This book has every high school movie cliche and then some. College age kids, but this magical academy is described as an extended highschool as magical beings apparently have an extended adolescence. What saves this book from being Just Another Academy Story(TM) is the well thought out magic system and excellent well paced writing. Despite all the tropes, it actually is an enjoyable read. I finished it in one sitting.

This is book 1 in a trilogy and as such spends a lot of time building the world and characters. There is a suspenseful conflict brewing and hints as to deeper issues coming later in the story. This book ends with a big reveal to set up book 2. This book stays clean as Lou gets to know her guys, but the heat will ratchet up in this series.