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Legend Valley Academy #1
Notorious
As the only child of a broke single mom, Mal Jones doesn't mind breaking the law for cold, hard cash. But when a streak of bad luck leads to the local police almost busting her, Mal's only escape is to accept a place at Legend Valley Academy, a paranormal boarding school.
Her mom doesn’t want her to go, but with a criminal on her tail—who thinks she’s a snitch—a magical Academy in another freaking dimension is the best place to hide. Right?
Wrong.
All she had to do was keep her head down and wait this year out, but not standing out is harder than Mal thought. Turns out, her deadbeat dad is more famous than she knew.
And something horrible is going on at the Academy.
The worst Mal is one of the only witnesses�
Dive into this engrossing supernatural world for an intriguing mystery, slow-burn romance, and mythical monsters and creatures from every culture in the world!
Her mom doesn’t want her to go, but with a criminal on her tail—who thinks she’s a snitch—a magical Academy in another freaking dimension is the best place to hide. Right?
Wrong.
All she had to do was keep her head down and wait this year out, but not standing out is harder than Mal thought. Turns out, her deadbeat dad is more famous than she knew.
And something horrible is going on at the Academy.
The worst Mal is one of the only witnesses�
Dive into this engrossing supernatural world for an intriguing mystery, slow-burn romance, and mythical monsters and creatures from every culture in the world!
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2021
65 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Kuruganti
16Ìýbooks25ÌýfollowersSudha Kuruganti writes books inspired by Indian mythology - paranormal romance and urban fantasy featuring kickass heroines and strong, feminist heroes. She's been writing since she was a kid of thirteen, first starting out by writing fanfiction of questionable quality.
She loves books, anime, coffee, chocolate, manga, Beatles music, and dogs. Not necessarily in that order.
If you’d like to download a free book by Sudha, then click
She loves books, anime, coffee, chocolate, manga, Beatles music, and dogs. Not necessarily in that order.
If you’d like to download a free book by Sudha, then click
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 28, 2022
Series Review, since I read the boxset in one go while traveling.
I really enjoyed this trilogy - Kuruganti did a good job of creating a flawed, yet compelling, main character with likable friends and a cute love interest. It was a nice mix of the usual "something outside the academy is going down" trope and "academy classes, love, etc" so I liked that. Sometimes academy books lean way too much into the former part for my tastes and forget about the classes and day to day drama.
Something else I appreciated: The cast is very diverse and each of the characters feels unique and real, despite the fantasy setting. I quite like Mal's grandfather in particular! And Mal herself feels quite compelling simply because she sounds and acts like a teenager (flaws included, haha).
If I have any complaints:
Overall, though, this was a solid academy trilogy, free of some of the issues that usually mark the subgenre. Check it out! 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this trilogy - Kuruganti did a good job of creating a flawed, yet compelling, main character with likable friends and a cute love interest. It was a nice mix of the usual "something outside the academy is going down" trope and "academy classes, love, etc" so I liked that. Sometimes academy books lean way too much into the former part for my tastes and forget about the classes and day to day drama.
Something else I appreciated: The cast is very diverse and each of the characters feels unique and real, despite the fantasy setting. I quite like Mal's grandfather in particular! And Mal herself feels quite compelling simply because she sounds and acts like a teenager (flaws included, haha).
If I have any complaints:
Overall, though, this was a solid academy trilogy, free of some of the issues that usually mark the subgenre. Check it out! 4 stars.
March 18, 2021
Hi. I had the pleasure and honor to receive a free copy of this book in return to a honest review. So here it is.
"Notorius" is the first book in the trilogy of Legend Valley Academy. It's a YA/Fantasy book, Mal being the main character. She is very well drafted since the beginning of her story, when she is only 15 years old but she evolves nice and seems to learn from her mistakes (we will see what the other 2 books will reveal further). She makes good friends and I am happy that the author has created such nice, interesting and good characters in the story. A lot of interesting legends are brought to life that make the reader curious to find out more and search the internet for more information (at least, that's what I did). The plot is developing slowly and is making you want to read further, so I will be expecting the next 2 books impatiently.
I don't want to tell the whole story here, this is a review after all, but I can tell you that I really enjoy reading it and I look forward for the next one. It is building slowly but it is a good book, well written and easy to follow.
