The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
jlove731's review
5.0
Let me just start off by saying that I absolutely, completely LOVED this book. I don't exactly remember how I got involved in this book tour, but I'm one of those bloggers who actually reads and looks at every offer I get. I take chances on indie books and books from non-huge publishers and I am SO glad I took a chance on The Apollo Academy. The Apollo Academy is everything a new adult book should be. It's thrilling, filled with drama, and completely sci-fi-tastic! Oh, and don't forget the romance... there's plenty of that too.
Find the full review at Shortie Says
Find the full review at Shortie Says
chllybrd's review
4.0
As an heiress Aurora has grown up in the spotlight, but all she wants is to be left alone while she pursues her dreams of flying. THE APOLLO ACADEMY reminded me a little bit of BREAKING SKY. They both have flying female teens and I found that I really enjoy that type of storyline.
I wasn't crazy about the multiple POVs, but THE APOLLO ACADEMY had great characters, a suspenseful and mystery filled storyline, a little bit of romance and nice world building. Great start to a series that I can't wait to read more of.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't crazy about the multiple POVs, but THE APOLLO ACADEMY had great characters, a suspenseful and mystery filled storyline, a little bit of romance and nice world building. Great start to a series that I can't wait to read more of.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
slc333's review
3.0
2.5 stars. I like the premise and the world building, particularly the political set up with the Apollo Academy training students for missions into space and mining on the moon as humans have decimated the earth while the Terra- united(?) group opposed them as they don't want mankind to spread its destruction though the galaxy. I found our heroine Aurora kind of annoying at first as she came across as a timid little doormat but I am happy to report she soon grows a backbone and starts standing up for herself. The idea behind the story was good but I found it a little lacking cause I would often find myself bored by the various school/studying activities and all the scientific description. I prefer a faster pace and more snappy character interaction. I liked Zane & Aurora and was happy with how that was progressing so I found the late introduction of a love triangle stupid. It was also unbelievable. Zane & Aurora have this amazing chemistry they obviously like each other, spend most of the book thinking about the other then suddenly out of nowhere Aurora is making out with her instructor who treated her unfairly and is now interested in both. I will probably pick up the next one as I am curious to see where the story will go, especially with Zane's past but I suspect the stupid love triangle thing will irritate me so much I wont make it much further.
folklaureate's review
3.0
Out of this world, honestly. The Apollo Academy took my expectations and shot them into space. Getting into New Adult novels is still of a drastic change for me, but a sci-fi NA novel is more my speed. Kimberly P. Chase created a fantastic world with characters that are handcrafted and brimming with realistic qualities. The sparks fly as well as Aurora Tition when the Apollo Academy starts to become a little more dangerous than usual.
World-building: absolutely phenomenal. I don't want to get carried away with all of these "out of this world" puns, so I'm going to keep them sparse in this review. Though, I have to say, it is extremely difficult to do so since they are really fun to just throw in. To be quite clear though, Chase does a magnificent job in creating a world that is not only filled with flaws and ambitions towards a better future, but this powerful grip on technology that encompasses the story around the characters. I enjoyed it very much.
The story of The Apollo Academy revolves around the narratives of Aurora Titon, heiress to Titian Technologies who just wants to fly to the stars and be a normal girl; Zane Paxton, the unknown with an anomaly whose entire life was spent remaining off the grid until it was time for him to better himself and join the Academy; and Sky, the Academy's hard ass star astronaut. Each character has their own background history that is there to haunt them through the novel, but what they really lack are little flaws that could make them a whole lot more sound as characters. Its not a huge lacking area, just something that I would like to see more as the rest of the series develops. Of course Chase's characters should grow dramatically as the series builds up, but in my opinion, I feel as though the characters should exhibit more fears and memories and quirks that break them from the mold of the typical character to more of a unforgettable character.
I hate to be that person, but the ending to the novel, for me, was very predictable. Maybe its because I read so much, but I feel like I have a keen eye for picking out the baddie of the bunch. That, and when a love triangle is in the midst of forming. The signs are large and in charge here in The Apollo Academy. It's not detrimental to my opinion of the book, I found The Apollo Academy to be a fantastic read. It just happens to be something that I find to be a huge subplot point in many books nowadays. Like there has to be two competing forces for the heart of the heroine.
The novel does take up most of its time in progressing the relationships all the while balancing training and flight simulations and oxygen deprivation simulations. But when Aurora is flying high, those were my favorite parts of the entire novel. I mean, they have to be, the author has a degree in aeronautical science! What use would it be if I was not meant to love the thrill of the flight. Okay, I know that's not all the degree is for, but I just had to put it out there haha.
