Ward Locked

Ravencrest Academy #3

by Theresa Kay

New classes. New director. And lots of new rules.

After spending my three-week Winter Break under magical house arrest, I’m looking forward to returning to school. But when I get there, everything has changed.

OSA has tightened its hold on every academy and Ravencrest’s new director takes the restrictions a step further, leaving me without my two closest friends. Worse, the boy who left me behind is back on campus with an even bigger surprise in tow…one that involves a ring.

And all that is the least of my worries.

Shifters and witches are disappearing and someone is working in the shadows, twisting magic to their whims in unnatural ways. With my own magic still out of control, my biggest issue will be figuring out who to trust. Making the wrong choice could be the last thing I ever do.

Ward Locked is the third book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting YA supernatural academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Paranormal Academy, Legacy Academy, and Darkblood Academy.

One click today to dive in!

Book One: Magic Bound
Book Two: Spell Linked
Book Three: Ward Locked
Book Four: Fate Sealed

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fae, Audiobook, Shapeshifters, Supernatural

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2022

About the author

The only person she knows who had a subscription to Writer's Digest at eleven and was always excited to write research papers, Theresa has been putting words to paper since a young age. Living in the mountains of central Virginia with her husband and two kids, she works as a paralegal by day, binges on Netflix at night and finds bits of time in between reading almost everything she can get her hands on and laundry to craft stories that tend to feature broken characters in sci-fi or paranormal worlds, with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure.

She's constantly lost in one fictional universe or another and is a self-proclaimed “fangirl” who loves being sucked in to new books or TV shows. Theresa originally wanted to write horror novels as an ode to her childhood passion for Stephen King novels, but between her internal Muse’s ramblings and the constant praise for her sci-fi pieces from her writer’s group – The Rebel Writers – she knew she should stick with what was working.

Ok, enough talking about myself in the third person… I love interacting with readers, so if you want to shoot me a line, you can connect with me on Facebook and Tumblr Even if it’s not about my books, I like chatting about my (many) fandoms, books and reading in general, or just about anything really.

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

I didn't realize the series wasn't complete and now I have to wait for the next book :(

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ward Locked was filled with mysteries, friendship, love, political intrigue, and fabulous twists and turns.  With fae, witches, wolves and vampires, oh my, this book was so much fun!  This story made me fall that much harder for the Ravencrest Academy series!

If someone had told me six months ago that I’d be sitting in the backseat of a fancy car with a driver as I returned to my super exclusive private school, I’d have laughed.

Coming back to school, there were so many changes.  Those we loved from the previous books weren’t there.  Students, teachers, staff….they were just gone.  It caused so much unrest, and heartache for Selene.  Yet it wasn’t a simple black and white answer for why some of those were gone.  OSA didn’t even remember them.  And if that wasn't enough, Tristan was back at school with a fiancé.  Who was even in some of Selene’s classes.  There were so many obstacles in Selene’s life and world, and I loved watching her try her best to persevere!

Every bit of common sense I have is screaming that this is asking for trouble, that I’m going to end up hurt, that—
And then he kisses me, and all thoughts leave my head.

I was so happy with how many answers we got within these pages!  Multiple about Selene!  And watching her come into her own power was beyond phenomenal!  But so much was going on around her.  Not only with the disappearance of people, but what you’ll learn about the Hunt.  There were also moments that made me see red, like the self-defense with Callahan.  And a character whose name I don’t want to mention for spoilers, but every moment with them made me want to punch them in the throat.  So while there was still some good surrounding her, there was so much that needed to be fixed.

My gaze clashes with his, and there are all sorts of things I can read in his golden-brown eyes. Lust. Love. Pain. Hope.
I can’t encourage any of those emotions, but it’s that last one I really can’t afford to give in to. To do so would only hurt myself.
“We can’t do this,” I pant out. “You’re engaged.”
“You know that’s not real.”
“It’s real enough,” I snap.

