3.25 🌟 Fast-paced, addictive read with an angels-vs-demons twist. Brielle is a sharp, sassy heroine, and the world is full of high stakes, magic, and action. While the romance felt a bit rushed and the writing repetitive at times, the story kept me hooked, especially with that cliffhanger! If you love paranormal YA with enemies-to-lovers, strong friendships, and plenty of twists, this one’s worth checking out!!

Fallen Academy: Year One is about Brielle who sold her soul to a demon at a young age to save her dad, and it has bad ramifications, and because of that she should be going to Tainted Academy but ends up going to Fallen Academy. This book is labeled Young Adult, but I feel like it reads more upper YA and New Adult, there is no spice just steam but even outside of that some of the things the characters do and say, reads older not in a bad way but more since YA is for such a large age range (12-18) maybe not completely suitable for the lower YA audience. (Which what is appropriate for a 17-year-old is not the same as a 12-year-old.)

This book gives me Zodiac Academy and Mortal Instruments vibes, and I like that about this book. Outside of the Shadowhunter books, there haven't been any books that featured Angels/Demons that I cared for until this one. There is a student/teacher relationship between Brielle and Lincoln, but in a not creepy or typical way, she is 18, he is 22, there doesn't seem to be any real rule that they can't be together, and he is more of her trainer than her teacher. I think the book gives you just enough information about the world and magic system without overexplaining it like a lot of other fantasy books suffer from and that it had almost an ensemble cast feel even though the book was in Brielle's point of view.

I liked the play with the romance here, but I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it. Brielle, and her friends are all interesting, strong, tough, relatable, and you root for them and their friendship. I also rooted for Lincoln and his friendships with his friends, even though we didn't get to see it much in this book, but I hope in this book we get to see it more. This book is fast-paced, and I like that it's not drawn out, especially in certain parts as while is descriptive it is also easy to read.

I will be seeking out the rest of the series, but it's not hard when Leia Stone is an amazing writer, and I am already in love with her Ember Wars Series. If you like magical schools, trainer/trainee relationships, angels vs demons, and a fun cast, then check this out. :) [Why did the mean girl have to have my name though :( ]

Thanks to Bloom Books for the ARC.

I really had high expectations for this book because the blurb was so reminiscent of my all time favorite series, Harry Potter, only that we are dealing with angels and demons here instead of wizards and witches. In the same vein as those books with hero of destiny theme, Fallen Academy follows the story of Brielle Atwater who did not know that she’s the prophesized Messiah who will end or worsen the war between the angels and demons. I will not bore you with the intricacies of what Fallen Academy is all about as the blurb is pretty clear where the story is going.

So why am I giving this book a 3 star when most of the Harry Potter books yielded a 5 star from me? Well, the book just did not resonate with me. Don’t get me wrong, I love Angel vs. Demon stories; as as a matter of fact, Susan Ee’s Angelfall is an all time fave series, too, and the sole reason why I got hooked with Angel stories. Fallen Academy, however, was just a so so for me. Nothing hit the right spot for me. I find the relationship between Lincoln and Brielle forced and too fast-paced, Brielle and the other characters’ development shallow, the plot very unsurprising and averagely (not poorly) executed, and the world building okay. To sum it up, nothing had awed me while reading Fallen Academy Year One.

Since this is the first installment of the series, I expected that there is an elaborate explanation about our Angels and Demons and how the war came to be. I get that most angel and demon stories are inspired from the Bible, I would have expected that the author took the time to put a new spin on a beloved and extremely familiar story. Unfortunately, the book was more focused with Brielle’s feelings for her handsome teacher, Lincoln.

This book has so much potential particularly that the setting, academia, is something that I really love. There are a lot of things to explore and expound on but the romance became the focus of this book. If the romance had been beautifully executed, I would have declared that it’s a win for the book. Unfortunately, the romance also did not do it for me. So what I’m saying is, read this book at your own risk. It might or might not work for you. I enjoyed it at some point but forgot about it most of the time that’s why it took me a long time to read it. Will I read the next installment? Well, that would depend on my patient and my schedule so nothing certain as of this time yet.

I absolutely loved this one. I can’t say enough good things. I will be a long time fan of Leia for years to come now.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Fallen Academy: Year One was a fast-paced, easy read, but it didn’t completely hook me. The story felt rushed at times, and some parts seemed a bit all over the place. While I liked the characters, I didn’t feel a deep connection to them, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the world. I was hoping for more depth and development, but it just fell a little flat for me. That said, it had some enjoyable moments and might be a fun read for those who love quick, action-packed fantasy.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing me with this digital arc!

THANK YOU TO BLOOM BOOKS AND THE AUTHOR FOR THIS ARC!!! I absolutely loved this book. The banter, character development, world, and plot twists were amazing. The urban fantasy setting was well written. I cannot wait to read the sequel.

I love this author and her other books. I couldn't wait to read this and was so glad I did. It was everything and more I wanted this book to be.

