I have been touched by angels. Blessed. Seven simple words that changed my world forever. Now, forced to enroll at the Academy of Seraph, I soon realize that my enemies could be anywhere, including behind the very walls that are supposed to protect me. And, thanks to my hidden abilities, I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m forced into a war that I inherited but did not choose. Then there … choose.
Then there is the mind-boggling handsome commander of the academy, who is hell-bent on keeping my secret from the world. A secret that could cause me to be hunted by the fallen angels—the darken.
My future hinges on me being able to hide who I truly am—the archangels’ prized possession.
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Blessed: The Academy of Seraph by Brandi Elledge
4 Stars
War is happening between the angels and the fallen. Gabriella wants nothing to do with it. She just wants to be normal. She’s hidden her powers so far but what will happen when she comes into them fully at eighteen? Unable to avoid testing this time, she ends up unwillingly at the Academy of Seraph. As far as Gabriella is concerned the school gets bonus points for having the hottest commander to walk the face of the earth unfortunately he can be a jerk. Gabriella realizes that she’s in danger and needs to escape but who can she trust?
This is a young adult fantasy that will keep you glued to your chair unable to put the book down. The story is filled with love, romance, danger and humour. Omg and taco eating unicorns! I love the world that the author has created in this book. With twists and turns, I can’t wait to see where the story will lead us in the next book.
As the plague was killing the world population, fifteen archangels took it upon themselves to spare the lives of the humans they deemed formidable. In doing so, they passed along their traits and made these humans obtain special powers. However, being caught, they were forced to Earth and became fallen angels. Generations have passed, but humans are still being born from the bloodlines of those saved with special powers. When they turn sixteen, humans are tested for those powers. If the powers are present, they are sent to one of two academies to train.
Gabriella has grown up in foster care and has done everything she can to avoid the mandatory testing since she turned 16. However, officials have finally caught up with her and she is required to test. She tries to fool the test administrator by concealing her powers, but she soon finds herself enrolled in Academy of Seraph. She is immediately on edge because she doesn’t want to be there. The commander of the academy takes interest in her, as does another new student, as she tries to figure out her lineage and her powers. She soon finds she will play an important role in an upcoming war, whether she is ready or not.
I found myself really enjoying this book as it went along. As Gabriella learns more about her past, her connection to those at the academy starts to make sense. There are twists and turns that I did not see coming. The story ends on a cliffhanger…so I will be looking forward to the next book to find out what happens. This was a great start to a new series and I am excited about where it may go in the future.
I love the premise of this book – the world at war, when Angels decide to interfere, but years later, those touched or changed by Angels are recruited to join one of two schools. This is where the teenagers learn who they are and what they are capable of.
This book will catch you attention from the start. It sure is hard to put down! I’m excited to find a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of this series.
5/5 Stars
Blessed: Academy of Seraph By Brandi Elledge
Mrs. Elledge has done a fantastic job writing this book! She captured my attention from the beginning and had it to the end. I found it hard to put it down.
Gabriella, a teenage girl, has been running for the last two years. When she’s finally caught up to she’s taken to one of the academies. She’s told not to trust anyone because you never know which side they’ll choose. The quote I choose for Gabriella is: “Maka? You’ve called me that before what does it mean?”
Finn, the commander for one of the academies, catches up to Gabriella. There he finds that there’s more to her than meets the eye. He then finds himself drawn to her and finds himself protecting her. The quote I choose for Finn is: “It wouldn’t be important to anyone else. They took it because they are trying to figure me out.”
I really advise anyone who’s reading this to be ready to laugh. This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a good laugh.
5 Stars
Hands down one of the best books I’ve read all year- if not ever!!! Honestly if I could give it more stars I would!!! I CAN NOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK/S!!!!
Blessed: Academy of the Seraph is the first book in the new Academy of the Seraph series by the supremely talented Brandi Elledge. I absolutely LOVE Ms. Elledge’s books- she is one of my favourite authors- on the top 5 list- so it was a given that I would be reading this story. But to say I was blown away is an understatement- I couldn’t have loved it more than I do! I have read it twice already- and will read it again before the next book releases in a few months time- that’s how good it is!
This book has a little bit of The Mortal Instruments feel to it- but with its own identity and originality. The way this series is shaping up, it is set to be exceptional!!! I am so excited to see what lays ahead. I have a serious addiction to Ms. Elledge’s stories now, and I need my next fix like STAT!
“Blessed” is a multilayered extravaganza of a fantasy that captured me right from the first page- I couldn’t have put it down, even if I’d wanted to- it is completely spellbinding!!! The story is woven around angels and demons, immortals, magic, action, adventure, prophecy, secrets, humour, taco’s, unicorns and puppies (you need to read the story to get the reference to the last three ).
