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Elementals Academy #2

The Secrets of Magic

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There are only so many secrets you can keep before you break.

A few weeks ago, Summer Donovan learned she’s a witch descended from the Greek gods. She was whisked away to an academy for witches to learn how to use the element she controls—air.

Except Summer doesn’t have air magic. Instead, she controls metal and gems—an ability no witch has demonstrated before.

The headmistress of the school has a theory—she suspects Summer is the first known witch descended from the god of the Underworld, Hades.

As if not knowing her magical heritage isn’t troublesome enough, Summer discovers she’s soulmates with the most mysterious guy at the school—Zane Caldwell. But Zane’s been keeping a secret of his own. He’s an immortal, and his heritage isn’t Greek. It’s Norse. He infiltrated the academy two years ago to spy on the Greeks, and now Summer has to make a choice: reveal the truth about Zane and risk his life, or keep his secret and turn on her people.

Because the Norse gods are rising. When they do, it’s going to be all-out war.

And Summer will eventually have to pick a side.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2022

1760 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Madow

92 books3,359 followers
Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over three million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with 50 books published (and counting), she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she spent nearly two decades in Florida before a brief chapter in NYC—and now she’s back in the Sunshine State, where golden days fuel her creativity and moonlight sparks her imagination.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

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5 stars
1,345 (51%)
4 stars
758 (29%)
3 stars
412 (15%)
2 stars
74 (2%)
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15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Rosa.
254 reviews22 followers
October 4, 2022
WTH, Zane?
I love this magical world.
If you enjoy mythology and YA love, you'll probably like all the books from this world.
Profile Image for ~LoverOfBooksForLife~.
27 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2023
I love this book and how this is going it is a bit short but it is filled with fun and surprises
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,417 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2022
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. We previously met Summer at a school where she finds out she is a Witch descended from Greek gods. However she is able to manipulate metals...not air as she thought...and it all leads to Hades...the god of the underworld. Her superiors believe that if she writes Hades he will claim her...but her mother...who happens to be a goddess...omg..tells her not to do it. Why all the secrets? On top of family drama she is soul mates with an immortal...a Norse at that who has been spying on the academy. Does Summer betray her feelings for Zane or does she keep quiet? A Quest of sorts is set her path to the unknown and the possibility of the Norse gods rising. But will it be too late?
Profile Image for Myria.
93 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2022
For Summer Donovan it was hard enough finding out she had elemental magic nothing like anyone at the academy had ever seen but to find out the boy she liked was not just her soul mate but an immortal who had not only just saved her life but then declared that his people want to rule the world well that’s after there’s a war between the Greeks and the Norse gods then the Immortals can take there rightful place, yea no wonder she’s confused on what to do, well it’s a lot to take in especially in such a short time.
How can she want Zane in one breath but want to hate him with the next why is life so complicated?? Since the attack from the nymphs, Summers room mate and best friend at the academy Alyssa is in a coma in the infirmary an several others were killed, with so much happening Summer is at a loss in what she should do about the things she knows and she just can’t shake the feeling someone is watching her through the mirrors.. but it won’t be long before the truth comes out not just about Zane, the Norse gods and the immortals but the fact Summers father is a god who hasn’t claimed her as his yet as he doesn’t know she exists and her beloved mother has been keeping things from her and isn’t all as she seems..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sabrina Wannet.
537 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2022
She did it again... Another damned mind blowing book.

This book features more of Summer and Zane together with Mason, Blake and Nicole. The story is fast paced and a true pageturner. The moment you start you just cannot stop.. not at alll until you finished it al.

I love the way the love blooms between Summer and Zane, but also how carefull she is. The thing I like the most is that she used my most favorite male Norse god as the first to truly appear in front of summer. While looking back the book does give the vibe of the norse god already but you do not think about him until that particular chapter.

