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Demon Reform Academy #1
Demon Reform Academy: Term 1
Welcome to Demon Reform Academy, where demons are sent to hone their powers and become active members of supernatural society.
The Fates had dealt me a twisted hand. After a lifetime of abuse aimed at awakening a power I never even possessed, I devoured my mother's soul. Suddenly, I was face-to-face with a father who was oblivious to my existence and burdened with the knowledge that I was the sixth soul eater in all of Kalista.
My father, a representative on the Demon Council, offered me a chance at a new life. That new life, however, meant enrolling at the dark haven known as Demon Reform Academy.
Being his daughter painted a target on my back, one that invited hostility and intrigue.
Five demons pushed their way into my life, each with a cryptic agenda—to break me or heal me.
A chaos demon created havoc, determined to make me quit.
A shadow demon craved my pain.
A fear demon desired my terror.
A vengeance demon sought to annihilate my tormentors.
And a dream demon summoned me into his dreamscape every night.
I was here to work on myself, but a whirlwind of rumors, dark magic, and a secret society threatened to plunge the academy into deeper turmoil—and me along with it.
The Fates had dealt me a twisted hand. After a lifetime of abuse aimed at awakening a power I never even possessed, I devoured my mother's soul. Suddenly, I was face-to-face with a father who was oblivious to my existence and burdened with the knowledge that I was the sixth soul eater in all of Kalista.
My father, a representative on the Demon Council, offered me a chance at a new life. That new life, however, meant enrolling at the dark haven known as Demon Reform Academy.
Being his daughter painted a target on my back, one that invited hostility and intrigue.
Five demons pushed their way into my life, each with a cryptic agenda—to break me or heal me.
A chaos demon created havoc, determined to make me quit.
A shadow demon craved my pain.
A fear demon desired my terror.
A vengeance demon sought to annihilate my tormentors.
And a dream demon summoned me into his dreamscape every night.
I was here to work on myself, but a whirlwind of rumors, dark magic, and a secret society threatened to plunge the academy into deeper turmoil—and me along with it.
604 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
About the author
Lyra Winters
29 books533 followersLyra Winters is a twenty-something Kentucky woman who adores the book world. When she's not typing away on her laptop or daydreaming book ideas, Lyra is occupying her time taking care of her two spunky daughters and dreamy husband. She's addicted to Coca-Cola, 2000's rap music, and bubble baths. Her dream is to write love stories that touch the reader's hearts.
Visit her website at https://www.lyrawinters.com/
Visit her website at https://www.lyrawinters.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
July 25, 2024
Poor writing
I truly don’t understand how this books has a thousand reviews with four stars. The writing is predictable and juvenile. For example the “mean girl/bully” has no character beyond I’m a noble and I hate you and anyone who isn’t a noble is beneath me. Despite the bully attacking the main character numerous times she keeps accepting the bully’s invite to hang out with her and then is shocked when she attacks her. Also the guys? Like come on. There’s a difference between the hot broody kind of ahole vibes and men who are just toxic/awful. She’s somehow magically in love with them despite all the abuse she’s been through no matter how awful and evil they are to her? She doesn’t even fight back, not with words, not with actions, not with removing herself from them. This book could be so great with a redo, some beta readers, and a good editor. The ideas were great, the execution not so much
I truly don’t understand how this books has a thousand reviews with four stars. The writing is predictable and juvenile. For example the “mean girl/bully” has no character beyond I’m a noble and I hate you and anyone who isn’t a noble is beneath me. Despite the bully attacking the main character numerous times she keeps accepting the bully’s invite to hang out with her and then is shocked when she attacks her. Also the guys? Like come on. There’s a difference between the hot broody kind of ahole vibes and men who are just toxic/awful. She’s somehow magically in love with them despite all the abuse she’s been through no matter how awful and evil they are to her? She doesn’t even fight back, not with words, not with actions, not with removing herself from them. This book could be so great with a redo, some beta readers, and a good editor. The ideas were great, the execution not so much
May 19, 2024
Pssst. Excuse me Lyra if you are reading this wtf. How could you leave me like this. I need more post haste please! If I thought I loved Fate Hollow Academy and nothing could possibly top it then I might be wrong becuase Demon Reform Academy is in the running form matching it or even possibly surpassing it. I am so intrigued in seeing where Lyra takes these character and this world.
I love also that it is in fact in the same world as Fate Hollow but much later! We hear about fate hollow and even about our beloved characters in this story and everytime they came up it made me grin.
This is the story of Pandora. And her life growing up was horrible to put it in easily digestible terms. I would heed the warning in the beginning of the book becuase when Lyra mentions what this book contains she means it. But it is also what Lyra endures that ends up saving her when her powers activate.
Entering Demon Reform Academy is supposed to to help her learn the ropes of what it actually means to be a demon in society. Something she really knows nothing about and help her really learn on how to feed as the type of demon she is. No I am not even going to say what that is even if it is in the description of the book. But thre is something more to her. And I really can’t wait to hopefully learn more about that and hopefully why that came to be apart of her powers! These types of books that Lyra does are my favorites by her. I can’t wait for term 2 and will be very anxiously awaiting the next part. Until then I will keep rereading Fate Hollow and book one of Demon Reform (BECAUSE I loved in that much!)
I love also that it is in fact in the same world as Fate Hollow but much later! We hear about fate hollow and even about our beloved characters in this story and everytime they came up it made me grin.
This is the story of Pandora. And her life growing up was horrible to put it in easily digestible terms. I would heed the warning in the beginning of the book becuase when Lyra mentions what this book contains she means it. But it is also what Lyra endures that ends up saving her when her powers activate.
