The Ghost Bird Series by C.L. Stone

With an agoraphobic mother and a barely-there father, Sang abhors the isolation keeping her in the shadows. The only thing Sang craves is a fresh start and to be accepted as ordinary by her peers, because for her being different meant being cast out alone. When her family moves to a new school district, Sang infiltrates a group of boys nearly perfect in every way... moreWith an agoraphobic mother and a barely-there father, Sang abhors the isolation keeping her in the shadows. The only thing Sang craves is a fresh start and to be accepted as ordinary by her peers, because for her being different meant being cast out alone. When her family moves to a new school district, Sang infiltrates a group of boys nearly perfect in every way. Grateful for an influence outside of her parents’ negativity, she quickly bonds with the boys, hoping to blend in and learn from them what it means to have a natural relationship with friends. Only the boys have secrets of their own and they’ll do anything to keep her safe from the knowledge of the mysterious Academy that they've sworn allegiance to. Bit by bit, Sang discovers that her friends are far from the normalcy she expected. Will her loyalty change when she's forced to remain in the dark, or will she accept that she's traded one house of secrets for another? Meet Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North in a story about differences and loyalty, truth and mystery, friendships and heart-throbbing intimacy. The Academy, ever vigilant. less

Kota Lee has been trying for weeks to get the girl up the street to notice him. She's beautiful and intriguing, but seems incredibly shy. Too shy. Every time he tries to get close, she dodges him, like a skittish little bird, flittering away out of his reach. Troubled by her haunted looks, he's tried to give her some space, respect her need for solitude. Still, he can't forget those eyes that are haunted and—he thinks—maybe hiding secrets... moreKota Lee has been trying for weeks to get the girl up the street to notice him. She's beautiful and intriguing, but seems incredibly shy. Too shy. Every time he tries to get close, she dodges him, like a skittish little bird, flittering away out of his reach. Troubled by her haunted looks, he's tried to give her some space, respect her need for solitude. Still, he can't forget those eyes that are haunted and—he thinks—maybe hiding secrets. One dark night as thunderclouds are rolling in, he's driving home late and spots her standing in the road. It's too late for her to be out for a walk and the pack on her back tells him what she's doing: she's about to run away. She could get hurt, or worse, disappear forever. He can't let her go; he'd never forgive himself if he did. less

Victor Morgan hides from the public whenever he can. It's not that he's a recluse; he hides to avoid rumors and throngs of teen girls throwing themselves at him because of his fame. When his team of friends is assigned a job at a new school, it's his one chance to finally be just Victor; not a local celebrity, or that guy whose parents have a huge house and lots of money... moreVictor Morgan hides from the public whenever he can. It's not that he's a recluse; he hides to avoid rumors and throngs of teen girls throwing themselves at him because of his fame. When his team of friends is assigned a job at a new school, it's his one chance to finally be just Victor; not a local celebrity, or that guy whose parents have a huge house and lots of money. He wants to be normal, to be able to blend in and not worry about what everyone else is thinking or what they may want from him. Things change when he meets Sang Sorenson. She's beautiful and clever, though she hides her intelligence behind a veil of shyness and insecurity. But with just a look, she makes him say the stupidest things. Only things are wrong in her world. She's hiding something dark and terrible, the evidence of it in her haunted eyes. He barely knows her, but he'd give everything to help and protect her. Whatever it takes to keep her safe, he's in. less

From the USA TODAY bestselling The Academy: Ghost Bird series, comes a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective—the boys'. Silas Korba's days are filled with working for the Academy and dealing with the realities of bringing his family from Greece to America. Only today is a little different; he meets a girl—a mysterious girl—who needs his help and maybe the help of the Academy. He doesn't know her, but he wants to... moreFrom the USA TODAY bestselling The Academy: Ghost Bird series, comes a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective—the boys'. Silas Korba's days are filled with working for the Academy and dealing with the realities of bringing his family from Greece to America. Only today is a little different; he meets a girl—a mysterious girl—who needs his help and maybe the help of the Academy. He doesn't know her, but he wants to. There’s something different and special about her and he has a feeling she’s going to change his life forever. less