"Notorius" is the first book in the trilogy of Legend Valley Academy. It's a YA/Fantasy book, Mal being the main character. She is very well drafted since the beginning of her story, when she is only 15 years old but she evolves nice and seems to learn from her mistakes (we will see what the other 2 books will reveal further). She makes good friends and I am happy that the author has created such nice, interesting and good characters in the story. A lot of interesting legends are brought to life that make the reader curious to find out more and search the internet for more information (at least, that's what I did). The plot is developing slowly and is making you want to read further, so I will be expecting the next 2 books impatiently.
I don't want to tell the whole story here, this is a review after all, but I can tell you that I really enjoy reading it and I look forward for the next one. It is building slowly but it is a good book, well written and easy to follow.
March 21, 2021
There is so much I can say about this fabulous first in a series. I fell in love with Yakshas in Bloom by Ms Kuruganti and this just further increased my enjoyment of them. The integration of, not just Hindu mythology, but other mythologies from all over the world is brilliant. There was obviously a lot of research that went into this series and it shows. Everything is so well thought out.
I was starting to suffer from Academy burn out when I reserved this ARC copy. I felt none of that while reading. The characters are fantastically three-dimensional. The interactions are natural. She even a touches on the ugly truths about rampant racism that we, in America, are dealing with socially right now. All around, I am supremely pleased I was able to read this and cannot wait for the next installment!
I was starting to suffer from Academy burn out when I reserved this ARC copy. I felt none of that while reading. The characters are fantastically three-dimensional. The interactions are natural. She even a touches on the ugly truths about rampant racism that we, in America, are dealing with socially right now. All around, I am supremely pleased I was able to read this and cannot wait for the next installment!
September 27, 2021
Mal and her mom are stone cold broke. Mal will do whatever it takes to get out of the cold but when the police are closing in on her, choose to enroll in the Legend Valley Academy rather than enroll in jail. Mal figures this should be an easy gig, she has a place to eat and sleep. All she needs to do is keep her head down and stay out of trouble. Only thing is, this is a paranormal academy and Mal is not paranormal! And that is the least of her troubles! Sudha Kuruganti is a talented and gifted author. She will draw you into this world of enchanting beings and you will not want to leave. Her world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this book and would read more books by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book.
May 5, 2021
Very happy to read such a good fiction in a long time. I loved the blend of mythology in a subtle way instead of wrapping her entire story around them. The characterisation is also very close to real, making it easy to relate. It’s not a heavy drama and the plot keeps you hooked for more. Keeping the Indian aspect alive and fun without overdoing culture and myth too strong is the most appealing part for me. Overall, it’s a fun happy read in these gloomy times. I was happy to be shifted into Mal’s world. Looking forward for your next book Sudha. :)
March 31, 2022
This was a great book. Had good character development in it.
Story follows Mal in her journey to discover her magic within that she didn't understand that she had. She knew she could do certain things but nothing more.
Mal's mom didn't know her daughter had any powers until the day a cop came to talk to her about enrolling Mal into the Legend Valley Academy, which is a stay at school gig, not something she could get back and forth while staying at home. (This is within the first few chapters, I won't give any thing else, cause you should check it out yourself)
Story follows Mal in her journey to discover her magic within that she didn't understand that she had. She knew she could do certain things but nothing more.
Mal's mom didn't know her daughter had any powers until the day a cop came to talk to her about enrolling Mal into the Legend Valley Academy, which is a stay at school gig, not something she could get back and forth while staying at home. (This is within the first few chapters, I won't give any thing else, cause you should check it out yourself)
April 9, 2021
A superb book, slow burning YA academy adventure combining lots of folklore and myths from many countries, religions and history. Great fully developed three dimensional characters with their own backstories and issues. A little bigotry, a little teenage romance, friendships and an excellent storyline make this a engrossing read. A great ending leaving the story open for the sequel. I was hooked from the first paragraph. A new author to me but one I shall be following with pleasure.
