Academy 7

by Anne Osterlund
259 pages

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...", well not really, but if you are a fan of Star Wars Academy 7 is right up your ally.

Summary:
With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin—son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance— consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship—and romance—begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

This was an interesting YA sci-fi. I enjoyed it. While it wasn't one of my favorites it held my attention. I am a huge Star Wars fan, so this one had an in from the beginning. I actually would have liked this one to be a little longer. I felt there was a lot that still needed answered. The story was exciting and I think it would appeal to boys as well as girls. I could see this one becoming a series because the plot is interesting and the setting is very cool, but I don't know if the two main characters could carry another book. They were OK, but not fabulous.

Some of the things I disliked: As I just mentioned the characters could have been a lot more interesting. I didn't think they had much depth. They were likable, but I felt they were both missing that something that makes them realistic. The cover really bothered me, I don't think it fit with the book at all. Romance was not the focus of this book, but from the cover that is what one would assume. I actually thought I would like it better if Aerin and Dane stayed just friends. My favorite part about YA romance is the build up, and while this did have it, it just didn't feel right. It was like one minute they are friends and then the next they are more. I don't know, it just didn't sit right with me.

That is really it for the complaints, on a whole I liked it. It was a fun adventure story that I believe will appeal to a variety of readers. What stuck with me was the imaginative world that Osterlund created. I look forward to reading more of her work.

The verdict is: A pretty good book, but not earth shattering.