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Vigilant (Silvermoor Academy Book 1) by Starla Strange

(Kindle Unlimited book)

Tropes:

  • Forced Proximity
  • Badass FMC
  • Elite Academy
  • Underdog
  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Morally Questionable Characters
  • Trauma
  • Abuse

Score – 🫖🫖🫖🫖

Genre: Gothic Romance

Published: 1st December 2022

Synopsis –

My name is Remi Mars, and I am not a thief.

I’m a messenger at best. I just deliver the messages that people don’t want to hear. Owe someone money? I break your kneecaps. Double-cross one of my clients? I blow up your car. People listen to me. And if they don’t…? I have to handle it, whether I want to or not.

Especially after the mistake I made that forced me into this school of rich pricks in the first place.

But tarnished bad boys Luc and Nico don’t listen, too focused on getting revenge. And Key? He doesn’t listen to anyone.

The problem is that my new classmates at Silvermoor don’t know me as anything but the charity foster-care freak, the headmistress has my balls in a vice, and Bossman Barker has added an extra zero to my fee. And you don’t f*ck with Bossman.

So, again, I’m not a thief. I’m just trying to survive.

Don’t shoot The Messenger.

Thoughts –

Different to my usual read of fantasy, I thought I would give it a go by exploring new themes and characters. To my surprise, I enjoyed it, making me reflect on my usual preferences and encouraging me to seek out more stories that challenge my reading habits.

What I enjoyed most were the characters, who felt incredibly real and relatable. They are compelling and add depth to the story, often keeping you guessing about their motivations and future actions. Each character brings something unique to the table, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the author has a unique writing style; using witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life. This combination of engaging plot, complex characters, and a smart narrative style made for a truly enjoyable reading experience.

The heroine, Remi, is the perfect mix of badass and vulnerable, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity while revealing emotional depths that resonate with readers. I found the contrast between her persona as The Messenger and the real her very interesting, as it highlights the complexities of identity and the often disparate nature of how individuals present themselves to the world versus who they truly are. While The Messenger exudes confidence and charisma, captivating her audience with powerful messages, the real her reveals a more vulnerable and introspective side, one that struggles with the weight of expectations and personal doubts. This duality not only adds depth to her character but also invites us to reflect on our own lives and the facades we construct in various social contexts, raising questions about authenticity and the human experience.

The supporting characters are great too, adding a rich tapestry to the storyline. Even minor characters are detailed and vivid, each bringing their unique flair and personality to the narrative. But apart from the fiery and brilliant Remi, it’s the boys of course who take centre stage, capturing the hearts of readers with their charm and complexity. Luc, with his brooding intensity, Nico’s playful banter, and Key’s unexpected depth… They all had me swooning in turn, leaving me invested in their journeys. This is book one in the series, and it sets up so many fascinating plot-lines, crafting an intricate web that promises exciting developments. I can’t wait to find out more about Bea and Fiona, as their backstories unravel enticingly, and just what exactly happened with Foster, whose enigmatic presence lingers throughout the pages. So much intrigue! With each turn of the page, I found myself yearning for deeper insights into these characters’ relationships and the secrets that bind them.

I need book two, and I need it now!



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