Breksta Vilkas has lived an idyllic, peaceful childhood in a remote town surrounded by nature, elderly neighbors, and a caring mother. But when an impromptu mother-daughter picnic is disrupted by news of the arrival of soldiers, her mother’s calm demeanor turns to fear as she hastens their departure from the only home Breksta has ever known.

This was a wild ride and I hope that there is more in the future.

This was a young adult fantasy novel, and initially I felt it had a fairytale quality that I liked. I felt the characters were quite unique too, but I also felt the story was a longer read than it needed to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

In Natasha Quay's captivating novel, "Breksta's Academy," the protagonist, Breksta Vilkas, is thrust into a world of mystery and danger when her idyllic childhood is shattered by the arrival of soldiers and the hasty departure from her home. The story follows Breksta as she navigates the enigmatic Academy, uncovers the secrets of her past, and forges an unbreakable bond with her roommate, Hestia. At the heart of the story lies a quest to break free from the Academy's oppressive regime and build a future of hope and freedom. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, "Breksta's Academy" transports readers to a futuristic world where the past and present collide. The novel delves into themes of identity, friendship, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. Quay's vivid prose and intricate plot keep readers engaged from start to finish, leaving them eager for the next installment in the series. Breksta's journey of self-discovery and her fight against the Academy's oppressive forces are both inspiring and empowering. Her determination to break free and forge her own destiny serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Quay's novel is not only an exciting adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the power of friendship, the importance of embracing one's identity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Overall, "Breksta's Academy" is a captivating read that combines action, mystery, and a deep exploration of themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Natasha Quay's storytelling prowess shines through in this gripping tale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Breksta's journey.

A great debut novel. This book is well written and the characters are well rounded. They feel quite real and relatable. The subplot was skilfully weaved into the main narrative which added layers to the storyline. This book kept me turning the pages and wanting to read more.

Summary: Breksta's peaceful life gets a chaotic makeover when soldiers disrupt her mother-daughter picnic, sending her on an unexpected journey to the Academy. Governed by a cruel director, Breksta finds solace in her friendship with Hestia. Together, they dream of a future free from the Academy's grip, only to realize that their destinies are entwined with a secret history that could change the fate of the entire world.

Pros:
🌟 Three and a half stars, rounded up for this adventurous academy tale! "Breksta's Academy" delivers a great storyline that's more gripping than a backpack strap on the first day of school.

😄 The worldbuilding is as solid as a perfectly constructed bookshelf, creating a setting that's both immersive and captivating.

👭 Breksta and Hestia's friendship is the shining star – more enduring than a textbook's shelf life. Their camaraderie adds heart and warmth to the tale.

Cons:
⌛ The pacing is a bit like a sloth's stroll through a library – slow and occasionally prompting a yawn in some places. Maybe it's the Academy's way of teaching patience?

😴 I found myself a bit bored in some spots, like a student in a particularly uninspiring class. A little more excitement would be welcome, like a surprise pop quiz with a twist.

📚 In conclusion, "Breksta's Academy" is an adventurous journey filled with friendship, secrets, and a hint of darkness. Natasha Quay, you've crafted a tale that's more intriguing than a mysterious exam question. Bravo! 🏫📚

Disclaimer: A school-sized thank you to NetGalley and Natasha Quay for this ARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as a doodle in a textbook. 📝📚

This book wasn't what I expected at all; it was a lot darker and a lot better.

This is a very dark YA book with quite a lot of explicit and graphic violence. But saying that, it's quite a hopeful book as two girls find friendship in pretty dire circumstances.

There were a few places where the pacing dragged a bit, but overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters were pretty well presented, and how they dealt with their competing loyalties was handled pretty well by the author.

The magic system was pretty interesting, although you learn most about this at the end of the book. I would have liked to have seen more of this, perhaps through the teachings of the Academy, even if through the propagandised view.

Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.