I received a complementary copy from the author and have left a voluntary honest review
I received a complementary copy from the author and have left a voluntary honest review
January 12, 2024
One of the books I got for free on stuff your Kindle day, and I'm glad I picked it. The story is about 16 year old Mal, who recently moved from New York to small-town Connecticut, and doesn't really have friends at her new school. There is some racism and classism there, but I still have the impression that she could have made friends if she really wanted to.
Mal has magical powers, and when this is discovered she is invited to a boarding school for magical beings. I don't really buy her reasons for transferring - surely it's more complicated than that? Anyway, the school is interesting enough, though little happens to build suspense while she gets to know the new school, some new friends and a bit of magic. Then suddenly, everything happens very fast and with great flare.
The storyline is ok, and I liked the romantic hints. The main arch which goes into the next book is intriguing. However, I didn't really buy Mal's reasoning for ANY of her decisions. Where was the logic, or the inner turmoil? And the relationship with her thatha seemed to develop from a handshake to hugging and crying in just two meetings. As much as I support that development, it didn't feel natural.
I liked the writing-style and could definitely be interested in reading the next book too. Especially with that cliffhanger.
Mal has magical powers, and when this is discovered she is invited to a boarding school for magical beings. I don't really buy her reasons for transferring - surely it's more complicated than that? Anyway, the school is interesting enough, though little happens to build suspense while she gets to know the new school, some new friends and a bit of magic. Then suddenly, everything happens very fast and with great flare.
The storyline is ok, and I liked the romantic hints. The main arch which goes into the next book is intriguing. However, I didn't really buy Mal's reasoning for ANY of her decisions. Where was the logic, or the inner turmoil? And the relationship with her thatha seemed to develop from a handshake to hugging and crying in just two meetings. As much as I support that development, it didn't feel natural.
I liked the writing-style and could definitely be interested in reading the next book too. Especially with that cliffhanger.
April 20, 2021
First book in series and a good start.
Mal is just looking for somewhere to lay low…even if it’s a magical academy.
Despite her best efforts she cannot keep out of trouble and someone is after her.
Will she be able to resolve her situation or is it to late.
This story has lots of action and of course magic and it will keep you reading non stop until you have finished.
Mal is just looking for somewhere to lay low…even if it’s a magical academy.
Despite her best efforts she cannot keep out of trouble and someone is after her.
Will she be able to resolve her situation or is it to late.
This story has lots of action and of course magic and it will keep you reading non stop until you have finished.
June 7, 2022
Brilliant 1st in a trilogy Cannot wait to read more about Mal and the friends she made and the family she found at Legend Valley Academy and i will definitely be reading more of Sudha Kuruganti's books
September 23, 2021
Wow, awesome!!! Different, imaginative, and awesome writing. Suspense, action, lessons, and seems so real the way its written.
May 7, 2022
I received Notorious (Legend Valley Academy #1) by Sudha Kuruganti from StoryOrigin and enjoyed it from start to finish. Mal Jones was raised as an only child of a single, broke mom so she doesn't mind breaking the law for cash. When a streak of bad luck leads to police almost busting her, her only escape is to accept a place at a paranormal boarding school in another dimension is the best place to hide. All she has to do is keep her head down... or so she thought. Unfortunately while there something horrible is going on at the Academy, and mall is one of the only witnesses.. This book is available on amazon and I definitely recommend
April 19, 2021
EDITORIAL REVIEW by Readers' Favorite
Mal is a strong-willed character with big ideas, a lot of personality, and an attitude that makes her funny, charming, and gives her room to grow and evolve. She discovers more to Legend Valley than what's on the surface, which becomes a mystery at the root of the story and has her looking deeper at her new home.
Sudha Kuruganti has created a story with humor and an upbeat tone and plenty of witty dialogue.
Notorious is a coming-of-age journey about a teenager who has the opportunity to change her circumstances with a paranormal school that will allow her to find herself, harness the best of her abilities, and even become a hero.
Read full review here:
Mal is a strong-willed character with big ideas, a lot of personality, and an attitude that makes her funny, charming, and gives her room to grow and evolve. She discovers more to Legend Valley than what's on the surface, which becomes a mystery at the root of the story and has her looking deeper at her new home.
Sudha Kuruganti has created a story with humor and an upbeat tone and plenty of witty dialogue.