Like Tristan.  Sigh.  I still love him with all of my heart.  Yet when he apologized to Selene for being engaged, nope I wasn’t hearing it!  I was just as upset as she was.  I wanted him to stand up to his mom and end it.  Yet as the picture was painted for us, things were even more dire than I could have fathomed.  I had no clue how it was going to be fixed!  Yet I kept the hope alive.  And that’s all I’m saying about that ♥.

“Wait fifteen minutes and then head for Marie’s office. I will create a distraction.”
“A distraction? What is that supposed to mean?”
His expression goes cold. “Marie is looking for fae. I shall give her one.”

This story had so many twists and turns in the latter half.  As someone who loves being able to guess what will happen next, there was so much that left me grappling.  I had absolutely no clue how certain things were going to unfold.  So hold on, because it was a very bumpy ride and I loved every minute of it!

For more of my reviews, please visit:

Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finished all four books of this series. I ended up binging the audiobooks. I enjoyed the series very much. I like that this was a plot driven series. There is romance and relationship drama. But much more plot drama.
I also enjoyed the slow burn.

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy damn witches and mayhem!!

When Theresa got in contact with me about whether I was interested in continuing to read the ARC of her book series. I think, I literally up and left my body for a few seconds there. I've been literally dying to get my hands on the next book, since before even the release day of book two 😂. So these two gifs ↑ sum up my reaction quite nicely. Essentially because not one brain cell in my body actually did stay calm. Gaaaah! And I was not disappointed with this book at all...coz holy flippin' cows, this book was intense! So much stuff went down and I was not prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. I think, for a few moments my brain probably resembled this.

[image error]

I swear I nearly lost my mind so many times. And I then had to go searching for it, and what better gif than another Captain Jack Sparrow one? 😆 Seriously though...this book was worth the wait. But man did it hurt my heart.



I'm not sure if this would be classed as a spoiler...but I am just going to say, I missed her best friends in this book. And I have concerns...but I'm going to go into my toolbox and shut myself up now.



The plot really thickens with this book...and I never thought I would say this...but I think, I found two more people that I despise just as much as Bernadette! I honestly, didn't think that was a possibility.



So my list of people to take down is kinda growing...but I'll take them out one by one...they won't see it coming. Some, it may have already caught up to them.



Karma is a bee 🐝... ugh, fine, you got me...technically Theresa did some of the taking down but I was there and cheering on. But in my mind it was all me. Capiche? Capiche.

Oh my goodness, I have no clue how to talk like a normal person when chatting about this book lol. Because I have so many feelings. I do know that I loved the plot growth and how things are crazily spinning. I loved some of the little twists added, they were perfect. Some predictable, others not so much but I enjoyed them all nonetheless. I loved how all the politcal stuff is playing out. It's such a mess at the moment...but I can't wait to see how everything with that gets righted. I did miss a lot of the characters, I felt some parts of the story felt emptier without them but it's all part of the game. We're meant to feel like our girl does. Alone and empty lol. So if that was the aim. Goal achieved ☑️...I did love the introduction of some new characters...that stirred the big ole pot up for sure.



There were so many aspects to this story that I loved. It was all very well constructed. That's for sure! This bit I'm not really sure how to explain...but I feel like that between books 2 and 3, there was a bit of an emotional jump in the relationship between Tristan and Selene. Like, you know it's been building from prior books and that it's definitely there... but everything is still decently messed up and tied in a bow of complications lol. But then diving into book 3, I feel like there was a bigger leap in both of their emotions that I missed...this could just be me. It's not a negative thing, because I'm all for that. I love this couple. And my boy Tristan, he needs some of the real kind of love in his life.



So, I've shown a little bit about my emotions of reading this book...now let's dive into the harder part, with a quick rundown of the story. Selene is back to school after her break, spent in a literal lockdown of sorts. OSA questioning her like crazy and treating her as if she's the threat. Anywho, back at school, she's got new classes on her schedule but that's not the only thing that's changed...oh no, not at all. We have a new school principal and things are about to be seriously changed up. And by that I mean restrictions galore. But with all these new rules, leaves Selene very stranded at her school with no friends at her side. And not only that...the one person she has been dying to know how he's doing, turns up...but not without breaking some big news about a ring. This isn't even mentioning all the missing witches and shifters, that are vanishing into the shadows left right and centre. Something big is coming and with Selene's powers still out of control...learning about her heritage and who she can and can't trust...is a very dangerous game. This may be the hardest term yet.



