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Belladonna #1
Nightshade Academy
Twenty teenagers enter. Only five become guardians.
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, Nightshade Academy will leave you walking the tightrope between good and evil.
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, Nightshade Academy will leave you walking the tightrope between good and evil.
474 pages, ebook
Published November 11, 2023
About the author
Mel Torrefranca
5 books442 followersMel Torrefranca is an award-winning author from the San Francisco Bay Area, now residing in the jungly mountains of Northern Thailand. Her books feature morally gray characters, bold endings, and a pinch of awkward humor. Mel discovered her passion for writing at the age of seven and published her debut novel Leaving Wishville before graduating from high school. She also drinks way too many lattes.
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September 20, 2023
Twenty teenagers are selected to join the prestigious Belladona Guardian Academy, where they are trained in martial arts to defend the empire. Only five of them will graduate.
Yahshi is really smart and he used to be at the top of his class, entering the academy seemed like it was more than achievable for him. But the events he witnessed that day changed him. He’s still searching for the answers he might never be able to find. He’s at the bottom of his class now. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance anymore to enter the academy. And yet, his name is announced as one of those lucky few to get selected. Which only raises more questions. When he enters the academy, he can’t help but feel like a puppet on a string.
Quax used to dream about designing buildings. But ever since his sister Cal saved him and got selected to join the academy, he gave up on his dream and did everything he could to get selected too. He is among the best prepared to succeed. His selection feels like a mere formality. And then his former best friend Yahshi punches him in the face.
Vel is the only girl to get selected. It’s clear she isn’t as physically strong as the boys. Nor is she as trained in martial arts as them. But what she lacks, she makes up for with speed and a particularly handy set of skills. And as she says it herself: “a good thief doesn’t have to fight.”
Pinto lost his eye. He knows what he’s fighting for. He’s committed to becoming a guardian. But there are some things you just can’t learn.
Mel published a book when she was only 13 years old. It was called “The sky weeps with us,” which she published under the hilarious pen name Jane Winshield. She made a video about why she decided to unpublish it, which a lot of people (myself included) really enjoyed. By rereading her own work, she realized that the story had potential but it was simply published too soon. It needed a lot more editing to turn it into the amazing story it could be. After writing and publishing some other books and gaining the confidence and experience she needed as a writer, she decided to go back to that book from her youth and rewrite it into an epic trilogy. This is the first book in that trilogy.
If you’ve been following Mel’s YouTube channel, you know the amount of effort that went into writing this book. It’s never easy to write a book, but Mel absolutely exhausted herself trying to make this book the best version it could be. For research purposes alone, she went out of her comfort zone by taking Muay Thai, Kung Fu and even dual sword fighting classes in Thailand to make her fight scenes more realistic. To gain more life experience she also joined a meditation course in a temple among other things. Long story short, Mel grew a lot as an author and as a person writing this book. And it’s that growth in her own character that can also be seen in her characters in this book. While this book focuses mostly on Yahshi, as he is the protagonist, there’s an abundance of interesting and well fleshed out characters to be found here.
One thing I really like is the part about why someone might want to join the academy. Because when they graduate, they’re pretty much reborn into a better life. This explains why some of these characters would gladly want to join such a strict military-style academy. But it comes with a great sacrifice. You need to be able to leave your old life behind and become a whole new person, completely devoted to the service. However, the more interesting mystery here is actually why these particular characters were chosen in the first place. And what graduating from the academy actually means. As the world building is quite strong, but it’s also kept quite mysterious with a nice and natural gradual reveal throughout the story. And there’s still so much more left to explore.
The plot takes it time to slowly develop while the story introduces and fleshes out the characters. The beginning of the story feels very inspired by the Hunger Games, but there are also traces of inspiration from other sources like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Assassination Classroom. And it also reminds me a bit of The Poppy War.
There are quite a few important themes to be found here. Like friendship. Living with trauma. Study smart, not hard. The pressure students feel to succeed in school. The search for one’s identity while growing up. The value and importance of working together rather than competing against each other. Thinking outside the box and thinking ahead. And learning from your mistakes. The story also explores some darker themes that make for a particularly gripping and emotional second half.
It’s hard not to appreciate the sheer amount of effort Mel put into making this story the best it could be. And it’s clear those efforts paid off. The story started out strong and slowly but surely just kept getting better. And the ending is so very promising for what’s to come. This is a very strong start to a dark young adult trilogy with a lot of potential.
Yahshi is really smart and he used to be at the top of his class, entering the academy seemed like it was more than achievable for him. But the events he witnessed that day changed him. He’s still searching for the answers he might never be able to find. He’s at the bottom of his class now. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance anymore to enter the academy. And yet, his name is announced as one of those lucky few to get selected. Which only raises more questions. When he enters the academy, he can’t help but feel like a puppet on a string.
Quax used to dream about designing buildings. But ever since his sister Cal saved him and got selected to join the academy, he gave up on his dream and did everything he could to get selected too. He is among the best prepared to succeed. His selection feels like a mere formality. And then his former best friend Yahshi punches him in the face.
Vel is the only girl to get selected. It’s clear she isn’t as physically strong as the boys. Nor is she as trained in martial arts as them. But what she lacks, she makes up for with speed and a particularly handy set of skills. And as she says it herself: “a good thief doesn’t have to fight.”
Pinto lost his eye. He knows what he’s fighting for. He’s committed to becoming a guardian. But there are some things you just can’t learn.
Mel published a book when she was only 13 years old. It was called “The sky weeps with us,” which she published under the hilarious pen name Jane Winshield. She made a video about why she decided to unpublish it, which a lot of people (myself included) really enjoyed. By rereading her own work, she realized that the story had potential but it was simply published too soon. It needed a lot more editing to turn it into the amazing story it could be. After writing and publishing some other books and gaining the confidence and experience she needed as a writer, she decided to go back to that book from her youth and rewrite it into an epic trilogy. This is the first book in that trilogy.
If you’ve been following Mel’s YouTube channel, you know the amount of effort that went into writing this book. It’s never easy to write a book, but Mel absolutely exhausted herself trying to make this book the best version it could be. For research purposes alone, she went out of her comfort zone by taking Muay Thai, Kung Fu and even dual sword fighting classes in Thailand to make her fight scenes more realistic. To gain more life experience she also joined a meditation course in a temple among other things. Long story short, Mel grew a lot as an author and as a person writing this book. And it’s that growth in her own character that can also be seen in her characters in this book. While this book focuses mostly on Yahshi, as he is the protagonist, there’s an abundance of interesting and well fleshed out characters to be found here.
One thing I really like is the part about why someone might want to join the academy. Because when they graduate, they’re pretty much reborn into a better life. This explains why some of these characters would gladly want to join such a strict military-style academy. But it comes with a great sacrifice. You need to be able to leave your old life behind and become a whole new person, completely devoted to the service. However, the more interesting mystery here is actually why these particular characters were chosen in the first place. And what graduating from the academy actually means. As the world building is quite strong, but it’s also kept quite mysterious with a nice and natural gradual reveal throughout the story. And there’s still so much more left to explore.
The plot takes it time to slowly develop while the story introduces and fleshes out the characters. The beginning of the story feels very inspired by the Hunger Games, but there are also traces of inspiration from other sources like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Assassination Classroom. And it also reminds me a bit of The Poppy War.
There are quite a few important themes to be found here. Like friendship. Living with trauma. Study smart, not hard. The pressure students feel to succeed in school. The search for one’s identity while growing up. The value and importance of working together rather than competing against each other. Thinking outside the box and thinking ahead. And learning from your mistakes. The story also explores some darker themes that make for a particularly gripping and emotional second half.
It’s hard not to appreciate the sheer amount of effort Mel put into making this story the best it could be. And it’s clear those efforts paid off. The story started out strong and slowly but surely just kept getting better. And the ending is so very promising for what’s to come. This is a very strong start to a dark young adult trilogy with a lot of potential.
November 25, 2023
3.5 Stars!
For some reason, academy settings always seem so alluring, and this caught my eye!
Set in an alternate reality which echoes imperial China, this has slight shades of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Poppy War as teens across the realm vie to be selected for that rare spot in the Belladonna Guardian Academy. Being chosen is an honor as their families and district get a generous stipend for as long as they remain in the competition, and being the best of the best means a chance to become a guardian of the Force as twenty students are whittled down to the premier five, showing they have what it takes to protect the empire and fight off treacherous traitors.
This story focuses on 15 year old Yahshi who is an unexpected pick. Once at the top of his class, a traumatizing incident several years back causes an obsession in him that he can’t let go of. It’s possible that his inquisitive dogged mind brought him to academy attention, and he’s not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.
As Yahshi fights his suspicions, he also struggles with wanting to know the truth about the venerated Force. He can’t help but admire their cause, nor can he deny his inner competitive side. In such a charged setting, it’s no wonder that motivations are questioned, friends become foes and foes become friends, all with an underlying commentary on indoctrination, political conflict, shades of morality all tied together with plenty of pervasive secrets and hidden agendas.
This had the classic school competition with a pretty cutthroat elimination process. Yahshi is not a prodigy and is not infallible. Each student had their own personal reasons for wanting to be in the academy which was varied and interesting. Be aware that the themes presented in this were quite adult, and I was pleasantly surprised regarding the various ways the author took this story, thinking it would go turn here but ended up going there. Remember too, this is YA. Some actions and reactions were not mature and there is a lot of growing up that was done and still needs to be accomplished.
Overall, I enjoyed this set up, and the premise was interesting. This ends with a big reveal, and I look forward to the next book to see how Yahshi and his friends prevail!
Thank you to the author and Lost Island Press for a copy in exchange for a review posted to Goodreads!
For some reason, academy settings always seem so alluring, and this caught my eye!
Set in an alternate reality which echoes imperial China, this has slight shades of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Poppy War as teens across the realm vie to be selected for that rare spot in the Belladonna Guardian Academy. Being chosen is an honor as their families and district get a generous stipend for as long as they remain in the competition, and being the best of the best means a chance to become a guardian of the Force as twenty students are whittled down to the premier five, showing they have what it takes to protect the empire and fight off treacherous traitors.
This story focuses on 15 year old Yahshi who is an unexpected pick. Once at the top of his class, a traumatizing incident several years back causes an obsession in him that he can’t let go of. It’s possible that his inquisitive dogged mind brought him to academy attention, and he’s not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.
As Yahshi fights his suspicions, he also struggles with wanting to know the truth about the venerated Force. He can’t help but admire their cause, nor can he deny his inner competitive side. In such a charged setting, it’s no wonder that motivations are questioned, friends become foes and foes become friends, all with an underlying commentary on indoctrination, political conflict, shades of morality all tied together with plenty of pervasive secrets and hidden agendas.
This had the classic school competition with a pretty cutthroat elimination process. Yahshi is not a prodigy and is not infallible. Each student had their own personal reasons for wanting to be in the academy which was varied and interesting. Be aware that the themes presented in this were quite adult, and I was pleasantly surprised regarding the various ways the author took this story, thinking it would go turn here but ended up going there. Remember too, this is YA. Some actions and reactions were not mature and there is a lot of growing up that was done and still needs to be accomplished.
