Welcome to the Fallen Academy
If you’re a fan of fast-paced fantasy reads with fierce heroines, forbidden romance, and a world where angels and demons are constantly at war, Fallen Academy: Year One by Leia Stone should absolutely be on your radar. It’s the first in a thrilling series that throws readers into a supernatural battlefield—complete with a magical academy, dark powers, and a heroine who refuses to back down.
What Worked: World-Building and Entertainment Factor
Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the concept. In a world where celestial and demonic forces have divided humanity, some people are marked by angels, others by demons—and they’re trained accordingly at schools like the Fallen Academy.
Leia Stone does a fantastic job setting up this high-stakes world. There’s a clear power structure, engaging lore, and an academy setting that adds just the right amount of competition and camaraderie.
Here’s what I loved most:
• A unique magic system that blends light and dark powers
• Engaging action scenes that kept the plot moving quickly
• A strong, snarky heroine in Brielle who fights for her freedom and identity
• The sizzling tension between Brielle and Lincoln (yes, there’s definitely a slow-burn romance vibe!)
What Didn’t Work: A Rushed Ending and Inconsistent Emotions
While I found the book highly entertaining, the ending left me feeling a little unsatisfied. The pacing suddenly shifted into high gear, and a major twist was revealed. But instead of diving into the emotional weight of it, the moment felt… rushed.
Brielle’s reaction was intense—and then just vanished. Her emotional arc in that moment didn’t feel earned, and it pulled me out of the story a bit. I would’ve loved to see a slower, more introspective unraveling of that revelation.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Start to a Supernatural Series
Despite the rushed ending, I really enjoyed Fallen Academy: Year One. It’s full of action, heart, and just enough romance to keep things spicy. If you’re into paranormal fantasy with academy vibes and a dash of enemies-to-lovers tension, this one’s worth picking up.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I’ll definitely be diving into Year Two to see what happens next—because there’s no way I’m leaving Brielle and Lincoln behind now!
Have You Read Fallen Academy?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! Did you love the angel/demon dynamic? How did you feel about that twist at the end?
9 responses to “Book Review: Fallen Academy: Year One by Leia Stone – A Fast-Paced Fantasy with Angels, Demons, and Academy Drama”
I *think* I own this one, but obviously never read it LOL.
That could be. I think it’s been out for a year or so. It was very interesting. It could have had some more depth but it’s very entertaining.
If I have it, I think I’ve acquired it in like 2018 or 19.
It is an interesting dynamic, reminds me of the series Lucifer.
It’s kind of like a YA version of Lucifer in a way.
🙂🥰🙂
This sounds interesting and a good beginning of the series. Great review!
I think so. It’s a good, entertaining read.
Nice review Tessa. Fast paced is always good for me.