Another thing I love is that we finally know who Summer's parents are and we get a sneakpeak in her power. I can not wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Finnely.
150 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2022
I had the chance to read the e-arc and finished it as quickly as possible. The second book in Elementals Academy answers a lot of questions from the first book; while also dropping a lot of setting the book down to take in the information and what it means. Getting towards the end I kept expecting one big thing would be the end to leave off on a cliffhanger, but there was one big cliffhanger possibility after another. Looking forward to the third book to see how all of this newly gathered information plays out.

There was also great character growth with the main character Summer. I really like how she held her ground against the soulmate bond and confronted the red flags. I'm not sure what I think of Zane quite yet.




Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
July 19, 2022
Summer is still fighting her feelings for Zane because she can't really trust him or some of his beliefs.
Zane shows he will do anything to protect her but he's still hiding things from her.
Mason also is full of secret and lies and ends up blindsiding even Zane.
Zane shows some compassion when Summer asks him to heal her friends.
Summer is shocked when he said he loved her in front of Blake and Nicole.
She finally gets answers to who both of her parents are.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Profile Image for Linda.
354 reviews
July 16, 2022
How does Michelle Madow come up with these ideas? Her imagination is mind-blowing.

This is book two in the Elementals Academy series and we join back in with Summer, Zane and crew for more hijinks. It is so difficult to review this book without giving away any spoilers so I will simply say that more details on Summer's magic are revealed, the depth of Zane's loyalty is still in question, and apparently there is such a thing as zombie skeletons....what?! Can't wait for the next in the series so I can find out what happens next!
776 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2022
Well, the uncanny habit I have of running into authors that write what I like is incredible. This series is another example of that. Another cracking storyline this one. As before I have to read book three, like now. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for thebooksuccubus.
520 reviews41 followers
July 22, 2022
I have so many feeling about this book. One I was was excited to read this not only because it is by Michelle but also because I love Norse Mythology. Secondly I have some major Damon Salvatore vibes from Zane I would hate him one minute and then his misguided decisions would be sweet the next minute. Thirdly I adore how strong willed Summer and her unyielding dedication to those she cars about. And lastly we learn some much about Summer parentage the it is baffling. I will leave you with the heads up that the way this book left off is killing but only because I feel like I need a Novella from Zane. I need the next one soon!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,713 reviews111 followers
July 22, 2022
Second book and this amazing journey continues. It’s a thrilling ride filled with adventure, magic and romance and just grabs you from the very start. The world building continues to amaze, the storyline is mysterious, intriguing and thrilling and the characters are growing and learning as the story continues. We learn new things, get some answers to a few questions but also more questions do arise. There are twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat and with an ending that left me gasping I am so eager to read the next book!
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,492 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2022
I really liked this book. It was such a fun read. The world building is awesome. I liked how we meet so many cool characters and realms. I loved the additions from previous series and also characters making cameos. The characters are well developed. I liked the arc and growth in this book. Go check it out.
Profile Image for Jessica Sue.
545 reviews10 followers
August 15, 2023
chore to read

Man this started to drag and by the end was such a chore to read. How is it possible to make a story about magic and gods and love and everything else dull? I don’t know but this could have been so much better than it was…
Profile Image for Rachel.
901 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2022
I both love and hate how I am always left wanting more. The author is a master at finishing the current storyline to satisfaction while setting you up for the next portion of the saga. I now cannot wait for winter so I can devour the next book.
Profile Image for Tina Merritt.
655 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2022
This is one of those books that you will just sneak in a couple more pages in between your daily tasks, sleep well you’ll sacrifice that too, it’s that addicting!! I think I may have loved this one even more than book 1 which I enjoyed! Book 2 digs deeper into the elemental powers, the MCs heritage and you get a bit more of that romance! Action is no short supply and the story will leave you pining for book 3!!
Profile Image for Anmarie.
152 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
A story full of twists and turns, shock and surprise. This book will keep you guessing.
Well researched myths used for both the Norse and Greek gods.
Profile Image for Judy Sescil.
209 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2022
Another great fast paced story continuing with Summer and Zane along with others from first book. Summer learns more about her magic and who her parents are! Can't wait for book three to see what happens....
10 reviews
February 20, 2025
Awesome book in my opinion is better than the first (but the first one was also a great book) I honestly think this a great series that you should definitely invest your time into reading I definitely think the books in the series are going to slowly increase in greatness i just love this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!🥰
Profile Image for Geff Ratcheson.
244 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2022
In case you're wondering why an old man like myself is reading so much YA Fantasy, it's because I find it an escape from today's awful real world.

