Fallen Academy: Year Two - Book Review

Feb 19
3 min read

Title: Fallen Academy: Year Two

Author: Leia Stone

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Finished: 2/11/26

Favorite Part:

The most memorable aspect for me was the interaction with the students at the Tainted Academy. It was fascinating to see a dark mirror of the protagonist's world, filled with the same Mages, shifters, and vampires, yet shaped by entirely different choices. The conflict between these groups serves as a powerful reminder that your species doesn't define you; rather, it is the choices you make and the people you surround yourself with that determine your path. It felt like a poignant reflection of the real world.

Golden skull with purple flowers on black background. Text: "Fallen Academy, Year Two, Leia Stone." Vibrant feathers and flames.

What is it about? ❓

As the second installment in the Fallen Academy series, the story continues Brielle’s journey. The concept of Angels and Demons existing within the human world remains a highlight. This entry focuses on Brielle’s quest to navigate the duality of her own light and dark sides while desperately trying to save her mother from the clutches of evil demons.

What I Liked 👍

I really enjoy Leia Stone’s writing style; she knows how to keep a reader moving through the pages. Even when I felt I could predict the overarching plot, she managed to weave in background subplots that caught me completely off guard. The introduction of Lucifer into Brielle’s direct interactions was a stroke of genius, and I loved the physical manifestation of Brielle’s internal struggle—it added a visceral layer to her character development.

What I Didn't Like 👎

When I first started, the primary plot point—signing up for a fight to save her mother—felt a bit like a trope I’d seen before. Since the outcome felt somewhat inevitable, it lacked a certain level of tension. My biggest gripe, however, was the payoff. After the entire book built up to this specific confrontation, the actual resolution felt rushed and lacked description. It was a bit of an "Oh, she won? Okay, done" moment. I wish more time had been spent on this "visible" plot rather than letting it be overshadowed by the setup for future books.

Story & Structure 🏛️

The plot moves along nicely, and I was never bored. However, it felt as though the main story arc existed primarily as a smokescreen for the background subplot involving Lucifer’s machinations. Because that "visible" plot felt less engaging, I found myself reading more for the mysteries of the subplot than the actual main conflict. I would have appreciated a bit more mystery regarding the immediate stakes.

🪶🪶🪶✧✧ (3/5 Quills) – Solid Framework A clear, generally engaging storyline with occasional pacing hiccups and familiar tropes.

Writing Style & Prose ✍️

Stone does an excellent job of stepping back and letting her characters' voices shine. The prose is thoughtful, though the attention felt unevenly distributed at times. For instance, the relationship between Brielle and Lincoln felt a bit too "safe" and obvious. They seemed to pick up exactly where they left off in the previous book without much new growth or dynamic building, despite the author indicating their bond had deepened.

🪶🪶🪶🪶✧ (4/5 Quills) – Polished and Evocative Evocative language and a distinct authorial voice enhance mood and character; dialogue feels natural.

Impact & Immersion 💥

This is where the book truly excels. Despite my frustrations with Lincoln being "too perfect" or wanting Brielle to struggle more with a loss, I couldn't look away. The perspective of her being such a unique angel is so compelling that it kept me hooked. I’m already anticipating the "tip" in books three and four, where I expect her darker side to finally manifest in a shocking way. This world stayed on my mind long after I finished the final page.

🪶🪶🪶🪶✧ (4/5 Quills) – Deeply Compelling Characters, themes, and setting linger after reading; you’re consistently drawn into the novel’s world.

Final Overall Rating

This is not simply an average of the previous 3 ratings, but its own rating about how all the separate pieces came together and if it is worth your time to read it!