Overall, I enjoyed this set up, and the premise was interesting. This ends with a big reveal, and I look forward to the next book to see how Yahshi and his friends prevail!
Thank you to the author and Lost Island Press for a copy in exchange for a review posted to Goodreads!
November 8, 2023
4-4.5/5. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book! This was a great read and I am definitely going to want to continue with this series. I am super disappointed the other books are not out yet especially since this book ended on a cliffhanger!
This is a YA book that has some darker twists to it. It starts off with a murder taking place and the effect that murder had on the main character, Yahshi. Yahshi had changed after witnessing the murder, which was committed by his best friend’s sister (Cal), and seeing the Empire’s reaction to it. The Empire then had Cal drafted into the Academy which is where recruits are going through a boarding school of military type training till there are only 5 recruits left and these 5 recruits then become guardians. The recruits are filtered from the program in a variety of ways that makes the book stressful at times.
Yahshi gets selected to join the Academy, even though it was not something he intended to do, nor does his father want him to join. But he decides to accept the chance to go to the Academy. I felt like I had a love/hate relationship with Yahshi. At times he was a great character in the sense that he always stuck to his principles and tries to do the right thing. But at other times, he was super annoying and whiny—especially when he felt the right thing was not being done. Which I get you want fairness in the world, but there are good times and bad times of when to take a stand and make your voice heard, and Yahshi was terrible at determining when to do that.
Yahshi’s attitude is probably my biggest complaint and his terrible decision making (at certain times). His attitude made interactions between other characters awkward at times as well. There are quite a few scenes where I was disappointed in the character’s interactions with each other. I noticed there was a lot of dialogue that ended with “he/she spat” (not like spitting, but as in tone). This felt overused and most of the time it felt like it was used improperly, because in the next instant the tone would be normal or casual.
The pacing of this book was done well, I found it hard at times to put this book down. I did get hooked into this story and found myself wanting to constantly know what was going to happen next. Especially towards the end when things take a drastic turn, it was really hard to put down. And just when I was super invested and could not wait for what happened next, the book ended…☹ Like I said, I definitely wish the other books were out and I could continue the series.
Another plus was that even though this was YA, there was no romantic relationships! Not that I do not like romantic relationships in books, but it was nice to finally have a YA book not have one for a change. I will say I could see a potential one forming later, but for now, it was nice to just have a book focused on the story! I feel like so many YA books suffer because they are only focused on the relationships, and this one was able to focus solely on the story, and it definitely shows, the story was great!
This is a YA book that has some darker twists to it. It starts off with a murder taking place and the effect that murder had on the main character, Yahshi. Yahshi had changed after witnessing the murder, which was committed by his best friend’s sister (Cal), and seeing the Empire’s reaction to it. The Empire then had Cal drafted into the Academy which is where recruits are going through a boarding school of military type training till there are only 5 recruits left and these 5 recruits then become guardians. The recruits are filtered from the program in a variety of ways that makes the book stressful at times.
Yahshi gets selected to join the Academy, even though it was not something he intended to do, nor does his father want him to join. But he decides to accept the chance to go to the Academy. I felt like I had a love/hate relationship with Yahshi. At times he was a great character in the sense that he always stuck to his principles and tries to do the right thing. But at other times, he was super annoying and whiny—especially when he felt the right thing was not being done. Which I get you want fairness in the world, but there are good times and bad times of when to take a stand and make your voice heard, and Yahshi was terrible at determining when to do that.
Yahshi’s attitude is probably my biggest complaint and his terrible decision making (at certain times). His attitude made interactions between other characters awkward at times as well. There are quite a few scenes where I was disappointed in the character’s interactions with each other. I noticed there was a lot of dialogue that ended with “he/she spat” (not like spitting, but as in tone). This felt overused and most of the time it felt like it was used improperly, because in the next instant the tone would be normal or casual.
The pacing of this book was done well, I found it hard at times to put this book down. I did get hooked into this story and found myself wanting to constantly know what was going to happen next. Especially towards the end when things take a drastic turn, it was really hard to put down. And just when I was super invested and could not wait for what happened next, the book ended…☹ Like I said, I definitely wish the other books were out and I could continue the series.
Another plus was that even though this was YA, there was no romantic relationships! Not that I do not like romantic relationships in books, but it was nice to finally have a YA book not have one for a change. I will say I could see a potential one forming later, but for now, it was nice to just have a book focused on the story! I feel like so many YA books suffer because they are only focused on the relationships, and this one was able to focus solely on the story, and it definitely shows, the story was great!
Read
September 21, 2023Nightshade Academy is coming November 11, 2023.
I can't wait to launch the first book in the Belladonna trilogy! I've been working on it for over two years now, and it's definitely the most challenging story I've written.
Please add Nightshade Academy to your Want To Read list.
You can learn more about the book on Lost Island Press.
"Welcome to the Academy!"
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14+ | graphic violence, subtle romantic undertones, substance abuse, mild profanity, discrimination, self-harm, animal cruelty, child abuse
I can't wait to launch the first book in the Belladonna trilogy! I've been working on it for over two years now, and it's definitely the most challenging story I've written.
Please add Nightshade Academy to your Want To Read list.
You can learn more about the book on Lost Island Press.
"Welcome to the Academy!"
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14+ | graphic violence, subtle romantic undertones, substance abuse, mild profanity, discrimination, self-harm, animal cruelty, child abuse
October 17, 2023
Well this was undoubtedly fun!
Whilst marketed as a fantasy, Nightshade Academy feels as if it’s rightfully belonging to the golden age of YA dystopia! With its character-driven, immersive writing style, you are plunged right amongst the action with the protagonist, with a plot that propels you with each page. The cast of characters is likeable, their motives understandable, and the villains are appropriately dubious as their layers are slowly revealed.
The world is confined in its intentionally suffocating atmosphere riddled with obsession, betrayal and bitter rivalries, and I can’t wait to see the wider scope that was teased towards the conclusion, in future instalments! The novel poses questions of morality; of freedom and control, of egocentrism and accountability for actions, all with a seamless ease, thrusting characters into impossible choices that the reader can empathise with acutely. Mel Torrefranca crafts a gritty analysis of wealth and privilege, and the extent people would go to to attain them, as well as touching upon themes of coping with trauma.
The book covers the journey of young student Yahshi, after being selected for a military academy that twenty students may enter, but only five can remain. This closed setting allows for heightened tension, and endearing friendships to emerge. As time unfolds and questions arise, the stakes increase ever higher, all building to the third act which occurs at a breakneck pace, only to leave with a plot twist that makes me desperate for the next novel!
All around a fun, fast-paced, tightly plotted, dystopia-esque fantasy read, that provides a strong start to a trilogy!
Massive thanks to Mel Torrefranca and Lost Island Press for the ARC!
Whilst marketed as a fantasy, Nightshade Academy feels as if it’s rightfully belonging to the golden age of YA dystopia! With its character-driven, immersive writing style, you are plunged right amongst the action with the protagonist, with a plot that propels you with each page. The cast of characters is likeable, their motives understandable, and the villains are appropriately dubious as their layers are slowly revealed.
The world is confined in its intentionally suffocating atmosphere riddled with obsession, betrayal and bitter rivalries, and I can’t wait to see the wider scope that was teased towards the conclusion, in future instalments! The novel poses questions of morality; of freedom and control, of egocentrism and accountability for actions, all with a seamless ease, thrusting characters into impossible choices that the reader can empathise with acutely. Mel Torrefranca crafts a gritty analysis of wealth and privilege, and the extent people would go to to attain them, as well as touching upon themes of coping with trauma.
The book covers the journey of young student Yahshi, after being selected for a military academy that twenty students may enter, but only five can remain. This closed setting allows for heightened tension, and endearing friendships to emerge. As time unfolds and questions arise, the stakes increase ever higher, all building to the third act which occurs at a breakneck pace, only to leave with a plot twist that makes me desperate for the next novel!
All around a fun, fast-paced, tightly plotted, dystopia-esque fantasy read, that provides a strong start to a trilogy!
Massive thanks to Mel Torrefranca and Lost Island Press for the ARC!
September 25, 2023
Okay, I'm so excited for this review because I absolutely loved this story and now I have a new favorite book to add to my shelf. It's also my very first ARC read so that's super fun and now I can have one of those cool disclaimers that say *I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review* 😂.
Where do I even start? This story was incredibly well-crafted. To me, characters are everything, and these characters WERE everything. My sister can attest through the multiple texts I sent her talking about how wholesome the friendship dynamics are. Yahshi, Vell, and Pinto (the main trio) have my heart 😄. With snappy dialogue, great motivations, and just them caring for each other so much, these three really stole the show. Also, some of the things they had to say were absolutely hilarious.
And not only the characters, but the world building was amazing. From a writer's pov, I can't imagine all the work it took to build the Academy, the history, and the details of the program. Everything was so interesting to learn about and it was a very immersive storyworld.
And let me talk about the book's pacing and structure a little. Oh my word. The novel's separated into two parts, and Part 1 felt like it could've been one book. The midpoint was a CLIFFHANGER. Fortunately the midpoint wasn't the end so I don't have to be completely miserable while waiting for book 2 😅. For a moment there I was worried Part 2 wouldn't be as stellar as Part 1, but it definitely didn't let down. With a plot twist ending, I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
One thing I really appreciate about this story is that it's a redemption story. It's definitely dark with a lot of violence, trauma, and morally gray characters, but I'm really glad the ultimate theme doesn't entirely support those things.
This was a definite 5-star read for me! Now I want to get a physical copy when it releases on November 11— I need it on my bookshelf 😆. If you want to get a major head start on the story, though, there's an audio drama adaptation of the first half that I listened to on Spotify (it's also on YT!).
Thank you so much @meltorrefranca & @lostislandpress for the ARC! It was fantastic!
Where do I even start? This story was incredibly well-crafted. To me, characters are everything, and these characters WERE everything. My sister can attest through the multiple texts I sent her talking about how wholesome the friendship dynamics are. Yahshi, Vell, and Pinto (the main trio) have my heart 😄. With snappy dialogue, great motivations, and just them caring for each other so much, these three really stole the show. Also, some of the things they had to say were absolutely hilarious.
And not only the characters, but the world building was amazing. From a writer's pov, I can't imagine all the work it took to build the Academy, the history, and the details of the program. Everything was so interesting to learn about and it was a very immersive storyworld.
And let me talk about the book's pacing and structure a little. Oh my word. The novel's separated into two parts, and Part 1 felt like it could've been one book. The midpoint was a CLIFFHANGER. Fortunately the midpoint wasn't the end so I don't have to be completely miserable while waiting for book 2 😅. For a moment there I was worried Part 2 wouldn't be as stellar as Part 1, but it definitely didn't let down. With a plot twist ending, I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
One thing I really appreciate about this story is that it's a redemption story. It's definitely dark with a lot of violence, trauma, and morally gray characters, but I'm really glad the ultimate theme doesn't entirely support those things.
This was a definite 5-star read for me! Now I want to get a physical copy when it releases on November 11— I need it on my bookshelf 😆. If you want to get a major head start on the story, though, there's an audio drama adaptation of the first half that I listened to on Spotify (it's also on YT!).
Thank you so much @meltorrefranca & @lostislandpress for the ARC! It was fantastic!
October 3, 2023
This is the kind of book that I re-read anytime I'm free and absolutely love it. I read it in one sitting cuz it was so gripping.
SUMMARY:
So this book is basically about 20 teens who get selected to train as guardians for the empire but there is a slight catch.Only five of them will get to graduate and the rest will get removed or 'filtered' from the program but they get to come back when there is a problem like a reduce in the number of guardians.
They are fighting the underground which they see as criminals.
CHARACTERS:
I didn't have the opportunity to visualize the characters based off what I had read because I saw the art on insta and the voice acting cast vid on YouTube.
I love, love, love, Yahshi Konya. He is so real for everything he does. I love how alert and attentive he is like when he started questioning his acceptance from the very beginning.
He doesn't open up that much which I find very intelligent about him.
I also loved the way he questioned how Cal was forgiven for taking a life of a person who isn't affiliated with the underground or hasn't broken any rules which is against protocol.
He's also a person who stands by his morals as shown when he killed a man with a family and then feeling extremely bad about it, refusing to eat and even doing something that you'll have to find out when the book comes out,to avoid doing it again.
Yahshi is the perfect character he isn't perfect like he has his strengths and weaknesses but overall the way he thinks is very interesting.
Pinto is a character I found myself slowly getting attached to. My heart was racing when I got to the final selection. Pinto is someone I would wanna be friends with, Yahshi too. He's rude and sarcastic but isn't afraid to tell you the truth.I loved the scenes between him and Yahshi.I was super disappointed in his choice of action in the last chapter.
Vell is a girls girl but there are no girls in the academy. I absolutely love her and her loyalty to her friends. She's the kind of person to be mad at you but still help you out.
The story is so gripping and the storytelling is peak.
EVERYTHING, every single thing in this book was so carefully planned and beautifully written that I didn't get up from my bed for a whole day just to finish it.
I wasn't happy when a few characters got filtered but as I read I realized that it was best for them to get filtered and being a guardian wasn't for them.
The plot twist at the end caught me off guard. It was 9 pm and when I read the last sentence I was so shocked that I ended staring at my phone trying to process what I had just read.
@mel is super talented and her writing has evolved beautifully. This book is PERFECTION. I am so grateful that I got to become a beta reader.
SUMMARY:
So this book is basically about 20 teens who get selected to train as guardians for the empire but there is a slight catch.Only five of them will get to graduate and the rest will get removed or 'filtered' from the program but they get to come back when there is a problem like a reduce in the number of guardians.
They are fighting the underground which they see as criminals.
CHARACTERS:
I didn't have the opportunity to visualize the characters based off what I had read because I saw the art on insta and the voice acting cast vid on YouTube.
I love, love, love, Yahshi Konya. He is so real for everything he does. I love how alert and attentive he is like when he started questioning his acceptance from the very beginning.
He doesn't open up that much which I find very intelligent about him.
I also loved the way he questioned how Cal was forgiven for taking a life of a person who isn't affiliated with the underground or hasn't broken any rules which is against protocol.
He's also a person who stands by his morals as shown when he killed a man with a family and then feeling extremely bad about it, refusing to eat and even doing something that you'll have to find out when the book comes out,to avoid doing it again.
Yahshi is the perfect character he isn't perfect like he has his strengths and weaknesses but overall the way he thinks is very interesting.
Pinto is a character I found myself slowly getting attached to. My heart was racing when I got to the final selection. Pinto is someone I would wanna be friends with, Yahshi too. He's rude and sarcastic but isn't afraid to tell you the truth.I loved the scenes between him and Yahshi.I was super disappointed in his choice of action in the last chapter.
Vell is a girls girl but there are no girls in the academy. I absolutely love her and her loyalty to her friends. She's the kind of person to be mad at you but still help you out.
The story is so gripping and the storytelling is peak.
EVERYTHING, every single thing in this book was so carefully planned and beautifully written that I didn't get up from my bed for a whole day just to finish it.
I wasn't happy when a few characters got filtered but as I read I realized that it was best for them to get filtered and being a guardian wasn't for them.
The plot twist at the end caught me off guard. It was 9 pm and when I read the last sentence I was so shocked that I ended staring at my phone trying to process what I had just read.
@mel is super talented and her writing has evolved beautifully. This book is PERFECTION. I am so grateful that I got to become a beta reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
This book is for people who loved The Poppy War but wanted the time at Sinegard to last longer. And also wanted less vulgarity.
Nightshade Academy follows Yahshi as he is chosen to be a Guardian trainee at the famous academy that only allows five students to graduate each cycle. If you do graduate, you will work for the emperor in either the Research, Defense, or Medical division and fight against a rebel group known as the Underground. Yahshi had lost faith in the Guardians after witnessing a traumatic childhood event and yet being chosen as a trainee will secure his future. Thus begins his journey.
The story is overshadowed by the conflict between the East and West: the Underground rebels and Vakoi Empire (royal family). What previously occurred during the Atherus War allowed the West to gain control of the East by murdering its royal family. The world building and politics are great. There’s a lot of gray area.
Some aspects reminded me of The Hunger Games such as how the Guardian trainees chosen receive a pension for both their families back home and for their province. While in THG if you win, your family and you are set up for life. Both stories also feature dark politics and the uncovering of plots. In THG the idea that the games are good for Panem is questioned and in NA being a Guardian is seems as a worthy role until you actually get to that point.
I am not a mystery reader so when I do end up reading a mystery or thriller type story I’m not on the lookout for hints or reveals. I just want to enjoy the story. Because of this, I did not see the reveal at the end coming at all. 😅 Kudos to Torrefranca.
At a certain point I was thinking when will it end because it’s dragging! And then the last like six chapters happened and there was not a single miss! Boom! Boom! Boom! Interesting action!
__________
I think this happens sometimes with self-published books or books from smaller publishing houses but the writing doesn’t feel tight. Particularly the dialogue. This isn’t meant to be degrading but rather critical of how large publishing houses sometimes over-edit forcing the authors into corners.
Including a song title at the beginning of every chapter felt very juvenile. I’ve seen other authors include a playlist at the beginning of a book but never for every single chapter. Isn’t it better for your audience to connect songs with your characters and plot rather than forcing your ideas on them?
Nightshade Academy follows Yahshi as he is chosen to be a Guardian trainee at the famous academy that only allows five students to graduate each cycle. If you do graduate, you will work for the emperor in either the Research, Defense, or Medical division and fight against a rebel group known as the Underground. Yahshi had lost faith in the Guardians after witnessing a traumatic childhood event and yet being chosen as a trainee will secure his future. Thus begins his journey.
The story is overshadowed by the conflict between the East and West: the Underground rebels and Vakoi Empire (royal family). What previously occurred during the Atherus War allowed the West to gain control of the East by murdering its royal family. The world building and politics are great. There’s a lot of gray area.
Some aspects reminded me of The Hunger Games such as how the Guardian trainees chosen receive a pension for both their families back home and for their province. While in THG if you win, your family and you are set up for life. Both stories also feature dark politics and the uncovering of plots. In THG the idea that the games are good for Panem is questioned and in NA being a Guardian is seems as a worthy role until you actually get to that point.
I am not a mystery reader so when I do end up reading a mystery or thriller type story I’m not on the lookout for hints or reveals. I just want to enjoy the story. Because of this, I did not see the reveal at the end coming at all. 😅 Kudos to Torrefranca.
At a certain point I was thinking when will it end because it’s dragging! And then the last like six chapters happened and there was not a single miss! Boom! Boom! Boom! Interesting action!
__________
I think this happens sometimes with self-published books or books from smaller publishing houses but the writing doesn’t feel tight. Particularly the dialogue. This isn’t meant to be degrading but rather critical of how large publishing houses sometimes over-edit forcing the authors into corners.
Including a song title at the beginning of every chapter felt very juvenile. I’ve seen other authors include a playlist at the beginning of a book but never for every single chapter. Isn’t it better for your audience to connect songs with your characters and plot rather than forcing your ideas on them?
November 6, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve followed Mel Torrefranca’s YouTube channel since my uni days (when I had so much more time to write – but this is neither the time nor place to bemoan the infamous 9-5). And from one writer to another, her content has always resonated strongly with me. So when I got the opportunity to read the book that she’d been working on for the past two years, I jumped at it.
Nightshade Academy follows Yahshi Konya’s journey through the Belladonna Guardian Academy where he undergoes an aggressive military program with the aim of emerging as one of the empire’s guardians. But the Academy is not what it seems. Dangerous truths emerge and Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships and his humanity.
This book is categorised as YA fantasy but the themes tackled (freedom, death, choice, justice etc) were handled far better than in most YA books I've read. I suspect this is one of the reasons I enjoyed Nightshade Academy so much.
A FEW OTHER THINGS I ENJOYED
Characterisation
Yahshi’s a pretty well-rounded character. It took me a while to wrap my head around his decision to join the Academy but once we got past that, it was smooth sailing. The supporting cast is stellar, and the dynamic between Yahshi and his friends is fun, but mostly gut-wrenching, to watch. Which I enjoyed, of course.
World building
If you’re a fan of stories that take place in an academic setting (as I am) then you’ll love this. We do eventually get a taste of Vakoi City and a few other locations but we’re mostly in the Academy which is easy to forget given how well paced the book is. I’m excited to see more of the East I’m also looking forward to more political intrigue (fingers crossed) as we dive into the murky waters of West v East and maybe get a closer view of the royal family.
Narrative & pacing
Yahshi spends a year in the Academy and while we see just enough to give us a sense of the school year and his day-to-day, the story isn't bogged down with minutiae. We move seamlessly from scene to scene with a strong focus on the challenges and, as I like to say, little fluff and no BS.
The end
I should have seen it coming but I was too engrossed 😅
WHAT I DIDN’T ENJOY
Aside from the above re. how Yahshi’s decision to join the Academy was explained, nothing.
Truly.
There were a few typos, but this is an ARC and I expect those will be cleaned up by publication.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I can’t wait for book 2! (and more of Saunti pls!!)
I’ve followed Mel Torrefranca’s YouTube channel since my uni days (when I had so much more time to write – but this is neither the time nor place to bemoan the infamous 9-5). And from one writer to another, her content has always resonated strongly with me. So when I got the opportunity to read the book that she’d been working on for the past two years, I jumped at it.
Nightshade Academy follows Yahshi Konya’s journey through the Belladonna Guardian Academy where he undergoes an aggressive military program with the aim of emerging as one of the empire’s guardians. But the Academy is not what it seems. Dangerous truths emerge and Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships and his humanity.
This book is categorised as YA fantasy but the themes tackled (freedom, death, choice, justice etc) were handled far better than in most YA books I've read. I suspect this is one of the reasons I enjoyed Nightshade Academy so much.
