Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn. A novella from the Once Upon Academy Anthology

One by one I'll giving you my opinion of all the Once Upon Academy Short stories in the anthology except of course my own. Keep in mind I hadn't read any of the stories until I got a copy of the book. 
The first story is Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn.

I loved the simplicity of the story. She doesn't add in too many characters and spends the story mostly building two characters Nettie and Reggie. I loved getting to  know them.
Reggie's been at OUA for 4 years and has no clue what to do when he graduates or maybe he'll stay for grad studies. All he knows is he likes to fly. Nettie is a freshman. She hates birds yet she works on this fear volunteering to work with children and baby birds. 
The two don't know each other until they are locked in the observatory tower together by accident. Well, it wasn't an accident that Reggie was locked in there but it was chance that Nettie was there. She was simply trying to watch a meteor shower.
Through their experience they get to know each other and their lives are put in peril.
Suspense, fantasy, romance, mystery it's all in this finely crafted short story. At OUA magic is commonplace and Kerry Evelyn masterfully weaves these elements into the story. I felt like I'd been transported to OUA.

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Bone Stars character interview with Grenna

I am pleased to have another Once Upon Academy student with us here today. Meet Grenna.

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
Hi Grenna! It's so nice to meet you. Tell us have you decided on a major at the Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Yeah... Um... I chose psychic communication.

TTO:
You don't sound convinced?

Grenna:
I am now. At first I only chose it because OUA doesn't have vet classes but now I'm commited and actually enjoying it.

TTO:
Wonderful news! Do you have any magical abilities?

Grenna:
Yes. It's been difficult for me to accept this and even more difficult to talk about it, especially in public. I see auras, colors surrounding people that change with their moods.

TTO:
Wow! Can you tell me my mood?

Grenna:
You're mostly green meaning health and harmony. There's also a pink ring in the middle of the green. I'm not sure what that means. I'm only beginning to understand and interpret what I see.

TTO:
I'll take health and harmony! Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Well... it wasn't my first choice. I wanted an Ivy League school like Harvard. I think my parents had something to do with my application and acceptance to OUA. They won't admit it but I'm sure they are the guilty party.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Grenna:
Graduating highschool with a 4.5 GPA. I worked hard for that, studied constantly.

TTO:
Describe yourself in three words?

Grenna:
Shy, unathletic, and smart

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Grenna:
Not really. At first the aura thing was like a handicap but once I figured it out it's really quite helpful.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Grenna:
Does coffee count? I live on that right now. My favorite is blond with a double shot and Italian cream.

TTO:
Of course coffee counts!  Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Grenna:
Medical texts, mostly on animal anatomy and physiology. Now that I say that I realize I spent far too much time studying in high school. I need to get out and watch some movies!

TTO:
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Grenna:
An introvert!

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like to add before we close?

Grenna:
I'd just like to add thank you for inviting me. 

Thank you Grenna!

Find out more about Grenna in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Bone Stars by Elle Klass

Grenna isn't too thrilled to attend the Once Upon Academy. She was hoping for something less magical and more Ivy League, until she meets Mandevar, a magic physics major who’s hot under his apparent nerdiness and begins to think otherwise.


Their first date is where the adventure begins. Mandevar is a bit of a mystery and continues to surprise her. Turns out he isn't the only surprise when they get lost together in an enchanted forest.

Get Grenna's Acceptance Letter here!

Preorder links:
Amazon
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!

Taming Her Might character interview with Celeste Hartmann

It's so exciting to be interviewing students from the prestigious Once Upon Academy. Today we have Celeste Hartmann with us!

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
Thank you so much for joining us Celeste. Tell us have you chosen a major?

Celeste:
Undecided

TTO:
No problem. Why did you choose the Once Upon Academy?

Celeste:
I wanted to go to the most prestigious magical school ever!

TTO:
Do you have any magical skills?

Celeste:
I'm a dragon shifter, apparently. I didn't know that until later. I was born with elemental magic though.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Celeste:
Learning to control my powers.

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Celeste:
Loyal, stubborn, and friendly.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Celeste:
I couldn't control my magic at first. Any time I got scared, I would accidentally soak something, electrocute something, or things like that. Then when I became a shifter, I couldn't control that either. It took finding a friend that could connect with my dragon to learn how to control anything.

