Review of Breksta's Academy

[Stephanie Runyon]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Breksta's Academy" by Natasha Quay.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In Natasha Quay’s Breksta’s Academy, Dreamers are depicted as magical individuals who face persecution by the cadets of the Academy. Breksta had always enjoyed her life in a small village and only knew people to be kind. Her mother, Asteria, spent their time teaching Breksta survival skills. When soldiers dressed in black arrived in the village, Asteria rushed her daughter to pack clothing. Breksta didn’t understand what made her mother so alarmed. When Asteria heard leaves crunching behind them, she blocked Breksta from their pursuer. The Director approached with a troop of black masked soldiers. Breksta watched her mother use magic, but the Director took Breksta as a hostage. The last memory Breksta had was of her mother's death.

Breksta was taken to the Academy. The Director introduced her to Hestia, her new roommate. When Breksta entered her first class, Ms. Adams announced Breksta was the daughter of the rebel Dreamer, Asteria Vilkas, who attacked the government. The students immediately hurled insults and shunned Breksta. Hestia still remained friends with Breksta. Deep inside her, Breksta needed to know more about her mother. Would the Academy break her spirit and make Breksta a hunter of the Dreamers?

Breksta’s Academy is full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Every student Breksta encounters adds depth to the story. For example, Ms. Adams' son Icarus was not permitted to fail, or he would face his mother's punishment. Although he makes Breksta's life tough due to his competitive attitude, Icarus was also disliked by the majority of the kids. Hestia 's character was vital to the story; her support and positivity provided Breksta the boost she needed to survive. Breksta learned several lessons. The most important thing in her mind stood out above everything else: “To survive, one must surpass all others.”

Breksta’s Academy captivated me through the entire story. The vivid descriptions of the dark and shadowy surroundings made it easy to envision the Academy. The Academy was described as dark and full of shadows. Director had a psychopathic personality that caused every cadet to follow her orders, no matter what they were. Breksta was defiant and would often spend time in the “box of solitude.” There are no improvements needed in this fantasy story.

I rate Breksta's Academy five out of five stars. The use of flashbacks gave the historical pieces to understand the motivations of every character. The multiple character perspectives were easy to follow with clear transitions between them. Intense suspense built from the first page until the very end. A theme of loyalty and friendship is easy to discern throughout the book.

Readers who enjoy intriguing stories with relatable characters overcoming imposing adversaries will enjoy Breksta’s Academy. Teenagers could easily read this book because it contains absolutely no profanity. This is an emotional book about overcoming grief and following your dreams, no matter how impossible they appear.

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Breksta's Academy
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[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I wonder if this book is somehow a retake of certain myths. Both Hestia and Icarus are mythological characters.
It seems like a great book for young readers.

[Stephanie Runyon]

I thought that at times, but the mythical entities were parents and instructors. The students seem like the future generations.