From the USA TODAY bestselling The Academy: Ghost Bird series, comes a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective--the boys'. Nathan Griffin's entire life has been about protecting himself. After his mother ran away to save herself, his father turned his attentions to Nathan. His critical, booze-fueled attentions. That kind of abusive attention was the last thing Nathan needed. When he joined the Academy, it changed his life... moreFrom the USA TODAY bestselling The Academy: Ghost Bird series, comes a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective--the boys'. Nathan Griffin's entire life has been about protecting himself. After his mother ran away to save herself, his father turned his attentions to Nathan. His critical, booze-fueled attentions. That kind of abusive attention was the last thing Nathan needed. When he joined the Academy, it changed his life. Now he's finally settled in a place where he can be himself, not be wary and afraid all the time, and sometimes even feel completely normal. One day he discovers Sang Sorenson. She's stuck in a fallen tree and he's instantly drawn to help her. She's not only sweet and adorable, but she's brave and daring, traits Nathan absolutely admires. The more he hangs out with her, the more comfortable he gets around her. The more he wants to know her and let her know him. There's a growing sense of familiarity he's only gotten from his friends, other boys who have been abused and broken.  Could she be like him? There's something off with her and he worries about her background and her past. If she'd only tell him what it is, he'd fix it. He knows he could. He'd do anything if she'd just give him the chance. less

The Academy: Ghost Bird series in a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective--the boys'. Despite having eight great friends thanks to The Academy, what Gabriel Coleman really wants is a connection with someone special. However, he’s never had much luck with girls. He doesn't have the sleek looks, wealth, or charm like his friends... moreThe Academy: Ghost Bird series in a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective--the boys'. Despite having eight great friends thanks to The Academy, what Gabriel Coleman really wants is a connection with someone special. However, he’s never had much luck with girls. He doesn't have the sleek looks, wealth, or charm like his friends. The Academy has helped him a lot since his family died in tragic accidents, and he'll always be grateful for what they've done for him, but he can't help wanting more. When his friends talk about the new girl they’ve met, Sang Sorenson, he's shocked to learn about the horrible things that are happening to her. He hasn’t even met her yet so there’s no way he could have guessed how sweet, considerate, and inquisitive she is. How could anyone think to do anything horrible to her? But he knows, if only by her haunted expression, there’s more to her than the sweet girl his friends are half in love with already. Of course, he's all in to help her. From the moment Gabriel and Sang meet, there's an immediate connection. She’s a girl who asks him questions, and seems genuinely interested in his answers. Seems genuinely interested in him. Gabriel wants to do the right thing by helping his friends keep an eye on her, but he can't shake the feeling that there's something more between him and Sang. He can only hope she sees it too. less

Luke Taylor can’t seem to ever relate to his brother, North. They’re like night and day: North is rigid and intense where Luke is playful and a dreamer, his head often in the clouds. Being around each other too long can be difficult. The Academy and Luke’s friends helped to bring them together, and Luke will be forever grateful, but North is just no fun sometimes. Luke can’t wait for the new job at the high school this year... moreLuke Taylor can’t seem to ever relate to his brother, North. They’re like night and day: North is rigid and intense where Luke is playful and a dreamer, his head often in the clouds. Being around each other too long can be difficult. The Academy and Luke’s friends helped to bring them together, and Luke will be forever grateful, but North is just no fun sometimes. Luke can’t wait for the new job at the high school this year. He’s eager to expand his friendship circle…and maybe having a project to focus on will help North blow off some steam. When the Academy hires the team on a small side job, Luke and North are forced to stick together. The brothers are on the job, but they struggle to communicate and work together. The rest of the team are reluctant and dragging their feet on their current mission. Something about a girl having trouble at home. Who is this Sang Sorenson and how can one shy, mysterious girl turn a dedicated Academy team upside down nearly overnight? The brothers need to find out. But if they can’t come together, they not only risk losing her but their differences might just tear the entire team apart. less