I've been sampling a number of authors over the past year. I would rank Ms, Maddow at the top (& she just keeps getting better), along with Juliana Haygert, C Vonzale Lewis, Elle Beaumont, & JA Cipriano.

And sorry if this is a little bit sexist, but she is so beautiful that I also have a bit of a crush on her, LOL!

Getting back to seriousness, I can't wait for book 3. There's one surprise after another, & I bought books 1 & 2 & finished them in 2 days. No earth-shattering insights here, but a lot of fun. They're also rated "PG", so they're ok for older children.

This is basically a modern take on the Greek & Scandinavian mythology, & one of the best I've read.

And for once in this genre, the #1 male & female protagonist tip toeing around their "Soul Mate Bond" actually makes sense under the circumstances. That's standard in this genre, but I've NEVER before read an author give completely believable reasons for the behavior.

Good Character development, also.

I am expecting book 3 to be much more focused on "action" (i.e. violence); it will be interesting to see how well the author pulls that off (I can't stand the "Terminator" genre!)

Books 1 & 2 (I haven't rad 3 yet) are highly recommended.

I bought these, this is NOT an ARC.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,393 reviews20 followers
July 22, 2022
This is the second book in the Elementals Academy series and it does not disappoint! Our main characters, Summer and Zane are back as complicated as ever and together with their friends we are taken on a roller-coaster ride. There are so many twists and turns that keep you turning pages, you just can't put the book down! With Summer still trying to figure out where exactly her magic comes from. Is she really descended from Hades like the school headmistress suspects? And feeling so close to the secretive Zane could be trouble. Zane has a secret that Summer finds out but it could be devastating. I am trying hard not to give spoilers, but I can only say WOW! Can Summer stay with Zane or will she have to make a very hard decision? So much unexpected happenings that keep you captured to the story. The ending blew me away and now I can't help chomping at the bit for the third book! I really like this series so far. From the very beginning, you are drawn in, grabbed and never let go. I highly recommend this series. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Renee Marski.
Author 92 books80 followers
July 31, 2022
Well things just got interesting. Zane has more than just ice magic. Summer is forced to compete in Greek Week and has to lose on purpose to hide her abilities. Namely, her connection to metals. Things get worse when Vera and Zane make her help them. Then theres a quest for Thor's hammer and that gets weird too. So many twists but so much fun!!

Zane is hard to read but he really cares for Summer. And poor Summer. Girl cant catch a break.
163 reviews
September 2, 2022
Another great installment. The plot thickens. Loki is awake and is tricking everyone. Zane has left Summer but why? Summer found out she is really a goddess. With the war between Norse and Greek gods on the horizon, Summer needs to infiltrate the Immortals camp to see what they have up their sleeve. Summer is willing, but will it be enough?
596 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2023
Witches/Enemy to Lovers/Slow Burn

SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): FC discovers that she is a witch and is whisked off to the Elemental Academy which is an academy for witches with magic over one of the elements. There she meets the MC and the initial interactions are not friendly before morphing into them being soulmates. The FC is torn however as the MC is not what he seems and there is a bigger plan in motion in respect of which the MC’s views and intentions are not good. The FC is pulled into supporting the MC as she is his soulmate but she does not agree with his plans. The story then evolves into a a bigger storyline involving the Greek and Norse Gods and potential war which the FC and her friends are trying to stop. After a lot of drama and quests that the FC has to complete to achieve her end goal there is a HEA.