TTO:
I can see how that could be a huge problem. You're lucky to have the support from a friend who could help you. Would you consider yourself and introvert ot extrovert?

Celeste:
An introvert.

TTO:
Do you have any favorite foods?

Celeste:
Hmmm. I like all kinds of food. I'm a sucker for anything chocolate, though.

TTO:
Me too! Do you have a favorite book or movie you'd like to share with the TTO's readers?

Celeste:
I love to read anything! You can't expect me to choose just one book. Or movie for that matter.

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like to add before I wrap things up?

Celeste:
Um, not really. Can I go yet? I'm supposed to be meeting Lenna and Kierra before we meet Mirella for Ethics tutoring.

TTO:
Most certainly, we don't want to interrupt your studies any longer than needed. Thank you so much for joining us today Celeste!

Find out more about Celeste in the Once Upon Academy Anthology. 

Taming Her Might by Toni Peden

Will betrayal be her downfall or her saving grace?

     Celeste Hartmann has been accepted to the very prestigious Once Upon Academy and everything seemed to be going great. She's settled into her classes and made a few close friends.


    After being betrayed by someone she thought was her friend, Celeste's world is turned upside down. With the help of her best friends, can she overcome her obstacles and tame her might, or will she be consumed by the beast inside her fighting to be free?

Grab Celeste Acceptance Letter Here!

Preorder links:
Amazon
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!

Song of the Reaper character interview with Lyra Piper

With me today is another student from Once Upon Academy. Welcome Lyra Piper!

TTO: Welcome Lyra. So tell us what is your major at Once Upon Academy?

Lyra: Spell Casting with Concentrations in Reaper Studies and Musical Empathy

TTO: That sounds exciting and busy. Is there any special reason you chose Once Upon Academy?

Lyra: My sisters and I were accepted after my Dad (Reed Piper) took the position as the new music professor. Honestly, I didn't want to go, but I've been having some uh, anger issues lately and the only ones who've stuck by me are my dad and sisters. They were so excited to go that I didn't have the heart to ruin it for them.

TTO: It sounds like a great opportunity. I hope you are enjoying the school now that you are there. The school is filled with magic. Do you have any special abilities?

Lyra: My whole family can play pretty much any instrument. I can totally lose myself when I play my violin.  Oh wait, you mean "special skills"... The night I arrived at OUA I found out that my dad, sisters, and I can compel people with our music. Apparently, it's a skill passed down from my great (x10 or something like that) grandfather. But that wasn't the biggest surprise. We also have a family curse that I couldn't avoid. I'm still kind of dealing with it. Do you mind if we don't talk about it?

TTO: No problem! Piercings and tattoos are so popular these days. Do you have any?

Lyra: Besides the holes in my ears, nope. Now that I'm 18 though I'm totally getting a tattoo!

TTO: What would you consider you greatest accomplishment?

Lyra: My day of my greatest accomplishment is also my worst day ever. Last year, I'd been accepted by Julliard to audition for a spot in this years class. My performance was flawless. Afterward, they hinted I was going to be accepted. 

Then I blew it. 

It's so embarrassing...Like I mentioned earlier...I've been having a hard time dealing with my anger and some other girl auditioning was a total asshole...I mean jerk. Crap, can you bleep that out? She made me so mad I couldn't just walk away...not my finest moment. 

Julliard decided I wasn't a good fit after that.

TTO: When one door is closed another is opened. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Lyra: Loyal, Badness, Fun

TTO: Not talking about the thing we aren't talking about. Do you have any handicaps?

Lyra: No, not unless you count my family's curse (she shrugs).

TTO: Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Lyra: Normally, I'd say extrovert but lately I've been kind of pissing most people in my life off so...I've become an introvert by default.

TTO: I think you're great! How about food. What is your favorite?

Lyra: Pizza. Hands down. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

TTO: Me too! We should grad a slice sometime. How about movies or books, do you have a favorite?

Lyra: I'd have to say, Princess Bride. It was one of my mom's favorites and when I watch it...it makes me think of her.

TTO: Before we wrap this up, is there anything else you'd like to add?