I dunno what I can say more about this book...but it's definitely one you need to check out. I want to say so much more...but seriously, the stuff that goes down in this book, makes it way to easy to drop spoilers. This book has it all though. Trust me on that. I love the level of intrigue and all the little things and big things going on and happening. All I know is that I really need book 4 after that ending! It's not so much a cliffhanger but damn it leaves me needing all the crazy things.



Thank you so much Theresa for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book, that took me on a wild ride. I was not disappointed and I can't wait to see what's in store for all my favourite characters. Just make sure to dispose of the bad ones lol.



Make sure you check this third book in this series out, it will not disappoint. It releases on the 30th June and you can find it here ---> Ward Locked. I can't wait for you to check this book out. Let me know when you read it! If you loved book 1 and 2 this one is going to be no exception. Gah I'm all over this series!



Please note that I did receive this ARC in place of my, as always, honest ramble on this book. Also, note that ZERO funds or money of ANY sort comes to me by posting any links within my reviews.

Stay crazy and read more books!

[MolaMolaAndCats · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the three. The ending wasn’t rushed per say but it was a little disjointed and Selene was uncharacteristically stupid. The engagement plot was so incredibly rom com and I loved every second of it. Yes I am rooting for Selene and Tristan, but Mae is an icon and deserves every good thing.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I think I have it figured out, I'm thrown again. And this series hasn't let up yet or gotten weird or lost its steam.

[Courtney Pressel-liepis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward Locked

I love this series so much. Selena and Tristan are finally having their moment and she finally finds out who her bio-dad is. Wow! Didn't expect that, but probably should have. I don't know if I missed it or what, but what happened to her bio-mom??? I can't wait for the next book!

[AMG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifters-Witches-Vampires/Academy/Single PoA

SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): The FC, Selene, was left with shifters by her mother when she was a baby. She was raised by shifters thinking she was a witch with no powers but discovers that actually she has strong powers but they were bound at birth. The story is set in a world where shifters and witches do not get on and there is pressure for shifters to be regulated by witches. The FC is sent to Ravencrest, an elite Academy, to learn about her powers and to integrate with witches. There she meets the MC, Tristram, a powerful witch from a wealthy family that hates shifters. The story revolves around the FC finding out more about her background and her powers, her developing relationship with the MC and the fight between the witches and shifters over control.

Heat Level: 🌶️🥶 This is not slow burn so much as no burn. There are limited scenes between the MC and FC and these only amount to a few heated kisses over the series. That would be fine if there was any real sense of romance or chemistry between the MC and the FC but I found very little.

Whilst decently written the story is trite and unoriginal. That would be fine if the story was at least told well but for me it wasn’t. There was a lack of any real background or relationship development and the characters all seemed to be caricatures. For example, you only really find out what happened to the FC’s mother at the end and in passing. The FC seems to be distinctly uninterested in learning about what happened to her mother or why or who her father is. Surely you’d at least be a little interested? Even when you do have the “unveiling” of the FC’s parent’s history it is one dimensional and lacks any degree of emotion. In fact you don’t get the sense that there was any great love story between the FC’s father and mother (which makes no sense) or that the father cares at all about his long lost daughter. It felt very disconnected.

There is limited development of any romantic relationship between the FC and the MC. The MC comes across as actually quite weak and pathetic both physically and mentally and the FC came across as annoying and a bit too arrogant in her behaviour. I found it hard to relate to either of them. One minute they hate each other then suddenly they’re “sealed” together 🙄

Unfortunately this is yet another long series (4 books) that drags you along (I was skim reading quite a bit after book 2) with litte happening only to have a “climax” that is completely unsatisfactory and seemed to happened when the FC and MC were not around. The main villains don’t even get any justice that you can see. One minute they are untouchable, no one believes the FC and everyone is after her and the next minute they are apparently in custody. Made no sense especially after the excuse of the dramatic “gladiator” scene which I assume the author intended to bring some drama to the climax but which just came out of the blue and added nothing to the story.

