The Academy: A Novel

Elin Hilderbrand , Shelby Cunningham
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The Academy: A Novel

Elin Hilderbrand , Shelby Cunningham
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Overview

432 PAGESENGLISH

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Overall rating: 3.8666666 / 5 from 15 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["read","novel","book","service","story"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Big title with zero content

"I didn't like this book. I am a fan of this author. However, this novel didn't deliver what I was expecting; too many characters and too much nonsense with zero good literature. I guess I will stick to reading to great authors like Ayn Rand and the likes. So disappointing."

Najat (1/5)

Bon service

"Très bon service, le livre sera offert en cadeau de Noël."

Michele (4/5)

Instantly Hooked

"If you’re craving a New England private school vibe in a book, this is the one. It was very well written and such an easy and enjoyable read!!"

Kristay (5/5)

What Will Happen Next

"This was quite the intriguing read. If you are a fan of Hilderbrand's Nantucket novels, this story is different in setting but still holds that unique quality of writing and storytelling that those novels encompass. I will caution that there are a variety of aspects in this novel that do precipitate trigger warnings. I don't want to list them out due to some being spoilers, but if you want to be informed, take a look at other reviews to see which trigger warnings are identified. I would compare this novel to being similar to an 'elevated' version of ""Gossip Girl"" and/or ""Pretty Little Liars"". It contains similar elements of drama (as well as somewhat similar storylines to a degree). This novel could easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone but I'm interested to see where the series goes. There were some items that were left open ended and not resolved. I wouldn't say that I was on the edge of my seat while reading but it still was an entertaining read. I have seen some elements in this story in other Elin Hilderbrand novels but then again, she has written over thirty books. It definitely is a drama filled read and I'm interested to see what happens next."

@brooklynnnnereads (4/5)

Lukewarm

"At times, the novel was clever and interesting…at other times I found it immature or possibly for a younger reader. It never really captured my interest, a little underwhelming. An easy read, just not a memorable one."

Cynthia (3/5)

The Academy

"Turn off your phone, get out your snacks and finish this book. Amazing."

Kathy (5/5)

Great fall read!

"Elin Hilderbrand does it again! Very cool that she wrote this book with her daughter. I heard there's a sequel to come. It kind of leaves you on a little cliff hanger but so worth the read."

Susie (5/5)

The only thing good about this book is the pretty cover.

"Weak plot, weak character development, shallow story. Not a beach read. Not fun. Zero reading pleasure. Skip this read. Do not recommend."

Joy G. (1/5)

The title captures the essence of the story.

"The novel is written from the perspective of staff and students and all are interwoven into a gripping story of life at an elite boarding school. You either are into academics or are not."

Missy (4/5)

The Academy Elin Hilderbrand

"The book I ordered was really good and perfect for the fall time: It took place in a boarding school and if you enjoy gossip girl you won’t be disappointed."

Baqi (5/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: Apr 14, 2026
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 432
  • Publisher: Little, Brown And Company
  • ISBN: 9780316567886
  • Dimensions: 5.45" W x 1.094" L x 8.2" H
Elin Hilderbrand is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Iowa Writers Workshop. The Academy is her thirty-first novel, and the first co-written with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. Hilderbrand is the co-host of the podcast "Books, Beach and Beyond" along with @TimTalksBooks creator, Tim Ehrenberg. She is raising four young adult children and likes to spend her free time at the beach and on her Peloton. She's a grateful ten-year breast cancer survivor.

Shelby Cunningham was born and raised on Nantucket Island. She’s a 2024 graduate of St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island. She is presently a student at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

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