Entering Demon Reform Academy is supposed to to help her learn the ropes of what it actually means to be a demon in society. Something she really knows nothing about and help her really learn on how to feed as the type of demon she is. No I am not even going to say what that is even if it is in the description of the book. But thre is something more to her. And I really can’t wait to hopefully learn more about that and hopefully why that came to be apart of her powers! These types of books that Lyra does are my favorites by her. I can’t wait for term 2 and will be very anxiously awaiting the next part. Until then I will keep rereading Fate Hollow and book one of Demon Reform (BECAUSE I loved in that much!)
June 4, 2024
Lacklustre
May 22, 2024
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | (no spice in the first book)
WOWWW!!! The way Lyra writes is just so captivating! Another great read, I really missed this world and I’m so happy to be back in Kalista. This was darker and more raw than Fate Hollow Academy and I am LIVINGG for it! This is a why choose and fated mates two of my favorites!! I am obsessed with all of Pandora’s mates already, I can’t wait for all the groveling Dex, Skel, and Hemlock are about to do!! Reed is definitely my favorite, such a sweet heart ugh!😮💨🩷
I just know Pandora’s recovery journey isn’t going to be easy but I can’t wait to see her transform into the badass I know she is inside!
LYRA WHAT WAS THAT ENDING OMFGGG!!!! I’m sooooo excited for Term 2😭😭😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | (no spice in the first book)
WOWWW!!! The way Lyra writes is just so captivating! Another great read, I really missed this world and I’m so happy to be back in Kalista. This was darker and more raw than Fate Hollow Academy and I am LIVINGG for it! This is a why choose and fated mates two of my favorites!! I am obsessed with all of Pandora’s mates already, I can’t wait for all the groveling Dex, Skel, and Hemlock are about to do!! Reed is definitely my favorite, such a sweet heart ugh!😮💨🩷
I just know Pandora’s recovery journey isn’t going to be easy but I can’t wait to see her transform into the badass I know she is inside!
LYRA WHAT WAS THAT ENDING OMFGGG!!!! I’m sooooo excited for Term 2😭😭😭
May 18, 2024
“ there was a tortured agony within her soul, and it drew me in like a moth to a flame”
“ shit therapy kind of feels good. Not as good as whiskey but a close second”
This is a slow burn,RH, first book to a four part series. We follow along in the journey of Pandora. A young demon who is struggling to use and learn her “newly” acquired abilities. She enters the academy in hopes of learning how to use her abilities safely.
The characters that are introduced throughout the story all have reasons to why they’ve been sent to the reform Academy. They are all damaged demons surviving but not quite living yet. I sense within the next couple books there will be a lot of character growth. This was a great read and I was happily surprised that you don’t necessarily have to read Fates Hollow Academy to understand this book. (Definitely read it though. It was amazing )The previous series is mentioned multiple times and some of the characters from that series are brought up, but I don’t feel like it’s a requirement to read that series before this book.
Also, Reed is definitely my favorite so far. His character sounds absolutely adorable. 💜 I can’t wait for the next book for some groveling.
“ shit therapy kind of feels good. Not as good as whiskey but a close second”
This is a slow burn,RH, first book to a four part series. We follow along in the journey of Pandora. A young demon who is struggling to use and learn her “newly” acquired abilities. She enters the academy in hopes of learning how to use her abilities safely.
The characters that are introduced throughout the story all have reasons to why they’ve been sent to the reform Academy. They are all damaged demons surviving but not quite living yet. I sense within the next couple books there will be a lot of character growth. This was a great read and I was happily surprised that you don’t necessarily have to read Fates Hollow Academy to understand this book. (Definitely read it though. It was amazing )The previous series is mentioned multiple times and some of the characters from that series are brought up, but I don’t feel like it’s a requirement to read that series before this book.
Also, Reed is definitely my favorite so far. His character sounds absolutely adorable. 💜 I can’t wait for the next book for some groveling.
June 10, 2024
I enjoyed this for the most part. I could have done without the numerous references to Fate Hollow Academy, though. Or I wish the author had decided if it was a book series or actual events that happened in this universe. It being both felt like overkill and if I hadn’t read it already, the demand avoidant part of me would have been like “stop telling me to read this series, I never will now.” (It’s good, I’m glad I read it, but you get my point hopefully.) A couple of callbacks or easter eggs or even a brief cameo from characters in that series can be fun, but this felt excessive. The story should stand strong enough on its own to not need advertising and referencing of the other series that often.
I genuinely like Pandora a lot and I can’t wait for her to get stronger and to stop taking shit. Also looking forward to seeing the other characters get fleshed out a little more. there better be good grovel in book two. 🤞🏻
I genuinely like Pandora a lot and I can’t wait for her to get stronger and to stop taking shit. Also looking forward to seeing the other characters get fleshed out a little more. there better be good grovel in book two. 🤞🏻
May 27, 2024
Excuse me miss Lyra Winters, what did you put in this book? I could not and did not want to stop reading.
The story pulled me right in and I am so curious how it further develops in term 2. I love the characters, they have so much dimension. I wish I could give Pandora a hug, she hurts so much but she handles is so beautifully. I love her entire person, after everything she endured she is still kind and warm. She is so strong and I can’t wait for her to grow into her power and she her no longer be lived by her trauma. I also think that the way she feels about her traumas is so well described, “I just want the pain to stop! I want to stop being afraid all of the time”, that’s how it feels in real life. The same goes for the guys, their pasts and the way they deal with it present day is so clearly connected and even though they act like dicks, through their backstories you understand why. Don’t tell anyone but Skel is my favorite 🫣 The scene where they shared the fae drug 👀👀 I am so excited to see their relationships develop and to see the guys grovel 🤭
Can we talk about the cliffhanger for a hot minute because I can’t handle having to wait MONTHS to know what happens next 🫠
• Academy
• Fated mates
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• Secret society
• Why choose
• “Who did this to you”
• Touch her and die
• Supernatural romance
• Abused fmc
Please check the trigger warning before reading the book 💗
Thank you so much for the ARC Lyra!
