Review of Breksta's Academy
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Victor-Ekpe Uduakobong
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Review of Breksta's Academy
[Following is a volunteer review of "Breksta's Academy" by Natasha Quay.]
Breksta's Academy by Natasha Quay is a young adult fiction tale that centres on Breksta Vilkas, a young girl whose serene existence is shattered when soldiers invade her secluded town. Her forced enrollment in the Academy, ruled by a ruthless director, leads Breksta to forge a deep connection with her roommate, Hestia, as they endeavour to break free from the Academy's oppressive regime of danger and oppression. Exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery, this novel navigates the challenges faced by its characters amidst adversity and the pursuit of liberation.
What I liked about this book was the portrayal of Hestia. As Breksta's trusted confidante and friend, Hestia contributes significantly to the storyline by providing unwavering support and aiding Breksta in navigating the trials and dilemmas within the academy. Her internal struggle, torn between allegiance to her mother (the Academy's director) and her escalating doubts regarding the institution's beliefs and behaviours, adds depth to her character. Hestia's friendship and impactful choices deeply resonated with me, evoking fond recollections of my cherished best friend throughout the narrative. I would recommend this book to young adult readers interested in stories that explore complex relationships, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of oppressive regimes.
Amidst the enthralling pages of the book, a section stood out starkly, one that I found myself unable to embrace—it was the depiction of Hestia’s mother, the director. In this part, my feelings swayed towards discomfort and, dare I say, outright dislike. The portrayal of the director unsettled me deeply. She loomed as a distant, unrelenting figure, driven by power and willing to employ any means to maintain her grip on authority within the academy. The influence she wielded over the cadets, shaping them into compliant soldiers, left me with an undeniable sense of aversion. The relentless pursuit of authority and the persecution of Dreamers added a troubling dimension to the story, contributing to an atmosphere that resonated with my feelings of unease and dislike, notably impacting Hestia's journey. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for its captivating narrative focused on the unbreakable bond between Breksta and Hestia amidst the oppressive Academy regime. The novel skillfully explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the academy's challenges. What truly shines is Hestia's character, serving as a beacon of support for Breksta while grappling with conflicting loyalties to her power-driven mother, the director.
This internal struggle adds depth to the storyline, resonating profoundly with readers. While the portrayal of the director as a distant and authoritarian figure enforcing compliance and persecuting Dreamers may evoke discomfort, it magnifies the impactful choices made by Hestia and significantly enhances the narrative tension. Despite this discomfort, the book's enthralling challenges within the academy, coupled with the character depth and exploration of complex themes, solidify its deserving status as a 5-star read.
******
Breksta's Academy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Breksta's Academy by Natasha Quay is a young adult fiction tale that centres on Breksta Vilkas, a young girl whose serene existence is shattered when soldiers invade her secluded town. Her forced enrollment in the Academy, ruled by a ruthless director, leads Breksta to forge a deep connection with her roommate, Hestia, as they endeavour to break free from the Academy's oppressive regime of danger and oppression. Exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery, this novel navigates the challenges faced by its characters amidst adversity and the pursuit of liberation.
What I liked about this book was the portrayal of Hestia. As Breksta's trusted confidante and friend, Hestia contributes significantly to the storyline by providing unwavering support and aiding Breksta in navigating the trials and dilemmas within the academy. Her internal struggle, torn between allegiance to her mother (the Academy's director) and her escalating doubts regarding the institution's beliefs and behaviours, adds depth to her character. Hestia's friendship and impactful choices deeply resonated with me, evoking fond recollections of my cherished best friend throughout the narrative. I would recommend this book to young adult readers interested in stories that explore complex relationships, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of oppressive regimes.
Amidst the enthralling pages of the book, a section stood out starkly, one that I found myself unable to embrace—it was the depiction of Hestia’s mother, the director. In this part, my feelings swayed towards discomfort and, dare I say, outright dislike. The portrayal of the director unsettled me deeply. She loomed as a distant, unrelenting figure, driven by power and willing to employ any means to maintain her grip on authority within the academy. The influence she wielded over the cadets, shaping them into compliant soldiers, left me with an undeniable sense of aversion. The relentless pursuit of authority and the persecution of Dreamers added a troubling dimension to the story, contributing to an atmosphere that resonated with my feelings of unease and dislike, notably impacting Hestia's journey. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for its captivating narrative focused on the unbreakable bond between Breksta and Hestia amidst the oppressive Academy regime. The novel skillfully explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the academy's challenges. What truly shines is Hestia's character, serving as a beacon of support for Breksta while grappling with conflicting loyalties to her power-driven mother, the director.
This internal struggle adds depth to the storyline, resonating profoundly with readers. While the portrayal of the director as a distant and authoritarian figure enforcing compliance and persecuting Dreamers may evoke discomfort, it magnifies the impactful choices made by Hestia and significantly enhances the narrative tension. Despite this discomfort, the book's enthralling challenges within the academy, coupled with the character depth and exploration of complex themes, solidify its deserving status as a 5-star read.
******
Breksta's Academy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Trinities to Enneagrams, 2nd Edition by Allen David Young
