIBLE!
CJ Daly gives us an UNFORGETTABLE story with characters who are sure to capture your mind AND heart. A wild, emotional, suspenseful, RIDE you will want to take over and over. I enjoyed The Academy IMMENSELY. I could not turn these pages fast enough. I love that book feeling of being completely immersed into the story, that real life melts away. CJ Daly gives us a reader’s dream. The fact that there is a book 2, has me over the moon excited! I need more! I can’t wait to dive back into The Academy Saga and this magical journey.
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I got this book to take on a family camping trip over the holiday. I knew the rest of the fam would be busy and I wanted not just an ok book, but a great book to keep me company. I got "The Academy Saga" hoping that it would live up to the amazing reviews and it would keep up with my high imagination. And oh has it! I am still reading it, juicy part by juicy part, as of course I did not get all the alone time I was hoping lol To boot I went ahead and got the Kindle version too so that I can pretend to work and read in peace from the kids ha! I hope there is a waiting list for book two because I want in! #teamranger
- Mimi
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The dialogue and characters are phenomenal! You feel like you are right there with Kate. My son woke up in the middle of the night and while he was falling back asleep I had grab my kindle again to see what happened.... next thing I know it’s 5 am and my son fell back asleep HOURS ago! I am on pins and needles for the next one! Fantastic read!
- Megan