The story pulled me right in and I am so curious how it further develops in term 2. I love the characters, they have so much dimension. I wish I could give Pandora a hug, she hurts so much but she handles is so beautifully. I love her entire person, after everything she endured she is still kind and warm. She is so strong and I can’t wait for her to grow into her power and she her no longer be lived by her trauma. I also think that the way she feels about her traumas is so well described, “I just want the pain to stop! I want to stop being afraid all of the time”, that’s how it feels in real life. The same goes for the guys, their pasts and the way they deal with it present day is so clearly connected and even though they act like dicks, through their backstories you understand why. Don’t tell anyone but Skel is my favorite 🫣 The scene where they shared the fae drug 👀👀 I am so excited to see their relationships develop and to see the guys grovel 🤭
Can we talk about the cliffhanger for a hot minute because I can’t handle having to wait MONTHS to know what happens next 🫠
• Academy
• Fated mates
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• Secret society
• Why choose
• “Who did this to you”
• Touch her and die
• Supernatural romance
• Abused fmc
Please check the trigger warning before reading the book 💗
Thank you so much for the ARC Lyra!
July 27, 2024
Same Paragraph over and over
I read the entire book So that I truly Knew. It was very surface level And there was no growth I couldn't believe some of the stuff ,,,, My ring is black and I know she has malice towards me but I'm gonna go hang out with them Like for real come on!!! There are no deep conversations Every interaction is like 2 words I Will not be reading The next book
I read the entire book So that I truly Knew. It was very surface level And there was no growth I couldn't believe some of the stuff ,,,, My ring is black and I know she has malice towards me but I'm gonna go hang out with them Like for real come on!!! There are no deep conversations Every interaction is like 2 words I Will not be reading The next book
May 25, 2024
Pandora has been abused and finally her magic appears and she eats her mother’s soul. The next thing she knows she has a father Daryl who is also a soul eater. Her life drastically changes for the better. They both decide to send her to Demon Reform Academy to learn. She instantly has enemies Skel,Bram, and Dexter because she’s a noble. She becomes friends with Reed, but the nobles give her crap. Hunter is her father’s friend and her counselor, but their chemistry is intense. While trying to navigate the school, there is a danger of dark magic and a secret society. Can Pandora figure out who’s the friend or foe? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book I love Pandora, Hunter, Reed, Dexter, Skel, and Bram and their dynamic and character development. This book has all the feels. Sarcastic humor, twist and turns, and angst. This is the first book in the series so ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book.
June 5, 2024
I'm convinced that anything Lyra writes is absolute gold! The FMC is always relatable that has past trauma and learns to grow and develop through her fated mates or MMCs. This is a why choose/paranormal but if you are new to that genre i would say this may be a bit difficult but only because the MMCs are all demons and closely traited. This is also a slow burn BUT Lyra is notorious for slow burn with a giant explosion imof spice in book 2! I did particularly love this FMC's trauma was a twist to what most stories tell. I can't wait for book 2!!
June 18, 2024
1.5 ⭐️. No spice. Writing is so simple, very boring. The timing throughout the book is weird, for one part we’re going detailed day by day and then random days/weeks go by with nothing & barely noting that the time has jumped. It seemed interesting at first with a different world but dang…. I need some kind of development in either characters or plot…
June 21, 2024
Honestly 3.5 and I'm excited for this new series. I have really liked the first book in her series before though and been let down so I am trying to not go over the top excited.
I'll say I think that her main character is more real and relatable than in the past and I think that's what really made me like the book. Her reactions are real she isn't as helpless as some of this authors other characters and I can see her being a true badass soon.
Spoilers:
As for the guys. I always struggle with a larger harem because it feels like we miss the build up of who they are individually and they end up being grouped together. We kind of had that occur with the trio because they are close friends it felt like at times they were just together for the sake of having all three mentioned. However I think she did a good job of having us understand their characters and issues they faced so that works. I will be honest and ask did anyone know really anything about Hunter? I think he ended up with the short end of the stick in this one and I hope we get more information later on.
Bring on book 2.
I'll say I think that her main character is more real and relatable than in the past and I think that's what really made me like the book. Her reactions are real she isn't as helpless as some of this authors other characters and I can see her being a true badass soon.
Spoilers:
As for the guys. I always struggle with a larger harem because it feels like we miss the build up of who they are individually and they end up being grouped together. We kind of had that occur with the trio because they are close friends it felt like at times they were just together for the sake of having all three mentioned. However I think she did a good job of having us understand their characters and issues they faced so that works. I will be honest and ask did anyone know really anything about Hunter? I think he ended up with the short end of the stick in this one and I hope we get more information later on.
Bring on book 2.
May 22, 2024
I am happy to be back in Kalista! I am really enjoying how Pandora is growing and becoming confident but is also still vulnerable. I love that she has a caring parent, so often they don't.
Reed and Hunter and sweet, caring men but with the ability to be dark to protect her
Skel, Bram and Dex are a dark theresome fighting their own battles that they somewhat take out on Pandora.
They are all drawn to her, I liked how they automatically think Fated mates. The world building is petty good. The way they talk about history and how its really the story of Fate Hollow Academy.
