Welcome to Once Upon Academy where Magic is real and Princesses really do have happily ever afters.Once Upon a time, in the realm of Fairytales there is a little known school only the best are accepted to attend. The Academy is deep inside the fantasy forest hidden in plain sight. When those who have not been invited in, they see a normal school, brick and mortar but when the acceptance letter is … acceptance letter is received it becomes the beautiful estate for those to continue their college education in the magical world.
Join the decendants of classic fairytale characters as they navigate through their college lives at the prestigious Once Upon Academy.
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I thought it would be difficult to rate and review a collection of stories written by 10 (yes, ten!) different authors, especially when so many or new to me, but it’s not! The quality doesn’t wobble in the slightest. I always have my “least favourite” story in an anthology, but this time I don’t. They are all brilliant and all immensely readable! There are common themes among the stories – romance, modern fairy tales, and, of course, the Once Upon Academy as a setting. The stories here deserve widespread attention and a place in the history of fairy tales. I just wish I’d had this collection around when I was 15 or 16.
Contents:
Bird’s Eye View – Kerry Evelyn
Song of the Reaper – Stephanie Harrell
Sense & Sensitivity – Emma Fontaine
Swindled Hearts – Valerie Puri
Perle of Wisdom – Marie Long
Bone Stars – Elle Klass
A Stormy Romance – Kim Plasket
The King’s Son and Little Gem – Valerie Willis
Taming Her Might – Toni Peden
Malefic Mixology – Breezy Jones
My thanks to the authors for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
I am currently leaving a review for the following stories
Bird’s Eye View – Kerry Evelyn
I truly enjoyed this story. We have a girl who thought herself a nobody who ends up in the most prestigious school. She is then forced to face her fear of non-other Feathers… Yep, you get humor too in this story but it’s not all that it seems.
Reggie had no idea he had a family and how this young man finds out is horrible but thank goodness Nettie is his savior and they help each other conquer their fears.
Song of The Reaper – Stephanie Harrell
This was a first for me by this author and I can honestly say I can’t wait for more. This story finds us at the same school but with a new twist.
A family secret will come to light but will they all still be a family after?
When the one thing in her life she doesn’t want lands in her future Lyra doesn’t know what to do. She wants to rebel of course but something happens that makes her change her mind along with a few of her families. Cole is to train her, he was not given specifics totally but it isn’t honest with Lyra either at first. But as they say, love conquers all right? Sweet, and enjoyable story. Very well written.
Sense & Sensitivity – Emma Fontaine
This is a cute story… a version of The Princess and The Pea in sorts with other fairy tale beings. Very well written.
The Kings Son and Little Gem Valerie Willis
Hilarious story… Kalmin and Hesse will give you a grin on your face.
It reminds me kind of like Cinderella meets Prince charming perhaps. But you must add in a bit of magic and mayhem.
Perle of Wisdom – Marie Long
Another cute story featuring Perle a lover of books and fantasy. She is a bit gullible and takes the word of a lady by the name of Giselle. What Perle doesn’t know however is her parents have a past with that same woman and it just gets better. Truly enjoyable.
Taming Her Might – Toni Peden
Growing up can be hard and for Celeste, it means deciding if you want to run the Kingdom or go out on your own. She prays she gets accepted into Once Upon Academy and when that day arrives well it’s not going to be all that it seems. Her roommate well let’s just say she doesn’t have the best of families, but in the long run, rumors are just that. Kierra turns out to be her best friend when a Gnome decides to go a bit bonkers. Totally enjoyed this story.
A compilation of short stories. Each a delectable bite of a decadent dessert. Witty and funny a delightful read. You are in for a pleasurable time. Really enjoyed this anthology.
The only book I’ve read from the anthology is Perle of Wisdom. I picked this one because the author will be attending the virtual Coastal Magic Convention in February 2021 and I wanted to experience her work. I think the writing was just fine, it just wasn’t the type of story for me – at least not right now. I plan to try another of her books before the convention and I’m still looking forward to talking with her in February.