North Taylor’s world was all about protecting his family; his stepbrother, Luke, and the rest of his Academy team. Letting anyone else close would require North’s approval, which hardly ever happens. Until this girl crashes into their lives–and literally–into North’s arms. Sang is sweet and pretty, and seems nice enough. But for some reason, the team have been keeping her a secret. And they want North to do the same. The whole team has turned their focus to be around this one girl... moreNorth Taylor’s world was all about protecting his family; his stepbrother, Luke, and the rest of his Academy team. Letting anyone else close would require North’s approval, which hardly ever happens. Until this girl crashes into their lives–and literally–into North’s arms. Sang is sweet and pretty, and seems nice enough. But for some reason, the team have been keeping her a secret. And they want North to do the same. The whole team has turned their focus to be around this one girl. Why hasn’t the Academy been informed? Why is Mr. Blackbourne being kept in the dark about her? This isn’t protocol. But then North learns about Sang’s terrible home life. How her family treats her is unimaginable. No wonder she needs them. And it might just take their entire team, a team who, through their own tragedies understands such things, to handle this one girl who needs them the most. less

The Academy: Ghost Bird series in a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective—the boys'. Mr. Blackbourne had never seen his team in such disarray as of this past week. Incomplete tasks. Willing to give up Academy jobs and favors they desperately needed. Not only were the other members of his Academy team completely distracted, they were keeping secrets. Among a team like theirs, secrets were unacceptable. And when Dr... moreThe Academy: Ghost Bird series in a different look at the very beginning. Read Introductions with a whole new perspective—the boys'. Mr. Blackbourne had never seen his team in such disarray as of this past week. Incomplete tasks. Willing to give up Academy jobs and favors they desperately needed. Not only were the other members of his Academy team completely distracted, they were keeping secrets. Among a team like theirs, secrets were unacceptable. And when Dr. Green finally introduced him to the core of their distraction, a young woman with haunted green eyes. .. Devastatingly beautiful. Extraordinarily kind. And something terribly wrong that no one wanted to name, but it felt all too familiar. Within moments of meeting Sang, priorities were already shifting, for the team, for himself. Walking out on jobs. Making room for her in their already busy schedules. Mr. Blackbourne should have known their fates were sealed the moment Miss Sorenson walked in— including his own. less

Sang Sorenson used to be the invisible girl in class. As a new student to Ashley Waters High School, Sang hopes that her new friends will be the change she’s been craving and will make fitting in a breeze. But Academy students aren’t there to take it easy. The high school is overcrowded and rife with violence. When fights begin, Sang will uncover the true reason the boys traded in their private school life for a public one. This year, Sang will no longer be invisible... moreSang Sorenson used to be the invisible girl in class. As a new student to Ashley Waters High School, Sang hopes that her new friends will be the change she’s been craving and will make fitting in a breeze. But Academy students aren’t there to take it easy. The high school is overcrowded and rife with violence. When fights begin, Sang will uncover the true reason the boys traded in their private school life for a public one. This year, Sang will no longer be invisible. This year, Sang is a target. The principal and vice principal are hot to take Sang down, and her own mother is determined to entrap Sang forever in her belief that the safest place to be is in the shadows. Despite this, Nathan, Luke, Kota, North, Silas, Victor, and Gabriel will discover Sang’s unyielding loyalty. And they will sorely need it. The Academy, supremely influential. If you enjoyed Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard or the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter, you may enjoy this series. less

