Friends vs. Family: The Ghost Bird Series: #3

This was a very emotional read, the monstrosities the main female lead goes through at the hands of someone whose job is to protect, love and guide is criminal it's sad to read about how she complies so easily for fear of the safety of those she cares for and herself, because the maltreatment she suffers turn deadly quickly. I was proud though when the female lead finally begins to stand her ground against her abusers. Though the determination, devotion and love the male leads all show towards her is so amazing and kind, they don't hesitate to use their status to benefit and aid their female lead for her protection. The growing relationships and bonds between them all is finally getting a little blurry and i'm finding it quite entertaining, but also how is one of chose between such gentlemen of the academy. This book shows signs of abuse, neglect and mentioned of rape towards the end that might be difficult for some readers.

Poor Sang.Firstly let me say i love this series. I am completely caught up with all the released books so now I am returning to do reviews.In book 3 the guys are extremely concerned for Sangs safety and well being at home and at school! The new school she is attending is rough. Not necessarily the most dangerous school i have heard about but it is definitely a shell shocker of a school for a girl who just came from a quiet small town. The school is over flowing with students, lack of lockers, over crowded lunch time and unruly kids adds up to be a dramatic setting by itself.However when poor Sang goes home the torture begins a new. Her mother is horrible to her no matter what she does and her only escape is when she can be with one of her guys.If you havent read the previous books and just plan on jumping in and reading this book please dont. Take the time to read through the first 2 books to get the emotional connection to the characters and an understanding of what is going on in the main female characters life.

At the end of Book #2, we were given the pretense that something bad was going to happen and WOW did Book #3 Friends Vs Family bring out all the punches, but it still left us with unanswered questions. Sang's mother went overboard this time and ended up dishing out a really bad punishment that could have killed Sang had her friends not rescued her in time. We learned about Sang's mother's illness and how it was the C-word. We also discovered the truth about Sang and her upbringing and in part why her parents were paranoid etc. about other people in the outside world. We saw Sang's father up and leave, and of course, The Academy stepped in once again to help Sang as they would do anything for her. In Friends Vs Family, Sang is about to discover the difference and must learn to trust those around her to move forward and will discover that sometimes Friends are closer to you than your actual family. It reminded me of this quote that Family is who you are born with and Friends are the Family you choose for yourself. I loved how the boys all stepped up for Sang, and we wonder how long the relationships can keep as we saw the introduction of more than friendship growing in this book and of course nine guys with different affection levels for Sang can only equal disaster - Right? Friends Vs Family is the turning point for this series as it now starts to move away from Sang's family and upbringing to the focus of the Academy boys and men. This is one series that I can't believe I waited so long to start reading considering I have had this series since 2013 and it's now three years later.

I read a lot but never have I become so quickly obsessed with a group of characters as those in the Academy series. I've read all 3 books twice and am eagerly awaiting #4. I can't put my finger on what makes these books different. The characters (9 gorgeous boys) are likable and just the kind of loyal friends anyone would love to have. The protagonist, Sang, is brave yet insecure, wants to fit in but is quite innocent. Her knowledge of relationships is limited to what she's read in books and her abusive family. The way the guys take her in and accept her is heartwarming and amazing. You just know they are all in love with her, or at least very infatuated, but above all they want to keep her safe and protect her.There's more to the story that has yet to be revealed about this mysterious Academy and the writer lures you in, makes you want to discover the secrets. There are typos and grammar errors but these were easily overlooked by me because the characters were so well written, the story was so compelling. I'm not a young adult reader, either. I read all genres, and have been for over 50 years, and this series has me as obsessed with 10 people as I've ever been. Highly recommended!

Friends vs. Family continues on; picking up right where book 2 left off. This school is horrible. Sang's family is horrible. Thank goodness the boys have surrounded her. This book has several huge moments that will set the stage for future books and allow Sang to get closer to the boys and have more of a life in general.The 9 Academy boys are likable and loyal friends. The lead female, Sang, is a blend of bravery and insecurity; she wants to fit in, but is socially naive and innocent. Her knowledge of all relationships is limited to what she's read in books. Her family has been so abusive, she has no idea how to respond to others. The way the guys take her in and accept her is so sweet. Their kindness and protection is endearing. This book explains so much about Sang and the reasons her life has been the way it has been. It also gives some backstory on why some of the boys respond the way they do to her. There is no contest between friends and family; Sang's birth family is the worst, but she hit the jackpot with her new chosen family. Trust your family. Family first. Family is a choice.

Not my favorite in the genre, but still a good book. I liked Sang and you can't help but feel sorry for her. Some of the boys are easier and better to understand than the others, but overall the sense of family is overall what everyone wants.

Sang is incredibly boring. I don't enjoy books when the lead character relies on other people even though she's loyal to the boys she doesn't stick up for herself which is frustrating and gets incredibly repetitive. I got up to the 'naked' chapter & had to stop reading which is rare because usually when I buy a book I read it no matter what. I hoped that series would pick up as it has a lot of promise but it just doesn't. Won't be buying another in the series.

Oh my. I didn't know what to expect when I first saw introductions on amazon for free.. I almost didn't click on it. I am so so happy I did. These books are amazing, although aimed at young adult genre I am nearly 21 so I guess these are my guilty pleasure. I am so happy this is going to be a long, long, long series I don't think I ever want it to end, I don't think I will ever get enough of the academy boys.

School angst, parental abuse, protectors, god story with good well written characters a great way to spend an afternoon, recommended to all who like the genre

I am writing this review having read all four books (this is book three). The story needs to be read in order but it is well worth the time as the series is developing into a deeper and deeper story.I am now eagerly waiting for book 5.......which seems to be leading the characters down a very difficult path....I can't wait to see how they manage it, or not!