Final Summation: THE APOLLO ACADEMY happened to remind me of this manga I started to read way back when called ST&RS where these high school students enter this prestigious school to become astronauts. The premise is pretty much the same while the characters and the world-building differ immensely. That's what I happen to love about novels. The outer coating of books may revolve around the same subject, but the core content is what completely differs one book from the next. While THE APOLLO ACADEMY did have many plot devices that I would consider cliche, the novel did keep my interest enough to pursue the rest of the series all the while wondering how Chase's characters will not only further on in their studies, but grow from the difficulties that are headed their way.
World-building: absolutely phenomenal. I don't want to get carried away with all of these "out of this world" puns, so I'm going to keep them sparse in this review. Though, I have to say, it is extremely difficult to do so since they are really fun to just throw in. To be quite clear though, Chase does a magnificent job in creating a world that is not only filled with flaws and ambitions towards a better future, but this powerful grip on technology that encompasses the story around the characters. I enjoyed it very much.
The story of The Apollo Academy revolves around the narratives of Aurora Titon, heiress to Titian Technologies who just wants to fly to the stars and be a normal girl; Zane Paxton, the unknown with an anomaly whose entire life was spent remaining off the grid until it was time for him to better himself and join the Academy; and Sky, the Academy's hard ass star astronaut. Each character has their own background history that is there to haunt them through the novel, but what they really lack are little flaws that could make them a whole lot more sound as characters. Its not a huge lacking area, just something that I would like to see more as the rest of the series develops. Of course Chase's characters should grow dramatically as the series builds up, but in my opinion, I feel as though the characters should exhibit more fears and memories and quirks that break them from the mold of the typical character to more of a unforgettable character.
I hate to be that person, but the ending to the novel, for me, was very predictable. Maybe its because I read so much, but I feel like I have a keen eye for picking out the baddie of the bunch. That, and when a love triangle is in the midst of forming. The signs are large and in charge here in The Apollo Academy. It's not detrimental to my opinion of the book, I found The Apollo Academy to be a fantastic read. It just happens to be something that I find to be a huge subplot point in many books nowadays. Like there has to be two competing forces for the heart of the heroine.
The novel does take up most of its time in progressing the relationships all the while balancing training and flight simulations and oxygen deprivation simulations. But when Aurora is flying high, those were my favorite parts of the entire novel. I mean, they have to be, the author has a degree in aeronautical science! What use would it be if I was not meant to love the thrill of the flight. Okay, I know that's not all the degree is for, but I just had to put it out there haha.
Final Summation: THE APOLLO ACADEMY happened to remind me of this manga I started to read way back when called ST&RS where these high school students enter this prestigious school to become astronauts. The premise is pretty much the same while the characters and the world-building differ immensely. That's what I happen to love about novels. The outer coating of books may revolve around the same subject, but the core content is what completely differs one book from the next. While THE APOLLO ACADEMY did have many plot devices that I would consider cliche, the novel did keep my interest enough to pursue the rest of the series all the while wondering how Chase's characters will not only further on in their studies, but grow from the difficulties that are headed their way.
xan_van_rooyen's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
Teens at astronaut school? A mystery to unravel? What could be better! The novel seemed right up my alley with a great blurb that immediately hooked me and a stunning cover that made me want to get to know all about that fiery redhead and the boy staring so longingly at her.
While I wasn’t totally enamoured with the first chapter and somewhat cliche way of throwing the two main characters together, I was so intrigued by Zane I just had to keep reading and I’m glad I did because the story goes from strength to strength.
The author certainly knows her stuff. I’m not a huge fan of hard sci-fi and there were times when I felt sections became a little too info dumpy, but the author manages to balance the science with the action in a way that never made me want to put the book down and stop reading.
The Apollo Academy features three POVs. I didn’t care for the third POV and would’ve preferred to stick with Aurora and Zane because they were the two characters I cared the most about. At times the romance felt a little forced and the love triangle seemed a little contrived. I didn’t really get Aurora’s attraction to boy number 2 or why the spark there turned so hot and heavy so quickly. But then I’m a sucker for the under dog and was totally Team Zane, which may have made me biased. The fact that Aurora went for boy 2 at all, made me dislike her quite a bit. Couldn’t she see how awesome and conflicted Zane was?
The strength in this book was the world-building. The author creates a future that feels real and probable complete with competing technology companies, zealous activists and environmental issues at stake. These aspects were the best part of the book for me and were handled expertly by the author.
This story straddles the YA/NA division. At times, the characters came across much younger and definitely more YA, complete with awkward flirtation and cute first timer moments. Then the story switched gear with some overt sexual references – particularly in the boys’ POV chapters – and a few steamy scenes that pushed the story into NA territory. While at times this felt genuine for the characters in that in-between stage of not quite a teen, not quite an adult yet, I never really felt I understood some of the choices the characters made when it came to the romance.