A FEW OTHER THINGS I ENJOYED
Characterisation
Yahshi’s a pretty well-rounded character. It took me a while to wrap my head around his decision to join the Academy but once we got past that, it was smooth sailing. The supporting cast is stellar, and the dynamic between Yahshi and his friends is fun, but mostly gut-wrenching, to watch. Which I enjoyed, of course.
World building
If you’re a fan of stories that take place in an academic setting (as I am) then you’ll love this. We do eventually get a taste of Vakoi City and a few other locations but we’re mostly in the Academy which is easy to forget given how well paced the book is. I’m excited to see more of the East I’m also looking forward to more political intrigue (fingers crossed) as we dive into the murky waters of West v East and maybe get a closer view of the royal family.
Narrative & pacing
Yahshi spends a year in the Academy and while we see just enough to give us a sense of the school year and his day-to-day, the story isn't bogged down with minutiae. We move seamlessly from scene to scene with a strong focus on the challenges and, as I like to say, little fluff and no BS.
The end
I should have seen it coming but I was too engrossed 😅
WHAT I DIDN’T ENJOY
Aside from the above re. how Yahshi’s decision to join the Academy was explained, nothing.
Truly.
There were a few typos, but this is an ARC and I expect those will be cleaned up by publication.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I can’t wait for book 2! (and more of Saunti pls!!)
November 8, 2023
This was an ok story. It was a bit hasty, the first half breezing through the elimination process and the second half having most of the plot. There wasn’t much emotional connection with the characters or the story. I didn’t care who got eliminated, and I didn’t really care about the lives of the Underground members.
I couldn’t get the hang of the setting either. It was pre-industrial with some oddities like coffee dispensers that made me think the author hadn’t quite thought the world through. Descriptions were otherwise sparse, so there was no comparing it with existing cultures. With the jumping narrative, it was a bit difficult to immerse in the story.
Yahshi was an ok character, but his anger soon became tiring, especially since there was no proper background story to measure it against. I liked how he wasn’t a prodigy or the chosen one, so the chances of him surviving the elimination process weren’t entirely obvious. He was the underdog. And then the ending ruined that. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t get the hang of the setting either. It was pre-industrial with some oddities like coffee dispensers that made me think the author hadn’t quite thought the world through. Descriptions were otherwise sparse, so there was no comparing it with existing cultures. With the jumping narrative, it was a bit difficult to immerse in the story.
Yahshi was an ok character, but his anger soon became tiring, especially since there was no proper background story to measure it against. I liked how he wasn’t a prodigy or the chosen one, so the chances of him surviving the elimination process weren’t entirely obvious. He was the underdog. And then the ending ruined that. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
Every now and then, I finish a book and think, "That was a good book, and I know a lot of people are going to really enjoy it...but it just wasn't quite for me." Nightshade Academy is one of these books. The storyline was interesting, avoiding the pitfalls that make many YA stories insufferable, like an all-too-perfect protagonist, ridiculous adult characters, falling instantly in love, etc, etc.
Yahshi's struggle as he tries to discern reality from propaganda and make the right choice in a situation where it doesn't seem to exist was well and believably told. The friendships he developed with fellow students at the Academy made an initially unsympathetic character much more so. Yahshi wasn't your typical flawless protagonist—he genuinely struggled, and sometimes failed. One the one hand, that was a good thing, contributing to the realism and force of the story, on the other, it created the story's biggest weakness, in my opinion.
I never fully grasped what Yahshi was struggling for. His initial desire to track down Cal (a young girl from his community convicted of murder) seemed misplaced as a driving reason to get him into the Academy. The obsession didn't fully make sense to me (this could be because I've never had a friend who was accused of such a serious crime, but I don't think that's entirely it.)
Yahshi was never forced to stay in the Academy, and yet he did, despite his doubts, misgivings and frequent near misses. Even after he was convinced that Cal was indeed the ruthless killer he was afraid to believe she was, and that rather weak mystery was solved, he didn't leave. He drank poison, he drove himself to the breaking point to accomplish nearly impossible goals, and yet he never seemed to have any conviction that what he was doing was worthwhile...he even lacked conviction to stop. He's the kind of person who would normally be carried along by every wind of fortune, and yet at the same time, incredibly self-disciplined and driven. Therefore (to me) his character never "gelled" in a way that I could relate to.
Other than that, the story was well-written and flowed smoothly. I'd say it was a bit too long for its relatively simple plot, and a few aspects of the world-building remained confusing to the end, but since it's the first of a series, that minor flaw can be forgiven.
I think readers who enjoy "training" stories, coming of age stories, and stories with realistic rather than cheesy teenage characters would enjoy Nightshade Academy. Three out of five stars for me.
I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Yahshi's struggle as he tries to discern reality from propaganda and make the right choice in a situation where it doesn't seem to exist was well and believably told. The friendships he developed with fellow students at the Academy made an initially unsympathetic character much more so. Yahshi wasn't your typical flawless protagonist—he genuinely struggled, and sometimes failed. One the one hand, that was a good thing, contributing to the realism and force of the story, on the other, it created the story's biggest weakness, in my opinion.
I never fully grasped what Yahshi was struggling for. His initial desire to track down Cal (a young girl from his community convicted of murder) seemed misplaced as a driving reason to get him into the Academy. The obsession didn't fully make sense to me (this could be because I've never had a friend who was accused of such a serious crime, but I don't think that's entirely it.)
Yahshi was never forced to stay in the Academy, and yet he did, despite his doubts, misgivings and frequent near misses. Even after he was convinced that Cal was indeed the ruthless killer he was afraid to believe she was, and that rather weak mystery was solved, he didn't leave. He drank poison, he drove himself to the breaking point to accomplish nearly impossible goals, and yet he never seemed to have any conviction that what he was doing was worthwhile...he even lacked conviction to stop. He's the kind of person who would normally be carried along by every wind of fortune, and yet at the same time, incredibly self-disciplined and driven. Therefore (to me) his character never "gelled" in a way that I could relate to.
Other than that, the story was well-written and flowed smoothly. I'd say it was a bit too long for its relatively simple plot, and a few aspects of the world-building remained confusing to the end, but since it's the first of a series, that minor flaw can be forgiven.
I think readers who enjoy "training" stories, coming of age stories, and stories with realistic rather than cheesy teenage characters would enjoy Nightshade Academy. Three out of five stars for me.
I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
ARC REVIEW
PUBLISHES 11/11/2023.
Nightshade Academy by Mel Torrefranca
Twenty teenagers enter. Only five become guardians.
Summary:
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing
his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
“Number one: As trainees, you will have no contact with anyone from your old life for the duration of your time in the program. There will be no visits and no exchanges of letters or gifts. You will engage socially with guardians and trainees, unless otherwise organized by the Force.”
Review:
4.75 stars
So this is my fourth ARC and is by far my favorite. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review so enjoy. I’ve deemed October as my fantasy month and have taken over Sarah J Maas. I was in need of a Throne of Glass break so hopped on my laptop and started reading. When I tell you this
book is a mix of all my fantasy books it is the ultimate mix. This book is like Fourth Wing, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter had a beautiful baby, I am so here for it. This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, crying, and laughing. It was a rollercoaster that I would happily go through again to read it for the first time.
“Yahshi? Are you...doing homework?”
Yahshi slammed his pencil down. “I’m trying to.”
“What happened?”
“I...punched Quax.”
That was by far my favorite quote of the entire book, to be honest Quax deserved it. The plot of this
book is so well done, I was so annoyed when I parted from my laptop to complete my work for the day. If it was up to me I would have ignored all my responsibilities for the day and just read it in one sitting.
“Number two: On the first day of every month you’re in the program, your immediate family will receive a two-thousand-coin pension, and your hometown will receive five times that as a bonus in their monthly infrastructure fund. The first payments will be delivered today, assuming you sign the contract.”
The world is confined in its intentionally suffocating atmosphere riddled with obsession, betrayal and bitter rivalries, The novel introduces questions of freedom; of egocentrism and control, of morality and accountability for actions, all structures in a way that flows beautifully, thrusting
characters into impossible choices that the reader can relate to. Mel Torrefranca's writing is phenomenal; it crafts such a unique perspective of wealth and privilege, and the lengths people would go to attain them. I do especially like how she touched on trauma and how the characters coped with it.
“Number three: We run a competitive program that requires your complete dedication for success. You will not get many days, and you will not have the privilege to travel freely. You will need to follow a strict schedule that demands growth under pressure."
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters. Yahshi is a smart and ambitious
student, who is at the bottom of his class and unsure of his chances to enter the academy. When he
is selected, he ends up feeling like a puppet. Quax, who once dreamed of designing buildings, gives
up on his dream and is the best prepared out of the 20. Vel, the only girl selected, is not as
physically strong or trained in martial arts but has speed and skills. Pinto loses his eye but is committed to becoming a guardian. Honestly more power to you Pinto, I aspire to have your determination.
“Number four: If you are filtered from the program, but the Empire requires additional guardians on duty, your partial training experience may subject you to a mandatory service call, regardless of your graduation status."
There were a lot of moments throughout this beautiful book that made my heart ache for Yahshi, and the entire cast of characters. I wish I could say If I was doing what they're doing I would be able
to make it to the top 5. But in the honest truth I probably would have given up after the first week because, wow that's intense. But if this book interests you I 100% recommend that you read it. If you do let me know what you think because I personally loved this.
“And lastly, but most importantly, number five: You must understand that only five of twenty trainees will graduate from the program eighteen months from today. These five trainees will be finalized after nine months and required to serve forty years after graduation. However, prior to the tenth month, you are welcome to filter yourself from the program before any life-altering commitments are made. In fact, we encourage it. If you cannot handle the separation from friends
and family, are mentally or physically unable to maintain the Academy schedule, or experience doubts about your career path, you are not for guardianship, and you should leave before it’s too late. Bear in mind that your family pension and your community’s infrastructure bonus will cease upon returning home."
“If you accept your selection, take this dagger.” He slid the tool between them, and a dull beam of light reflected off its blade.
“You must sign the contract in blood to reflect the weight of your decision.”
Will I be reading the next book?
Yes 101%
Am I going to beg Lost Island Press for an ARC of the next book?
Yes, by the way Lost Island Press this is your warning as soon as I find out about the next, I will constantly be in your inbox.
Do I plan to run to Barnes & Noble to buy the physical copy on 11/11/2023?
Yes, so if you see a crazy lady running around the store stay out of my way.
Am I wishing Yahshi was real so he can take me out?
Yup, if he were to call me and offer to take me to dinner, I would be ready in an instant.
Questo libro è stato assolutamente bellissimo, devi leggerlo. Se capisci questo significa che devi leggerlo al 10000000% adesso!
Thank you Lost Island Press & Mel Torrefranca for providing me with this ARC.
@meltorrefranca @lostislandpress #BelladonnaTrilogy #NightshadeAcademy #NightshadeAcademy
PUBLISHES 11/11/2023.
Nightshade Academy by Mel Torrefranca
Twenty teenagers enter. Only five become guardians.
Summary:
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing
his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
“Number one: As trainees, you will have no contact with anyone from your old life for the duration of your time in the program. There will be no visits and no exchanges of letters or gifts. You will engage socially with guardians and trainees, unless otherwise organized by the Force.”
