Nightshade Academy
Belladonna, Book 1
by Mel Torrefranca
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Nov 11 2023 | Archive Date Nov 02 2023
Talking about this book? Use #NightshadeAcademy #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Academy only selects twenty students from across the Empire, and despite his low scores, Yahshi made the cut. From day one, he’s thrown into an aggressive military program where only five graduates will become guardians—elite soldiers tasked with enforcing the Emperor’s rule.
To better his odds, Yahshi teams up with Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. The trio tackles academic, athletic, and ethical trials as competitors drop out one by one. The closer they get to graduation, the more they fantasize about serving as guardians together.
But the job isn’t what it seems. The Empire demands loyalty above all, and Yahshi discovers that his uniform comes with a price he never agreed to pay.
Nightshade Academy is the first book in Mel Torrefranca's dystopian-thriller trilogy, Belladonna. Advanced readers have compared the story to The Hunger Games, An Ember in the Ashes, and Legend.
A Note From the Publisher
It took her two years and a one-way ticket to Thailand to ensure this book would be the best it could possibly be. Mel even dabbled in martial arts like Muay Thai, Kung Fu, and dual sword fighting—all to write better fight scenes.
Advance Praise
FOR THE LATEST NOVEL BY MEL TORREFRANCA, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF LEAVING WISHVILLE AND CAPSULE:
“The story started out strong and slowly but surely just kept getting better. And the ending is so very promising for what’s to come." —Thibault Busschots
“I don't even know where to begin. This book was phenomenal, heart-wrenching, and beautiful.” —Gabriella Kuhn
“I wish I could rate this book higher than five stars…The plot twist at the end really had me, and I can't wait for the next book. Mel never disappoints but this was mind-blowing.” —Ishana
“Every word in this novel was chosen carefully and with a specific intention and it shows. I was so impressed with the depth of emotion that was expressed with such few words.” —Hannah Wernecke
“Where do I even start? This story was incredibly well-crafted. To me, characters are everything, and these characters WERE everything. My sister can attest through the multiple texts I sent her talking about how wholesome the friendship dynamics are.” —S.J. Robert
Marketing Plan
• all three books in the Belladonna trilogy already confirmed for publication through Lost Island Press
• author has 50,000 subscribers on YouTube
• the first half of the book has already been produced into a full-cast audio drama, available on YouTube and Spotify
• an unofficial spinoff in development, currently planned for release in mid-2024
• merch available
• official Belladonna Discord server managed by the author
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798985010268 |
| PRICE | $7.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 416 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 35 members
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Views expressed in promotions/advertisements do not necessarily reflect those of NetGalley or its affiliates.
© 2026 NetGalley LLC
• All Rights Reserved
Views expressed in promotions/advertisements do not necessarily reflect those of NetGalley or its affiliates.