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The Academy by Katie Sise is an entertaining novel that includes both fashion and military boarding school. The plot is so much fun, and the main character is easy to root for. I found that the ending of the book seemed a little too rushed, but overall, I had a great time reading.
Title: The AcademyAuthor: Katie Sise
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Rating:
The Devil Wears Prada meets Private Benjamin in this funny and charming story of a fashionista teen blogger who gets sent to military school, perfect for fans of Sarah Mlynowski and Kasie West.
Frankie Brooks knows what she wants in life: to become the world’s next great fashion editor. All she needs to do is get into the elite American Fashion Academy in New York City. If she gets in, her life plans will be going right on schedule. Anna Wintour, watch out.
But after Frankie messes up one too many times—hey, it’s hard not to prioritize her acclaimed fashion blog above all else—her parents come up with entirely different plans for her future: military school. How is Frankie, the least athletic person in the world, who knows absolutely nothing about the military, going to survive a whole semester at the famed—and feared—Academy?
With classmates who seem to be totally uninterested in her, a course load that’s even more difficult than her old school’s, and the weird War Games competition she has to join, Frankie finds that her life is way tougher than it used to be. And no one, including her roommate Joni, seems to understand Frankie at all.
As she learns how to cope with impossible military drills and intimidating specialized classes and is maybe even falling for super-hot and super-smart cadet Jack Wattson, can Frankie prove to everyone that being a fashionista doesn’t mean she can’t succeed?
Book Review: The Academy by Katie SIse
This book tells the story of a girl who dreams of attending a fashion academy but is instead sent to a military school to learn discipline. The plot combines two things I love–fashion and boarding school–so I had a feeling it would be a win for me. I found the setting of the book unique, and it was interesting to watch Frankie adapt to such a different environment. This book is amusing, and even though it may not be the most profound book out there, I enjoyed it.
❀ Quirky Main Character
Frankie is such an entertaining main character. She is quirky and fashion forward, and she really changes throughout the book. It is so great to see her finally make an effort at military school and find her will to succeed again. I can definitely see where some would find her character annoying since she can come across as a snob at the beginning, but I didn’t have an issue with it since her experiences are amusing and she truly transforms.
❀ Rushed Ending
My one criticism of this book is that the ending feels very rushed. A lot of the book talks about a final project Frankie must complete for school as well as a competition called the War Games, and I would have loved to see these in the story. I was looking forward to seeing how Frankie would perform in the competition after such a tense buildup to the qualifying criteria. I would definitely like to read a sequel with these elements if one is ever written.
❀ A story about friendship and fitting in
The Academy by Katie Sise blends fashion with military school in a story about friendship and fitting in. I enjoyed the main character’s antics, and she really changes for the better throughout the novel. I did feel like the ending was too sudden, but I would still recommend this one to those who are looking for a fun and quirky read.
About Katie Sise
Katie Sise is an author, jewelry designer, and television host. Lucky magazine has called her a "Designer to Watch," and her company has appeared in most major fashion magazines, including Vogue, W, Elle, Self, and many more. Katie is the author of The Academy, The Pretty App, The Boyfriend App and Creative Girl: The Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity into a Real Career.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
Oh too bad you didn’t get to see the final project and the War Games competition. Would’ve been fun to read about that, I think and I’d be a little disappointed by that. But otherwise it sounds like a pretty fun read!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
It is a lot fun! I am hoping that there is a second book in the works. 🙂
You know, I put this ARC to the side because of poor reviews, but you have me wanting to revisit it. It could happen.
Yay!! I decided to give it a try despite them as well. I hope that you love it. 🙂
You had me at Private Benjamin! This sounds good though a shame the end is rushed.
Heather @ RandomRedheadedRamblings recently posted…Review – Frankie Comics by Rachel Dukes
Yes! It is worth a try! 🙂
I thought this was a cute read, and the military school setting was very unique!
It does have some unique aspects! 🙂
That cover though! AND THE PREMISE!! Nothing like I have ever read before!! I AM IN LOVE AND I LOVE YOU FOR SHARING THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK AND REVIEW WITH USSSS!!! 😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Haha! I hope that you love it if you give it a try! 🙂
This looks like one I’d have fun reading! Thanks for the recommendation.
I think that you will like this one as well! 🙂
Sounds like a really good read!
Sounds like this one could have given you a bit more. Glad you still enjoyed it.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Excerpt and Giveaway ~ Life For Life by J.K. Franko
Yes! It was definitely worth the read. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your review
Sounds like a great book to me! Thanks!
Sounds like a fun read that I would enjoy.
The beginning of the review is what caught my attention – fashion and military school.The book does sound like a fun read and it made its way to my TBR. Thank you for reviewing.
Yay!! I hope that it is one that you enjoy as well. 🙂
Great post – thanks for sharing!