3.5 ⭐️

First of all, I honestly really enjoyed the book🫶🏻. It kept my interest throughout the entire story, and at times, it gave me strong Divergent and Zodiac Academy vibes.

Here are some of my thoughts:

- I really liked the world the author created, but I think it needed a bit more depth to fully understand the setting in which the story takes place.

- I enjoyed the love story between Lincoln and Brielle from the start, but the time jumps the author included made it hard for me to see how their relationship developed the way I would have liked.

- I also would have liked to see more development in Brielle and some of the secondary characters.

Regardless of that, I really enjoyed the book, and I do plan to read the next ones to see how the story unfolds✨.

Thank you, NetGalley and the author, for sending me the ARC—this is my honest review.

Fallen Academy has such an interesting premise. I really enjoyed the storyline and Bri was such a great character. I loved her snark and sass, even with everything going on. An FMC with sarcasm, is always going to be highly enjoyable. I really enjoyed the back-and-forth with Lincoln for most of the book. I’m also hoping that we get more backstory on the war in the next book. I still feel like I have so many outstanding questions about how this whole world works, but I’m looking forward to getting some answers!

Recommended for fans of YA paranormal, urban fantasy, and enemies to lovers.

A huge thank you to @leiastoneauthor and @read_bloom for an advanced review copy!

This book was such a spooky adventure. I dont usually love paranormal themes but I devoured this whole book in one sitting! The mmc is so broody and reminds me of Carden in The Cruel Prince. Outwardly, evil but actually secretly sweet and protective.

This book was so much fun! While this book was not the best written, and was kind of juvenile, I still had so much fun reading this. The magic system was actually quite interesting and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing me an E-ARC to read and review.

I have been trying so hard to find 5 star books, and fantasy is really doing it and this has to be on my top 5⭐️ fantasy reads, i absolutely loved it.
It has everything i am looking for, Bri is just a chef Kiss FMC and don't get me started on Linc he is made perfection with the grumpiness and over protectiveness!!! Not to forget the whole crew of Shea,Luke and Chloe such a good little squad and the ever so Flirty Noah!!!
I can't wait for book 2 because I really really need to keep reading this series because if book 1 is this good I have to read everything❤️

╰►2.75/5 ⭐️ 1/5🌶️

First off, thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for an ARC of Fallen Academy. I feel like Leia Stone has a way with creating worlds I want to be invested in, and it was no different this time around.

Although, I will note, I didn’t realise this book had already been out for some time. I'm pretty sure it came out in 2017. So that did make me change the way I rated it, and the way I consumed it. Considering this was one of Leia's stories from years ago, and I can tell Leia's writing style and world building has improved so much over the years, therefore I read it knowing this is just her earlier writing style.

In saying that, a lot of the emotional stuff just wasn't hitting or impacting me because it was over as quickly as it begun. Some of the dialogue was awkward cause it felt like the conversations were just cut off, and emotions lines just suddenly snapped into joking or teasing which pulled me out of the story. The parts I wanted expanded was for some reason shortened. Was the world created fun and entertaining? Absolutely. Will I read book 2? I've not decided yet. I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships and that is what is leaving me on the edge. I ultimately decided to rate this three stars because I had a lot of fun. In the end, I have enjoyed so many others books Leia's released that I don’t mind.

My rating system:

⭐️: Not my vibe at all.
⭐️⭐️: I finished it, but I didn't have a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Yeah, that was fun. I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but it was fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: I loved it and want to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Perfect, amazing, everything I love in a novel!

Leia Stone has created yet another addictive series!

Fallen Academy takes place in a universe where angels and demons have waged war on Earth and, in the process, gifted many humans powers. Brielle Atwater has spent most of her life in Demon City and signed her life away to be a demon slave to help her family. But when her powers emerge, Brielle is unexpectedly an angel blessed Celestial. Soon, Brielle realizes her role in the fight between good and evil is a lot bigger than she could have even imagined.


I loved the world-building in the first half of this book. I was so hooked; it reminded me of Zodiac Academy, but with angels and demons in a YA setting. I was so interested in the magical system and how the war was brought to Earth. I literally can’t wait to learn more and more about what the war entails, as the book mainly focuses on world-building and the relationship between Lincoln and Brielle.

When it comes to romance, I’m such a sucker for enemies-to-lovers and a trainer-student relationship. The tension between these two was off the charts! I do wish there had been more of a buildup towards their relationship, but who knows what will happen in the next books! I just want more and more tension and more training scenes between the two.

I’m a massive fan of urban fantasy, and Leia Stone has become a must-read author for me. Within the first chapter I was already hooked. It was fast-paced yet digestible. That cliffhanger left me in utter shock, and I can't wait to pick up the next book. I’m so delighted that she is finally receiving recognition, with several of her books being traditionally published!

Fallen Academy: Year One is a fast-paced, action-packed blend of dark academia, celestial magic, and slow-burn romance. Brielle is a compelling heroine, caught between angelic blessings and a dark secret that makes her an outcast. Her chemistry with the brooding Lincoln Grey adds plenty of tension, while the apocalyptic war between angels and demons raises the stakes.

