Abandoned at the Academy

Sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings, or Alex, is left by her globe-trotting archaeologist parents at the International Exchange Academy, a boarding school in the Oregon woods. Feeling abandoned and anxious, she's thrust into a world of unfriendly students and awkward first impressions. But when she stumbles into the administration building, a mysterious door transports her not to a headmaster's office, but to a sunlit forest clearing—her first step into the world of Medora, a place that will challenge everything she knows about reality, friendship, and herself.

Through the Impossible Door

Disoriented, Alex meets the enigmatic and dangerously charming Aven, who hints at her importance and the existence of powers she doesn't understand. Rescued from Aven's unsettling attention by two students, Jordan and Bear, Alex learns she's not in Oregon anymore, but in Medora—a parallel world with its own rules, history, and magic. The school, Akarnae Academy, is for the "gifted," and Alex, a "Freyan" from Original Earth, is the first outsider in millennia. She's forced to accept her new reality and the impossibility of returning home, at least until the headmaster returns.

New World, New Friends

Thrown into the deep end, Alex is tested for her "potential" and placed in the most advanced classes for combat and equestrian skills, despite her lack of experience. She quickly befriends Jordan, a mischievous boy who can turn invisible, and Bear, whose gift is persuasive charm. But she also makes enemies, especially with her cold, secretive roommate D.C. (Delucia), and faces the school's grueling, often dangerous classes. The academy is a place of wonders and perils, where technology and magic blend, and every student has a unique gift.

The Gifted and the Tests

Alex's days are filled with bizarre and hazardous lessons: PE with a sadistic coach, combat with older, stronger students, and classes on magical creatures and history. She's constantly injured, ending up in the Med Ward so often that the doctor, Fletcher, becomes a friend. Despite her lack of a visible gift, Alex's resilience and quick thinking help her survive. She's tested not just physically, but emotionally, as she tries to fit in, keep her origins secret, and navigate the school's social labyrinth.

Surviving the Unthinkable

Alex's adventures escalate: she's nearly drowned, paralyzed by magical insects, and forced into combat far above her skill level. She discovers the academy's living Library, a sentient, magical place that chooses her as its "Chosen." With Jordan and Bear, she explores its secret levels, facing deadly puzzles and meeting the spectral knight Sir Camden. The Library hints at Alex's unique destiny, and she begins to suspect she has a gift after all—one tied to her willpower and the ability to shape the Library's magic.

The Library's Living Secrets

The Library becomes both sanctuary and crucible for Alex. She learns its history: once the Jewel of Medora, it vanished to prevent bloodshed, reappearing only for those it deems worthy. Alex's adventures inside—falling through paintings, battling enchanted armor, and meeting the mysterious Darrius—reveal that the Library is alive and that Alex can influence its magic. She's told she is both "Called" and "Chosen," able to open doors between worlds, but only if she truly wills it.

The Meyarin's Shadow

Aven, the beautiful stranger, reappears, revealing himself as a Meyarin—an immortal, exiled prince from the lost city of Meya. He manipulates Alex, seeking her power to open a doorway back to his city, intending to reclaim his throne and destroy humanity. Aven's charisma is nearly irresistible, but Alex's growing willpower and the support of her friends help her resist his control. The threat he poses becomes clear: if he succeeds, it could mean the end of both Medora and Alex's home world.

Enemies, Allies, and Roommates

Alex's relationship with her roommate, D.C., shifts from hostility to trust when they're kidnapped together by Aven. D.C. is revealed to be Princess Delucia, heir to Medora's throne, hiding at Akarnae for her safety. The two girls, forced to rely on each other, become true friends, sharing secrets about their identities and gifts. D.C.'s prophetic dreams and Alex's willpower gift become crucial in their struggle to survive Aven's schemes.

The Lockdown and the Intruder

Aven's attempts to breach the academy trigger the Lockdown, a magical security protocol that plunges the school into darkness and traps everyone inside. Alex, Jordan, and Bear use their gifts to investigate, uncovering the staff's fears about Aven's intentions. The teachers, including the enigmatic headmaster Marselle (secretly Darrius), rally to protect the students, but Aven's power and knowledge of the Library make him a nearly unstoppable foe.

The Truth About Power

Aven finally captures Alex and D.C., using a forbidden Meyarin blood ritual to try to enslave Alex's will and force her to open the door to Meya. Alex's unique gift—her indomitable willpower—allows her to break free of his control, saving D.C. and herself at the last moment. The ordeal leaves her scarred, both physically and emotionally, but also awakened to the true extent of her power. She learns that her gift is rare and invaluable: the ability to resist any form of magical or mental coercion.