Book 1 starts out with the usual FC who does not know she is a witch and then discovers she is much more than just a normal witch. There’s the obligatory BF who she meets on day 1 at the academy but, apart from a short lived storyline, no bitchy girls. Despite the trite beginning I liked the FC initially but found it hard to like the MC. It was hard to get behind his intentions and the actions he was supporting. For me that never went away as even though the MC changed his position he never seemed to see anything wrong with what he had originally intended just the potential unexpected results. I also began to dislike the FC as the story progressed as her intentions and actions towards the MC (although not followed through) became grey for a while.

The story began to drag for me around the end of Book 2 when the storyline seems to become just a series of quests that the FC has to complete in order to stop the potential war brewing. These quests were relatively formulaic and I did not really feel the drama. They were also all mainly focussed on the FC as apparently no one else could do anything except play supporting roles - including the MC who really does absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of the story. The part where she is ***SPOILER ALERT**** trapped in the underworld and goes on a hunger strike was ridiculous. Yes she’s a Goddess and immortal but she starves herself for at least a month and then, after a single meal, is back to normal and, apparently, has lost no weight or muscle?

The FC/MC don’t really connect until Book 3 and there are no real sex scenes just a “fade to black” approach when they apparently have sex. I found it a bit odd the way the author dealt with this as she did not even acknowledge the fact that the first time they have sex it was the FC’s first time. It was dealt with by simply saying that the MC/FC “finished what they had started”.

Whilst well written and edited the story just dragged for me and I could not engage with the characters.
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,470 reviews
May 21, 2023
I read the prequel series to this one and then then I received an ARC of the first book in this series! I really enjoyed the first book and it was a strong start to the series! I then received an ARC of this book and started reading it as soon as I could! After reading this book, I can say that I enjoyed it! I have to be honest and say that I wasn't sure where the plot was going to go, but the author took it in an interesting direction and it made sense! This book also only took me a few sittings to read and there were some big twists in it! I also loved the mythology aspect! There wasn't tons of action and suspense in this book, but there was more than the first book! I can definitely see a lot more as this series progresses! There was also the hint of romance in the plot, but it didn't really develop much further from the first book! The characters were again amazing and made this book even better! Summer was the main character, and in this book, and in this book she was struggling and dealing with a lot! Summer also felt like she didn't really have anyone she could talk to and she was having to keep secrets to herself! I felt like Summer tried her best and she made the best decisions for her and to keep the people around her safe! Zane was the love interest of Summer! I said in my review for the first book that I was intrigued by Zane and wanted to know more about him! I felt like I got to know a little bit more about Zane's background and his reasons for being at the academy! I think there's still a lot to learn about him though! Zane was also protective of Summer and it was easy to see how he felt about her! This book was again only written from Summer's point of view! I was sort of expecting it to be because the first book was only written from Summer's point of view! This author's books are normally written from quite a few different point of views though! I understood why this book was only written through Summer's eyes because it was her journey to finding out more about her background and I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! It says that it releases in winter 2022, so no solid release date yet! I'll definitely be reading it once it releases and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next for the characters! The ending of this book was also left at quite the ending! I also love the cover for this book a lot! I love how well it matches the cover for the first book and for the prequel series! It would draw me to the book as well if I didn't already know the author's name! Big thank you to Michelle for an ARC of The Secrets of Magic!
Profile Image for MaryEMagnolia.
253 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2024
Bell pepper 🌶️

A supernatural from Norse mythology, sent here by his people to spy on the school.


“Hecate?” Kate said, at the same time as I said, “Mom?”


For the first time ever, my soft-spoken mom looked intimidating.


“It’s true that I’m not your birth mother. But Kate was correct in her theory about your elemental magic. Because you are related to Hades. You’re his daughter.”


