One day, Breksta and her mother, Asteria, have a picnic in the woods. Little does she know that that’s the last time she’s going to see her mother alive. That was also Breksta’s last day of freedom. Asteria Vilkas is a fugitive - a Dreamer. After the military leader shoots her mom, she drags Breksta to an academy that has a certain aversion to Dreamers. There, ironically, she is befriended by Hestia, the daughter of the military leader who killed her mother. But Hestia and Breksta’s friendship cannot be explained. They are not blinded by hatred, unlike the rest of the people in the Academy. When Breksta insisted on going through the building to save a friend’s life after an attack on the Academy, her fellow cadets were surprised that she came back alive. Could she be a Dreamer with special abilities like her mother?

Breksta’s Academy has a nice smooth start. The world-building engages all five senses, providing a lovely reading experience. In terms of tone, the narrative mimics a fairy tale - light and playful combined with looming danger and action. It’s amazing how Natasha Quay creates a magical life that abruptly turns to darkness with great care. The hatred is palpable; readers will find themselves gritting their teeth at all the Academy's brainwashing and fake heroism. The characters are well-written, and the plot calls to mind the settings of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games. Breksta’s Academy maintains a fast pace that curious readers will find thrilling.

Breksta's Academy is a work of fiction penned by author Natasha Quay in the fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres and is intended for young adult readers. We are introduced to our protagonist, Breksta Vilkas, whose idyllic childhood takes a drastic turn when soldiers disrupt her peaceful life. Forced into the mysterious Academy, Breksta discovers a harsh reality governed by a cruel director. The narrative beautifully captures Breksta's journey as she forms a powerful bond with her roommate, Hestia, and together they dream of escaping the Academy's oppressive regime.

Author Natasha Quay has lovingly crafted a tale of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of freedom perfectly balanced amid a myriad of mysteries, action-packed challenges, and dangers. Breksta's character is compelling, and her determination to discover the truth about her past and break free from the Academy's clutches is a strong point of tension that Quay does well from cover to cover. The exploration of identity, linked not just to personal history but to the fate of the entire world, adds a compelling emotional core to the story that runs subtly alongside the plot in the close narration until it builds to a spectacular and satisfying conclusion. The suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and gently underlying self-esteem themes make for a captivating read where everything is well-balanced to remain engaging, emotive, and compelling throughout. Overall, I would certainly recommend Breksta's Academy to YA fantasy fans everywhere seeking an adventure with a deeper emotional meaning, and I can’t wait to see what more this talented author has in store.

Breksta’s Academy by Natasha Quay is the story of Breksta, a seemingly ordinary girl with a destiny beyond her wildest imagination. Her life is turned upside down with the arrival of a mysterious troop in the place where she lives with her mother. The woman, commonly known as the director, kills Breksta’s mother and takes her to a strange institution known as the academy, where the “cadets” are trained to fight for the director’s cause. Breksta is told that her mother was a traitor, and the cadets must strive to eradicate the likes of her. The coldness and brutality of the academy weigh down on her soul, with her only source of warmth being Hestia, the director’s kind-hearted daughter. The desire to break free unites the two girls, but little do they know how the fate of their world is tied to their destiny.

Natasha Quay’s Breksta’s Academy is a brilliant work in which the story comes to life for readers. I was overwhelmed by the emotions of the characters that Natasha portrays so masterfully. Instead of dismissing any of them as outright evil, she presents the perspectives of all the important characters, allowing readers to view their reality from diverse angles. I love the bond between Breksta and Hestia; despite the ups and downs in their friendship, it is marked by immense depth and fierce loyalty. The ending brought tears to my eyes, which once again proves Natasha’s ability to pull readers into the story. I would recommend this book to readers aged twelve and above.

Breksta's Academy is a young adult urban fantasy novel by Natasha Quay. After a shocking attack by armed military personnel leaves her mother dead, Breksta Vilkas finds herself forced into the Academy alongside other young cadets. She discovers that her mother, Asteria, used to be the rebel leader of the Dreamer rebellion against the government, with magical abilities of her own. Now, the Academy cadets are trained to fight and persecute the Dreamers under the dictatorial leadership of Madam Director. As the years pass, Breksta develops a strong friendship with the director's daughter, Hestia, and trains relentlessly. However, when an unexpected earthquake leads Breksta to realize her own unique powers, she finds a way to escape. But the director has brainwashed Hestia to hunt for Breksta. Now, Breksta must make the ultimate sacrifice to restore balance to the world.

Readers who love young adult fantasy sagas like The Hunger Games will find plenty to love about Breksta's Academy. Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with mystery and lore, this is a fascinating tale of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Author Natasha Quay doesn't waste a single word and takes readers on an entertaining odyssey full of magic and edge-of-your-seat action sequences. Quay shines in the worldbuilding department. The lore behind the Dreamers feels authentic, and their fight against oppression and persecution mirrors many parallels with real-world issues. The characters are distinct and play their roles seamlessly to move the plot forward. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Breksta and Hestia. All in all, this is an engaging YA fantasy novel I will recommend to young adults and adults alike.