Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Release Date: May 14, 2009
Publisher: Puffin
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256
From: author for review
Interest: author & plot

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

I’m not usually a science fiction literature fan, but Academy 7 has become an exception. Contrary to their futuristic setting the characters are easily relatable to today’s teen. They have many of the same struggles, dreams and desires. Aerin and Dane were well developed and captivating characters to read about.

From the synopsis I was expecting more sinister plot twist than what the story ultimately revealed, but I still really enjoyed the seamlessly intertwined plot that Osterlund surprised me with. The subtle releases of Aerin and Dane’s backgrounds had me frantically flipping the pages to find out the connection.

I was absolutely intrigued by the world Osterlund created. I might just have to change my outlook on Sci-fi. This was just a fantastic novel all around. I’ll be on the look out for more novels by Osterlund.