Review:
4.75 stars
So this is my fourth ARC and is by far my favorite. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review so enjoy. I’ve deemed October as my fantasy month and have taken over Sarah J Maas. I was in need of a Throne of Glass break so hopped on my laptop and started reading. When I tell you this
book is a mix of all my fantasy books it is the ultimate mix. This book is like Fourth Wing, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter had a beautiful baby, I am so here for it. This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, crying, and laughing. It was a rollercoaster that I would happily go through again to read it for the first time.
“Yahshi? Are you...doing homework?”
Yahshi slammed his pencil down. “I’m trying to.”
“What happened?”
“I...punched Quax.”
That was by far my favorite quote of the entire book, to be honest Quax deserved it. The plot of this
book is so well done, I was so annoyed when I parted from my laptop to complete my work for the day. If it was up to me I would have ignored all my responsibilities for the day and just read it in one sitting.
“Number two: On the first day of every month you’re in the program, your immediate family will receive a two-thousand-coin pension, and your hometown will receive five times that as a bonus in their monthly infrastructure fund. The first payments will be delivered today, assuming you sign the contract.”
The world is confined in its intentionally suffocating atmosphere riddled with obsession, betrayal and bitter rivalries, The novel introduces questions of freedom; of egocentrism and control, of morality and accountability for actions, all structures in a way that flows beautifully, thrusting
characters into impossible choices that the reader can relate to. Mel Torrefranca's writing is phenomenal; it crafts such a unique perspective of wealth and privilege, and the lengths people would go to attain them. I do especially like how she touched on trauma and how the characters coped with it.
“Number three: We run a competitive program that requires your complete dedication for success. You will not get many days, and you will not have the privilege to travel freely. You will need to follow a strict schedule that demands growth under pressure."
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters. Yahshi is a smart and ambitious
student, who is at the bottom of his class and unsure of his chances to enter the academy. When he
is selected, he ends up feeling like a puppet. Quax, who once dreamed of designing buildings, gives
up on his dream and is the best prepared out of the 20. Vel, the only girl selected, is not as
physically strong or trained in martial arts but has speed and skills. Pinto loses his eye but is committed to becoming a guardian. Honestly more power to you Pinto, I aspire to have your determination.
“Number four: If you are filtered from the program, but the Empire requires additional guardians on duty, your partial training experience may subject you to a mandatory service call, regardless of your graduation status."
There were a lot of moments throughout this beautiful book that made my heart ache for Yahshi, and the entire cast of characters. I wish I could say If I was doing what they're doing I would be able
to make it to the top 5. But in the honest truth I probably would have given up after the first week because, wow that's intense. But if this book interests you I 100% recommend that you read it. If you do let me know what you think because I personally loved this.
“And lastly, but most importantly, number five: You must understand that only five of twenty trainees will graduate from the program eighteen months from today. These five trainees will be finalized after nine months and required to serve forty years after graduation. However, prior to the tenth month, you are welcome to filter yourself from the program before any life-altering commitments are made. In fact, we encourage it. If you cannot handle the separation from friends
and family, are mentally or physically unable to maintain the Academy schedule, or experience doubts about your career path, you are not for guardianship, and you should leave before it’s too late. Bear in mind that your family pension and your community’s infrastructure bonus will cease upon returning home."
“If you accept your selection, take this dagger.” He slid the tool between them, and a dull beam of light reflected off its blade.
“You must sign the contract in blood to reflect the weight of your decision.”
Will I be reading the next book?
Yes 101%
Am I going to beg Lost Island Press for an ARC of the next book?
Yes, by the way Lost Island Press this is your warning as soon as I find out about the next, I will constantly be in your inbox.
Do I plan to run to Barnes & Noble to buy the physical copy on 11/11/2023?
Yes, so if you see a crazy lady running around the store stay out of my way.
Am I wishing Yahshi was real so he can take me out?
Yup, if he were to call me and offer to take me to dinner, I would be ready in an instant.
Questo libro è stato assolutamente bellissimo, devi leggerlo. Se capisci questo significa che devi leggerlo al 10000000% adesso!
Thank you Lost Island Press & Mel Torrefranca for providing me with this ARC.
@meltorrefranca @lostislandpress #BelladonnaTrilogy #NightshadeAcademy #NightshadeAcademy
Want to read
March 29, 2024The behind-the-book on her website is ADORABLE!
And so she did. What a badass.
I really enjoy Mel Torrefranca’s work. I can’t wait to start this.
Especially since I saw they made the book into an audio drama!!?!?!
“Mel Torrefranca started writing The Sky Weeps With Us when she was ten years old. Although she eventually abandoned the novel, the characters never stopped haunting her.
Nearly a decade later, with a few published books to her name, Mel decided to rewrite The Sky Weeps With Us as a dark fantasy trilogy called Belladonna. She was struggling to choose a travel destination at the time, but the elements of Filipino culture her ten-year-old self had weaved into the original book sparked an interest in Southeast Asia.
Shortly after moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand in late 2021, Mel sent an early draft of Nightshade Academy (Belladonna, Book 1) to a group of beta readers to gather constructive criticism. A common complaint was that her fight scenes were unrealistic, which made her think, “If my fight scenes are out of sync with reality, surely training in real life would help with that, right?””
And so she did. What a badass.
I really enjoy Mel Torrefranca’s work. I can’t wait to start this.
Especially since I saw they made the book into an audio drama!!?!?!
October 25, 2023
I participated in both rounds of beta reading for this book and I also had the opportunity to read the arc. The book follows the story of Yahshi Konya, who get accepted into Nightshade Academy, a competitive programme in which only 20 teenagers get selected. At the end of the programme, only the best five will graduate as guardians. It seems to be a golden opportunity to live a better life, but not everything at the Academy is like what it appears to be.
The book is captivating for one major reason- the characters. Torrefranca has the mastered the art of character development. The characters feel so real that you feel as if you knew them personally. I love how the trajectories of the character change so drastically as the plot moved forward. Each character experiences internal conflicts of their own, eventually shaping the person they become at the end of the book.
It's very interesting to read Yahshi's moral dilemmas. Yahshi was the main reason I kept reading this book. I felt like I could deeply understand him.
I'm usually annoyed by cliffhangers, but I surprisingly loved this one. The last line of this book was electrifying. I'm absolutely dying to read the next book!!!
The book is captivating for one major reason- the characters. Torrefranca has the mastered the art of character development. The characters feel so real that you feel as if you knew them personally. I love how the trajectories of the character change so drastically as the plot moved forward. Each character experiences internal conflicts of their own, eventually shaping the person they become at the end of the book.
It's very interesting to read Yahshi's moral dilemmas. Yahshi was the main reason I kept reading this book. I felt like I could deeply understand him.
I'm usually annoyed by cliffhangers, but I surprisingly loved this one. The last line of this book was electrifying. I'm absolutely dying to read the next book!!!
November 12, 2023
A great thanks to Mel Torrefranca and Lost Island Press for providing me with an ARC
To be clear I am totally and absolutely thrilled with the events of the book and how easily the writing flows. The plot is engaging in itself and I'm totally waiting for the second book.
Personal events irl prevent me from writing a full fledged review now.
But I will update a detailed review in 2-3 business days
To be clear I am totally and absolutely thrilled with the events of the book and how easily the writing flows. The plot is engaging in itself and I'm totally waiting for the second book.
Personal events irl prevent me from writing a full fledged review now.
But I will update a detailed review in 2-3 business days
October 27, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Mel Torrefranca is a new author for me and it is always an amazing honour to find a writer who writes with such fluidity to engage with the reader instantly.
I had such a fun time reading this first book in a new trilogy. The world building is great and well detailed, the characters are all interesting in their own way - students and guardians, storylines are so interesting and believable. I couldn’t put it down I just wanted to keep reading another chapter then another chapter - it is that exciting. And the ending - WOW - I am desperate to get book two asap.
Highly recommend to all readers of dark academia.
Very easy 5* .
Mel Torrefranca is a new author for me and it is always an amazing honour to find a writer who writes with such fluidity to engage with the reader instantly.
I had such a fun time reading this first book in a new trilogy. The world building is great and well detailed, the characters are all interesting in their own way - students and guardians, storylines are so interesting and believable. I couldn’t put it down I just wanted to keep reading another chapter then another chapter - it is that exciting. And the ending - WOW - I am desperate to get book two asap.
Highly recommend to all readers of dark academia.
Very easy 5* .
October 2, 2023
#4.5
🦋Nightshade Academy
This book follows the story of Yahshi Konya, a fifteen-year-old boy selected for an elite military boarding school. Twenty trainees enter, but only five will emerge as guardians—fated for a life of glamour and brutality.
This book is amazing but I have to say that in the beginning even though a little slow it never makes you wanna stop, then when I enter the middle part it wasn’t slow anymore and when I really got into the plot the book ended so fast I barely had any time to process.
I love Yahshi’s character and the way he’s very developed and with an excellent character-plot line. And Vell who also lost her way.
I need to say this, I really do.
I mean who? Who has the audacity to end a book like this. It hasn’t even come out yet but I already wanna read the next the second one (in case you didn’t know this is gonna be a trilogy). I’m excited to be able to buy to the paperback when it comes out. I definitely recommend it. You should absolutely go read it when it comes out. It’s fantasy- thriller so perfect for fall.
🦋Nightshade Academy
This book follows the story of Yahshi Konya, a fifteen-year-old boy selected for an elite military boarding school. Twenty trainees enter, but only five will emerge as guardians—fated for a life of glamour and brutality.
This book is amazing but I have to say that in the beginning even though a little slow it never makes you wanna stop, then when I enter the middle part it wasn’t slow anymore and when I really got into the plot the book ended so fast I barely had any time to process.
I love Yahshi’s character and the way he’s very developed and with an excellent character-plot line. And Vell who also lost her way.
I need to say this, I really do.
I mean who? Who has the audacity to end a book like this. It hasn’t even come out yet but I already wanna read the next the second one (in case you didn’t know this is gonna be a trilogy). I’m excited to be able to buy to the paperback when it comes out. I definitely recommend it. You should absolutely go read it when it comes out. It’s fantasy- thriller so perfect for fall.
November 12, 2023
Thank you to Mel and Lost Island Press for letting me read this gem not once, but twice!
I was originally a beta reader and was offered a chance to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review, so here it is! I'm going to try and stay away from spoilers (especially since
Nightshade Academy hasn't been released yet) so if any parts feel vague that is why!
I was already in love with this world and the characters during the beta reading experience and that feeling only grew stronger over time. Yahshi Konya is such a relatable character, one that cares about discovering the truth and finding justice. He also is kind and cares for others, trying his best to remain that way even at the Academy which was designed to pit people against each other.
The friendships that Yahshi creates in the program are so warming and help balance the darker moments in the novel. The banter between Yahshi, Vell, and Pinto always brought a smile to my face and it made my heart so full to watch them support each other. Yahshi's interactions with Sunna always pulled at my heart-strings too, especially out in the field. (If you've finished the novel you know what I'm talking about.) I hope to see more of Sunna in some capacity in the following books! He has always been one of my favorites.
