This was so fun. I read this in one day. It is such an easy and interesting read it had me hooked. It took me a moment to get into it as I tried to understand the world that was built but once i understood it, it was full speed ahead. I am a sucker for mate bonds and a dark academia setting so mixing both of them and adding mysteries i could not put this down. the only unfortunate part is that the second book of this duology is not out yet and that i am unable to devour the full duology. If you’re looking for a fun read with an easy to understand magic system this is one for you.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review

I absolutely loved this book! It was an easy and interesting read that had me hooked from start to finish. The world-building was intricate, and once I got a grasp on it, I was fully immersed. The mate bonds and dark academia setting were a perfect combination, and the mysteries kept me on the edge of my seat.

Ares-Valentine Academy, the Realm's most elite magical university, becomes the new home for Elara, a young woman haunted by a tragic past. The academy is renowned for its dark academia setting and mysterious atmosphere. Upon arriving, Elara quickly finds herself entangled in the complex world of mate bonds and magic. The headmaster, Professor Valens, and her mentor, Lysander, guide her through the intricacies of the academy. Elara's journey is filled with unexpected challenges and hidden secrets as she uncovers the truth about her past and her destiny. Alongside her friends, Caden and Isolde, she navigates the treacherous waters of romance and rivalry, all while mastering her magical abilities.

The only downside is that the second book in the duology isn't out yet, and I'm eagerly waiting to devour the rest of the story.

Overall Ares Valentine Academy has an engaging plot, well-developed characters, and unique setting.

Ares-Valentine Academy is what I would expect from the cross of Crave and Zodiac Academy. I was not prepared for the cliffhanger and I need book two immediately!

After the death of her parents, Harper follows the dreams of her parents and returns to the magical realm to attend Ares-Valentine Academy. Little does she know being in this new world is not the only thing that’s going to have her world flipped upside down.

Harper is a wonderful FMC, while her character didn’t have a crazy arc, I feel like the author definitely set the scene for Harper to grow in to everything she’s supposed to be.

The MMC Nick was also really well written, I honestly was annoyed at him in the beginning but once the story unfolded a little more I somewhat understood why he did the things he did.

I also really like the aspects of the mating bond in this book, while it’s something that happens a lot it was still a pleasant surprise for it to be so discreet.

Love love love love loved this book so much!! I stayed up all night to finish it because I was sucked in so fast and couldn’t stop swiping to the next page. It is so rare to see fated mates/soulmates in books that aren’t shifter/ werewolf based but this was magic users! So the change was interesting and very welcomed. Hands down a fantastic read that will draw you in and leave you begging for more. I will be waiting impatiently for book two so I can know what happens next!

4 ⭐️ This was such a quick and easy read. I found myself not wanting to put it down despite it being a new adult fantasy. I loved the academia setting, the magic system, the slow burn romance and revenge plot and the side characters. This is professor and student (22yo) with just little bit of spice. I’ll definitely looking out for the second book in the future.

Top notch academy romantasy with plenty of secrets, a good dose of simmer, a bit of extra spice (but not too spicy), and hidden abilities intertwine with conspiracies and revenge. Good cast of characters and tension building, waiting g for the next ...

Quick Review: A fantastical dark academia romance

My Review: Ares-Valentine Academy by S.P. Woods is book 1 in the Ares-Valentine Duology. It is scheduled for release in January 2025.

About the Book: "Harper wants anything but to attend the Realm's most elite magical university, the Ares-Valentine Academy. A tragic event in her history has her feeling like she has to go. She's barely fitting in when her professor makes her feel more unwelcome than anyone else.

The academy's newest professor has had a nearly life-long goal fueling his every step. He's well aware of the dangers of his path of vengeance. No one will stop him, or get in his way."

In My Own Words: A young woman raised in a non magical world crosses over into a magical realm, only to find more than she expected. A legacy from a prominent family is on a quest to find out hidden truths; he finds something special, even as he tries to deny it. Around them, an enemy is at play.

My Final Say: This!!! Yes and then yes, please. I loved it! Can we get book 2 now? Make my day and tell me that an audiobook is in the works.

Other: Magical Academy/New Adult - Rejected Mates - Dual POV

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (BooksGoSocial), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this sensational novel. It was a pleasure.

Enjoyable fantasy. Harper thrown into a magical academy finds she is out of her depth. She has strength, but no control over her magic, floundering compared to those who have been studying magical control all their lives. Into the mix comes her Professor, young, handsome, and totally what she doesn’t need right now. You will probably get some idea where this going to go. But there’s much to be revealed, secrets, conspiracies, strengths and a battle of the heart. She’s going to need to find out who she can trust, fast. Which just leads me to say - I want book two!!! Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.