Notorious is a coming-of-age journey about a teenager who has the opportunity to change her circumstances with a paranormal school that will allow her to find herself, harness the best of her abilities, and even become a hero.
Read full review here:
July 19, 2024
An excellent book, well written. I was captivated from the first page. I loved the blend of folklore and mythologies from many different countries and religions. It was done in such a subtle way instead of having the whole story wrapped around a myth. This had a great ending as well that left the story open for another book.
October 17, 2021
Okay, I am being completely honest here. I have never read fantasy before! This was my first time reading a fantasy and I have to admit, I liked the book. It was a slow paced book and by the time it reached the end, it got me hooked. The Indian context of the book is what kept it congenial for an Indian reader like me. It was refreshing, in fact. I never tried reading any Indian authors� books because I was always scared that the character development and the story would be fast paced. But, nope! This book reminded me that we have good authors and left me exploring more books by Indian authors. Moreover, the book covers some sensitive topics like racism in the US, how Indian Americans are perceived by natives etc.
Coming to the protagonist, Malailka’s imperfection is soothing. It is completely against the “stereotype� that the protagonist has to be perfect and it kind of encourages the reader to embrace their flaws. I mean, no teenager is perfect and it is absolutely normal for a teenager to fall into a mire of conflicting thoughts, even when it comes to his/her romantic interests. Having said that, I also felt that the story was a little predictable. I could easily connect the dots and understand why Mal’s father did what he did. (Not revealing it because I don't want to spoil the suspense for Kumar mama) Yet I believe that there is more to her father’s story than what was told in the 1st book.
Apart from all of this, the romance! I am a sucker for romance and the build up in the book accompanied by an unanticipated angst is a treat to readers, well it was for me. With all of this, I should say that I am looking forward to reading the second book atleast to know what happens to the tripod and the budding love between the protagonists.
Coming to the protagonist, Malailka’s imperfection is soothing. It is completely against the “stereotype� that the protagonist has to be perfect and it kind of encourages the reader to embrace their flaws. I mean, no teenager is perfect and it is absolutely normal for a teenager to fall into a mire of conflicting thoughts, even when it comes to his/her romantic interests. Having said that, I also felt that the story was a little predictable. I could easily connect the dots and understand why Mal’s father did what he did. (Not revealing it because I don't want to spoil the suspense for Kumar mama) Yet I believe that there is more to her father’s story than what was told in the 1st book.
Apart from all of this, the romance! I am a sucker for romance and the build up in the book accompanied by an unanticipated angst is a treat to readers, well it was for me. With all of this, I should say that I am looking forward to reading the second book atleast to know what happens to the tripod and the budding love between the protagonists.
February 23, 2022
3.5� A good start to a new PN-YA series. I also enjoyed being a guest with another culture. Not everyone sees the world the way we do in the US while other problems are universal. This concept translated nicely throughout Ms.Kurugnati's story.
I look forward to the rest of the story for this group of characters. Who we are is more than the face we present to the world. We are all bigger on the inside. Within our own brains and experiences, we orbit one another in a plethera of universes held by the gravitational pull to not be alone and that's ok. Although this need to form groups sometimes leads us to include toxic as well as healthy individuals. Those suffering from usually generational imbalances reach out in their own way, but can be healed only when they come to the realization there is something wrong-- that their normal is not an entirely healthy place to be. This is the path of enlightenment. Thank you for sharing your candle. Namasti
**Honest instght of a StoryOrigin title. 0.5☆deducted for incomplete editing. Remember, Authors' stories are the template by which the general public learns to better communicate. If they slack off from this honorable duty, the rest of us also become deminished.
I look forward to the rest of the story for this group of characters. Who we are is more than the face we present to the world. We are all bigger on the inside. Within our own brains and experiences, we orbit one another in a plethera of universes held by the gravitational pull to not be alone and that's ok. Although this need to form groups sometimes leads us to include toxic as well as healthy individuals. Those suffering from usually generational imbalances reach out in their own way, but can be healed only when they come to the realization there is something wrong-- that their normal is not an entirely healthy place to be. This is the path of enlightenment. Thank you for sharing your candle. Namasti
**Honest instght of a StoryOrigin title. 0.5☆deducted for incomplete editing. Remember, Authors' stories are the template by which the general public learns to better communicate. If they slack off from this honorable duty, the rest of us also become deminished.
