Montrose Paranormal Academy: The Nexis Secret

Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1

By: Barbara Hartzler

Narrated by: Natasha Soudek

Hi, I'm Lucy. And I just found out I'm not normal.

Three years ago, my brother went missing in Europe without a word. I just have to play nice with the Three Societies long enough to dig up some dirt. Before they figure out who I really am . . .

When two secret society leaders fight for my attention, it becomes harder to keep my supernatural talents under the radar.

Even though I'm drawn to the oh-so-dreamy captain of the Guardians, can I really trust him? He strictly adheres to the rules of the Guardians, but will he break his "good guy" code for me?

Big surprise, the charming, bad-boy president of the Nexis Society just won't leave me alone. He seems to know about all the skeletons in my family's closet. But has he figured out that I have hidden powers? And if so, who will he tell?

I didn't bargain for this strange new world and my own crazy abilities. Am I really the Seer the Three Societies have been looking for? Can I find my brother and master my surprise powers without getting caught?

I guess we're about to find out.

©2020 Barbara Hartzler (P)2023 Tantor

Excellent

Excellent book by Barbara. It has a well written and interesting story plot. The characters are believable, and the book is a page turner. I enjoyed it very much!

Montrose Paranormal Academy (Complete Series Box Set)

This completed box set was an immersive ride from start to finish, and reading the entire series together really shows how carefully the story was built. Starting with Book 0, the focus on James and his desperate need to protect his sister Lucy lays an emotional foundation that carries through the rest of the series. Knowing that his disappearance was an act of love and protection changes how every moment between them is understood later.

From Book 1 onward, the story shifts to Lucy as the main character, and her journey through Montrose Paranormal Academy is intense, dangerous, and emotionally charged. The academy is filled with secrets, hidden power, and constant threats, and Lucy is forced to grow quickly. Her relationship with Will, her boyfriend, adds emotional grounding in a world that never feels safe, while James’s reappearance and ongoing influence continue to shape her path.

As the series progresses, the stakes rise dramatically. The mythology surrounding the Nexus deepens, the world expands beyond Montrose, and the danger becomes global rather than contained. Each book builds naturally on the last — nothing feels forgotten or reset. Choices matter, consequences follow, and the emotional weight only grows heavier with each installment.

Books 3 through 5 take the series into darker territory, exploring fate, power, sacrifice, and loyalty. Lucy’s growth is steady and believable, and the relationships at the heart of the story remain central even as the plot becomes more complex. Book 5.5 was a great addition, offering clarity and perspective that made the overall story feel complete rather than rushed.

By the time I finished this box set, I felt fully satisfied with the journey. The character arcs were meaningful, the world-building was strong, and the emotional payoff was worth the time invested. I truly loved this series and how everything came together in the end.

I would definitely recommend this box set and the entire Montrose Paranormal Academy series. It’s well-written, emotionally engaging, and absolutely worth reading from beginning to end.

Fun Read

I enjoyed this first novel of the series. The author has an interesting female lead character with unusual powers. Her supporting characters are also a great blend of personalities. I loved the narration of the roommates voice! I look forward to seeing how the rest of the battle unfolds.

The only thing I’d charge is fewer uses of the word tiny. It’s used to reference everything from hands to cars. This is a great read for fans of young adult urban fantasy.