I really don’t want to give too much away, because you really should read all the exciting details for yourself. So, I will just give you a basic run down- a little taste of what to expect. Gabriella Arien is what they call ‘blessed’- as in touched by angels kind of blessed. There is also a war raging between the angels and the fallen and their demons. There are two Academies looking to recruit new ‘soldiers’- The Seraph Academy (Angel Academy) and the Empowered Academy (the Darken/Fallen Academy). There are compulsory trials held regularly to pick/find new recruits who have been ‘touched’, then gauge their level of power before being trained. Gabriella has managed to avoid the last few trials as she wants no part of the academy, or the war. But she is finally forced to attend, and so her adventure begins. She will soon discover that there is far more to her, to the Academy of Seraph, and to the whole situation than she could ever have imagined. As danger begins stalking her, she is going to have to decide who should she trust? And can she keep under the radar long enough to figure things out? With betrayal, politics, power plays, hidden agendas, magnetic chemistry, and an incredible adventure- this story is truly a riveting read!! I can not recommend it highly enough!!!
Brilliant!!!!
Thank you, Brandi Elledge!!!!
Blessed: Academy of the Seraph by Brandi Elledge is a fantastic new series. I will warn you that this book ends on a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more. The story is interesting and new and left me excited to get through the book. I really enjoyed the interactions between angels and humans and how their relationship has developed over the course of the book. I really enjoyed the main character and how she learned about herself and the people around her. This is a great book for a teen and older. I like the changing dynamics between the characters. There are some you can trust and some you can’t and trials and tribulations bring out the best or worst in people. I look forward to reading more from this series in the future and from this author.
Wow! What a great story! This easily kept my interest and yet the storytelling made me keep reading to get answers. I loved it! The characters are lovely. They have depth to them that slowly comes out over the story. Remy is an amazing character! She is outlandish and made me laugh more than once. Finn and Trev are both seriously sexy men and they each have that certain commanding presence that draws me over and over. Gabrielle is full of mystery and faithfulness. I can’t wait to see when she becomes fully in control.
I loved the flow of the story with characters that drew me in. That “flight” scene was done wonderfully! I could almost “feel” what it was like to be able to do that! Well Done! I can not wait for the next one!
Blessed: The Academy of Seraph by Brandi Elledge
5-Stars
Exciting and engaging, Blessed: The Academy of Seraph by Brandi Elledge, is a 5-Star read. I loved the characters and how easy it was to visualize them as I read. They all had wonderful development as the story progressed. Each scene was depicted well and descriptive enough to visualize with ease. I also enjoyed how easy the storyline was to follow. It had an excellent flow that really kept my attention. This was a magnificent book and I highly recommend it!
Blessed: Academy of the Seraph by Brandi Elledge is a fantastic YA paranormal fantasy story that had me enthralled all the way through. I loved it. All I could think about is how many hours of work I had left before I could pick it up again. Brandi did good with this story and her writing style has the ability to transport you right into the story. The plot is gripping, and the characters are deep, complex and relatable. The world she has envisioned is complex and believable and beautifully woven. It has all the ingredients and magic to make for a great read. There is suspense and heartache, fun and humour, action and adventure, second chance and romance. I absolutely loved it. I am now anxiously waiting for the book.
I find Elledge to be extremely gifted in her way with crafting a paranormal YA story that appeals to all ages. This latest story certainly grabbed my attention immediately. I loved how the story was set up – I knew it was going to be an extremely fascinating storyline. I’m so glad I was right. From start to finish I found myself engrossed, relating to the characters (even though I am not “blessed”) and invested in each plot twist. Cannot wait to read what Elledge comes out with next!
I am so happy that this book merely drew me in by the cover and not only gave me an unforgettable story but a desire for more. Blessed is not your typical academy young adult read and really delves into the characters first then adding the fantasy elements to boost them. This book kept me so enthralled that I found myself reading into the night, well more like morning at 3 am, because I needed to know how this book would end. I will warn you and mention that the cliffhanger in this book is one for the record books. I am legit sitting her reeling still two days later about that ending. The book is so detailed that you feel transported to this world with Gabriella and Finn and all the supporting characters. I swear I could smell the air as I read and I love when a book does that for me! I cannot wait to get my hands on book two and hope that it is sooner than later!
Blessed: Academy of the Seraph by Brandi Elledge is a well written and exciting book, with a fairly unique take on quite a well done genre. From the moment I started reading this book I knew I was going to enjoy it. I was hooked on the characters and the whole premise of the book immediately.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I love the way she was created this world and made it so real. At times it really felt like you were there alongside them. I absolutely flew through this book, reaching the end before I knew it, wishing I hadn’t because I had enjoyed it so much and wanted more. This is an amazing book and one I would highly recommend. I cannot wait to read book 2!