Lyra: My sisters and I started a band before we came to OUA, Rockin' Sirens. Maybe you could let your readers know. We play at parties, coffee houses ~ really anywhere and can play pretty much anything.

TTO: Definitely! You heard it, look out for the Rockin' Sirens! Thank you so much Lyra for joining me today.

Find out more about Lyra in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Song of the Reaper by Stephanie Harrell

Lyra and her twin sister Aria already had their gap year figured out. They would follow the path of their older sister in getting a job, then spend their evenings playing in their band, captivating audiences with their entrancing, rock and roll sound.

Then Lyra and her sisters learn they’ve been accepted to Once Upon Academy, a school they'd never heard of, and only because their dad was chosen to be the new music professor.

Figuring her way around a new school, having a princess for a roommate, and learning fairy tale creatures do exist is just the beginning. Not only does she have to balance classwork, homework, and a new social scene, but she now has to deal with the consequences of a family curse that will definitely take up all of her free time…

It also doesn't help that she can’t stop thinking about her new reaping partner, Cole, who barely acknowledges she exists.

This semester may just be the death of Lyra Piper.

Grab Lyra's Acceptance Letter here!

Preorder the ebook.

Get your hands on the paperback! 

Sense & Sensitivty character interview with Princess of Viasens

Today we have a real live Princess with us! Joining us from the Once Upon Academy.

TTO:
Let's start with your name because there's a bit of a story behind it and I think the readers will want to hear.

Princess of Viasens: (Adeline)
My adoptive fathers called me Adeline Augustin-Mignon. Recently, I learned my birth name: Adeline Sophia Margarette Sauveterre, Princess of Viasens.

TTO:
I hope you don't mind I'm going to be less formal and call you Adeline. What is your major at OUA?

Adeline?
I haven't declared a major.

TTO:
Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Adeline:
I never applied for Once Upon Academy, but I chose to go when my letter arrived for so many reasons—out of duty to the crown and the people of Viasens, out of respect for my poor birth parents' wishes, but most of all, out of a desire to know what the world outside my doorstep was truly like, since I didn't have much of a chance to explore it.

TTO:
Do you have any special skills?

Adeline:
I am adept at needlecraft, but I know that's not what you mean. My "special skill" is my extreme sensitivity. It applies to everything from my five senses to my intuition. It's been more of a burden to bear throughout my life than a blessing. The reason I can sew, knit, and crochet so well is because I make my own clothing. I've made more pairs of gloves than I can count.

TTO:
That's an incredible talent. I can barely sew a button. Do you have any tattoos, piercings or scars?

Adeline:
I could never get a tattoo or piercing—I would faint from the pain!—but I have countless scars. They're in the usual places—knees, elbows, and wherever small children hurt themselves the most—but there are so many. Luckily, they are all covered by the clothes I wear.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Adeline:
I secretly planned a special evening for Papa and Pappy's twentieth anniversary. I copied the handwriting of some of their business partners and sent them on a wild goose chase all afternoon while I prepared the dinner. So many things went horribly wrong! Ultimately, however, the night was a success

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Adeline:
I am empathetic, curious, and cautious.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Adeline:
Oh, let me count the ways! I wear gloves and special shoes to prevent the pain of everyday touching and walking, I stay inside almost all of the time to avoid disturbing sounds and smells, and I am always the last to finish a meal because I have to wait so long for my food to cool. These are all small things, of course, and I truly don't mind having to accommodate myself. I do feel a little sorry for my fathers, and for their business partners—most of them are used to my peculiarities by now, but that wasn't always the case.

TTO:
We all have pecularities. I'm sure your fathers understand. Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Adeline:
I am an introvert.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Adeline:
I love cocoa, but it must be at a lukewarm temperature, or I'll surely burn my tongue!

TTO:
Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Adeline:
We don't have movies where I come from, but I do love a particular book—forgive me, the title and author escape me now—about four sisters growing up together. I don't have any siblings, and friends are hard to come by when your sensitivity prevents you from leaving the house very often, so escaping into their lives was a true joy. 

TTO:
Is there anything else you would like to add?

Adeline:
I just hope Once Upon Academy is as life-changing as it claims to be. I'll need a miracle ???.