That ending is burned into my brain, I wish I could draw to make a picture.
I will say this is darker than Fate Hollow Academy. The spice is barley there, so a very slow burn.
Reed and Hunter and sweet, caring men but with the ability to be dark to protect her
Skel, Bram and Dex are a dark theresome fighting their own battles that they somewhat take out on Pandora.
They are all drawn to her, I liked how they automatically think Fated mates. The world building is petty good. The way they talk about history and how its really the story of Fate Hollow Academy.
That ending is burned into my brain, I wish I could draw to make a picture.
I will say this is darker than Fate Hollow Academy. The spice is barley there, so a very slow burn.
May 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Such a great start to this new series. It’s set in the same world as Fate Hollow Academy was, but in the distant future. I’m invested in all the MCs so far, and I’m glad this is a why choose because I honestly can’t pick just one for Pandora to end up with.
Pandora is our FMC, and the girl has been kept locked down her entire life, quite literally. She’s a demon without demon powers.. until suddenly they are activated and starts her on a brand new life.
She meets her father, and he decides to send her to demon reform academy to help her learn and control her new powers.
Here she meets all types of demons, and a couple catch her eye. But Pandora believes in fated mates and isn’t interested in anyone but THE one.
Dark magic is growing in their city and trying to figure out who’s behind it is a central theme to the story.
This is a SLOW burn, but knowing Lyra, the spice will start soon and not stop!
This ends on a HELLA cliffhanger… my goodness! I am SO curious how the next book will pick up!!
Such a great start to this new series. It’s set in the same world as Fate Hollow Academy was, but in the distant future. I’m invested in all the MCs so far, and I’m glad this is a why choose because I honestly can’t pick just one for Pandora to end up with.
Pandora is our FMC, and the girl has been kept locked down her entire life, quite literally. She’s a demon without demon powers.. until suddenly they are activated and starts her on a brand new life.
She meets her father, and he decides to send her to demon reform academy to help her learn and control her new powers.
Here she meets all types of demons, and a couple catch her eye. But Pandora believes in fated mates and isn’t interested in anyone but THE one.
Dark magic is growing in their city and trying to figure out who’s behind it is a central theme to the story.
This is a SLOW burn, but knowing Lyra, the spice will start soon and not stop!
This ends on a HELLA cliffhanger… my goodness! I am SO curious how the next book will pick up!!
May 24, 2024
If Lyra Winters writes it, I'm going to read it. I was drawn in completely from the start. I love Pandora, she is strong and caring, I think it's great how she tries to see the best in everyone even if they don't deserve it. After being traumatised her whole life, her powers finally manifest, drawing the attention of her father. Going to the academy to learn what she doesn't know from books, she meets a wide array of demons. Reed is sweet and caring towards her as well as Hunter. There are three other demons that dislike her because she is a noble but are drawn to her despite that, and they don't understand why. It was non-stop from the start and with that cliffhanger, I'm patiently wishing to see what happens next.
June 2, 2024
Omg Let me just tell u i was so excited when i heard this book was coming out Ive read most of her books a million times but on too the book . Let me just tell u this author does a great job writing and flushing out are main girls personalty and character growth while also writing men that u should not like but cant help but too love . While also writing interesting family dynamics and still finding a way to connect this series to the first one to be honest i cant wait for the next one .
July 7, 2024
I knew I would like this one! I just had a feeeling! Pandora has really been through it and honestly she deserves to live in peace, but I suspect we aren’t going to get it for a while 😂. I loved the story; the characters… was it a bit hard sometimes when the MMCs hated the sweetest girl there? Yes. But they’re demons and preconceived notions run deep in some of them. I can’t wait to hear more about how everything is going to unravel and looking forward to seeing more of Pandora and her men.
June 8, 2024
Sooo tws say light bullying from 3/5 MCs. It is ~not~ light. I’d give it a 3.75/5, with the Dolls and Douchebags series being a 5 as a measure. So I went into this expecting very different characters than I got. Just be warned it’s heavier than within the MCs than the TWs imply. (No non-con/dub-con but there is physical assault multiple times)
June 5, 2024
loved it
Can’t wait for the next one. Onto to the other series now in this world. Can’t wait to see where those take me.
Can’t wait for the next one. Onto to the other series now in this world. Can’t wait to see where those take me.
June 1, 2024
Lyra Winters goes dark with the start of this new series, and I can’t wait for more.
Our traumatized FMC, Pandora, saves herself after a lifetime of torture and imprisonment. In saving herself, she finds family. Pandora wants to become a normal demon, or as normal as a soul eater can be with her amount of trauma. So she goes to Demon Reform Academy, and finds that it’s not much easier than where she was before.
Dex, Bram, and Skel are complete jerks, but they have their own trauma that makes them lash out at someone they think they have all figured out.
Reed is a sweet dream demon who is on Pandora’s side from the moment he meets her.
Hunter is Pandora’s counselor, a member of the Demon Council, and her dad’s friend… but he knows she is someone special.
The emotions and frustrations this book caused! I wanted to scream at everyone. Lyra Winters ripped my heart out over and over through book one. I need book two desperately.
Spice is nonexistent in book one, but the drama more than makes up for it.
Our traumatized FMC, Pandora, saves herself after a lifetime of torture and imprisonment. In saving herself, she finds family. Pandora wants to become a normal demon, or as normal as a soul eater can be with her amount of trauma. So she goes to Demon Reform Academy, and finds that it’s not much easier than where she was before.
Dex, Bram, and Skel are complete jerks, but they have their own trauma that makes them lash out at someone they think they have all figured out.
Reed is a sweet dream demon who is on Pandora’s side from the moment he meets her.