Each character in Nightshade Academy was unique and had their own distinct voice. To me, none of the characters felt flat. They were all created thoughtfully and seeing the dynamic between them all made the universe feel engaging and real.
There were so many moments in Nightshade Academy that made my heart ache! Part of me knew, just as Yahshi did, that those moments were necessary to achieve his goal, and it made me feel even more connected to Yahshi as a character. In finishing this book, I was so satisfied that Yahshi determined his own worth and learned to stay true to himself in a system that bases worth on how useful you are to the cause.
I just wanted to make a note here about the darker themes in the novel. Trauma and violence are handled with care in Nightshade Academy and are there for a purpose, not just for spectacle or drama. I admire that and applaud Mel for not romanticizing trauma and violence. Thank you for being mindful of your readers!
Now back to it! The writing of the book itself is well-done and precise. It isn't full of overbearing descriptions that take away from the story. Every word in this novel was chosen carefully and with a specific intention and it shows. I was so impressed with the depth of emotion that was expressed with such few words.
As always, I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings!
Thanks for being an inspiration Mel.
I was originally a beta reader and was offered a chance to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review, so here it is! I'm going to try and stay away from spoilers (especially since
Nightshade Academy hasn't been released yet) so if any parts feel vague that is why!
I was already in love with this world and the characters during the beta reading experience and that feeling only grew stronger over time. Yahshi Konya is such a relatable character, one that cares about discovering the truth and finding justice. He also is kind and cares for others, trying his best to remain that way even at the Academy which was designed to pit people against each other.
The friendships that Yahshi creates in the program are so warming and help balance the darker moments in the novel. The banter between Yahshi, Vell, and Pinto always brought a smile to my face and it made my heart so full to watch them support each other. Yahshi's interactions with Sunna always pulled at my heart-strings too, especially out in the field. (If you've finished the novel you know what I'm talking about.) I hope to see more of Sunna in some capacity in the following books! He has always been one of my favorites.
Each character in Nightshade Academy was unique and had their own distinct voice. To me, none of the characters felt flat. They were all created thoughtfully and seeing the dynamic between them all made the universe feel engaging and real.
There were so many moments in Nightshade Academy that made my heart ache! Part of me knew, just as Yahshi did, that those moments were necessary to achieve his goal, and it made me feel even more connected to Yahshi as a character. In finishing this book, I was so satisfied that Yahshi determined his own worth and learned to stay true to himself in a system that bases worth on how useful you are to the cause.
I just wanted to make a note here about the darker themes in the novel. Trauma and violence are handled with care in Nightshade Academy and are there for a purpose, not just for spectacle or drama. I admire that and applaud Mel for not romanticizing trauma and violence. Thank you for being mindful of your readers!
Now back to it! The writing of the book itself is well-done and precise. It isn't full of overbearing descriptions that take away from the story. Every word in this novel was chosen carefully and with a specific intention and it shows. I was so impressed with the depth of emotion that was expressed with such few words.
As always, I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings!
Thanks for being an inspiration Mel.
November 21, 2023
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC read in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you, Lost Island Press!)
Nightshade Academy by Mel Torrefranka is a young adult fantasy-thriller focusing on Yahshi as he is selected to be a part of an exclusive academy training teens to become guardians, a special group of government protectors. Although 20 teens are selected, only five are privilege enough to become guardians, and the ways these teens are filtered from the programs adds both extra intrigue and extra pressure, especially as Yahshi questions the morality of the guardianship.
It was super interesting to see Yahshi evolve. It was never simply stated who the “good guys” were, and I loved how all the characters were morally gray because it made them seem more real. Yahshi and his peers both make good and bad decisions, which emphasizes their humanity. It was refreshing to see that the characters could make bad decisions without being labeled evil. I also loved hearing Yahshi’s conflicting interest as he works to become one of the final guardians while also asking himself, Do I really want this? He is a multifaceted and an unexpected main character, who wants to do the right thing but is never sure how.
Yahshi’s relationships with his peers felt very real and raw. I enjoyed watching him grow closer to the other teens training alongside him, especially since they each had their own stories. They were never merely side characters, but characters in Yahshi’s life. I love how they evolved alongside Yahshi, instead of staying stagnant and dull.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. My only criticism is that the beginning was a bit slow.
This was definitely a very different read for me. I am an avid YA reader, and it was new to see a YA book that didn’t incorporate any elements of romance, and while I love romance, I agree that it wouldn’t feel right in this story, where Yahshi is right now. However, I’m excited to see if any romances develop in the future (as I could definitely see one forming). As a beta reader for this book, I am awed both by how much it has changed and how much I love the final story. It was a new and refreshing read, and I am SO excited for the next books in the series.
Nightshade Academy by Mel Torrefranka is a young adult fantasy-thriller focusing on Yahshi as he is selected to be a part of an exclusive academy training teens to become guardians, a special group of government protectors. Although 20 teens are selected, only five are privilege enough to become guardians, and the ways these teens are filtered from the programs adds both extra intrigue and extra pressure, especially as Yahshi questions the morality of the guardianship.
It was super interesting to see Yahshi evolve. It was never simply stated who the “good guys” were, and I loved how all the characters were morally gray because it made them seem more real. Yahshi and his peers both make good and bad decisions, which emphasizes their humanity. It was refreshing to see that the characters could make bad decisions without being labeled evil. I also loved hearing Yahshi’s conflicting interest as he works to become one of the final guardians while also asking himself, Do I really want this? He is a multifaceted and an unexpected main character, who wants to do the right thing but is never sure how.
Yahshi’s relationships with his peers felt very real and raw. I enjoyed watching him grow closer to the other teens training alongside him, especially since they each had their own stories. They were never merely side characters, but characters in Yahshi’s life. I love how they evolved alongside Yahshi, instead of staying stagnant and dull.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. My only criticism is that the beginning was a bit slow.
This was definitely a very different read for me. I am an avid YA reader, and it was new to see a YA book that didn’t incorporate any elements of romance, and while I love romance, I agree that it wouldn’t feel right in this story, where Yahshi is right now. However, I’m excited to see if any romances develop in the future (as I could definitely see one forming). As a beta reader for this book, I am awed both by how much it has changed and how much I love the final story. It was a new and refreshing read, and I am SO excited for the next books in the series.
September 21, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Would you join the elite group called The Guardians, just because they offer you a once in a lifetime opportunity? Even if you feel as though you’re losing a part of yourself while you sign away your life?
I enjoyed this book; it did take a while for it to pick up and show us what the plot is going to become but while you’re reading you get to understand the characters in the book. From the main ones to the side characters, you will see a lot of changes as they go from secondary school to the academy, then having to watch them for 18 months battle it out to make sure they get one of the 5 spots available. I loved that even though the plot was not right there in front of you, and you might like I did see that he was going one way then it went a different way, and I loved that the author did this because by the end of the book you will be left waiting more and needing answers to that cliffhanger.
All the characters in the book are really important for the main character Yahshi, you will see how they helped him grow and how they helped him understand more and more about what he wanted in life and not what the job is making him want. I enjoyed that you get to see how valued friendship really is in this book from Yahshi's childhood friends to the new ones that he makes in the academy. You see how they shape him to be the strong person he is because at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see the friendship and hopefully more from Yahshi and Vell's relationship in the next book.
I liked the lessons that you can learn from this book and the values you can take as well. You can learn from your mistakes and just because you did it once doesn’t mean that you should continue to do so. I loved that we saw Yahshi finally make his mind up about what to do and you see him go after it.
I would say more but I don’t want to spoil this book but really it was a great first book and I hope that we don’t have to wait too long to read book two.
I want to thank Lost Island Press and Mel Torrefranca for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Would you join the elite group called The Guardians, just because they offer you a once in a lifetime opportunity? Even if you feel as though you’re losing a part of yourself while you sign away your life?
I enjoyed this book; it did take a while for it to pick up and show us what the plot is going to become but while you’re reading you get to understand the characters in the book. From the main ones to the side characters, you will see a lot of changes as they go from secondary school to the academy, then having to watch them for 18 months battle it out to make sure they get one of the 5 spots available. I loved that even though the plot was not right there in front of you, and you might like I did see that he was going one way then it went a different way, and I loved that the author did this because by the end of the book you will be left waiting more and needing answers to that cliffhanger.
All the characters in the book are really important for the main character Yahshi, you will see how they helped him grow and how they helped him understand more and more about what he wanted in life and not what the job is making him want. I enjoyed that you get to see how valued friendship really is in this book from Yahshi's childhood friends to the new ones that he makes in the academy. You see how they shape him to be the strong person he is because at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see the friendship and hopefully more from Yahshi and Vell's relationship in the next book.
I liked the lessons that you can learn from this book and the values you can take as well. You can learn from your mistakes and just because you did it once doesn’t mean that you should continue to do so. I loved that we saw Yahshi finally make his mind up about what to do and you see him go after it.
I would say more but I don’t want to spoil this book but really it was a great first book and I hope that we don’t have to wait too long to read book two.
I want to thank Lost Island Press and Mel Torrefranca for the opportunity to review this book.
August 5, 2024
Nightshade Academy by @mel is a dystopian novel with all the dark academia vibes. Twenty kids are chosen by the Belladonna Academy but only five will emerge as guardians. Yahshi Konya, the protaganist being the least likely to be selected is surprised to find himself selected among the candidates, who then teams up with two other participants, Vell, the only female and Pinto, his roommate.
Okay so without any spoilers, I absolutely LOVED this book. Nowhere along the story, i felt like putting the book down even for a second. It had me enthralled throughout. The story, the world building, the complex characters. Everything was so well crafted. Mel is a genius! The book reached its climax in the first half, BUT the second half was just as gripping. So it's like two books in one which is amazing!!! And the ending, OMG, I DID not see that coming at all. I kid you not when I say I stared at my book for five whole minutes, my mouth might just have touched the ground.
What i also love about the book is the fact that along with the main character, the side characters were just as complex and they evolved so beautifully throughtout the story. Their friendships, their rivalry, their banter, the betrayals, and oh, the redemption. My heart ached alongside the characters.
Do give this book a read because you will NOT regret it.
Thankyou @mel for reaching out to me and sharing this masterpiece with me.
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay so without any spoilers, I absolutely LOVED this book. Nowhere along the story, i felt like putting the book down even for a second. It had me enthralled throughout. The story, the world building, the complex characters. Everything was so well crafted. Mel is a genius! The book reached its climax in the first half, BUT the second half was just as gripping. So it's like two books in one which is amazing!!! And the ending, OMG, I DID not see that coming at all. I kid you not when I say I stared at my book for five whole minutes, my mouth might just have touched the ground.
What i also love about the book is the fact that along with the main character, the side characters were just as complex and they evolved so beautifully throughtout the story. Their friendships, their rivalry, their banter, the betrayals, and oh, the redemption. My heart ached alongside the characters.
Do give this book a read because you will NOT regret it.
Thankyou @mel for reaching out to me and sharing this masterpiece with me.
