Unfortunately had to DNF, I couldn’t find myself relating or connecting with the main character enough to want to continue with the story.

I couldn't finish it for the life of me. I just didn't find the story interesting, even though I really thought I would.

This book started out strong for me, but my interest faded as it went on and I ended up skimming a bit. There were definitely some interesting parts though and I can see how other readers would like it better than I did.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

This was such a fun read, the flashbacks were very interesting!

Ashur is a troubled young man. His father is dead, his grandfather disappeared and his relationship with his mother is strained. fter finding himself in trouble with the police, a stranger asks Ashur to join 'The Academy', a mysterious organisation, where the students are taught by holograms of the famous dead. Although predominantly sci-fi, I really enjoyed the historical content linked to the fall of the Iranian Shah and the coup by the Ayatollah, which happened in my lifetime. I'm invested enough in the characters and the concept that I am. hoping for a sequel!

The Academy is a great read. It is full of secrecy and adventure. Ashur is given what some might call a second chance, that is if he had been given a first chance. Fans of the Mission Impossible stories would likely enjoy this book.

As hurts an 18 year old with not slot to do. He runs into a strange man at his father's grave who invites him to join the Academy. There he runs into past secrets of his life, family history and his father. A good read for young adults. Intrigue with a good plot.Thanks #Netgalley #PostHillPress for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this incredible historical fiction /sci-fi novel.

I fell in love with the characters, Ashur. And enjoyed watching him develop. The book was exciting and the setting vivid. I enjoyed reading the past history of Iran.

Sci-fi and histortoricsl fiction rsdets like me are going to love this one. The flashbacks from past to present are creatively done.

A quick read that kept my attention from start to finish.

Recommend

This was a new take on the quote-unquote spy thriller. I loved learning about the history of Iran as well as seeing Ashur's struggle with being true to himself and to his father's ideals.

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

A very interesting and compelling read. I enjoyed the flashbacks and the present time intertwining and it wasn't hard to follow. I have issue with the some of the sci-fi pieces and how they were displayed as always a good thing. There were some good points made by a character later in the book against it. There were a few points too where the description of women rubbed me the wrong way.
I stayed up reading this one though for sure! Very creative!

Ashir has been getting into trouble and has lost his direction in life since his father passed away. After getting into a bit of trouble with the police, a mysterious man offers Ashur an alternative to the life he has been living. If nothing else, he wants to know what is the Academy?

I really enjoyed this book. The main character Ashur was a very believable character and left me wanting to know more about him. It is unique that I have come away from reading a book where I have liked most of the characters (once you read the book, you’ll understand the one who didn’t make that list!). The history of Iran was very interesting to read as it is not a period of history that I have ever read before and gave the book a unique feel.

However, I struggled to see why so much time was given to the retelling of the unrest in Iran at the end of each chapter in flashbacks, as it was only brought into the main story near the end of the book and even then, was only briefly discussed. I also didn’t understand why they were graduating so quickly either!

Overall, it was fast paced with twists and turns kept me guessing right up to the end.

The Academy offers a compelling dive into a shadowy world filled with high-tech intrigue and ancient conspiracies. Following Ashur Yonan, a high school dropout drawn into the enigmatic Academy, the novel blends elements of personal discovery with a broader, high-stakes mystery. While the concept and execution are engaging, and Ashur's journey through this secretive organization is enjoyable, it didn't fully captivate me as much as I had hoped. It's a solid read but didn’t stand out as a favorite.

DNFd at around 30%
The writing was just not working for me but the plot was good and I liked learning more about Iran