Welcome to The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted

I did not want to stop reading The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted by Conor Grennan. As I was reading, there were so many moments of, “That’s so awesome!” and, “Wait. What?!” and, “I can’t believe it! No way.” When I had to put the book down, the characters were often in my thoughts as I wondered what was going to happen to them next.

Jack Carlson just wants to pass eighth grade. Preferably without the embarrassment of his best friend, Freddy’s, conspiracy theories. But when a strange school security guard drags Jack through the streets while being chased by reapers, Jack starts to wonder if Freddy might not be right. And if he’s right? Oh, boy. They were all in for a wild ride.

Jack is thrown into the world of Hadley Academy where everyone has a talent (called a spade) that they will use to protect the world against the reapers, a shadowy force of evil created and controlled by a powerful man named Wyeth. Trouble is, Jack doesn’t seem to have a spade, but he is declared to be the Guardian, who was prophesied to save the world. Along with four other recruits, Jack sets off to learn who he is and what his role is in this dangerous and deadly fight.

I absolutely loved this book. There were so many surprises, and I definitely did not see the biggest one coming. The story flowed so well, the characters were layered and fun to spend time with, and I now I really want to go to Elk Island to see all the amazing things the kids there can do. I highly recommend this book to kids and adults alike. It’s a heart-pounding, mind-bending adventure you will not want to miss.