[McKenna Staley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and furthered the world-building in captivating ways. The author’s pacing was great in this book, and I really enjoyed the flow to the arc. Additionally, Selene’s journey moved in a direction that I was not expecting but that was well set up. I’m very excited to see where this story goes for her!

That being said, I did rate this book a bit lower compared to the first two. My favorite aspect of the other books is the dynamic, 3-dimensional characterization. Selene, Tristan, Reid, Isobel, Adrian, and most every other character is well-written, with meaningful backstory, relatable flaws, grounded personalities, and unique perspectives. It’s my favorite part of this series. And this book accomplished less of that. Many of the new characters felt rushed and unrelatable. Additionally, many of the characters I’ve come to know and love were not included much in the plot. I understand this was intentional and meant to further the plot, but it left the story feeling emptier, even with the great plot twists.

Despite this, I still enjoyed the book. It pulled in classic romcom elements in a fresh and intriguing way, and it leaned further into the romantic arc (which the author NAILED). Additionally, the book set an exciting stage for what’s to come.

Excited to read the next one :)

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. Welcome to Ravencrest Academy. This series is a slow burn, rivals-to-lovers romance. New classes, new director, and lots of new rules. After spending her three-week Winter Break under magical house arrest, Selene’s looking forward to returning to school, but when she gets there, everything has changed. OSA has tightened its hold on every academy and Ravencrest’s new director takes the restrictions a step further, leaving her without her two closest friends. Worse, the boy who left her behind is back on campus with an even bigger surprise in tow, one that involves a ring, and all that is the least of her worries. Shifters and witches are disappearing and someone is working in the shadows, twisting magic to their whims in unnatural ways. With her own magic still out of control, her biggest issue will be figuring out who to trust. Making the wrong choice could be the last thing she ever does. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Jassicca · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the winter break, Selene returns to Ravencrest Academy, hoping to reunite with familiar faces like Isobel and Adrian. Instead, just like her wardrobe filled with new clothes, everything at the academy feels unfamiliar.

Selene now has her private room to reflect her status as the Andras heir and a new director has taken Burke's place. Additionally, there are new teachers, more OSA agents are present, and stricter regulations have been implemented.

To make matters worse, Tristan is back at school with a fiancée, and without any friends to turn to for advice, Selene finds it hard to determine who she can trust. Choosing the wrong person to confide in could lead to dangerous consequences.

"Ward Locked" continues to captivate me into sleepless nights. The story is brimming with uncertainty, unexpected twists, mysteries, friendship, romantic dilemmas, and political conspiracy.

I'm pleased with how the story unfolds. Plus, some of the questions get answered! With Shifters, Witches, Fae, and even a Vampire in the mix, the final book promises to be an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to a happily ever after!

[Carol ann hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward Locked

This series just gets better and better.
Selene is an absolute queen. The way she has dealt with everything that has happened in such a small space of time is remarkable.
Imagine showing up to the new semester campus security is through the roof. Your only 2 friends are nowhere to be found, and your kind of boyfriend turns up engaged to another woman? Tough break, eh?
But there is no time to complain or moan because the bigger picture is Selene is half Fae and she needs to get hold of her powers and try help witches and Shifters and find a new kind of normal.

We ended the book with Witches, Shifters, Fae and even a Vampire in the mix....what's not to love.

I'm heading straight for book 4 because I am 100% routing for a happy ending in this massive magical mashup.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio

Awww I liked this one. Started off rocky for me but it perked up. The adventure and mystery really increased. And I liked the end.

She was getting on the Last nerve with her “oh this seems like it should be a red flag. Oh well”. Like girl! Come on !? Some of the dismissiveness seemed a bit excessive to me, even factoring in that she has a teens brain.

And I think we using the running into each other micro trip a wee bit too much.

