Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery grows as everything changes. This book picks up shortly after the previous book. Near the end of the summer break before the next year begins. But the rules that caused her so many issues over break were just the beginning or what was to come.
Makayla has another important dream to a town known as Athenia where people go to be forgotten. Seeing and hearing the name Peacock she feels it’s important but unsure of the reason at first. Mary Meet won’t be taking over Grave Digger Academy (GDA) yet, but the Crones aren’t closing it either, yet. While initially excited and happy when she received her letter to go back to GDA that quickly changes. A bus meant for criminals arrives to take her to the academy, a new Headmistress Ulva Everbleed. The building looked amazing, but half renovated and at a standstill as the Crones took over, putting a stop to everything Mary Meet was doing. More students were present than she had ever seen there before and seeing Leo and Thomas she thinks things will be good. Only they give her the cold shoulder, Cali, and Frankie nowhere to be seen when a bomb is dropped on her emotionally. Only those who received a letter were allowed to return this year, but not everyone received a letter. Most were likely only there as an obligation to protect their families from repercussions if they refused to attend. Everything different, a new set of rules that must be followed and each person assigned to classes and not allowed to change them. Griffin is there and offers a truce, as they seem to only have each other. A warmth fills her with his smile and again as they shake in agreement, he says he will explain things later but then vanishes without a word of explanation. Not one to beat around the bush goes to the new Headmistress, asks about Mary Meet and why helpers aren’t allowed. Told Mary is being interrogated and will return when finished and helpers banned because of control. A parting word of advice to Makayla, stick to classes, slow and steady and watch out for others trying to use her to accelerate their accomplishments.
Why is Mary Meet being interrogated? How can she be used to help others accelerate their accomplishments? Why is she always the villain in the Crones stories and rules? Once again, the author takes us deeper into Makayla’s world where nothing is what it seems, and everything is listening with an agenda of their own. She thought this year was finally going to be her year, she had her friends, her magic had come in and she had eight helpers. Day one, helpers gone, friends gone, and her only ally, she hopes, is a guy no one can remember. The mystery and suspense continue to evolve leading to more questions and some answers can’t wait for the next book. Grave Digger Academy V is coming October 1st, 2024. What will Makayla face next?

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