Hunter is Pandora’s counselor, a member of the Demon Council, and her dad’s friend… but he knows she is someone special.
The emotions and frustrations this book caused! I wanted to scream at everyone. Lyra Winters ripped my heart out over and over through book one. I need book two desperately.
Spice is nonexistent in book one, but the drama more than makes up for it.
June 1, 2024
Lyra Winters does it again with another book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This one definitely has darker elements and I'm 💯 here for it! This book focuses on Pandora who ultimately has a horrible upbringing, is found by her father, and ends up at Demon Reform Academy. It is here that she is to learn all about who and what she is. A soul eater. She needs to learn about her magic and after her secluded upbringing being out in the world is new. Nebula is her only friend from childhood and I can't wait to read more on Nebula. Each of her bullies have unique magic and given the name of the school it's obvious there is a morally grey way each demon is. There is also a dark magic that is a threat to the demons and a demon council. There are demons, half human demons, allies and bullies. There is magic 🪄, fated mates, found family, a very slow burn 🔥 romance, tension, and bullying! Of course there's a cliffhanger that will have you absolutely begging for the next book!
August 28, 2024
skipped half the book then dnf
i just cant with the 3 boys! nothing will redeem them for me
and they hate her just cus she is a noble???? wtf ?????
big no
i just cant with the 3 boys! nothing will redeem them for me
and they hate her just cus she is a noble???? wtf ?????
big no
August 13, 2024
Pandora, Bram, Skel, Dex, Hunter, and Reed
Okay ummm WHAT?! How in the HELL am I supposed to wait until December? I told myself I should have waited but what did I do? I jumped straight into it😭 That cliffhanger?! How can you leave me like this? Lyra if you see this I would love to be a ARC please and thanks:)))
I feel for Pandora; All that abuse she had to go through since she was one?! How could you do that to your kid?! I’m so happy she got out. Those boys kept giving me whiplash…one point they were telling her she was a whore or a slut and saying something about her “nobility” then they would be loving on her, caring and defending her? I get you have some issues with what she “represents” but pick a side. Men🙄
Tropes:
- Reverse Harem
- Fated Mates
- Hurt/Comfort
- Academy Setting
Spice: 0
Okay ummm WHAT?! How in the HELL am I supposed to wait until December? I told myself I should have waited but what did I do? I jumped straight into it😭 That cliffhanger?! How can you leave me like this? Lyra if you see this I would love to be a ARC please and thanks:)))
I feel for Pandora; All that abuse she had to go through since she was one?! How could you do that to your kid?! I’m so happy she got out. Those boys kept giving me whiplash…one point they were telling her she was a whore or a slut and saying something about her “nobility” then they would be loving on her, caring and defending her? I get you have some issues with what she “represents” but pick a side. Men🙄
Tropes:
- Reverse Harem
- Fated Mates
- Hurt/Comfort
- Academy Setting
Spice: 0
September 23, 2024
This is by far my favorite book of Lyra's to date. I gobbled this book up so fast, I was so upset I finished it. I know this is going to be a book I reread, just like Fate Hollow Academy.
I loved Fate Hollow Academy, so I was excited when Lyra announced she was taking us readers back to Kalista. Although the characters from Fate Hollow are mentioned several times throughout the book, this book is about Pandora and her love interests in the Demon Realm.
Before you deep dive into this book, definitely look at the trigger warnings before you start. When Lyra says there's dark themes in this book, she meant it. Also, just know this book does end on a cliffhanger and will probably leave you with as many questions as it did me.
Below may contain some minor spoilers, so keep that in mind if you want to keep reading my review.
Pandora's first 2 decades of her life are full of torture, hatred, and confinement in a cellar. That is until her father finds her and brings her into the world she was supposed to live in. Because of her upbringing she wasn't acclimated to the Demon world and the way their society works so when she is offered the chance to go to a Demon Reform Accademy, she accepts it to learn the ways of society and how she is supposed to feed.
Pandora isn't like the other common demons in this world, no. She, like her father Death, are soul-eaters. Pandora is too scared to release her powers because she doesn't want to kill anyone, so she needs to learn how to feed off of a piece of soul instead of taking the whole thing.
Because of who her father is, she's classed as a Noble, and while she doesn't agree with her fellow Noble students, who look down on the "lower" class, she also is faced with 3 Demons who hate her for being a Noble. Theses a lot of back and forth tension which these 3 demons who have issues of their own. One is obsessed with her, and wants to know all of her secrets. One leaks fear all over the place, but also is scared of the "princess" -wink- -wink-. One is a complete drunk who doesn't like her just because he's got family Noble problems.
Don't worry, there are 2 other demons who are just the sweetest towards her. One who will get vengeance for anything done to her, he's got Golden Retriever energy around her and touch her and die energy for anyone around her. Finally, there is one who is friends with her even when the whole school is scared of her, who brings her into his dreams and will create nightmares for those who bother her.
I loved Fate Hollow Academy, so I was excited when Lyra announced she was taking us readers back to Kalista. Although the characters from Fate Hollow are mentioned several times throughout the book, this book is about Pandora and her love interests in the Demon Realm.
Before you deep dive into this book, definitely look at the trigger warnings before you start. When Lyra says there's dark themes in this book, she meant it. Also, just know this book does end on a cliffhanger and will probably leave you with as many questions as it did me.
Below may contain some minor spoilers, so keep that in mind if you want to keep reading my review.
Pandora's first 2 decades of her life are full of torture, hatred, and confinement in a cellar. That is until her father finds her and brings her into the world she was supposed to live in. Because of her upbringing she wasn't acclimated to the Demon world and the way their society works so when she is offered the chance to go to a Demon Reform Accademy, she accepts it to learn the ways of society and how she is supposed to feed.