Last dislike was that I feel I was skirting the line on the romance scenes almost feeling weird in amount of description. The main characters are in their teens sooo. But I guess it would maybe be fine if I were a teen ? Still felt on the line for me.

But otherwise , I liked it. It’s fun. I’m
Glad I picked this one up! Going straight to book 4 now! Bye!

[Rebecca loves reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic next installment in this series.

Definitely helped that I came into this one directly after finishing the others. I’m so bummed that the last one isn’t published yet - Im so excited to see where the story goes next.

One particular thing that I really have been enjoying about this series is how Selene doesn’t come into her power, knowing how to use it. She is constantly using it incorrectly and things are happening because she doesn’t have control. That’s a detail I haven’t seen much in urban fantasy, and I find it to create a more compelling story. I was super upset to find that Adrienne and Penny, two great supporting characters in the other books, were missing from this one. I was so excited when they reappeared at the end of the book.

[Alycia'sBookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ward Locked continued the series with a bit more intrigue and suspense, but it didn’t quite blow me away. The plot picked up where things left off, adding new layers to the story and keeping things interesting. The characters showed some nice development, and the stakes felt higher this time around, but it still didn’t quite hit the "wow" factor for me.

It’s a solid 3.5-star read—enjoyable, but not earth-shattering. If you’re invested in the series, it’s definitely worth continuing, though I’m hoping the next book really takes things up a notch!

[Jennifer Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we are talking

This one answers most of my questions from the second book and sure it gives me more for how the hunt might happen or how someone was turned into a vampire. I loved this book and hope the sealing continues and that Bernadette has a stroke or something. I hope a relationship forms between her and her biological dad too. I wonder how this will all play out. I can’t wait until January 25th!!

[M A SCAMMELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

I can’t believe I have to wait almost a year for the last book! The Ravencrest books are well written, have great and varied characters that catch your imagination and keep you in their world. They might be aimed at the older teen readers but that should not deter older readers because the series is well plotted and beautifully written. Need the final one now!

[Adu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than a day, which reflects the east writing style and interesting plot. It definitely helps that I read this book immediately after the earlier ones.

My only issue with the book is Selene was uncharacteristically naive and too trusting. It was needed for the development of the plot but I found myself rolling my eyes at several points.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story's continued

Selena is back at school, but this time without friends. However, she had a very powerful grandmother ag grandfather. So her position is secure, but everybody. Is suspicious? It's a good little story. Come to a predictable conclusion at that. We have the last theories where we need to resolve all the issues.

[Sherry Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This just gets better and better. Loving Selene and her friends. This one I read in a day....only breaks were for work. I did not want to put it down. This is a fantastic series. Can't wait for the final book.

[Dorris Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book hate that I have to wait so long before another 1 you need to write another 1 now at least 6 more books for me to be completely satisfied Well that's a lot I'm gonna need more than 6 books

[Kathy Zuercher Diveley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene

The new director at the Academy is Adrian's Mother. But Adrian isn't at the Academy, but his brother Louis is and is assistant to his Mom. Tristan is engaged to Mie with a unbreakable spell.

[Kylie ve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but the amount of information that was revealed in this book was wild. I think this book was definitely better than the last! So many things make so much sense now! I really like the slow burn romance in this series.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it’s still moving along and changing paths. So far so good, pretty sure I’ll read the next one as well. An arrayed marriage, start of being Sealed to each other by magic. Finding ones Fae father and rescuing him. Lots happens in this installment.

[Jordan Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good audiobook and a quick read. I was so excited for this book and couldn’t stop thinking about it after reading the first two books for free. I ended up buying this audiobook with my own money and I don’t regret it at all!! It was money well spent and a had time well had!

[Dawn Filler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

Fast paced saga with new characters and twists. I’m excited to read book 4 to see what happens next! The romance I hope works out too.

[Donna S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Read!

Unexpected Expected surprises! I can’t wait to start the next book!!! The addition of some new characters was a thrilling addition…

[Dona H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this series and can't wait for the final book!

[Irishgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3rd

[Dawn Filler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fast paced story and new characters but miss friends that were missing. Surprising twist at the end! I can’t wait to read the next book!