Find out more about Adeline in the Once Upon Academy Anthology.

Sense & Sensitivty by Emma Fontaine

After learning she's the secret daughter of the princess who sat on the pea, sensitive shut-in Adeline Augustin-Mignon is swept away to Once Upon Academy, a magical school filled with surprises around every corner.

One of those surprises is Quilo Stenberg, handsome son of a cold-hearted villainess. Adeline knows she shouldn't be getting herself into that kind of trouble, even if his rumored icy exterior seems to melt only for her.

But when they're paired up together for a dangerous project, Adeline and Quilo must use their unique abilities to save each other's grades.

And each other's lives.

Grab Adeline's Acceptance Letter Here!

Preorder:
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!

Bird's Eye View character interview with Antoinette Chaikova

Today, joining us from the Once Upon Academy is Antoinette Chaikova, but most people call her Nettie.

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
It's such an honor to have you with us today Nettie. Tell us what is your major?

Nettie:
Undeclared.

TTO:
I understand completely! Why did you choose the Once Upon Academy?

Nettie:
My parents REALLY wanted me to attend.

TTO:
Parents are strange that way. I'm sure you're happy you decided to follow their advice. Do you have any special skills?

Nettie:
Not particularly, but the headmistress assures me all will be revealed and cultivated during my time at OUA.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Nettie:
Hmmm... if you ask my parents, I'm not sure if they'd tell you it was been being named prima ballerina or my acceptance letter...

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Nettie:
Compassionate, down-to-earth, and flexible.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Nettie:
Not that I know of.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Nettie:
Anything sweet.

TTO:
Do you have a favorite movie or book you want to share?

Nettie:
Not really, but i love anything with astronomy and mythology. 

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like add before we close today?

Nettie:
I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I'm afraid of birds. All birds. My mother was cursed by a wizard when she refused to marry him. He'd make the shape of an owl and haunted her. When I was a kid, my parents used to frighten my brother and I that the owl might come and curse us. Never really got past that, so I just avoid birds whenever possible.

We all have fears, no need to feel ashamed. Thank you so much for joining us Nettie. Have a wonderful afternoon!

Find out more about Nettie in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn
When Nettie’s life is in peril, her true self will take flight.

Nettie’s acceptance to Once Upon Academy is the success she’s waited her whole life for. The prima ballerina has spent her life following rules and obeying her parents, but has no idea who she really is.

Reggie, a fifth-year senior and orphan, only knows one thing: he likes to fly. So when one of his flying students reveals to him he has the mark of a royal phoenix shifter, he’s excited to conquer the sky for real and learn more about his heritage.


But will he get his chance? When Nettie and Reggie are locked in a tower by a foe on the eve of Reggie’s first transformation, his life is in mortal danger. Helping him means Nettie must face her own greatest fear. Can they save themselves and each other?

Get a copy of Nettie's Acceptance Letter here!

Amazon
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!

Ignite: Midnight Fire by Kaitlyn Davis

This bookwas perfect for the moment. I've had the kindle for years but never read it. The other day I went through my kindle books in audio and decided on this.



My thoughts:
The perfect book for me! Kira is a likable character who falls for a vampire. She soon finds out she has a special ability which includes destroying vampires. Of the dilemna. It's a sweet teen love story as well as a action packed adventure. The author does a fantastic job building the characters and keeping me listening. With all this time now I didn't have to put it down to work. Worked from home and listened.


The author came up with an original idea and the narrator did an excellent job with pacing and timing. Loved it!

Amazon/Audible

Zombie Infestation: A Serena Rouge Novel

This was fun, more than anything.



My thoughts:
Serena is a little rough around the edges in this nonstop action book. A zombie virus is out and for some people it makes them stronger, quicker and improved. Serena is somehow immune to it yet she's "improved" in an Alice from Resident Evil kind of way. When her children are kidnapped she pulls out no stops in getting them back whole and healthy.

This book is well written. The only stumbling block for me was no use of place description or characters. It left a little out of sorts in places. Since I don't require copious amounts of description my mind filled in the blanks. The story is written first person and Serena does a lot of self-talk, some extremely funny which added to the story.


For zombie fans I absolutely think this is a must read

Amazon/Audible