Pandora isn't like the other common demons in this world, no. She, like her father Death, are soul-eaters. Pandora is too scared to release her powers because she doesn't want to kill anyone, so she needs to learn how to feed off of a piece of soul instead of taking the whole thing.
Because of who her father is, she's classed as a Noble, and while she doesn't agree with her fellow Noble students, who look down on the "lower" class, she also is faced with 3 Demons who hate her for being a Noble. Theses a lot of back and forth tension which these 3 demons who have issues of their own. One is obsessed with her, and wants to know all of her secrets. One leaks fear all over the place, but also is scared of the "princess" -wink- -wink-. One is a complete drunk who doesn't like her just because he's got family Noble problems.
Don't worry, there are 2 other demons who are just the sweetest towards her. One who will get vengeance for anything done to her, he's got Golden Retriever energy around her and touch her and die energy for anyone around her. Finally, there is one who is friends with her even when the whole school is scared of her, who brings her into his dreams and will create nightmares for those who bother her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
The story concept is super interesting and I’ll probably read book two regardless of my feelings for this book. The story was just all over the place with very little rhyme or reason and very repetitive. The days or activities didn’t seem to flow or move the plot forward. The characters while interesting had very little growth or development and a total lack of communication amongst any of them. The ending made absolutely no sense. It had such great potential and maybe book two will save it but sadly a pass. Don’t be fooled by BookTok.
September 2, 2024
What a story!!
Holy crap how much trauma can one demon have.
Pandora is certainly put through the ringer in this story but I’m not upset that I have to wait until December to get the next book!!
Holy crap how much trauma can one demon have.
Pandora is certainly put through the ringer in this story but I’m not upset that I have to wait until December to get the next book!!
Read
September 19, 2024DNF 70%. It simply didn’t suit me. I’m not currently feeling fated mates, instant connection trope, or extremely abusive traumatic back stories.
Good for those who love RH academy settings, fated mates, traumatized special powerful sweet virgin FMCs.
My favourite thing was Nebula, her best friend, who is the soul of her dead kitten contained in his little kitten skull. I loved her carting around and talking to a kitten skull.
She’s rescued from abusive mother keeping her locked in a cellar for her entire life and gets sent to an academy to learn about being a demon and using her powers. She meets her guys there. It seemed like three of the MMCs were supposed to be more bad boy morally grey, but it was pretty light. One of the MMCs is part of the academy staff, acting as her counsellor. I love a good power dynamic like student/teacher but it felt more sweet and supportive rather than exciting and forbidden.
Academy life: the MMCs obsess over her, she’s nice to everyone, does her best, and doesn’t like the snobby entitled noble demons. Her only real problem is that she can’t figure out her magical powder because she’s too nice and doesn’t want to harm anyone. Some MMCs bully her but after approx one day she doesn’t seem legit scared and it doesn’t seem to make her think negatively of them. The only time one of them really upsets her wasn’t truly intentional bc a) it was part of the school assignment and b) he didn’t know that it would be a trauma trigger for her.
Her main interactions with girls are negative. Her roommate is a total b*tch and one of her guys has a female friend who attacks the FMC. I’d love to see more positive relationship ships between women in RH stories.
One thing that really bothered me was that she’s lived in a cellar her ENTIRE LIFE!I couldn’t wrap my head around this aspect of the story. It seemed unnecessary. It gives the impression she never ever leaves the cellar, not even brief trips upstairs. The cellar is described as this bare stone room, no mention of a bathroom, or a sink, or even a frickin bucket, so where did she do her business? Did she never ever bathe? Do her mom’s evil magical shadows switch to cleaning shadows, removing dirt, excrement, and blood from the room and the FMC after torture sessions? Was there an unmentioned bathroom adjacent to the cellar? That’s a very unusual cellar feature but this is the option I’m praying for. My brain can’t not have these questions popping up when there are such specific unexplained scenarios.
Aside from hygiene, there’s the FMCs entire development living in a cellar. She is brought some books in the cellar, no tv or movies mentioned. Upon rescue, at her dad’s house she then has two months learning about the world outside, then off she merrily goes to an academy. So you would think she would have large knowledge gaps about the outside world, but the way it was written from her POV I just kept thinking really, would she really know that? Would there really be no adverse affects bc demons are more tolerant to adverse conditions? She had adverse PTSD effects from the torture, but she bounces back from cellar life no problem. A child’s development in these deprived conditions would be significantly, grossly affected. I was taken out of the story multiple times when I would question this.
The FMC could still have a tragically abused past that required less suspension of disbelief. If you don’t want to address her recovery from extreme deprivation, her introduction into learning about all of life and the whole world outside of four walls, why include that in the FMCs back story? Maybe the author could have read the novel “Room” first for some fictional references on living in and recovering from life in a room 😅
Good for those who love RH academy settings, fated mates, traumatized special powerful sweet virgin FMCs.
My favourite thing was Nebula, her best friend, who is the soul of her dead kitten contained in his little kitten skull. I loved her carting around and talking to a kitten skull.
She’s rescued from abusive mother keeping her locked in a cellar for her entire life and gets sent to an academy to learn about being a demon and using her powers. She meets her guys there. It seemed like three of the MMCs were supposed to be more bad boy morally grey, but it was pretty light. One of the MMCs is part of the academy staff, acting as her counsellor. I love a good power dynamic like student/teacher but it felt more sweet and supportive rather than exciting and forbidden.