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2023
“They are not looking for star students. They’re looking for well-intended criminals”
Firstly, thank you, Lost Island Press for the ARC copy of Nightshade Academy in exchange for a honest review.
A premise where 20 students enter a prestigious academy and only 5 graduate, Nightshade academy is a YA dystopian fiction following the MC, Yahshi Konya.
I am one of the person who had the opportunity of reading the book for two times. One in the beta reading stage and One now. And yes, a lot in the story has changed. A lot has improved.
The synopsis definitely pulls you in, as we reminisce the vibes of The Hunger Games. And the premise and epilogue hooks you. And the depths that these characters have are amazing
And just as a small context, the first part of the book is the training at the academy (and as I said, I was a beta reader and one of the things that improved the most was the first part) It shows the multiple character’s morality and their beliefs and motives. It is definitely interesting to read through, especially since the characters are bunch of 15-16 year olds. And the second part was where the building up the stories in first part really paid off, and where the action really took place
The plot in general was AMAZING and the plot twists definitely makes you want to read the nest book in the trilogy.
Its the characters that just determined the rating.
They were good. But something about them felt missing. (Specifically, the MC) but mixing and matching characters with different morals and depth to them was the field where the author succeeded the most.
Watching the friendship unfold was truly amazing
UNPOPULAR OPINION: but Pinto had the most depth in his character followed by Kieyo (though it was introduced later in the book)
And tbh, in the beta version, Martu had more page (screen) time but getting rid of that was not my favorite move.
After finishing 1/3rd of the book things started to take depth for the characters and definitely for Yahshi was what I can sum up to.
Overall, I loved this experience. A good book you can use to read during your plane ride/or train or to get you out of your reading slump. And making the publication of the next book soon makes it amazing for the readers to connect with the characters more. Can’t wait to see what would happen next
Firstly, thank you, Lost Island Press for the ARC copy of Nightshade Academy in exchange for a honest review.
A premise where 20 students enter a prestigious academy and only 5 graduate, Nightshade academy is a YA dystopian fiction following the MC, Yahshi Konya.
I am one of the person who had the opportunity of reading the book for two times. One in the beta reading stage and One now. And yes, a lot in the story has changed. A lot has improved.
The synopsis definitely pulls you in, as we reminisce the vibes of The Hunger Games. And the premise and epilogue hooks you. And the depths that these characters have are amazing
And just as a small context, the first part of the book is the training at the academy (and as I said, I was a beta reader and one of the things that improved the most was the first part) It shows the multiple character’s morality and their beliefs and motives. It is definitely interesting to read through, especially since the characters are bunch of 15-16 year olds. And the second part was where the building up the stories in first part really paid off, and where the action really took place
The plot in general was AMAZING and the plot twists definitely makes you want to read the nest book in the trilogy.
Its the characters that just determined the rating.
They were good. But something about them felt missing. (Specifically, the MC) but mixing and matching characters with different morals and depth to them was the field where the author succeeded the most.
Watching the friendship unfold was truly amazing
UNPOPULAR OPINION: but Pinto had the most depth in his character followed by Kieyo (though it was introduced later in the book)
And tbh, in the beta version, Martu had more page (screen) time but getting rid of that was not my favorite move.
After finishing 1/3rd of the book things started to take depth for the characters and definitely for Yahshi was what I can sum up to.
Overall, I loved this experience. A good book you can use to read during your plane ride/or train or to get you out of your reading slump. And making the publication of the next book soon makes it amazing for the readers to connect with the characters more. Can’t wait to see what would happen next
November 11, 2023
5/5 stars⭐
twenty teenagers are selected to join an academy where they are trained to defend the empire and only five can remain and become guardians.
the story follows our protagonist, yahshi, who gets selected to join the academy and he later discovers the truth behind the academy that he has been obsessing over for the longest and is now torn between submitting himself by turning a blind eye and going along with their games and lies or seeking the truth, are the nightshades truly all they claim to be?
i had high expectations for this book and it was everything i could ask for and more, i enjoyed the world building immensely, one of my favorite aspects of this book was yahshi, vell and pinto's friendship their found family dynamic is going to be the end of me, they also reminded me of the harry potter trio at times. i loved yahshi and all of his flaws and i liked the depth of his story and cant wait to see more of it in the future books, watching him trying to redeem himself and be a better person after the mistakes he has done was satisfying to see and i loved how mel wrote his character thoughtfully, being a child who is lost is not a sin and not everyone is perfect. we witness a couple of conflicts and betrayals by the end of the book which took some twists and turns, im looking forward to seeing yahshi and vell and how their relationship will develop. the ending was insane it made stop reading and hold my head in my hands i still cant warp my mind around how i wasn't able to clock it. overall this book was beyond amazing and i cant wait to read whats next!
thank you netgalley, mel torrefranca and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange of an honest review.
ALL THE STARS to nightshade academy. nightshade academy is out today!
twenty teenagers are selected to join an academy where they are trained to defend the empire and only five can remain and become guardians.
the story follows our protagonist, yahshi, who gets selected to join the academy and he later discovers the truth behind the academy that he has been obsessing over for the longest and is now torn between submitting himself by turning a blind eye and going along with their games and lies or seeking the truth, are the nightshades truly all they claim to be?
i had high expectations for this book and it was everything i could ask for and more, i enjoyed the world building immensely, one of my favorite aspects of this book was yahshi, vell and pinto's friendship their found family dynamic is going to be the end of me, they also reminded me of the harry potter trio at times. i loved yahshi and all of his flaws and i liked the depth of his story and cant wait to see more of it in the future books, watching him trying to redeem himself and be a better person after the mistakes he has done was satisfying to see and i loved how mel wrote his character thoughtfully, being a child who is lost is not a sin and not everyone is perfect. we witness a couple of conflicts and betrayals by the end of the book which took some twists and turns, im looking forward to seeing yahshi and vell and how their relationship will develop. the ending was insane it made stop reading and hold my head in my hands i still cant warp my mind around how i wasn't able to clock it. overall this book was beyond amazing and i cant wait to read whats next!
thank you netgalley, mel torrefranca and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange of an honest review.
ALL THE STARS to nightshade academy. nightshade academy is out today!
November 17, 2023
“The sky weeps with us”. I’ll forever keep this quote in my heart. Thank you. I’ll never ever feel alone crying in the rain.
Are you ready to fight and stand for what you believe right, even if it means leaving back the ones you loved the most? Yahshi thought not but life is ready to prove him wrong. After a traumatical event, that the Force and everyone referred to as a mere accident, Yahshi lost his temper: he failed in school, lost his bestfriend Quax and clarifying that accident had become a fixed thought. When destiny calls you, though, it don’t ask us opinions, even if we’re not ready for a new path but always wished for it. Yahshi, against all odds, was selected between twenty youth for a chance to graduate in the prestigious Belladonna Academy. It’s the chance he was searching for to find and spread out the truth about Cal’s actions and to prove the world he’s worthy again. Yahshi will leave his father, his town, his past behind. At the Academy he find friends and somehow a new warm family throughout exhausting lessons and hard tests.
The Force and the Academy, though, hide a shadow side. What hides behind the alleged righteousness of the Empire? Was Yahshi always right questioning Empire’s laws? The story is not how it appears, it is always told by the winners… Well, you’ll discover all about it reading this brilliant novel!
I loved all about this book: the ambience, the characters, the dialogues… It was so difficult for me to pick one favorite character because everyone were unique in their own way: Pinto and his love for the minor things, Vel and her past, Keiyo and how he always light the mood, the twins! You did a good job making them all-round characters, shaping empathy in your readers. I loved or the moments between the wanna-be-guardians, it was like being here with them chatting with Pinto and Yahshi in their bedroom before bed or playing darts with Keiyo and Vel.
The worldbuilding was simple yet effective and I’m willing to know more about it in the upcoming book of the series!
Your writing skills are very high. You broke my heart so many times. I will mention only this: “The music intensified as they danced through the pain.” Beautiful. Romantic. Heartbreaking. This scene gave me goose-bumps.
Also, I really enjoyed listening your music during my reading. It helps settling in the mood. And the novel soundtrack… It has earned a space in my playlist.
I'd received an advanced free copy. I’m waiting for the sequel! Thank you for giving me a chance to read it!
Are you ready to fight and stand for what you believe right, even if it means leaving back the ones you loved the most? Yahshi thought not but life is ready to prove him wrong. After a traumatical event, that the Force and everyone referred to as a mere accident, Yahshi lost his temper: he failed in school, lost his bestfriend Quax and clarifying that accident had become a fixed thought. When destiny calls you, though, it don’t ask us opinions, even if we’re not ready for a new path but always wished for it. Yahshi, against all odds, was selected between twenty youth for a chance to graduate in the prestigious Belladonna Academy. It’s the chance he was searching for to find and spread out the truth about Cal’s actions and to prove the world he’s worthy again. Yahshi will leave his father, his town, his past behind. At the Academy he find friends and somehow a new warm family throughout exhausting lessons and hard tests.
The Force and the Academy, though, hide a shadow side. What hides behind the alleged righteousness of the Empire? Was Yahshi always right questioning Empire’s laws? The story is not how it appears, it is always told by the winners… Well, you’ll discover all about it reading this brilliant novel!
I loved all about this book: the ambience, the characters, the dialogues… It was so difficult for me to pick one favorite character because everyone were unique in their own way: Pinto and his love for the minor things, Vel and her past, Keiyo and how he always light the mood, the twins! You did a good job making them all-round characters, shaping empathy in your readers. I loved or the moments between the wanna-be-guardians, it was like being here with them chatting with Pinto and Yahshi in their bedroom before bed or playing darts with Keiyo and Vel.
The worldbuilding was simple yet effective and I’m willing to know more about it in the upcoming book of the series!
Your writing skills are very high. You broke my heart so many times. I will mention only this: “The music intensified as they danced through the pain.” Beautiful. Romantic. Heartbreaking. This scene gave me goose-bumps.
Also, I really enjoyed listening your music during my reading. It helps settling in the mood. And the novel soundtrack… It has earned a space in my playlist.
I'd received an advanced free copy. I’m waiting for the sequel! Thank you for giving me a chance to read it!
November 9, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley, Lost Island Press, and Mel Torrefranca for the opportunity to receive an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
My review:
This book is FANTASTIC! It grabbed me from the very beginning. Major young adult dystopian vibes - which I happen to love. The characters, both side and main, were well done. They were developed well and all very individual but they mixed well together. The plot was really engaging.
THE ENDING! I jumped out of my seat. This is absolutely a MUST READ!! I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Synopsis:
Twenty teenagers enter. Only five become guardians.
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, Nightshade Academy will leave you walking the tightrope between good and evil.
My review:
This book is FANTASTIC! It grabbed me from the very beginning. Major young adult dystopian vibes - which I happen to love. The characters, both side and main, were well done. They were developed well and all very individual but they mixed well together. The plot was really engaging.
THE ENDING! I jumped out of my seat. This is absolutely a MUST READ!! I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Synopsis:
Twenty teenagers enter. Only five become guardians.
