Unleashing Trials: Year 1 by James & Phoenix – A Book Review

Posted November 2, 2019 by Booksandblurbs in PNR, Reverse Harem, Reviews / 0 Comments

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Unleashing Trials: Year 1

(Academy of Sorcery – Book 1)

by Alexa B. James & Athena Phoenix
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Slow Burn, Academy RH, PNR
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Down and Dirty

Intriguing world building that is just getting started. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

What is it about?

(Blurb from GoodReads)

Magic is dangerous.

I should know. It got me a thirty-year sentence scrubbing toilets for a scumbag wizard.

My only hope is the Unleashing, a ceremony that unlocks the dormant powers of magical descendants when we turn eighteen. Since my mom was a lowly psychic, I don’t expect to be blessed with much more than the ability to forecast the weather.
Magic is dangerous.

I should know. It got me a thirty-year sentence scrubbing toilets for a scumbag wizard.

My only hope is the Unleashing, a ceremony that unlocks the dormant powers of magical descendants when we turn eighteen. Since my mom was a lowly psychic, I don’t expect to be blessed with much more than the ability to forecast the weather.

But when the sorcerers unlock my magic, all hell breaks loose. Turns out, I’m not a wizard, witch, or even a sorcerer. I’m…something else.

Because of my unique abilities, I’m required to attend the Academy of Sorcery until I learn to harness and control my magic. Not only that, but the three sexiest and most powerful sorcerers on campus are assigned to guard me night and day. Jackpot, right?

Not quite.

Turns out these guys aren’t too happy with the arrangement, and they show it by making my life hell. That’s just the beginning of my troubles. The mean-girl squad declares open season on me, a mysterious woman attacks me every time I step off campus, and my professor is too hot for his own good. And when it’s time to find a weapon to help me master my abilities, my magic chooses… a spork.

It’s going to be a long year.

Good thing I have what it takes to survive it.

Thoughts on Unleashing Trials: Year 1

While I enjoyed the unique world building of this book, it seems to lack a certain punch that would solidify it as a good novel. All the pieces are there, but they don’t write fit right.

Regardless, it was still interesting and I’ll probably check our book 2, just to see what the high priestess does. Plus there’s that taboo aspect with the teacher I just love.

Pros:

World building is intriguing.
Asher, he’s cool.
The Bella’s…. they are so trite and petty that I can’t help but love them, though you are obviously supposed to hate these typical mean girls.

Cons:

Kind of a bully romance.
I do NOT get the emotional connection here, it literally makes no freaking sense.
Some things happen far too fast.
Forgive and forget my ass.

Perspective

First Person, Single POV

Ending Type

Episodic

Rating

NC-17… there is no actual intercourse described in this book, hence the slow burn tag, but pretty much everything else. And that is not a bad thing. 😉

Romantic Dynamic

MMMMF

Character Age Range

18+

Final Verdict on Unleashing Trials:Year 1

3.5 out of 5 Stars

While not a perfect book, this academy read is still entertaining enough to earn a spot on your TBR list. A bit fast in places, with interesting world building and perky characters. Free on KU.

Published October 10th, 2019
298 Pages

Please note, this is part of a Reverse Harem series which features alternative romantic dynamics and sexual scenes more suited to an adult audience. #WhyChoose

If you enjoyed this review of Unleashing Trials: Year 1, please consider checking out a few of my other articles.

Your Turn

What are you reading today? Have your read this book yet? How about other books by either Alexa B. James or Athena Phoenix? Leave a comment, I would love to talk!