about the book
S.S.S. Year One
Author: Yumoyori Wilson
Series: Supernatural Spy Academy Book 1
Pub. Date: April 5, 2019
Publisher: Yumoyori Wilson
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 500
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When being different leads to the best years of your life.
There are three key components required to get into the most prestigious, top spy academy in the world:
Skills.
Strength.
Survival.
My name is Silver Spell Solange. No, I didn't plan for my initials to be the same rank needed to enter the spy academy. But I would do anything to get into the one of a kind school. I have the magical capability of an Elemental Witch, the strength to kick anyone's ass, and quick problem-solving skills to get my teammates out of any jam. There’s only one small problem – the other 'S' I’m missing.
I'm not a part of the supernatural race.
After realizing the my only shot at my dreams is at the brink of extinction, I'm unexpectedly teamed up with a werewolf, a dragon, a fallen angel, and a hellhound. The four of them carry the assets and abilities I need to gain my spot into the Supernatural Spy Academy (SSS).
With the clock ticking and not much leg room for an SS score, I accept their bet, knowing I’ll easily handle whatever they request from me.
I didn't think their bet would lead me to date all four them.
It's time for me to buckle up. This four-year roller coaster is about to begin, and its a bumpy one-way ticket to becoming the next "supernatural" spy.
my review
I received a free copy for an honest review.
What I liked:
The Concept
One of the biggest reasons why I chose this book as because of the theme of "spy academy" mixed with supernatural magic/fantasy/superpowers. I've said it so many times before, and I would continue emphasizing this point until the day I die: academy setting is one of the easiest settings to make a good book. Academy/schools story-lines always give perfect opportunities to make fantastic character developments, character dynamics, story-line, mystery, suspense, romance, anything you need to make a good book you can get it in an academy setting. This book is no exception. I really like the design of this school - although it maintained an elegant, western, slightly vintage vibe, it's still very modern and almost science-fiction like. It also fit surprisingly well with the paranormal magic theme. So you could say this book did a decent job in this area.
Character developments
I love how Wilson got the "two-faced" best friend and a abusive ex-boyfriend. This really add onto the dynamics in the story, and it's pretty refreshing to see the "best friend" character being not-the-best-of-friends, because usually side characters like this is just unrealistically loyal to the protagonist. I like how Nikko is so shady not because I like shady people in any way, just that it's more realistic. I would've liked it more though if Callister is less...pure evil. He's so sinister that it's kind of unrealistic. I'm not saying the author had to give him a tragic backstory to excuse him of his actions, but I would've loved if he was more charasmatic and likable despite not being redeemable. Maybe he could be more impressive of a villain (skills wise), and having him and our gang have a "temporary alliance" can also achieve the goal. I would've liked it if he was more like Hisoka from the anime Hunter x Hunter (anime fans, where you at). Hisoka is completely irredeemable (arguably more so than Callister), but he's so charismatic and impressive that you can't help but be fascinated by him. I wish Callister was more like that than what he is in the book because that would've really made the story more interesting, and because I just find these "really-only-here-for-you-to-hate-him" characters annoying. I don't like characters that are just pure evil and there for you to just hate, I like more...interesting characters.
I also liked how the author took the time to individually delve into each of the guys to allow better developement.
What I don't like:
The harem
This is such a shame. Was it because this was not a hate love relationship? I don't know. None of them are boring or make you feel like you are talking to a cardboard box, their behaviors are all extremely distinct which is excellent.
Writing style/dialogues
The dialogues were not awkward, but I do notice that this book really need to work on the "show not tell" technique. There were large amount of dialogues that told the readers so many things that should've been shown instead of told, resulting in large page-long dialogues that almost make the information sound like a report.
About the Author
Yumoyori Wilson is a full-time author who has a slight addiction to bubble tea.
She previously was a Pediatric Registered Nurse, working her night shifts away and reading her kindle during her breaks. She decided to take the chance at becoming an author and is now working on multiple projects in various genres, including Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and more.