The goddess of witchcraft. I’d been raised by the goddess of witchcraft.


If he knew you existed, he’d do everything in his power to drag you down to the Underworld.”


I saved you because you’re my soulmate.”


“Immortals all have soulmates,” he said. “We don’t know why, but the theory is that experiencing such intense love for someone else keeps us grounded.”


“Vera’s ‘boyfriend’ was her soulmate. When we were released from the ice, he wasn’t there. He didn’t survive Ragnarök. Her soul is forever broken because of it. She understands the intensity of a soulmate bond.”


“Our soulmate bond makes you one of us. My people and I will protect you.”


He cared about me. And I didn’t want to turn my back on him.


Hades. She obviously couldn’t say his name in public. So apparently, we’d talk about him as if he were Voldemort.


Did immortals even have the same level of emotions as us? Or were their hearts as cold as their magic?


The Norse gods see us as monsters as well. But it’s only because they’re intimidated by us. They know we’re meant to rule, and they’re scared of the day when it will finally happen again.”


But while I didn’t trust Zane to always tell the truth, I did trust him with my life. That had to count for something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Merhlynne.
263 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2022
3.5!

This is a tough book for me to review. Like Michelle, I read a LOT.; 2 or 3 books a week! But I am not a writer. I do not fully understand everything that goes I. To writing a book, fleshing out characters, plot twists, etc. I can only compare this book to the many I've already read.

I am also a bit of an artist but never had the courage to display my work. So knowing how hard it is to put yourself "out there" in the public eye, earns my respect. With that in mind, I will never write a bad review. I will focus on the positives and not be negative...

I enjoyed the book. I am just struggling with the plot and characters a little and found myself liking this second book better than the first as the plot and characters expand. Looking forward to seeing where this story is going.
Profile Image for Melo.
789 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2023
Dislike the heroine

I read the whole book so it gets 3 stars. I didn't mind the heroine in book 1 but by the end of book 2 I'm really not a fan. There is something about people who give zero percent but expect others to bend over backwards that rubs me the wrong way. Poor Zane, just poor Zane this is war yet she just expected him to give his life over to be tortured. She demanded he keep saving people knowing what would happen to him. His life doesn't matter to her at all.

He says he loves her and has proven it over and over putting his life on the line from the get go what exactly did she do? She wouldn't even hug him or even try defend him. Then she has the nerve to say "her heart was shattered" what absolute rubbish!! This is the problem with "fated mates" he deserved so much better than her.
Profile Image for Jassicca.
797 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2024
In this second instalment, as Summer delves deeper into her powers, the looming threat of impending wars between the Norse and Greek Gods also hangs heavily over her.

Summer also finds herself on the brink of a critical divide. Which path will she choose: that of her soulmate or her friends? It’s a matter of life and death, one that demands serious contemplation.

I appreciate the progression of Summer and Zane’s relationship; the term "soulmate" doesn’t rush her into decisions. Instead, she carefully considers all options and possibilities before making her choice.

Filled with thrilling adventures, shocking betrayals, and surprising twists, this story is a captivating read that you won't want to set down. With two significant secrets unveiled in this story, are there still more revelations waiting to be discovered in the next instalment? Let’s find out!
Profile Image for hayley preston.
36 reviews
September 23, 2022
Summer’s Conflict!

Wow… having read The Elementals and the the first book of Elementals Academy, I had high hopes for this book and it didn’t disappoint!

It is great to see the continuation of Kate, Blake and Nicole, along with new characters like Summer, who is trying to figure out what elemental magic she has, and trying to figure out who her birth parents are… I have to admit I guessed it!!

The developing story between Zane and Summer is great to read, along with Summer’s conflict over knowing all these secrets.

This review may seem vague but I never give away spoilers. So read this book - it won’t disappoint!

I look forward to reading book 3 and hope it is just as good as all the rest!

Thank you, Michelle for such a great story .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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