I enjoyed this story alot. It was the first i have read by this author and it wont be the last. It was well written and i felt like I was right there with the characters. I had no issues connecting with them and I enjoyed them alot! Our main characters attends an academy that is suppose to protect her but she has ememies everywhere and she has to decide who is an enemy and who isn’t. Secrets must be kept. And she works hard to do so. I cannot wait til I can get my hands on more by this author, I am looking forward to it!
Happy Reading!
Brandi Elledge! I have no words!
I sit here writing this review minutes after finishing this read, and I’m not happy…
I’m so frustrated that you ended this book with that ending!
I can’t believe you will now make me wait to found out the fate of not just one character but six of the most important characters in this book! This read had me completely and utterly captivated and entranced from the get-go until the very end! I read this book in one sitting and all I could think about was wanting more!
This book was mentally visual and had transported into this world in which we follow Gabriella’s story. From the moment we meet her I loved her, and throughout the read that just grows, but put her with her two best friends and you can’t help but like her even more, but then comes along Finn, and well that’s a whole other story that you will need to read and find out!
This was an epic fantasy read with characters that are unforgettable and a story that captivates you.
We have Second Chance Love, Romance, Friendship, Action, Adventure, Suspense, Heartache, Sadness, Pain, Humor and much more.
Gabriella & Finn were definitely on another level from the moment they meet, you can tell nothing will ever be the same again for either of them or their journey they will take. They have an undeniable chemistry that only continues to grow as the story moves forward. But I don’t want to say too much on them, as that would definitely spoil the brilliance of this read!
You will never be bored with this read, it will have you at times on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and even when that happens something else knocks you back again!
I loved every second of this read and I really need to know what happens next!
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next read & you will too!
Don’t miss this read!
We step into a young adult fantasy novel this goes beyond any young adult fantasy I’ve read before it’s drawn into a new world. You want action packed, angels, archangels hidden abilities that’s bound to stir up other things. What going to happen tho these special ability students. The Academy is not the safe haven they thought it was. A great fantasy read.
I enjoyed this story. This is a well developed story that made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. They made the story easy to read and engaging. I had no issues connecting with them as they made the story come alive. Who knew how seven words could change a life forever. That is what happened to the main character in this story. Being enrolled at the Academy. The problem is the Academy should be a place of protection but reality is enemies could be anywhere. There is a secret being hidden but she is not the only one trying to keep it safe. What will the future hold for these characters? They really are great characters that I enjoyed, strong and supportive. A great fantasy story I would highly recommend. I didn’t regret picking up this book and neither will you.
Gabriella Arien is a chosen one….. reluctantly so
I know, I know, another YA Academy book, but hear me out… you… have… not… read… this… one…. yet. “Blessed. Academy of the Seraph“ by Brandi Elledge goes well beyond the scope of the genre. It is a well-written, coming-of-age story about the implications of duty and self-determination, all of them nicely packed into an academy theme with a big bow of jocularity…. Highschool use to be Hell (cf. Joss Whedon), nowadays Academy is heavenly twisted.
A long time ago the Archangels took pity on humans as a terrible plague threaten to erase them from the face of earth. Against all heavenly rules and possible their own better judgement, the Archangel chose to infuse some of them with a healing essence. Throughout the ages this essence has been genetically preserved and can still be found in some of the descendants of those selected few. Now every human undergoes testing at the age of sixteen and the “chosen ones” get a place at the Academy of Seraph to train for the battle between good and evil, but there is more… always is the essence of fallen angels can also be found in humans, and those lucky ones get enrolled at the Empowered Academy.
A great honor that every teenager is hoping to reach… or not. Gabriella Arien has not interest whatsoever on being “blessed” or as she would put it “infected” and has been dodging the system for over a year now…. Until the system catch with her. As far as Gabrielle is concerned there is not point (honor, grace, call it whatever you like ) in getting a bunch of teenagers to fight against each other for the benefit of angels, fallen or otherwise.
Gabriella has a slight problem, she is blessed, not doubt on that, but she also has a plan, fail the test by any means necessary: deny any supernatural activity, concentrate on “taco eating glitter spewing unicorns” (better to be classified as crazy than blessed) and go home to live a ordinary, boring, human life…. best laid plans and all that…
The book can only be described as delightful, with an original and interested premise, interesting world-building, wonderful characters, Gabriella’s philosophy of life and her non-nonsense approach to the action is the source of multitude of smiles, some grins and the occasional lol, she is the most likeable and relatable reluctant heroine since Buffy.
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. A war between angels and demons is raging and Gabriella is desperate to avoid being tested and sent to one of the academies. Forced to face a fate she hates, she’ll fight to not be a pawn regardless of the needs of those who would use her unfolding abilities. Beautifully witty, with characters funny and nicely fleshed out. A wonderful journey begins, with many questions yet answered. Highly recommended.