Sang Sorenson is forced to suffer through another of her mother’s extreme punishments. It almost kills her. The Academy boys vow it will be the last. They're determined to keep Sang safe, especially from her own family. Their solution: complete invasion of her life. Kota, Luke, Silas, Nathan, Victor, Gabriel and North do everything within their power to show Sang what true loyalty means. It takes more than blood to make a family and they want Sang in theirs... moreSang Sorenson is forced to suffer through another of her mother’s extreme punishments. It almost kills her. The Academy boys vow it will be the last. They're determined to keep Sang safe, especially from her own family. Their solution: complete invasion of her life. Kota, Luke, Silas, Nathan, Victor, Gabriel and North do everything within their power to show Sang what true loyalty means. It takes more than blood to make a family and they want Sang in theirs. In this third book of The Academy series Sang experiences a taste of freedom and what it’s like to truly be cared for. .. to be wanted. Sang learns a bit more about the boys’ broken families and the boys discover more than they could ever have bargained for about Sang’s. The Academy was the answer to their problems. Could it be hers? Sang’s actions will force her mother to reveal a startling truth. A truth that will change Sang’s life and the boys’ lives in unpredictable ways. Forever. The Academy, Allegiance. less

Sang Sorenson’s abusive mother is secure in a hospital, and her father has vanished to a new family of his own, leaving Sang and her sister to fend for themselves. Sang is hanging by a thread, and her only hope is a group of boys she feels she barely knows. She’s never really alone. The Academy team has stepped in, promising to protect and care for Sang. Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North take over, showing Sang they can be depended on for anything... moreSang Sorenson’s abusive mother is secure in a hospital, and her father has vanished to a new family of his own, leaving Sang and her sister to fend for themselves. Sang is hanging by a thread, and her only hope is a group of boys she feels she barely knows. She’s never really alone. The Academy team has stepped in, promising to protect and care for Sang. Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North take over, showing Sang they can be depended on for anything. But just because the parents are away, doesn’t mean Sang’s life has become any easier. The newfound freedom will have a higher price than any of them had imagined. Principal Hendricks now wants to use Sang to exploit Academy secrets. Mr. McCoy has his own dark plans for her. Enemies are closing in. Sang will need to learn to believe in the boys, and the boys will need to learn to trust her if they want to survive their rivals. And each other. The Academy, Relentless Trust. less

Sang Sorenson and the Academy boys return to Ashley Waters High School but before they get a chance to even settle in, Sang’s life is threatened by an anonymous caller. They retreat to the protective walls of the Morgan estate, a safe house for when the boys are under fire. But when new threats can break through those barriers that once kept them secure, it leaves Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North rushing to figure out who is hunting them... moreSang Sorenson and the Academy boys return to Ashley Waters High School but before they get a chance to even settle in, Sang’s life is threatened by an anonymous caller. They retreat to the protective walls of the Morgan estate, a safe house for when the boys are under fire. But when new threats can break through those barriers that once kept them secure, it leaves Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North rushing to figure out who is hunting them. But when you’re fighting a ghost who seems to know all your secrets, retreating is no longer an option. The Academy, Deceptively Strategic. less

Sang Sorenson struggles with her growing feelings when the Academy boys take her in and draw her closer into their world. They work together to uncover the true secrets happening at Ashley Waters High School, where Principal Hendricks will stop at nothing to take them all down. Adding to their complications, Nathan’s father shows up, and he’s just as ruthless and violent as ever, beating up on Nathan. Sang offers Nathan refuge in her home, but Marie is fed up with the boys... moreSang Sorenson struggles with her growing feelings when the Academy boys take her in and draw her closer into their world. They work together to uncover the true secrets happening at Ashley Waters High School, where Principal Hendricks will stop at nothing to take them all down. Adding to their complications, Nathan’s father shows up, and he’s just as ruthless and violent as ever, beating up on Nathan. Sang offers Nathan refuge in her home, but Marie is fed up with the boys. She wants them out--all of them—and wants them to take Sang with them. Where will Sang go? What will happen to Nathan? And what about Mr. Hendrick’s spies, watching all of them? Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North will have to focus to get out of this mess, but with Sang assisting them, they’re struggling to keep control. They all promised not to make a move on Sang unless she initiates, but the tension is driving them all to distraction. With the help of Dr. Green and Mr. Blackbourne, they will have to stay strong and engaged. But A first kiss is imminent, and will cost them all more than they could ever have imagined. less