July 5, 2024
I really did enjoy reading this book and I want to read the next one but I'm not sure why. The characters are cool and the setting has a lot of potential to make a good series. I'm more into this magic school idea than I thought I would be and that's because of the world the author has created here.
It was clear early on that this book would be more suitable to a very young (dare I say teen) YA audience that would probably enjoy it as much as I did but without the scathing skeptism of an old foggie like me.
Unfortunately, I found it to be quite poorly written and the story is kind of weak in sooo many ways. It's quite repetitive also which really stands out in such a short book.
2 stars because it's enjoyable and worth reading if you want a quick, easy and simple story in a magical setting.
It was clear early on that this book would be more suitable to a very young (dare I say teen) YA audience that would probably enjoy it as much as I did but without the scathing skeptism of an old foggie like me.
Unfortunately, I found it to be quite poorly written and the story is kind of weak in sooo many ways. It's quite repetitive also which really stands out in such a short book.
2 stars because it's enjoyable and worth reading if you want a quick, easy and simple story in a magical setting.
January 15, 2025
This was definitely an interesting book although not my favorite. The FMC, Mal, is a bit of an entrepreneur in some sketchy activities. Raised by a single mom, she wants money for stuff, just out of the budget and figures out how to generate money. It doesn’t go to plan…because what does?
Then, she finds out a huge family secret, gets sent to a new school & makes some new friends…and finds out more family secrets.
The characters are all interesting with enough depth & back story to grow throughout the series. We’ve got some unique magical beings & some readers will be more familiar with. This gives the story some extra novelty.
Worth reading, but I’m not sure I’ll finish the series or not.
Then, she finds out a huge family secret, gets sent to a new school & makes some new friends…and finds out more family secrets.
The characters are all interesting with enough depth & back story to grow throughout the series. We’ve got some unique magical beings & some readers will be more familiar with. This gives the story some extra novelty.
Worth reading, but I’m not sure I’ll finish the series or not.
October 23, 2023
I loved it!
An enticing story full of magic, shifters, and witches, and so much more, but underneath all that it’s about teenagers attending school learning and becoming who they are supposed to be, by navigating classes, friends, and love interests. Full of surprise revelations, secrets, and danger, but most importantly about the bonds of friendship, and family. I read it all one sitting and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
An enticing story full of magic, shifters, and witches, and so much more, but underneath all that it’s about teenagers attending school learning and becoming who they are supposed to be, by navigating classes, friends, and love interests. Full of surprise revelations, secrets, and danger, but most importantly about the bonds of friendship, and family. I read it all one sitting and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
October 7, 2021
I loved this book and read it in one sitting. Magic and a supernatural element that I enjoy. There are some extra legendary creatures you never hear about, family and friends also play a huge part. A great y/a read
November 1, 2023
Big trouble
Good book about a teen girl in trouble and escapes to the Academy. However, it follows her there unknowingly. New friends are met, a little romance and magic. The author throws in humor, and some twists to keep the reader turning the pages.
Good book about a teen girl in trouble and escapes to the Academy. However, it follows her there unknowingly. New friends are met, a little romance and magic. The author throws in humor, and some twists to keep the reader turning the pages.
June 3, 2021
Not what I was expecting. Disappointed.
September 26, 2023
Absolutely loved this book so much into the story paranormal and so much more lots of hidden secrets and more can't wait to read more
October 2, 2023
Wow
I loved this book and how it had multicultural view. There is so much drama and what do you expect with teens and unknown family.
I loved this book and how it had multicultural view. There is so much drama and what do you expect with teens and unknown family.
December 31, 2023
A different twist on a Magical Academy
Really enjoyed reading. Wish it had included a bit more backstory on Mal's dad. This part was thin. I'll be looking for the next book.
Really enjoyed reading. Wish it had included a bit more backstory on Mal's dad. This part was thin. I'll be looking for the next book.
March 3, 2024
not a fan of the writing style but the plot was very good
March 13, 2025
Pending Review! Thanks for your patience!
March 15, 2025
Woo hoo!!! I won this in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaways! I'm so excited and I can't wait to read it.
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