Emmaline Andrews

Welcome to a hard review for me. THE ACADEMY is basically a futuristic version of TWELFTH NIGHT (or for the non-Shakespearean fans, SHE'S THE MAN starring Amanda Bynes, which I love to pieces don't you say anything bad about it). The thing is that aside from some cool tech mentions and scifi trappings Andrews made Kris(tina), our main character, come from a province that adheres to Victorian principles. They're even referred to that way. Modesty, chastity, women can't do cool things like fly a ship, women are the property of their fathers/husbands, etc etc.

This felt a bit like a cop out to me. I can see why Andrews would go this route--it set groundwork as to why Kristina and her brother Kristopher would trade places, why they would risk so much, why they felt there was no other viable option. Later when Kris(tina) is in the Academy it gave her an easy excuse as to why she didn't want to undress in front of guys or take showers with them or spoke so formally.

Kris's roommate (and love interest) North comes up with half a dozen different reasons (reasonable and otherwise) why Kris would be so reluctant to behave like the other guys. All of which she insists, repeatedly, aren't true. I feel like one of those options would have been preferable to simply reading over and over again that she was embarrassed and modest.

There's also the matter of how same-sex relationships are handled in the book. Its an all boys' school with a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. A couple characters are clear on gay; Wilkinson, Kris' only friend (more or less), and 'Kinky' Hinks, assistant to the Headmaster. Both come off initially as being predatory, but later actions prove them to be otherwise. Still a bit too stereotypical for me though.

As is common in these stories the love interest finds himself reluctantly falling in love with our hero(ine) and wrestling with the fact this previously Manly Man is into...well guys (or a guy at least). No one knows of Kris' ruse, and there aren't any women to try to wrestle North away from her so instead we're dealing with North's past. Its a hard past and one that Andrews handles carefully. I did rather find the entire subplot of being "sworn brothers" to be the most far-fetched thing ever created and it did not make me think well of Kris' intelligence that she was THAT gullible. but it was kind of sweet.

The world-building is too shallow for me to feel the urgency that Kris seems to feel and I'm a bit put out that my favorite character (Wilkinson) just kind of...disappears without so much as a mention at the end I kept hoping that he either figured out that Kris was a girl or Kris told him, but ah well.. It sounds like I'm hating on this book, but I did enjoy it as a quick, light read.

And while I can understand Andrews worked herself into a corner in regards as to what to do with Kris the ending is kind of a Deus Ex Machina Hammer. north dresses up like some sort of creeper to convince Kris's father to marry them, since North knew that Kris' father's prejudice and hatred of his daughter would have him marry her off to only a creeper, then on the ship they fly away into the stars to live happily as Captain and Navigator. I kept waiting for Wilkinson to pop up so this could really be the Ship of Misfits, but that didn't happen… (mere)

This is a unique slightly gender bender story that will leave you wanting more.

I loved the storyline and the problems presented while pretending to be a boy in an all boys academy. The setting was also very interesting in that it was a futuristic setting with a few old fashioned ideas. The twists and turns in the story really kept me on the edge of my seat. I also had a great time laughing at the hilarious incidents she got herself into.

The romance in this story was sweet and not too overdone. It is perfect for teenagers looking for some action and a provocative coming of age novel without a lot of adult content.

This story also deals with a lot of issues such as gender roles and bullying. Which is what we all deal with a t some point growing up and I really liked the way she handled it in this book.

The characters were fun and interesting. I had a great time getting to know them all.

The relationship between Kris and her twin brother was endearing and the reader could really see the love there. They were both going to be thrust into a world that neither wanted and instead of just going along with this they decided to do something about it.

Kris is a strong and courageous young woman who fights for what she wants. She doesn’t have the best social skills and because of this gets into a lot of trouble. She stands up for herself and doesn’t let it get in the way of her dreams, which is what I admire about her.

North is somewhat standoffish at first, but deep down he has a heart of gold. He is a fun character and I loved seeing the different sides of him. I loved the parts where he questioned himself because of Kris (not knowing she was a girl).

All in all this is a wonderful story that I would recommend to all ages and to anyone who enjoys a provocative coming of age story.… (mere)