It's homecoming week at Ashley Waters, but Sang Sorenson has a lot more on her mind than dresses and crowns. Silas's troubled past—full of secrets he and his team thought they'd buried—comes back to haunt him, threatening to ruin everything. Silas tries to deal, but guilt weighs heavily on him and Sang realizes she might be the only one who can help him keep it together. Bomb threats have increased. They are followed at every turn... moreIt's homecoming week at Ashley Waters, but Sang Sorenson has a lot more on her mind than dresses and crowns. Silas's troubled past—full of secrets he and his team thought they'd buried—comes back to haunt him, threatening to ruin everything. Silas tries to deal, but guilt weighs heavily on him and Sang realizes she might be the only one who can help him keep it together. Bomb threats have increased. They are followed at every turn. The principal is resorting to drastic measures to make sure they're all going to be kicked out. Pushed to their limits, Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North, along with other members of the Academy, have finally had enough. This time, more Academy members are brought in to help hunt down the culprit, and keep everyone safe. It'll cost the boys, but in the end, even a bittersweet victory is better than disaster. This time, they're getting what they need. All it takes is learning the line of when to let go, and when to never give up. The Academy, Together. less

A Halloween Short Story. With Homecoming and everything else that’s been going on in their world, everyone is on edge. But what better time to take in a few Halloween traditions like watching scary movies and carving pumpkins? Maybe kissing can be a new Halloween tradition now that Sang has joined the crew…. Follow Sang and Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North in this short slice of life story leading up to the homecoming dance. The Academy, Eerily Spooky... moreA Halloween Short Story. With Homecoming and everything else that’s been going on in their world, everyone is on edge. But what better time to take in a few Halloween traditions like watching scary movies and carving pumpkins? Maybe kissing can be a new Halloween tradition now that Sang has joined the crew…. Follow Sang and Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North in this short slice of life story leading up to the homecoming dance. The Academy, Eerily Spooky. Warning – if you haven’t yet read House of Korba, this story will give away mild spoilers – read at your own peril! less

Sang Sorenson dreams of what life might be like for her in the Academy, but joining isn't as easy as simply writing an exam or passing an interview. She'll need to pull the team together to get them on her side in order for it to work, which is harder than it sounds. The boys will do anything to protect her, which, for some, means keeping her out. But that’s not all that’s going on in Sang’s complicated life... moreSang Sorenson dreams of what life might be like for her in the Academy, but joining isn't as easy as simply writing an exam or passing an interview. She'll need to pull the team together to get them on her side in order for it to work, which is harder than it sounds. The boys will do anything to protect her, which, for some, means keeping her out. But that’s not all that’s going on in Sang’s complicated life. After a shocking revelation, Gabriel Coleman splinters himself off from everyone, avoiding not just his Academy team, but even going so far as to avoid Sang. Desperate to bring him back and get him on her side, Sang digs deep into his past to try to discover a way to reach out to him. His truth is riddled with tragic events, but with the help of Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Luke and North, she might be able to reach out to him before envy and despair drag him too far down to be saved. The Academy, Deeply Bonded. less

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read The Healing Power of Sugar, the ninth book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. It’s been a week since Sang has attended any classes at Ashley Waters, and since then, everything has changed. Her school schedule has been turned upside down, and now, thanks to her absences, the school counselor, Ms. Wright, has suspended her... moreFrom USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read The Healing Power of Sugar, the ninth book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. It’s been a week since Sang has attended any classes at Ashley Waters, and since then, everything has changed. Her school schedule has been turned upside down, and now, thanks to her absences, the school counselor, Ms. Wright, has suspended her. The fear of school officials getting further involved and looking to contact her parents has Sang and the boys forced into their best behavior. It seems that the once perfect student, Sang Sorenson, is now one of the school’s worst, and without explanation, because she needs to keep her lips tightly sealed. Academy secrets are becoming hazardous to keep. The more that Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North try to protect her, the more inevitable her downfall seems to be. They do their best to make sure Sang stays in school and when she returns to classes, try to help her get back on the straight and narrow—she can’t afford to screw up anymore. But then fate deals out a setback that cripples the whole team, and they need to make a move, it turns into a risky one. There’s no way to predict the outcome. If they fail, the boys may lose the job they were sent to do, and worse, they may even lose Sang. Everything gets more difficult when it’s revealed there might be a traitor amidst the group. Desperate to fix things, Sang needs to stop the group from spilling secrets and find out the truth. And why all fingers seem to be pointing to Luke. The Academy, Magnanimous. less