Academy life: the MMCs obsess over her, she’s nice to everyone, does her best, and doesn’t like the snobby entitled noble demons. Her only real problem is that she can’t figure out her magical powder because she’s too nice and doesn’t want to harm anyone. Some MMCs bully her but after approx one day she doesn’t seem legit scared and it doesn’t seem to make her think negatively of them. The only time one of them really upsets her wasn’t truly intentional bc a) it was part of the school assignment and b) he didn’t know that it would be a trauma trigger for her.
Her main interactions with girls are negative. Her roommate is a total b*tch and one of her guys has a female friend who attacks the FMC. I’d love to see more positive relationship ships between women in RH stories.
One thing that really bothered me was that she’s lived in a cellar her ENTIRE LIFE!I couldn’t wrap my head around this aspect of the story. It seemed unnecessary. It gives the impression she never ever leaves the cellar, not even brief trips upstairs. The cellar is described as this bare stone room, no mention of a bathroom, or a sink, or even a frickin bucket, so where did she do her business? Did she never ever bathe? Do her mom’s evil magical shadows switch to cleaning shadows, removing dirt, excrement, and blood from the room and the FMC after torture sessions? Was there an unmentioned bathroom adjacent to the cellar? That’s a very unusual cellar feature but this is the option I’m praying for. My brain can’t not have these questions popping up when there are such specific unexplained scenarios.
Aside from hygiene, there’s the FMCs entire development living in a cellar. She is brought some books in the cellar, no tv or movies mentioned. Upon rescue, at her dad’s house she then has two months learning about the world outside, then off she merrily goes to an academy. So you would think she would have large knowledge gaps about the outside world, but the way it was written from her POV I just kept thinking really, would she really know that? Would there really be no adverse affects bc demons are more tolerant to adverse conditions? She had adverse PTSD effects from the torture, but she bounces back from cellar life no problem. A child’s development in these deprived conditions would be significantly, grossly affected. I was taken out of the story multiple times when I would question this.
The FMC could still have a tragically abused past that required less suspension of disbelief. If you don’t want to address her recovery from extreme deprivation, her introduction into learning about all of life and the whole world outside of four walls, why include that in the FMCs back story? Maybe the author could have read the novel “Room” first for some fictional references on living in and recovering from life in a room 😅
May 20, 2024
Demon Reform Academy is in some ways very similar to Fate Hollow Academy. Set 50 years after the end of Fate Hollow (I recommend reading that series first since it’s referenced) it’s described as a darker series. Not a lie. If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh, this isn’t it. Mind the cliff (iykyk) and check for triggers! Pandora is a demon who has been locked in her mother’s cellar her whole life. Abused for not being able to use shadows, she eventually nearly dies and sucks out her mother’s soul. This is when her father, Daryl Gravesend also known as Death discovers she exists and reveals she’s a soul demon. After killing her mother she’s scared to feed so she goes to Demon Reform Academy.
Through the book she tries to fit in but also doesn’t care or understand about demon society’s rules of nobles sticking with nobles. This doesn’t fly well and she’s harassed and assaulted more than once for it. On the flip side, 3 demons (Dex, Skal and Bram) hate her for various reasons as much as they’re drawn to her and she to them. They’re all broken assholes honestly. Addicts or psychopaths. They do have moments of empathy and man is there going to be some grovelling in the next book. Of them, I like Dex best as much as he’s alarming. He’s a lot like Damien from Fate Hollow.
Then there’s Hunter and Reed. Hunter is her councillor and Reed is a half human classmate. They’re both sweet on her from minute one. She feels safe and loved in their presence and they seamlessly accepted each other in her life. That said they also aren’t wet blankets. Reed wins points for gumdrop. It’s hard not to like these two.
There were times when I wasn’t sure how I felt about pandora. There were times where it felt like she ignored her instincts or didn’t fully stand up for herself. But at the same time she stood up for everyone else whenever she could and just got steamrolled by the assholery of other people. She’s pretty amazing for how kind she is given everything. The guys are going to freak about her backstory and scars. Before they help her heal that is.
Through all this there’s a mystery of dark magic. Her mother was involved, Nebula is for sure dark magic and she can sense and devour the stuff. That’s far from normal. Even Reed is involved through his mom. How this plot evolves, we’ll see. There’s also soooooo much room for character growth and development in this series. That aspect is intriguing me more than the dark magic at this point. I look forward to book 2.
Through the book she tries to fit in but also doesn’t care or understand about demon society’s rules of nobles sticking with nobles. This doesn’t fly well and she’s harassed and assaulted more than once for it. On the flip side, 3 demons (Dex, Skal and Bram) hate her for various reasons as much as they’re drawn to her and she to them. They’re all broken assholes honestly. Addicts or psychopaths. They do have moments of empathy and man is there going to be some grovelling in the next book. Of them, I like Dex best as much as he’s alarming. He’s a lot like Damien from Fate Hollow.
Then there’s Hunter and Reed. Hunter is her councillor and Reed is a half human classmate. They’re both sweet on her from minute one. She feels safe and loved in their presence and they seamlessly accepted each other in her life. That said they also aren’t wet blankets. Reed wins points for gumdrop. It’s hard not to like these two.
There were times when I wasn’t sure how I felt about pandora. There were times where it felt like she ignored her instincts or didn’t fully stand up for herself. But at the same time she stood up for everyone else whenever she could and just got steamrolled by the assholery of other people. She’s pretty amazing for how kind she is given everything. The guys are going to freak about her backstory and scars. Before they help her heal that is.
