The Shadow Cadets of Pennyroyal Academy (Pennyroyal Academy, #2)

by M. A. Larson

Susan Duerden (Narrator)

Perfect for fans of The School for Good and Evil comes the eagerly anticipated follow-up to M. A. Larson's Pennyroyal Academy, hailed by the New York Times as a "breathtakingly exciting novel" with a heroine who "deserves a special place in a new pantheon of capable, feisty and, yes, admirable literary princesses."

A triumphant victory over the witches has proven that Princess Cadet Evie really does belong at Pennyroyal Academy. News of her heroism has traveled far and wide—inspiring a kingdom of grateful citizens and, when the new term starts, a wave of fresh Academy recruits.
 
While it’s good to be returning to the Academy as a second-class Cadet, things are not as they should be. Evie witnesses the vicious attack of an innocent woman—by a trio of princesses. Pennyroyal’s Headmistress General, Princess Beatrice, is dubious about what Evie saw—princesses are enforcers of truth and justice, not thugs. But Evie isn’t so sure. Then, amidst piles of fan mail, she finds a letter with an ominous threat. A secret society has come out of the shadows with a wicked plan, putting the Academy in peril. It’s up to Evie and her friends to unravel the devious plot and save Pennyroyal Academy.


"M. A. Larson has created a magical world of adventure—a world that shows who princesses truly are: people of character and courage and strength. No one rescues Pennyroyal princesses; they rescue themselves."—Reese Witherspoon on Pennyroyal Academy

• ISBN10: 0451485866
• ISBN13: 9780451485861
• Publish Date: 14 June 2016
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Imprint: Listening Library
• Edition: Bot Exclusive ed.
• Format: Audiobook (CD)
• Duration: 9 hours and 18 minutes
• Language: English

Reviews

[Silvara]

Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.

The first book concentrated a lot on what was happening inside the Academy. On the lessons, friendships, intrigue and day-to-day. This one had a little of the school day stuff, but mostly skimmed over that to focus on the friendships, things that happened before school started, and the mysteries Evie was trying to solve.

For a lot of the book, the four friends were separate from each other a lot. Not in physical distance, but emotional. From hiding away, to finding other friends to hang out with, it didn't have the closeness of the previous book. They do eventually work their issues, but it seemed to take an awfully long time to happen.

I loved the reveal on the major fairytale character we get to meet. (I won't say whom or when!) But it worked really well, and I liked how it all unfolded. I didn't like the way Evie treated her family, even if she did end up realizing and regretting it later on. It does make sense for her age and character, but it always seems like the dragons get the short end of the stick in this series.

I really do love the magic in this series. Parchment letters that turn into hawks to deliver themselves, fire-breathing, being able to make a shield by not letting your fear control you and having courage.

I also love that one of the Princesses in training is actually a boy. Basil is still one of my favorite characters, and he stayed true to himself while growing as a character too.

This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon