Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Genre: Sci-Fi

Paperback: 272 Pages

Published: May 14, 2009

Series: None

Rating: ★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin, son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance, consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship and romance begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

My Review:

            Academy 7 is a sci-fi/space opera kind of book. I have never encountered a book that is filled with space airplanes and interstellar alliances, rebellions on planets, beaten slaves, fierce generals, politics, tragedy, and arrogant girls. I would have never picked up this book had it not been advertised in such a manner that it seemed interesting. It's not really a good example of a young adult sci-fi novel, but it does include some sci-fi aspects.

Aerin Renning is an orphan girl with a mysterious past who is suddenly accepted into this prestigious institution (Academy 7). As she settles into her life she encounters Dane Madousin, the cocky son of a military general. As Dane and Aerin become sparring partners they realize they don't get along. Spending time together causes them to throw verbal blows as well as physical blows at each other. This is clearly just a set-up for a sad love-hate affair. They had no connection what so ever and I honestly didn't believe their fondness towards each other. To be honest, I don't really remember what the plot was about either. Actually I don't even know why I read this book. Overall, it could have been better, the romance could have been written realistically, and the characters were dull.