I’m still not sure how Term One by L. J. Swallow, the first book in her Nightworld Academy series, ended up in my Kindle library, but I’m glad it did. I started reading it blindly, thinking it to be an urban fantasy version of Harry Potter, only for it to turn out to be more of a paranormal romance in the same vein. Think Harry Potter meets Twilight. But the vampires don’t sparkle and are more diverse. There are lycans and wizards, however.
I’m not much of a fan of books focused on romance normally, but this one quickly made it onto the exceptions list for me. The writing is rich while the pacing is quick, without being too quick. It’s like watching a season of TV but in book form. Like every book, everyone will have their own variations on who is cast in what role. The choices on which stars could be cast as the characters are based on how well each is described by Swallow. She describes them both in their physical appearance and in their mannerisms, making them leap off the page.
I haven’t accidentally picked up and read a book so fast since Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. It brought back a feeling that I had missed for so long. It was like being moved by the words of my friend Sylvia Stein as I read with a hunger, wanting to know what happens next, like when I first read Collins. Normally, I prefer being moved and made to think, but even a diehard Shakespearean enjoys an action film occasionally.
You will either want to get the box set or at least have the sequel handy for when you finish this novel. Without a doubt, this book gets 5 out of 5 bookmarks. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, but there is a pizza along with my kind calling my name.
*Tips his hat walking out the door with his Kindle toward the kitchen. *
Functionally Fictional 
Leave a comment