Sang and the boys share in a delightful winter morning in this slice of life story from the popular Academy Ghost Bird series. This short story is an inside look at Sang as she enjoys a day off with Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North. The Academy, Playful.

The time has finally come for Sang Sorenson to be formally introduced to the Academy. Protocol dictates the boys keep the details of Sang’s official introduction to the Academy a secret from her. The only thing they can advise her to do is to work on what will become her mantra: She is determined to stay with her team, no matter what. Despite her wishes, however, the boys are second-guessing her place with them, concerned for her safety... moreThe time has finally come for Sang Sorenson to be formally introduced to the Academy. Protocol dictates the boys keep the details of Sang’s official introduction to the Academy a secret from her. The only thing they can advise her to do is to work on what will become her mantra: She is determined to stay with her team, no matter what. Despite her wishes, however, the boys are second-guessing her place with them, concerned for her safety. With dangers all around and threats closing in, some of the boys are questioning if this is the right time to bring her to meet the Academy at all. Sang is challenged with being the brave face among them and instilling the confidence needed to keep her with them. However, in order to appear compliant with the Academy’s rules, she has to be willing to listen and try their suggestions. As the boys have suspected and feared, the council wants to see how she’ll work with a different team. An all-girl team. She has no choice but to go along with the proposal or risk losing a shot at the Academy. But when the Academy’s inner world is revealed to her, Sang knows that she’s finally found her place—somewhere she belongs—and she sees a future with them. The deeper she gets, the more she sees how she can make a difference. Learning what she is capable of and the impact she can have, she feels obligated to help. There’s so few girls, and they need her. The guys try to stick to their plan, but every team must pay their debts, and the cost of keeping her might be more than any of them can afford. It’s up to Sang alone to prove to the Academy where she truly belongs—but can she resist the call of a new team that needs her? The Academy, Inside. less

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read Black and Green, the much-anticipated eleventh book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. Sang Sorenson’s father abandoned her and her sister, leaving them to fend for themselves for months. He’s returned, and finds Sang is missing. He demands she return. Right now... moreFrom USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read Black and Green, the much-anticipated eleventh book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. Sang Sorenson’s father abandoned her and her sister, leaving them to fend for themselves for months. He’s returned, and finds Sang is missing. He demands she return. Right now. Will he call the police if she doesn’t? Her Academy team doesn’t want to risk losing her ghost status and she doesn’t want to put them in danger, so she reluctantly returns home, but is comforted that she will still be monitored by them. But the second she opens the door, she discovers her father has made changes that will affect her entire future. His decisions will make them a normal family. Normal is no longer what Sang wants. It would kill her Academy career before it ever started. Not to mention it would end the special, new, and still-fragile relationships with the guys. Sang struggles with her family, her identity, and where she truly belongs. Now that the entire team knows about their romantic relationships with her, tensions are mounting, tearing the team apart from the inside. Only, Dr. Green isn't going to lie down and roll over by playing by the rules. Not anymore. Not while Sang is at risk. His heart can’t take leaving her in that house one more minute. He needs her. They all do. The Academy: Worth Risking All. less