Yahshi Konya shouldn’t be one of them. With low test scores, his selection for the Empire’s boarding school raises red flags. The guardians are offering him the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost?
Taking a chance, he joins the aggressive military program and strikes an alliance with two trainees. Vell, the only girl, and Pinto, the overachiever. United, they tackle relentless challenges, watching their competitors dwindle.
But the Academy is not what it seems. When dangerous truths emerge, Yahshi finds himself killing his friendships—and possibly his humanity.
A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, Nightshade Academy will leave you walking the tightrope between good and evil.
April 11, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I really enjoyed this overall. This world is so well set up and the author used amazing descriptions and imagery for the world building so I felt like I was in the academy with them!
I enjoyed the dark academia setting with a truly cut throat competition and this book gave the hunger game vibes. It was also refreshing that our main character Yahshi is not a prodigy or indestructible it made them a lot more relatable and allowed me to connect to him more.
The plot was super strong in this book and the author did a great job at making you think it was going one way and then doing a complete 180 flip and going in a completely different direction. It was very twisty and although it was YA there were some strong adult themes and it was quite brutal.
I really enjoyed the writing style as it was easy to follow and I don’t find myself getting confused. This allowed me to read this book fairly quickly and the pacing really helped with this. I’d love read more of the authors work.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC
I enjoyed the dark academia setting with a truly cut throat competition and this book gave the hunger game vibes. It was also refreshing that our main character Yahshi is not a prodigy or indestructible it made them a lot more relatable and allowed me to connect to him more.
The plot was super strong in this book and the author did a great job at making you think it was going one way and then doing a complete 180 flip and going in a completely different direction. It was very twisty and although it was YA there were some strong adult themes and it was quite brutal.
I really enjoyed the writing style as it was easy to follow and I don’t find myself getting confused. This allowed me to read this book fairly quickly and the pacing really helped with this. I’d love read more of the authors work.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC
October 1, 2023
I am so excited about this review!! I absolutely loved this book and this was my very first ARC read. I promised to post an honest online review for ARC reading the book, so here it is!
I loved watching the audio drama and was SUPER excited when Mel announced that there were spots open to ARC read the book. So naturally, I applied and I opened the file the moment I received the book :)
I loved the main trio so much! (You know: Pinto, Vell and Yahshi) I also liked Yahshi's interactions with Princess Kia.
Can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!!
I loved watching the audio drama and was SUPER excited when Mel announced that there were spots open to ARC read the book. So naturally, I applied and I opened the file the moment I received the book :)
I loved the main trio so much! (You know: Pinto, Vell and Yahshi) I also liked Yahshi's interactions with Princess Kia.
Can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!!
December 16, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I have to say that I am so glad I was provided the opportunity to read and review this book.
Yahshi is the centerpiece of Nightshade Academy (Belladonna Book 1), a YA Fantasy-Thriller by Mel Torrefranca. As a young teen, he witnesses a murder that forever changes his life...so much so that he goes from being a star student to barely skating by. He just can't seem to get past the trauma from what he witnessed.
When he is chosen to join the elite Belladonna Academy to become a member of an elite military program, no one is more surprised than Yahshi. Only 20 teens are chosen to attend the academy, and as they make their way through the program, if they don't win the challenges thrown at them, they are filtered out. By the end of the training, only 5 will be left, becoming official guardians of the empire.
Yahshi has reservations about going, but decides that it would be an opportunity to help out his father financially. As he makes his way through the program, he starts to question the things he learns, hears and sees. He's torn between what he's being told and what his gut is telling him, and he doesn't know who he can truly trust.
I loved so much about this book. The characters were well developed, and I got attached to several of them, particulary Yahshi and Vell (of the 20 chosen, Vell was the only girl, and she is badASS!).
I love the quotes that each chapter started with, and also, Torrefranca included the name of a song at the start of each chapter...I loved that, and I found her playlist of all the songs on Spotify...loved the songs, and they really enhanced the overall story for me.
The pacing was perfect for me, and there were times where I simply could not put the book down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
My only complaint, which is really more of a nit, is that I didn't get a solid picture of the world the story takes place in. But I am thinking that more of that will be built out in book 2, as this one is the first of a trilogy. Torrefranca spent more time in this first one to build out the characters and the politics of the world, and that makes sense to me.
All I can say is, I am going to be eagerly awaiting book 2...this one ends on a cliffhanger that I did NOT see coming...it was brilliant! I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BelladonnaTrilogy
#NightshadeAcademy
#lostislandpress
Yahshi is the centerpiece of Nightshade Academy (Belladonna Book 1), a YA Fantasy-Thriller by Mel Torrefranca. As a young teen, he witnesses a murder that forever changes his life...so much so that he goes from being a star student to barely skating by. He just can't seem to get past the trauma from what he witnessed.
When he is chosen to join the elite Belladonna Academy to become a member of an elite military program, no one is more surprised than Yahshi. Only 20 teens are chosen to attend the academy, and as they make their way through the program, if they don't win the challenges thrown at them, they are filtered out. By the end of the training, only 5 will be left, becoming official guardians of the empire.
Yahshi has reservations about going, but decides that it would be an opportunity to help out his father financially. As he makes his way through the program, he starts to question the things he learns, hears and sees. He's torn between what he's being told and what his gut is telling him, and he doesn't know who he can truly trust.
I loved so much about this book. The characters were well developed, and I got attached to several of them, particulary Yahshi and Vell (of the 20 chosen, Vell was the only girl, and she is badASS!).
I love the quotes that each chapter started with, and also, Torrefranca included the name of a song at the start of each chapter...I loved that, and I found her playlist of all the songs on Spotify...loved the songs, and they really enhanced the overall story for me.
The pacing was perfect for me, and there were times where I simply could not put the book down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
My only complaint, which is really more of a nit, is that I didn't get a solid picture of the world the story takes place in. But I am thinking that more of that will be built out in book 2, as this one is the first of a trilogy. Torrefranca spent more time in this first one to build out the characters and the politics of the world, and that makes sense to me.
All I can say is, I am going to be eagerly awaiting book 2...this one ends on a cliffhanger that I did NOT see coming...it was brilliant! I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BelladonnaTrilogy
#NightshadeAcademy
#lostislandpress
September 28, 2023
I wish I could rate this book higher then five stars, because five doesn't do justice for how much I loved this book. The book manages to provide a perfect blend of emotional themes and character developments along with the fast paced plot.
Nightshade Academy tackles many themes but my favorite was how this was a redemption story. It was satisfying to see Yahshi stand up against the force yet still see the good in some of the commanders instead of caulking them up to force bad underground good. Even though it was a fantasy book about an imaginary kingdom and imaginary guardian forces, I felt myself relate to Yahshi when he felt trapped after working for something he taught would give him happiness but, didn't. It was something that really spoke to me and made me emphatic to Yahshi's character.
Speaking of Yahshi, the characters!! I did expect Mel to deliver a well rounded main protagonist with multiple layers but what I didn't expect was the side characters to have the same level of depth. It was carried out so well that even characters that appeared once or twice like Alora and Evaris were memorable. My favorite has to be Vell because she's Vell but other side characters like Sunna, Ceylon and Keiyo also grew on me.
I'll conclude off by mentioning the attention to detail. It's clear Mel has put a lot of effort into researching and it shows. The scenes with poison, the fight scenes and the lessons were all executed perfectly. The plot twist at the end really had me, and I can't wait for the next book. Mel never disappoints but this was mind blowing.
Thank you to Mel and Lost Island Press for the ARC. It was a fantastic read!!
Nightshade Academy tackles many themes but my favorite was how this was a redemption story. It was satisfying to see Yahshi stand up against the force yet still see the good in some of the commanders instead of caulking them up to force bad underground good. Even though it was a fantasy book about an imaginary kingdom and imaginary guardian forces, I felt myself relate to Yahshi when he felt trapped after working for something he taught would give him happiness but, didn't. It was something that really spoke to me and made me emphatic to Yahshi's character.
Speaking of Yahshi, the characters!! I did expect Mel to deliver a well rounded main protagonist with multiple layers but what I didn't expect was the side characters to have the same level of depth. It was carried out so well that even characters that appeared once or twice like Alora and Evaris were memorable. My favorite has to be Vell because she's Vell but other side characters like Sunna, Ceylon and Keiyo also grew on me.
I'll conclude off by mentioning the attention to detail. It's clear Mel has put a lot of effort into researching and it shows. The scenes with poison, the fight scenes and the lessons were all executed perfectly. The plot twist at the end really had me, and I can't wait for the next book. Mel never disappoints but this was mind blowing.
Thank you to Mel and Lost Island Press for the ARC. It was a fantastic read!!
November 11, 2023
Yahshi Konya lives with just his father as his mother died years ago. He has grown up under the rule of the Empire who mustn't be contradicted or criticised, & those who do so disappear & are not heard from again. Most of his contemporaries at school aim to be chosen to attend the prestigious Empire boarding school which trains twenty elite young people to become guardians. Yahshi's academic scores have fallen recently & he expects to be passed over, so he is surprised to be among those chosen.
It is the opportunity of a lifetime as guardians' families reap the rewards of their relative's success, but Yahshi finds that things are not as they first appear. He strikes an alliance with two other trainees, Vell, the only girl & a loner, and Pinto. They help train each other & progress through the cutthroat competition, but as Vell & Pinto start to thrive, Yahshi finds himself questioning everything they've ever been taught.
I really liked this one. It's a well-worn trope - young person grows up trained in the ways of the ruling party but rebels - but it is done so well. The world-building is first rate & the reader quickly becomes invested in main character Yahshi & his friends Vella & Pinto. On the down side, Yahshi has a tendency to be a little hot-headed & sometimes you wanted him to snap out of it. The story unfolds organically & although it is a long book, it just flies by. The conclusion sets up the next book perfectly - how did I not see that final twist coming? If you like dark YA fantasy with a flawed main character then you'll probably enjoy this as much as I did. 4.5 Stars (rounded up)
TWs: violence, death, a couple of brief scenes of animal cruelty/death.
My thanks to the author & publisher, Lost Island Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
It is the opportunity of a lifetime as guardians' families reap the rewards of their relative's success, but Yahshi finds that things are not as they first appear. He strikes an alliance with two other trainees, Vell, the only girl & a loner, and Pinto. They help train each other & progress through the cutthroat competition, but as Vell & Pinto start to thrive, Yahshi finds himself questioning everything they've ever been taught.
I really liked this one. It's a well-worn trope - young person grows up trained in the ways of the ruling party but rebels - but it is done so well. The world-building is first rate & the reader quickly becomes invested in main character Yahshi & his friends Vella & Pinto. On the down side, Yahshi has a tendency to be a little hot-headed & sometimes you wanted him to snap out of it. The story unfolds organically & although it is a long book, it just flies by. The conclusion sets up the next book perfectly - how did I not see that final twist coming? If you like dark YA fantasy with a flawed main character then you'll probably enjoy this as much as I did. 4.5 Stars (rounded up)
TWs: violence, death, a couple of brief scenes of animal cruelty/death.
My thanks to the author & publisher, Lost Island Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
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