Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN# 978-0-06-219385-8
Price: $17.99 Grade
Level: J/S Number
of Pages: 424
VOYA Rating: 5Q 5P
Highly Recommended
This is the first book of a
new series by author C.J. Daugherty.
Only the first book is available in the US, while the 4th
book will soon be released in England.
Allie Sheridan has been arrested one too many times and her parents have
decided it would be best to send her away to boarding school. Expecting the worst from Cimmeria Academy,
Allie realizes that she sort of likes it, even with its old-fashioned
rules. Allie soon finds herself in the
middle of all the gossip because of her common non-legacy background and the
fact that two of the cutest guys at school have shown an interest in the “new”
girl.
Once I started reading this
book, I could not put it down! I love the setting of the school, the
descriptions of the buildings and grounds, the character development and the
mystery surrounding the school and Allie.
I think the good dialogue and fast paced action really keep the reader
hooked. Cimmeria Academy is a great
setting for danger, secrets and romance.
The relationship between Allie, Carter and Sylvian is complicated and
mysterious. The reader will struggle
with choosing who they like better - just like Allie does.
I really like this book for
an IB school in the US because it has those global elements. Readers will enjoy reading about what it
might be like to attend a boarding school in England (albeit still fictional). While there are not really any curricular connections,
this is a great book for free choice reading or a book club. In the IB world, students could discuss the
characters and how the traits of the IB Learner Profile apply to them. Outside of
that, this book would be a great addition to any high school library. There are a few swear words, kissing and near
date rape, but nothing explicit or objectionable that high school students are
not already familiar with. I liked the
book so much that I stayed up really late reading it and then after I finished
it, I reread some parts. I am definitely
looking forward to the next book!