Will she follow the pack…or destroy them? A dead mother. A violent father. A missing brother. When Mia’s father is murdered, it’s her ...

Review || Hood Academy by Shelley Wilson


Will she follow the pack…or destroy them?

A dead mother. A violent father. A missing brother.

When Mia’s father is murdered, it’s her estranged uncle that comes to the rescue, but what he offers her in return for his help could be worse than the life she is leaving behind.

Taken to Hood Academy, a unique school deep in the forest, she discovers friendships, love, and the courage to stand on her own.

Mia takes the oath that seals her future as a werewolf hunter, but not everyone wants Mia to succeed.

Screams in the night. Secret rooms. Hidden letters. Mia becomes an important piece in a game she doesn’t want to play.

Loyalty, friendships, and family bonds are tested as Mia discovers her true identity, but will the truth set her free, or will it destroy her?

 


Hood Academy starts out with Mia's father being killed by a huge wolf. It actually wasn't that much of a hardship because her father was abusive. Her long lost uncle shows up to take her in, but instead of taking her to his home, takes her to the boarding school/academy that he is headmaster of. It's a very confusing change because her uncle doesn't really seem to want to enjoy a newfound relationship with her. There are all kinds of secrets that her uncle and the academy are hiding. Mainly that all the students are training to be werewolf hunters! 

I feel like this book should have actually been two books. The first half was full of secrets and intrigue. Mia really came into her own in the first part. I enjoyed seeing her grow into her new identity and the confidence that came along with it. Then came the second half. I was honestly surprised when I turned the page and discovered that there was more book! It ended on a good note, with a lot of the answers being found. I didn't really expect that there was more to the story in the same book. The second half reprises a lot of things that really didn't need reprising. It was pretty frustrating because it took so long to get to anything new happening. Mia finally finds her lost brother, but they barely speak to each other.
After the amazing first half, it was definitely a letdown. 

Hood Academy is most definitely a young adult novel. There's the dead parents, the outsider trope, the discovery of self, the Chosen One (kinda), and the mysterious government agency out to get you. It checks off so many YA tropes, yet it was an enjoyable read (at least the first half). Those who love academy style novels will love it, but there's no denying that it's written for a younger audience.