Will she follow the pack…or destroy them?
A dead mother. A violent father. A missing brother.
When Mia’s father is murdered, it’s her estranged uncle that comes to the rescue, but what he offers her in return for his help could be worse than the life she is leaving behind.
Taken to Hood Academy, a unique school deep in the forest, she discovers friendships, love, and the courage to stand on her own.
Mia takes the oath that seals her future as a werewolf hunter, but not everyone wants Mia to succeed.
Screams in the night. Secret rooms. Hidden letters. Mia becomes an important piece in a game she doesn’t want to play.
Loyalty, friendships, and family bonds are tested as Mia discovers her true identity, but will the truth set her free, or will it destroy her?
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book featuring werewolves (Twilight maybe?), so I was excited to get into this novel. And the cover designer did a magnificent job at capturing readers’ attention.
This novel starts out with a heart-pounding sequence when Mia witnesses a werewolf killing her father. From there, the plot takes off at a fast pace and rarely slows down. Mia is a strong protagonist, occasionally leaping into action before thinking things through, and she’s suffered the loss of her mother, abuse from her father, and feels abandoned by her brother. Without giving away spoilers, the author did a fantastic job at introducing conflict to the story, and Mia’s loyalties are pulled in several directions.
The transformation of human to werewolf is described in detail with vivid imagery, including both the immense pain involved and the feeling of power and animal instincts upon completion. Being a science nerd, Sebastian’s research fascinated me, and this is an angle I haven’t seen explored in other werewolf books. I also enjoyed the loyal friendship between Mia and Elizabeth and, lacking a female presence in her life since the death of her mother, her relationship with her teacher, Miss Ross.
Something I missed was more interaction between Mia and a character from her past who turns up again. In the beginning of part two of the book, part one was summarized, giving the impression of two separate books being combined. As I read an ARC, this is something that may change in the final version.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced urban fantasy with likeable characters and strong friendships, add Hood Academy to your TBR. It also boasts some pretty cool werewolves!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Woohoo I like urban fantasy. Let me check on Amazon fantastic review
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Don’t think it comes out until next month, Shalini – I should have mentioned that. Sorry!
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I checked it and placed it on Amazon wishlist
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I like the science you mentioned. That would definitely stand out for me. Great cover, too!
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I’m such a science nerd – I love when it’s incorporated into a story as an explanation for werewolves, zombies, vamps, etc.
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Glad you ended up enjoying it for the most part. I think I’m going to try it. Thanks for sharing, Teri. 🙂
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You definitely should, Jenn- happy reading!
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Thank you so much for this amazing review, Teri! You’ve made my day. I loved writing Mia’s story and getting my teeth (pun intended!) into the physicality of turning into a wolf. I’m so glad you enjoyed it x
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I’ll take that pun and enjoy it, Shelley! Thanks for breaking my werewolf fast, lol.
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This sounds like a fun story. I never tire of werewolves! Mia sounds like an interesting character, too. (And I love the name Mia, always have.)
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I’d forgotten how much I missed them once I started reading, Priscilla. And Mia certainly finds herself in some difficult situations.
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This sounds fascinating. I’ve never read a book about a werewolf hunter.
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It was a first for me also, Jacqui.
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I can’t think of any book I have read that features a were wolf other than Sirius Black in Harry Potter. This sounds very action packed, Teri.
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I’ve read several over the years, but it’s been quite a while since my last one. Sounds like you need to read about werewolves and get into the Halloween mood, Robbie!
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Yip, I agree
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Well you are right on the cover capturing our attention! I am happy that you enjoyed that one Teri 😉
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Isn’t it fantastic, Sophie? Immediately catches the eye.
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