Assassins, Murder, and Delicious Men

I loved Academy of Assassins.

The pacing is nearly perfect, and the plot is interesting. Once we get to the later third of the book, I wish we could've slowed down a little bit more (though that could be my thirst for more pages speaking up for itself), but other than that, I thought Brutger's timeline made a lot of sense, and it was easy to follow. Academy of Assassins would be a great read for young adult and adult readers; the romance aspect is a bit of a slow burn. Morgan's really not prepared for a full-blown relationship at this point, and Brutger doesn't force her into more than she's really ready for. We get to see some fun flirtation and the beginning of relationships, but there's nothing graphic or too intense in this first installment.

Morgan's goal in life is to become an assassin. Since she was found by the MacGregor, the leader of the Maine Coven, at age 10 with no memories, she's done nothing but train her body to fight back, to withstand pain, and annihilate a threat at all costs.

Oh, What A World...

Brutger builds a solid world as the foundation for Academy of Assassins; Earth is separated from the Primordial Realm (a realm of pure magic and nonhuman beings) although some creatures manage to slip through rifts or portals between the realm. On Earth, there are few beings who are powerful enough to manage the opening and closing of portals, the witches. Witches, especially ones with respectable power, are low in numbers. Because of this, they get priority of the best assassins to guard them, though many have also developed a superiority complex.

Not only do we get a basic foundation of how Brutger's world works in a magical sense, but we also get an introduction to the dynamics of her world's society- the haves, have-nots, the power structure. I thought it was all quite easy to follow, and while there's more to uncover, Academy of Assassins starts off with readers on strong footing.

Morgan is driven, headstrong, and warmhearted. For someone who has spent her life trying to avoid attachments, she's not very good at keeping herself from developing feelings for other people. When she gets invited to the Academy (a magical, almost sentient place (similar to Hogwarts's mind of its own), she finds herself part of a team of assassins, someone who has to depend on others and let some of her secrets go in order for them to solve the mysterious murders that are plaguing the young witches of the Academy.

Why Choose?

Kincade, Ryder, Atlas, Draven, and Ascher make me glad that Brutger's chosen to create her story in the reverse-harem sub-genre.

Each of the men has something different to offer though they're all deadly in their own way. Kincade is the leader, a strong-willed strategist who takes charge of the team. Ryder is a werewolf, unsure of his own value and softhearted despite his dangerous skills. Atlas is honor-driven, from an older world than the rest, and he lives by a different type of code. Draven is haunted by loss, and his supernatural heritage makes it hard for him to create real connections with those around him. Ascher, a hellhound, is inherently loyal, devoted to those who he's given his trust.

Morgan starts to develop a special rapport with the men as a team, and it becomes clear that she's also creating her own unique relationships with each of them as individuals too. The same way that they're working their way into her heart, despite all the warnings in her head, she's also working her way into theirs. Her open acceptance of their pasts and heritage make her something unique- a home for each of these men who need somewhere to belong.

I find something appealing and interesting about each of the men. Personally, I love characters who have a little bit of damage because they have so much potential for depth and growth. There's a lot that can happen with these men, and I think there are some big things on the horizon for their individual growth and the way that Morgan will help them change. Their personalities also create a fun, homelike dynamic among the team, and it's sweet to see how they all look out for each other and rely on one another.

---

BONUS: There's a sneak peek into Ryder's mind at the end of the novel, and Brutger has hinted that she'll have more extras at the end of book 2 (coming in May). Personally, I wouldn't mind getting some more Ryder. He's thoughtful, well-spoken, and sees a lot despite being on the quieter side.

Brutger's active on Facebook, which is pretty cool. I love author's who interact with their readers, plus you get some special tidbits every now and then :)