All in all an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend for those who are into spacey futuristic stories with a liberal amount of romantic angst. A good 3.5 stars from me.
Teens at astronaut school? A mystery to unravel? What could be better! The novel seemed right up my alley with a great blurb that immediately hooked me and a stunning cover that made me want to get to know all about that fiery redhead and the boy staring so longingly at her.
While I wasn’t totally enamoured with the first chapter and somewhat cliche way of throwing the two main characters together, I was so intrigued by Zane I just had to keep reading and I’m glad I did because the story goes from strength to strength.
The author certainly knows her stuff. I’m not a huge fan of hard sci-fi and there were times when I felt sections became a little too info dumpy, but the author manages to balance the science with the action in a way that never made me want to put the book down and stop reading.
The Apollo Academy features three POVs. I didn’t care for the third POV and would’ve preferred to stick with Aurora and Zane because they were the two characters I cared the most about. At times the romance felt a little forced and the love triangle seemed a little contrived. I didn’t really get Aurora’s attraction to boy number 2 or why the spark there turned so hot and heavy so quickly. But then I’m a sucker for the under dog and was totally Team Zane, which may have made me biased. The fact that Aurora went for boy 2 at all, made me dislike her quite a bit. Couldn’t she see how awesome and conflicted Zane was?
The strength in this book was the world-building. The author creates a future that feels real and probable complete with competing technology companies, zealous activists and environmental issues at stake. These aspects were the best part of the book for me and were handled expertly by the author.
This story straddles the YA/NA division. At times, the characters came across much younger and definitely more YA, complete with awkward flirtation and cute first timer moments. Then the story switched gear with some overt sexual references – particularly in the boys’ POV chapters – and a few steamy scenes that pushed the story into NA territory. While at times this felt genuine for the characters in that in-between stage of not quite a teen, not quite an adult yet, I never really felt I understood some of the choices the characters made when it came to the romance.
All in all an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend for those who are into spacey futuristic stories with a liberal amount of romantic angst. A good 3.5 stars from me.
xmv's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
apacheco1993's review
4.0
* This and many other reviews can be found at Rotten Apple Reads
Like many of you know, I LOVE New Adult. But sometimes is hard to find any good non-contemporary books in that category. I then stumbled upon The Apollo Academy. When I saw the blog tour sing-up, of course I had to sign-up and get my hands on a copy. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on it as fast as I wanted to, but it only fueled my excitement.
Aurora is the heiress of Titon Technologies and hates being the center of attention. All she’s ever dreamed about is to become the first female pilot to train at The Apollo Academy. No matter how hard she has to work for it, she will because the sky is where she belongs. She’s a little shy, but strong and determined to reach her goal.
I loved Zane and Sky. Zane doesn’t think he’s good enough for Aurora. After escaping from an orphanage, he has had to fend for himself in the streets of Orlando, Florida. He’s sweet and genius when it comes to technology. Sky is the academy’s star astronaut. He seems a little arrogant and, for some reason, doesn’t like Aurora. Of course, your opinion of him changes as soon as you get in his head. As you read, you will uncover many secrets about these characters that will surprise you.
The story is told form a Third-Person Limited point of view (I believe). I sometimes had a problem with it because I’m not used to this point of view, but it definitely did not take away anything from the story.
This book had action from the very first page and I could not put it down. I loved seeing what they world might be like a couple hundred years from now. All of the gadgets used by the characters were very impressive (I definitely need the AI Styler to get flawless makeup). But these gadgets were also a little scary (the alternate reality glasses that gets you addicted and blocks your view of the state of the world).
This story was packed with action, romance, and suspense. I cannot wait to read the sequel and see what happens next. I strongly recommend it!
seeingnight's review
4.0
GENRE: Young Adult
THEME: Science Fiction, Space, Romance
RECEIVED: Bought
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of science fiction and it’s rare for me to get lucky and randomly come across a find like this one, but this one called out my name. I loved the cover and it was obvious that this had to do with space and a futuristic storyline, but it’s characters and their back-stories really brought this book to the next level and it’s a new favorite of mine.
The Apollo Academy follows eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon, who is very excited to get away from the spotlight that is her family name. Her father being the very wealthy and powerful man of Titon Technologies, it makes her want get away from the pampered life and do what she has always dreamed, become an astronaut. Now that she has been accepted to The Apollo Academy it seems her dreams are becoming true, but someone is sabotaging her training and making her life in the academy anything but a dream. Luckily with the help of her best friend and two boys that seem to be vying for her heart, she will stop at nothing to get some answers.