Through all this there’s a mystery of dark magic. Her mother was involved, Nebula is for sure dark magic and she can sense and devour the stuff. That’s far from normal. Even Reed is involved through his mom. How this plot evolves, we’ll see. There’s also soooooo much room for character growth and development in this series. That aspect is intriguing me more than the dark magic at this point. I look forward to book 2.
August 25, 2024
OK, this book was hard to love for a variety of reasons. First, this character is very naive and shy which I usually don't like because I tend to like more strong female characters, but it is understandable why she is acting so dotish because she has not experienced the world for example her ring turns black when someone wants to do her harm, and then she proceeds to hang out with her roommate who the ring turned black because of? And then there's also that these three bullies acting like such dickheads but she's like, I'm so drawn to them Let me help them out. Or no, he's hurt. I would say that Pandora actually stood up for herself a couple of times, but it wasn't enough for those 600 pages. And then there's the absolute cringey dialog of why bully was attacking her because she was hanging out with non-nobles, which made no sense. And how people were mad at her,anytime they were trying to bully her, they'd be like, you're sleeping with him , aren't you? Like, how is that any of your business? The parts about this book that I did like was Hunter and Reed. They were precious. I would prefer if they were the only mates she had but nooooooo, you had to go and add ALL 5. The other three are very toxic and I don't particularly like them. The only one that I would give a little bit of leeway for is Skel and that's cause he's least bad out of that batch Because he has never really hated her, it's more like he's afraid of her but he doesn't purposely go out of his way to hurt her like Dex and whiny little drunk bitch Bram. And don't even get me started on Bram because I have never read a book where one of the male leads was such a disappointing, annoying, whiny individual like you hate her because she is a noble and she has done absolutely nothing to you. And you see that she is different from other nobles and you still treat her like this. You know, she is highly afraid and you still proceed to bully her just because she's a noble. Like, are you for real? And then you get. mad because she doesn't want to tell you guys who beat her up. Like, grow up. I did like the fact that they went and to the girl who beat her up and tortured her, though(That's the only positive thing about those three). So overall, the saving grace of this book is Hunter and Reed full stop, maybe Skel. I think I may read the second book in the series just because from the synopsis she does not forgive them even though they're groveling, which I love.
June 2, 2024
Book 1 of a new series set in Kalista, the same world as Fate Hollow Academy. You don't need to have read Fate Hollow as this book is set 50 years later, but it is referred back to a few times.
If you loved Fate Hollow then you will also love this book too.
This world is familiar to me as I've read Fate Hollow, but it also different as this is the demon sector, so it's all about the different kinds of demons and their powers. I really like how we get to delve into how the powers work and what the strengths and weaknesses are.
Pandora has had a traumatic life, and it's not until she escapes that life that she finds out what she is. She struggles to use her powers so attends Demon Reform Academy to learn. She is fairly quiet and keeps to herself, I hope she comes out of her shell more and stands up for herself going forward. I wanted to see more interaction with her father. He's the only other demon like her but he sends her off to the Academy rather than teach her himself, I'm hoping he makes lots of appearances.
This is a very slow-burn story and very little romance (no spice), it's more about learning about the characters, their backgrounds, and why they attend.
I love Nebula, and I'm hoping he plays a bigger part going forward. He feels like he is a kind of familiar, but also isn't at the same time, there is definitely more going on than Pandora realises.
Now the potential guys for Pandora, I don't think I'm giving anything away as it's pretty obvious who her mates might end up being once you start reading the book. These are quite a mixed bunch, and 3 of them bully her from the start, mostly because her father is a noble and they believe she is a princess. Not physical bully, but they have digs and comments and call her names - although we do see a few moments where they show a softer side. They are dealing with their own traumatic pasts and between them have become an alcoholic, a drug addict and some one who is borderline crazy - it makes for a very interesting harem for sure. The other two are pretty much devoted to Pandora from the start.
There is a cliffhanger ending, and it makes for a very interesting start to book 2.
- FMC traumatic past
- RH PNR (MFMMMM)
- Bullying by potential mates (& others)
- 5 potential mates
- fated mates
- no spice in book 1
If you loved Fate Hollow then you will also love this book too.
This world is familiar to me as I've read Fate Hollow, but it also different as this is the demon sector, so it's all about the different kinds of demons and their powers. I really like how we get to delve into how the powers work and what the strengths and weaknesses are.
Pandora has had a traumatic life, and it's not until she escapes that life that she finds out what she is. She struggles to use her powers so attends Demon Reform Academy to learn. She is fairly quiet and keeps to herself, I hope she comes out of her shell more and stands up for herself going forward. I wanted to see more interaction with her father. He's the only other demon like her but he sends her off to the Academy rather than teach her himself, I'm hoping he makes lots of appearances.
This is a very slow-burn story and very little romance (no spice), it's more about learning about the characters, their backgrounds, and why they attend.
I love Nebula, and I'm hoping he plays a bigger part going forward. He feels like he is a kind of familiar, but also isn't at the same time, there is definitely more going on than Pandora realises.
Now the potential guys for Pandora, I don't think I'm giving anything away as it's pretty obvious who her mates might end up being once you start reading the book. These are quite a mixed bunch, and 3 of them bully her from the start, mostly because her father is a noble and they believe she is a princess. Not physical bully, but they have digs and comments and call her names - although we do see a few moments where they show a softer side. They are dealing with their own traumatic pasts and between them have become an alcoholic, a drug addict and some one who is borderline crazy - it makes for a very interesting harem for sure. The other two are pretty much devoted to Pandora from the start.
There is a cliffhanger ending, and it makes for a very interesting start to book 2.
- FMC traumatic past
- RH PNR (MFMMMM)
- Bullying by potential mates (& others)
- 5 potential mates
- fated mates
- no spice in book 1
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