The Princess Revealed

In the aftermath, Alex and D.C. solidify their friendship, promising to keep each other's secrets. D.C. reveals her prophetic gift, and Alex shares her own. The two girls, once enemies, now support each other as equals. The academy community, including Jordan and Bear, rallies around them, and Alex finally feels she belongs. The headmaster, Darrius/Marselle, reveals his true identity and explains Alex's role as Chosen and Called, able to open doors between worlds.

Blood, Will, and Sacrifice

Aven is driven off, but not destroyed, vowing to return. Alex's sacrifice—taking a dagger meant for D.C.—cements her place as a hero and a friend. The academy's staff and students recognize her courage, and even her harshest teachers respect her. But the scars of the blood ritual remain, a reminder of the ongoing threat. Alex must choose whether to return home or stay in Medora, knowing that her power is the key to both worlds' safety.

The Headmaster's Secret

Alex discovers that Darrius, her mysterious mentor in the Library, is actually Marselle, the elusive headmaster. He explains that he withheld his identity to allow Alex to grow and choose her own path. He reveals the true nature of the Library, the history of the Meyarins, and Alex's ability to shape her own destiny. With his guidance, Alex learns she can open doors between worlds at will, but only if she truly desires it.

Choosing to Stay

Faced with the chance to return home, Alex stands before a magical doorway to Freya. She hesitates, torn between her old life and her new friends, her family and her destiny. Ultimately, she chooses to stay in Medora, at least for now, feeling that her journey is not yet complete and that she is needed. The Library affirms her choice, and Alex embraces her role as Chosen, ready for whatever comes next.

Homeward Bound, Not Goodbye

As the school year ends, Alex says goodbye to her friends, promising to return. She steps through the Library's doorway, returning to her world, but with the knowledge that she can come back whenever she chooses. Her journey is only beginning, and the doors between worlds are now hers to open. The story closes with Alex filled with hope, courage, and the certainty that she has found her place—not just in Medora, but in the adventure of her own life.

Characters

Alexandra "Alex" Jennings

Alex is a sixteen-year-old girl uprooted from her nomadic life by her parents' work and thrust into a magical world she never asked for. Initially insecure, sarcastic, and desperate to return home, she grows into a resilient, compassionate, and fiercely loyal friend. Her psychological journey is one of self-acceptance and empowerment: from feeling abandoned and powerless to discovering her unique gift—an unbreakable will that resists all forms of magical and mental coercion. Alex's relationships with Jordan, Bear, and D.C. are central to her development, teaching her trust, vulnerability, and the value of chosen family. Her role as Chosen and Called by the Library marks her as a bridge between worlds, and her choices shape the fate of both Medora and Freya.

Jordan Sparker

Jordan is Alex's first true friend at Akarnae, a charming prankster with the gift of transcendence (invisibility and intangibility). Beneath his humor lies a deep loneliness, shaped by distant, status-obsessed parents and the loss of his beloved older brother. Jordan's friendship with Alex and Bear is his anchor, and he is fiercely protective of them. His psychological complexity is revealed in his longing for acceptance and his struggle with grief. Jordan's courage and quick thinking often save the day, and his loyalty to Alex is unwavering.

Barnold "Bear" Ronnigan

Bear is the heart of the trio, gifted with the power of charm—able to influence others with his words. He is warm, supportive, and deeply empathetic, providing emotional stability for Alex and Jordan. Bear's family becomes a surrogate home for Alex, and his easygoing nature masks a sharp intellect, especially in Chemistry. He values honesty and loyalty, and his friendship with Alex is marked by gentle teasing and genuine care. Bear's psychological strength lies in his ability to bring people together and defuse tension.

Delucia "D.C." Cavelle

D.C. is Alex's initially hostile roommate, hiding her identity as Princess Delucia, heir to Medora's throne. Isolated by necessity and burdened by her prophetic gift (dreams of the future), D.C. is guarded, sarcastic, and slow to trust. Her transformation from enemy to best friend is one of the novel's most satisfying arcs, as she learns to rely on Alex and share her vulnerabilities. D.C.'s psychological journey is about breaking free from loneliness, accepting help, and embracing her own agency. Her loyalty, once earned, is absolute.

Aven Dalmarta

Aven is the immortal, exiled prince of the lost city of Meya, driven by bitterness and a desire for revenge against both his own kind and humanity. His supernatural beauty and charisma make him nearly irresistible, but beneath the surface lies a manipulative, ruthless will. Aven's psychological complexity stems from his sense of entitlement, wounded pride, and the trauma of banishment. He seeks to use Alex's power to reclaim his throne and destroy those he blames for his suffering. His interactions with Alex are a battle of wills, and her resistance to his control is both his obsession and his undoing.