The world-building is engaging, though some tropes feel familiar. Still, the gripping plot twists and Brielle’s journey of self-discovery make this a binge-worthy read for fans of supernatural academies and forbidden attraction. A strong start to an exciting series!

This series hooks you in and keeps you satisfied for the whole ride. Quick read. Great characters, slow burn, found family, 1 non explicit spice scene. Overall a great book I’d recommend to any academy fantasy lover.

🪽 ✦ 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚: 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑶𝒏𝒆 ✦ 🪽

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: Leia Stone
sᴇʀɪᴇs: Fallen Academy book #1
ᴘᴀɢᴇs: 352
ɢᴇɴʀᴇs: YA paranormal, fantasy romance, urban fantasy

𝓥𝓘𝓑𝓔𝓢
✦ Magical academy
✦ Angels vs. demons
✦ Ride or die bestie
✦ Reluctant hero
✦ Hilarious banter
✦ Prophecy

𝓣𝓗𝓞𝓤𝓖𝓗𝓣𝓢
The first in the captivating Fallen Academy series with romantasy, paranormal, and dark academia vibes and a raging war between angels and demons. I think I have a new obsession. Yes, this book was very YA to me, but I was hooked. I enjoy Leia Stone’s writing style and was able to relate to the main and side characters. Leia writes the best sassy bad*ss heroines and irresistible love interests. I loved the reluctant hero, coming into powers, brave, yet kind FMC, 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦. At her awakening ceremony, Bri, sprouts black wings instead of white and realizes she is not like the others. Pair our FMC with the slightly older, grumpy, powerful, handsome teacher MMC, 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘯 and it was a magical and fun read. I love the protective vibes he gives off and the banter between them is irresistible. Learning about the prophecy and her powers was interesting and I loved the soul-bound weapons. Sera, Bri’s weapon, is so quirky and bad*ss.

I read this in one day. It’s a quick, fun read and that will have your laughing out loud and swooning. I look forward to Fallen Academy: Year Two.

𝓠𝓤𝓞𝓣𝓔𝓢
“𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

“𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝.” 😂

✦ Thank you Sourcebooks Bloom Books (@read_bloom), @netgalley and @leiastoneauthor for providing a #gifted eARC of Fallen Academy: Year One in the leadup to its rerelease! ✦

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Fallen Academy Year One is the first book in a series by Leia Stone that follows our FMC Brielle Atwater as her life is flipped after discovering she is not demon-bound but a celestial with demon magic and attributes i.e. her black wings. When she leaves to be trained we meet Lincoln Grey her teacher and impossibly brutish love interest.
The book itself was paced well enough there was a bit too much happening at the end and lots of secrets were kept from her but that makes sense because it is a series. I will say I loved the side characters in this book they were compelling without overtaking the main story and offered humor when needed. The book takes place in a university so there is the ever-so-typical mean girl and bullying antics but nothing too major.
The romance aspect I really enjoyed but I will say it won’t be for everyone. It’s kinda like when you find love so you’re able to give the reins away and be the one protected and that’s not everyone's cup of tea but I enjoyed it, that being said the dynamic might change as the series goes along but I enjoyed the protective aspects of Lincoln and Brielle’s relationship. I am really excited to see where this series goes and the continuation of their relationship it definitely was a 4.5/5 stars.

4 stars

Fallen Academy: Year One, I really enjoyed this book. The story is fast-paced and full of action, with a strong fmc Brielle. She is tough, funny, and easy to root for. The world is exciting, with angels, demons, and a unique magic system that kept me interested.

The romance and friendships in the book are also really good, and i liked seeing Brielle grow as she learns about her powers.
I really like Leia's writing style, it is easy to follow and it makes it quick and fun to read.

The reason I chose to give this book 4 stars is because some parts felt a little predictable, and I wished there was a bit more world-building. But overall, it is a great book for fans of fantasy and supernatural stories! I'm definitely interested in reading the next book in this series!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Review of Fallen Academy by Leia Stone
* * * * *
The only thing about this book I am bummed about...is the fact that I did not read it sooner! Your fantasy romance with a ton of tension between our FMC and her love interest, with amazing besties, and evil that will give you the chills.

Bri knew her destiny was following a dark path, and that she had no say in it...that was until she surprised everyone and herself with a set of black angelic wings that indicate the possibility of her being part of a prophecy.
A prophecy that will further intensify a war between heaven and hell.
Honestly, Bri's problems range from dealing with horrid slave masters, grumpy teachers, family secrets and nasty teenage girls.
Plus, this is only the beginning.

Loved it! I want to read the whole series!
Bri has amazing family and friends, and you are sucked into the side stories as well for who will find love and who will face danger. Then there is a hotness between Bri and Lincoln. I cannot wait to see what else is in story for them. They are so hot and cold. SAUCY!