Reviews

Origins Of An Academy Bully by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review

4.0

I know, I know. The prequel series, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, has five books and I only finished four already. I just couldn't wait any longer. Last Monday my physical copy of this prequel came in and it looked like such a quick read and I was so tired this afternoon and it seemed perfect to still read something. So, I started and hoped it wouldn't spoil too much.

I think if you haven't read any books set in this world this novella absolutely doesn't make sense. The world is not explained at all. Since I did read at least four books set in this world already I didn't have any trouble understanding what was going on. Also because I already met the characters which helped to tell everyone apart and to at least know a little who they are.

What I loved about this book is that it really paints a very clear picture of the kind of lives these guys have had. We learn a little bit about their backgrounds and family, we see how they're raised and what their parents think and want from them and we also see how ruthless and horrible this world can be and how powerless that can make people feel.

I also loved reading from Orion's point of view after meeting him in the prequel series. Although, he was a lot more light hearted and a lot happier in the prequel series, but it's very useful to know how the boy I got to know grew into the man I'm gonna meet. I have seen a little more of Darius' background already, but I'm really curious how he's gonna react on what happened in this novella.

I'm gonna read the fifth ruthless boys book soon and I then can't wait to dive into Zodiac Academy!

kristie_beth's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

abbiehalas's review

dark emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

bookishbyconnie's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

robynrappaport's review

dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

kelseydoeshit's review

dark emotional informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kimberlyhusting's review

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

whitneyf's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

shelbeavs's review

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

sofia_santana's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0