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read Love's Cruel Redemption, the much-anticipated twelfth book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. Sang’s life was on pause after the dramatic break with her real family. Now she’s back in the game, returning to Ashley Waters to appear like a normal student. However, returning to school hasn’t made her life any easier. When it comes to the Academy and her role in the secret organization, there’s no such thing as normal... moreFrom USA TODAY Bestselling Author, C. L. Stone, read Love's Cruel Redemption, the much-anticipated twelfth book in The Academy Ghost Bird Series. Sang’s life was on pause after the dramatic break with her real family. Now she’s back in the game, returning to Ashley Waters to appear like a normal student. However, returning to school hasn’t made her life any easier. When it comes to the Academy and her role in the secret organization, there’s no such thing as normal. When Kota’s mother catches Sang and the guys in the complex web of lies they’ve woven, everything starts to unravel: Their relationships, their ties to the Academy. Everything’s under risk of exposure. Nathan struggles most with his conscience and lying to Erica Lee, the woman who supported him when his own mother was never there, doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. She’s his family and Nathan knows you shouldn’t lie to family. But he also knows the truth could hurt her: It could put Erica in danger. And it could force Kota to make a choice he should never have to: his mother and sister, or his team—his chosen family. With Ashley Waters High School under attack and the principal now missing, the Academy needs to maintain its cover more than ever. It’s a bad time for Erica to start discovering what the Academy is really all about. But to protect them all, Nathan’s willing to take the heat. He’ll do it for Sang, as well as Kota, Victor, Silas, Gabriel, Luke, North, and the rest of the team. He may be their only chance at survival. But Sang, who committed to be all in with her team, isn’t about to let Nathan go down alone. The Academy: Family First. less

Victor Morgan’s entire life has been in the limelight. Groomed by his fierce mother as a piano prodigy, intent on using him to build a legacy for the Morgan name. But legacies require the utmost in care. Any little disaster can cause a mountain of problems. After a 17th birthday party ends in catastrophe, a fight with his parents sends Victor out into the world for the first time on his own. With his Academy team and Sang by his side, it’s everything he’s wanted for years... moreVictor Morgan’s entire life has been in the limelight. Groomed by his fierce mother as a piano prodigy, intent on using him to build a legacy for the Morgan name. But legacies require the utmost in care. Any little disaster can cause a mountain of problems. After a 17th birthday party ends in catastrophe, a fight with his parents sends Victor out into the world for the first time on his own. With his Academy team and Sang by his side, it’s everything he’s wanted for years. It’s his time to get out from under his parents’ oppressive control and finally be himself. But Victor is a local celebrity in the Charleston community. His name and face have been everywhere. His every move is noticed. When his actions lead to the risk of a very public exposure of himself and his team, including thwarting Sang’s chances at remaining a Ghost Bird, Victor realizes the life his mother built may jeopardize everything. The Morgan name may just be his downfall. There may be no escape. The only way to save Sang and his team might be to give up what he really wants more than anything: to finally be the real Victor Morgan. The Academy, Verismo. less

Gabriel Coleman has always known he has distant relatives, but since his father’s funeral, he’s never heard a word from them. However, Academy rules are clear: finding your family and putting them forward to the Academy to be vetted for adoption is a requirement of becoming a full-fledged member. If Gabriel doesn’t complete the task, he’ll be left behind. Again... moreGabriel Coleman has always known he has distant relatives, but since his father’s funeral, he’s never heard a word from them. However, Academy rules are clear: finding your family and putting them forward to the Academy to be vetted for adoption is a requirement of becoming a full-fledged member. If Gabriel doesn’t complete the task, he’ll be left behind. Again. But now that Sang Sorenson has found a trace of her mother’s history, and it’s leading to the same town Gabriel’s family hails from, he has no excuse to put it off any longer. Sang and Gabriel, along with other team members, are off across state lines to find out about their pasts. What really happened to Sang’s mom? Why did Gabriel’s family never contact him? What other secrets will they uncover? The only thing they have to keep their sanity is each other, but even their love might not be enough to protect them from having to face family members who have long tried to erase them from their lives. Sang and Gabriel must hold strong as they each face where they came from, knowing what they do next could ultimately change their lives forever. The Academy, Intricate. less