Format: Kindle, 220 pages
Release Date: October 24, 2020
Publisher: Phoenix Reign Publishing
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal
Welcome to the Van Helsing Academy: a rehab facility for vampires, shifters, and witches, who don't like to follow the rules.
Against
all odds, Mina Van Helsing survived the courthouse attack and revealed
the rebel leader's secret identity. But the battle is far from won. The
uprising continues to grow in numbers, while the tensions between the
factions are at an all-time high. As Mina works to find a resolution,
she learns that she is the new face of the Order, putting her life in
imminent danger. A war is coming. And Mina knows that the only way to
end the uprising is by capturing Cassius, no matter the cost.
Legacies: Van Helsing Academy, by author Stacey O'Neale, is the second book in the
authors Supernatural Rehab trilogy. Perfect for fans of Vampire Academy
by Richelle Mead, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, and Mythos Academy by Jennifer
Estep. This story picks up immediately after the events of Van Helsing
Academy. Mina Van Helsing, the great, great granddaughter of Abraham Van
Helsing who created the Order & Reapers, is back to square one after
surviving an attack on the courthouse and having the High Council reject her
appeal for a new trial.
The whole mess for Mina began when she disobeyed a direct
order and a teammate ended up in a coma. Upon arrival back at Van Helsing
Academy, Mina learns that she not only has to return to her classes but can
resume going on missions when called upon by Damien. Thankfully for Mina,
Damien’s team has chosen to forgive her rather than hold a major grudge that
could get someone killed. On her first mission back, Mina finds that the
Uprising vampires are spreading lies about the Covenant being destroyed by
Reapers. Any Supernatural that has been punished for breaking the law, are
ideal candidates for the Uprising.
Mina is driven to find Cassius and make him pay for his betrayal.
Mina also learns from her allies the Queen B's, Sacha, Kiera, and Alexei, that
the Uprising is approaching pack, and clan leaders, and witches to join them in
destroying the Order and creating a new world order under someone who was
supposed to be an ally of the Order. No spoilers. It seems they have also
found a way into the Academy itself which makes you wonder who else at the
school is involved with the Uprising.
But that's just the beginning of the trouble. Mina's
roommate Kiera, a solo werewolf, is targeted by members of rival packs because
she's friends with Mina. Mina's romance with Sacha is tested because Mina isn't
one to run to anyone for help when she's capable of handling her own
problems. Mina becomes an unwillingly becomes a voice of a revolution when
she stands up in the middle of class urging witches, werewolves, and vampires
to stand against the Uprising and not listen to the flood of disinformation.
Thanks to a video of the speech going viral, Mina becomes Steel Rose, and a
huge target is place on her head. Mina's only hope in defeating the Uprising is to counter
them by building trust and dialogue among all races.
Part of the story is also told from Cassius's point of view which gives readers an inside look into the Uprising and those responsible including its leader. Cassius wants Mina dead, but his father has other uses for her. His father’s goals for the world are so dangerous that anyone who stands against him, including humans, are cannon fodder. Cassius is a confusing character in that his hate of Mina drives him, but it’s directed in the wrong direction. His father’s anger over losing his heir, makes him reckless and dangerous. Will Cassius do the right thing when war reaches the grounds of Van Helsing? Read the book and find out!
It is fair to say that I liked this book a whole lot better than the first installment. There is more action. There's a bit more romance. Mina's growth as a leader shines through, especially after she and her allies go to battle against the Uprising. The author is obviously a fan of the Hunger Games since she basically turns Mina into this series version of Katniss Everdeen the Mockingjay. This book obviously leads into the finale which is not shockingly called Steel Rose.
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