Aurora is not your normal rich girl. Having the pampered life and all glitz and glamour, it’s more of a pain. She hates being in the spot light and her father seems too always be putting her there. Luckily she ‘s a smart girl who is determined to be the first female pilot to train at the famous Apollo Academy. I really connected to her character, she enjoys school and the challenges, her dreams are big and not matter what she wants to make a difference. Her life as an heiress makes it difficult for the other students to accept her so she really tries to prove that she is there for the same reason they are. I give her lots of kudos for taking the harsh comments from others and holding her own.
The boys, Aurora may be concentrating on being a pilot but two boys are making it difficult for her for many reasons. Zane is a boy who has an unknown past, his life hasn’t been easy and the academy is his one chance to prove himself. Meeting Aurora one night he was captivated by her, but after finding out she is a Titon, he knows hell never be good enough. The tension between the two is hot and cold and the chemistry seems to always be there. I love the connection that they both have and Zane seems to truly have his heart in the right spot but says the wrong things. I’m rooting for these two to figure things out but there is another who seems to have Aurora in his sights. Sky is an instructor and star pilot and he doesn’t help make Aurors life at school much easier, but he has many secrets that begin to connect them together. I loved his character too; I’m not sure who I like her with better but Sky is really an interesting and important piece of a bigger puzzle.
Overall I love the plot, there is a mix of politics, sabotage, business rivalries, and romance that add suspenseful moments to what is suppose to be school training for young learners. Aurora and her best friend Kaylana take on school together, which new college students will connect to their experiences and challenges. There are a ton of twists and secrets that each character is trying to unfold. I can’t wait to see what they uncover next, the ending left me definitely asking questions but also satisfying some that I had through out the story. I look forward to reading more from Chase who brought to life an exciting and suspenseful futuristic world.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel that will have the readers reaching for the stars. Fans of Jennifer Armentrout’s Lux series and Melissa De La Cruzs’ Frozen will enjoy The Apollo Academy by Kimberly Chase.
THEME: Science Fiction, Space, Romance
RECEIVED: Bought
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of science fiction and it’s rare for me to get lucky and randomly come across a find like this one, but this one called out my name. I loved the cover and it was obvious that this had to do with space and a futuristic storyline, but it’s characters and their back-stories really brought this book to the next level and it’s a new favorite of mine.
The Apollo Academy follows eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon, who is very excited to get away from the spotlight that is her family name. Her father being the very wealthy and powerful man of Titon Technologies, it makes her want get away from the pampered life and do what she has always dreamed, become an astronaut. Now that she has been accepted to The Apollo Academy it seems her dreams are becoming true, but someone is sabotaging her training and making her life in the academy anything but a dream. Luckily with the help of her best friend and two boys that seem to be vying for her heart, she will stop at nothing to get some answers.
Aurora is not your normal rich girl. Having the pampered life and all glitz and glamour, it’s more of a pain. She hates being in the spot light and her father seems too always be putting her there. Luckily she ‘s a smart girl who is determined to be the first female pilot to train at the famous Apollo Academy. I really connected to her character, she enjoys school and the challenges, her dreams are big and not matter what she wants to make a difference. Her life as an heiress makes it difficult for the other students to accept her so she really tries to prove that she is there for the same reason they are. I give her lots of kudos for taking the harsh comments from others and holding her own.
The boys, Aurora may be concentrating on being a pilot but two boys are making it difficult for her for many reasons. Zane is a boy who has an unknown past, his life hasn’t been easy and the academy is his one chance to prove himself. Meeting Aurora one night he was captivated by her, but after finding out she is a Titon, he knows hell never be good enough. The tension between the two is hot and cold and the chemistry seems to always be there. I love the connection that they both have and Zane seems to truly have his heart in the right spot but says the wrong things. I’m rooting for these two to figure things out but there is another who seems to have Aurora in his sights. Sky is an instructor and star pilot and he doesn’t help make Aurors life at school much easier, but he has many secrets that begin to connect them together. I loved his character too; I’m not sure who I like her with better but Sky is really an interesting and important piece of a bigger puzzle.
Overall I love the plot, there is a mix of politics, sabotage, business rivalries, and romance that add suspenseful moments to what is suppose to be school training for young learners. Aurora and her best friend Kaylana take on school together, which new college students will connect to their experiences and challenges. There are a ton of twists and secrets that each character is trying to unfold. I can’t wait to see what they uncover next, the ending left me definitely asking questions but also satisfying some that I had through out the story. I look forward to reading more from Chase who brought to life an exciting and suspenseful futuristic world.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel that will have the readers reaching for the stars. Fans of Jennifer Armentrout’s Lux series and Melissa De La Cruzs’ Frozen will enjoy The Apollo Academy by Kimberly Chase.