The Genie Academy Book One (The Supernatural Genie Academy Series) by Karin De Havin

He’s about to sacrifice everything to become a Genie.

When eighteen-year-old Edmund receives an invitation to attend the 1890 class of The Academy of Arts and Science of London, AKA The Genie Academy, he is forced to make a monumental choice.

Edmund’s tutor tries to convince him that his many hidden magical talents will be revealed if he attends such a prestigious school, but Edmund has a hard time believing he could ever perform magic when he’s so shy and uncoordinated that he can’t even turn the pages of his sister’s sheet music at a recital without mucking it up.

If he attends the Genie Academy to discover his magical talents his father made it clear he will be disowned. Can he leave his beloved mother and sister forever for a life of magic?

Terence Vickers’ Review: 4-Stars

This the first book (installment) of the serial, covers the induction of Edmund into the Genie Academy, ending with “To be continued” which makes this a serial rather than a series, as the story doesn’t end in the book and there is no resolution to the main question of the story, will Edmund be able to remain in the academy and become a full-fledged Genie. It is much like reading a book that has had most of the final chapters torn out and leaves the reader hanging. If, like myself, you prefer complete tomes, I advise readers to acquire the complete serial before opening book one.

Well written, it is quite an entertaining, with an abundance of twists and surprises, as well as well rounded characters this will appeal to many young readers. The beginning of the story, with the differences in expectations of the father and mother from Edmund’s desires will relate to anyone who’s parents are inclined to over-control their children’s futures insisting they follow in their footsteps, attending the same schools as their parent, and following the same occupation. Not to mention the choice of a mate acceptable to the parents.

I’m sure many will relate to Edmund’s experience at the academy as far as the social aspect is concerned. The break from the parental nest and being cast into a new life with new rules will relate to the experience of many young adults.

Technically the book is quite well done with no glaring errors in text or in the formatting, this would be an excellent book if presented as a serial, such as were once common in many weekly publications.

Sherry Terry’s Review: 4-Stars

The cover for The Genie Academy by Karin De Havin is perfect for the story with good color and clear intent to be historical fiction.

I enjoyed this story. It’s a nice, well-rounded, coming-of-age story with family drama and tough decisions. The main character, Edward must choose between his family or going to the Genie Academy for an education in becoming a Jin. This is not my go-to genre, and this story is a breath of fresh air.

My love is historical romance, and I think the Victorian (Regency) era of The Genie Academy was all that and a bag of chips. Intricate details are woven in with just the right nuances to make me feel like I was there.

I felt the first-person point of view was done well. In my opinion, the writing is done well, while a few sentences could be stronger, overall the book is well-written. With lots of twists and turns, I couldn’t put it down. The characters pulled out all of my emotions.

I must admit, I was a little disappointed that book 1 ends with a “to be continued”. Although it may be a good marketing option, I’m not really a fan. I want each book to stand alone as a complete story. I feel this book could have ended a tad sooner for a better lead-in into book 2.

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