HARRY POTTER MEETS THE HUNGER GAMES Ever since magic stormed the world, the price for human survival is surrendering your firstborn to the monsters. But this year it’s Nova’s turn, and the monsters better watch their backs.“A standout magical academy series. Fresh ideas, really well written with terrific characters you can pull for.”– Mklarson ★★★★★ “A brilliant story, I couldn’t put the books … ★★★★★
“A brilliant story, I couldn’t put the books down … The characters are amazing, the plot a work of art, everything well written. I wish I could go back and forget I had read it, only to read it for the first time all over again!”
— Nutty Wench ★★★★★
“Wow, just wow!! What a great start to a unique and engaging series!! Great storyline and characters you will care about!”
— Kindle Customer ★★★★★
I am the firstborn in my family. The first of three. And today I will pay the price for my siblings’ lives by surrendering control of my own. I will step through the runegate, and I will never see my family again.
What the others do with the firstborn is shrouded in mystery. All anyone knows is they are never heard from again.
I will step through the runegate willingly.
But I can keep secrets too. And I’ll do whatever it takes to bring the others to their knees…
Dive into the internationally bestselling academy trilogy that readers have dubbed “SPECTACULAR,” “BRILLIANTLY IMAGINATIVE,” and “UNPUTDOWNABLE.” Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Shadowspell Academy, Harley Merlin, and The Hunger Games.
The complete trilogy is available now!
Firstborn Academy: Shadow Trials (Book 1)
Firstborn Academy: Shadow Witch (Book 2)
Firstborn Academy: Shadow Reaper (Book 3)
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I’m not quite sure I’d compare this book to Harry Potter, like the tagline in the book description suggestions, but it did have a slight Hunger Games feel to it — but with a paranormal twist. There’s a ton of mystery to this one and a lot of asking “why” as I read from beginning to end. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but that’s not at all unusual for a fantasy YA book. That being said, the characters at times act extremely immature so if you’re expecting a YA with more “adult” characters, this probably won’t be a good selection for you.
I enjoyed the main characters, and while there was a lot of angst, drama, and quite a bit of violence, I needed to know why everything was happening. What was the grand plan for the first borns? While book one doesn’t answer many questions, and in fact makes you ask a ton more, I found it to be intriguing enough I needed to keep reading. There were times I wanted to smack the characters for being idiots, but they’re teenagers and act accordingly.
While there’s a romantic thread that slowly builds in book one, it’s not the main focus of the story. It’s very much a fantasy worldbuilding, and we’re plunged headfirst into the mayhem. Even with magic, different factions of supernaturals, and the “classroom” lessons, this is in no way a Harry Potter type of tale. However, I enjoyed it a great deal. From the beginning, the students are warned they may not make it through training, but it has an ominous tone making you wonder — what happens to them?
Having never read this author before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m certainly glad I picked up Shadow Trials, and I will definitely check out her other books. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and full of drama and teen angst… a definite page-turner!
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Review Wow, This Is A Gritty, Dystopian/Sci-Fi Academy Story that’s Unique!! 4.5 Stars!
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Firstborn Academy: Shadow Trials (Firstborn Academy #1)
This is a very intriguing & unique academy tale! In a dystopian future the Earth is invaded by Alien beings called World Walkers! After trying to fight back & losing, millions of humans died but the following famines & diseases resulted in the deaths of billions!! Eventually the Walkers made an offer to save them but it was at an extremely steep price – everyone’s first born child had to be sent through a Rune Gate, never to be seen again, when they reached the age of 17yrs. If they reneged it was on the pain of death, for their entire family!!
Our Main character is a strong willed, feisty & loyal girl. with her bestfriend Amalie. They also meet another girl at intake called Bryn, she’s kind of wild but they decide to stick together!! Absolutely no one knows what happens to the first borns. They wonder if they’ll be slaughtered immediately, become slaves – the possibilities are endless but what the truth turns out to be is beyond unexpected, terrifying but also quite exciting – sort of!!
I thoroughly recommend this book because it’s so completely engrossing & different from anything else I’ve read! The closest thing series I can I think of is ‘Legion Of Angels’ by Ella Summers which I LOVE
( https://www.bookbub.com/books/vampire… )
This is a clever story, it has many layers & so many possibilities ahead. I can’t wait to explore what’s to come!!
Debbie, 1970, UK