The Academy: The Pathways Tree Book 2

This novel is the second in the 'Pathways Tree' series, following on from 'The Fairy's Tale'. You should read the books in order. I liked the first novel, and if anything I found this one better again. The premises are more familiar so there's less need for explanation and less mental effort required to keep up with the rules of the setting. I already knew and liked many of the main characters. And the plot felt more focussed and believable.My favourite character from the first book, Seven, is absent from this story other than being referred to a couple of times. One of my main motivations for reading the sequel was to catch up with him, so it says a lot for the quality of this book that I enjoyed it and didn't think it mattered that he wasn't in it. It also helps to have seen that he features prominently in the next one. As well as bringing back the other characters from the last book, Lee also introduces a few good new ones.The plot is gripping and well thought out, and one of the key 'mysteries' from the first book is answered - and in a way I didn't expect. It's always good when an author embarks on a series but provides some answers as well as just generating more questions. And when the answers are satisfying ones. I'd expected more of a 'school' story - a bit like Harry Potter for elves - but to be honest the school element is quite minor. Again, in my opinion this is a strength - 'school' stories can be limiting particularly after JK Rowling did it so thoroughly.For me this was a make-or-break novel in terms of whether I carried on with the series, and in this case it was a 'make'. It builds on the first, shows lots of potential for future storylines and offers a range of interesting, likeable characters to be developed. It's a good read in its own right, and I'm committed now to reading however many more are to come.

I loved the book. Bea is just a fairy wanting for things in her world to be...well, Fair! The interaction of her with not only her friends but her not so friendly associates reminds me of growing up outside of "the In crowd". Later when you are nominally accepted, it was only to be used. She has a tenacious spirit and a heart of Gold. I look forward to the next adventures she has.My only difficulty was not knowing what some of the less common known creatures were. A glossary would help.

Book two, following on from The Fairy's Tale - which I also really enjoyed. As with the previous novel, the author takes stock fairy tale characters and pulls them out of their element into what is best described as a kind of darkly comedic psychological thriller set in a fantasy landscape. Honestly, I think anyone who enjoys any of those genres would get a kick out of this book - and although it helps to have read the first one, you don't need to have done so to enjoy this story.A couple of notes. There's quite a lot that's initially unexplained as you're plunged straight into the action. I like this - it reminds me of William Gibson, strangely - and I think it's the sign of a very confident author (Lee is self-published), but don't be too put off if you find this jarring at first; you'll quickly get drawn into the plot, and the lives of an entirely believable and varied set of very likeable characters. No-one in this universe is too perfect, either, which adds a hit or realism that allows this fantasy adventure to resonate with real life.Easily amongst the best self-published authors I've come across (in fact, I'm struggling to think of better). Really looking forward to book three - and thoroughly recommend the first one as well.

I was really looking forward to the second book after reading F D Lee's 'The Fairy's Tale' and this didn't disappoint!You can instantly see a maturity in writing style compared with the first book. The writer has taken a lot more time to describe locations and the different characters.My criticism of the first book was that there were a lot of characters we didn't get to know much about and we've found out a lot more about them in this sequel. The author also injects a lot of humour with dialogue (e.g. between Bea and the new characters Chokey and Hemmings) that keeps the book light-hearted.This book has a much more sinister side to it with some darker themes and rather gory sections that made me squirm to read! I was pleased to see a lot of the questions I had about the last book answered here.I think the darker edge to this book will give it much wider appeal and I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

I first read all three books very quickly and then went back and read them again but with more care and I enjoyed them even more the second time around. I am really looking forward to seeing how this series progresses. In the first book I found a few of the phrases a bit 'writery' i.e phrases that were aiming to to be both clever and amusing but ended up jarring and pulling me out of the story because they felt over engineered. However FD Lee seems to be learning quickly how to have some fun with words and phrases but in a more subtle way. That is my only negative comment and frankly it is a very minor one. Throughly enjoyed the books and looking forward to more. The biggest plus is that I ended up really caring about the characters and their worlds - not something easily achieved.

This is a rich and complex dystopian story of resistance and difficult friendships in a character-driven world. Few authors can pull off a fresh new take on fairyland, but Lee questions how such a world would operate and how everyday fae might get by in it while also trying to avoid discrimination and do the right thing. A really enjoyable read throughout with lots of surprises!

Dystopian societies are one of my favourite literary settings. But a dystopian fairy tale society? That’s new to me, and Faith Lee writes it brilliantly. This is entertaining, readable fiction; but it’s much cleverer and deeper than you might think at first glance. The characterisation is wonderful and detailed. The plot is fast-paced and gripping. Overall, an excellent read.

I still think Bea is annoying but this book was definitely better than the first. I plan on purchasing more books in the series when they are released (and I love the new covers).