Darrius/Marselle

Darrius is the enigmatic figure who guides Alex through the Library's secrets, later revealed to be Marselle, the elusive headmaster of Akarnae. Wise, patient, and compassionate, he orchestrates Alex's journey of self-discovery, believing in her potential even when she doubts herself. His psychological role is that of the archetypal mentor, withholding information to allow Alex to grow, but always ready to intervene at critical moments. His own history is entwined with the Library and the Meyarins, and his trust in Alex is both a gift and a burden.

Sir Camden

Sir Camden is an enchanted suit of armor and self-proclaimed Protector Knight, encountered by Alex in the Library's depths. Speaking in archaic language, he provides comic relief and unexpected heroism, aiding Alex in moments of dire need. His loyalty and courage are unwavering, and he represents the Library's living magic and the rewards of bravery and kindness.

Fletcher Montgomery

Fletcher is the Med Ward's physician, a steady presence in Alex's tumultuous life. His warmth, humor, and skill make him a surrogate parental figure, and his repeated care for Alex cements their bond. Psychologically, Fletcher embodies the healing, nurturing archetype, offering both physical and emotional support. He is one of the few adults Alex fully trusts.

The Library

The Library is more than a building—it is a living, conscious entity that chooses who may access its secrets. It tests, teaches, and protects, guiding Alex toward her destiny. Its psychological role is that of the wise, sometimes inscrutable guide, offering challenges that foster growth and self-realization. The Library's magic is both a source of wonder and a crucible for Alex's will.

Gerald

Gerald is Aven's human associate, a menacing, tattooed enforcer who delights in violence and intimidation. He represents the dangers of corrupted power and the willingness of some humans to serve evil for their own gain. His psychological simplicity contrasts with the complexity of the other characters, serving as a foil to Alex's moral courage.

Plot Devices

Portal Fantasy and Parallel Worlds

Akarnae uses the classic portal fantasy device: a protagonist from our world is transported to a parallel universe through a magical doorway. This device allows for immediate dislocation, wonder, and the exploration of identity in a new context. The narrative structure follows Alex's journey from outsider to insider, using the school as a microcosm for self-discovery and the forging of chosen family.

The Living Library

The Library is both a setting and a character, providing magical challenges, wisdom, and guidance. Its sentience allows for foreshadowing, direct communication, and the creation of unique magical trials that test Alex's character and will. The Library's doors and rooms serve as metaphors for choice, growth, and the unknown, and its ability to open portals between worlds is central to the plot.

The Chosen One and Unique Gift

Alex's arc subverts the typical "chosen one" trope by making her gift not flashy magic, but indomitable will. This device is used to explore themes of agency, consent, and the power of choice. The blood ritual with Aven is a literalization of the battle for control, and Alex's resistance is both a plot resolution and a psychological victory.

Hidden Identities and Secrets

The narrative uses hidden identities—D.C. as the princess, Darrius as the headmaster—to create tension, test trust, and reward vulnerability. These reveals are foreshadowed and pay off in moments of crisis, deepening the bonds between characters and reinforcing the theme that true strength comes from honesty and connection.

Magical School Structure

Akarnae's school setting provides a familiar structure for readers, with magical twists on classes, exams, and social life. The narrative uses the school year as a framework for Alex's growth, with each class and test serving as a metaphor for her internal struggles and triumphs. The school's dangers and wonders mirror the unpredictability of adolescence and the journey to selfhood.

Foreshadowing and Prophecy

D.C.'s prophetic dreams, the teachers' secret meetings, and the Library's cryptic guidance all serve as foreshadowing devices, building suspense and hinting at future dangers. The recurring threat of Aven and the unresolved question of the lost city of Meya keep the stakes high and the narrative momentum strong.

Analysis

Akarnae is a vibrant, fast-paced portal fantasy that reimagines the "magical school" genre for a new generation. At its heart, the novel is about agency, belonging, and the power of choice. Alex's journey from abandoned outsider to empowered Chosen is both a literal adventure and a psychological coming-of-age, exploring how trauma, friendship, and self-discovery shape identity. The book subverts expectations by making Alex's gift not a flashy power, but the quiet, unbreakable strength of will—a metaphor for resilience in the face of manipulation, trauma, and the pressures of conformity. The living Library, with its sentient magic and endless doors, is a powerful symbol for the unknown possibilities of life and the necessity of embracing the unknown. The narrative's focus on chosen family, the importance of trust, and the courage to make difficult decisions resonates with modern readers navigating a complex, often overwhelming world. Ultimately, Akarnae is a celebration of wonder, friendship, and the belief that even the most ordinary person can change the world—if they are brave enough to open the door.

Last updated: May 9, 2025