Rating: 3.75⭐️
Back in the universe of academy training , trials, the Fae and saving the world. But this time the twist is the Tales of the Knights of the Round Table, King Arthur, Lady of the Lake, and every one of the hugely magical characters who are part of that mythology. Yes, Merlin too.
But all updated to current times with interesting interpretations and weaving of modern history and the author’s dystopian narrative. Again, Fae bad and mad at humanity. And the magical system is still being developed here.
Nia is kidnapped while on vacation in Europe and taken to Avalon Academy to become a spy against the Fae. That’s a very bare minimum outline.
She, naturally, has strict training to undergo, much of her classmates are against her, and there are dangerous trials to pass for her to say that she’s graduated and a spy. Plus a ex boyfriend to contend with.
Elements I thought made the story stronger were Nia’s asthma, a contributing factor to her personality and less than stellar physical condition. Her mother is alcoholic whose dependence upon Nia makes any separation, even a hard won vacation, one of emotional distress and anxiety. This is a very well written aspect of the book and her character, and it’s used perfectly.
The magical powers and systems are slowly developed, brought along or revealed as Nia’s own character changes and grows during her time in the Academy and her missions there.
This ends in a cliffhanger, two to be exact. Both made me want to continue further into the series and Nia’s journey.
A definite recommendation for fantasy lovers and those who read this trope. Last book to be released this Spring.
Fey Spy Academy (3 book series)
Avalon Tower #1
Vale of Dreams #2
Lady of the Lake #3 – April 18, 2025
Buy link
Avalon Tower: A Fantasy Romance (Fey Spy Academy Book 1)
Blurb
Avalon Academy rules: spy on your enemies, resist temptation, and try not to die in the process.
As a bookseller, Nia saved up for years for her dream vacation—drinking champagne on a beach with her favorite books. But her dream turns into a nightmare when she’s kidnapped by a muscular, tattooed jerk of a fey named Raphael.
Yes, kidnapped.
It turns out Nia has a magic power, and Raphael demands that she train at Camelot’s elite academy for spies. Raphael is hellbent on revenge against an evil Fey king, certain that Nia’s powers can help. But Nia is in way over her head–asthmatic and out of shape. She’ll be lucky to get out of there alive.
Still, there’s no escape when Raphael is watching her every move. He’s lethal, dangerous, and hot as hell. When they’re sent on a dangerous missions together, he becomes harder to resist. Touching him is playing with fire. Is she ready to get burned?
- Publisher: (March 22, 2024)
- Publication date: March 22, 2024
- Language: English
- Print length: 454 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 