Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Academy is a Christian fiction coming of age novel written by J.T. Payne and Ryan Mix. Sylas Ernst is not quite sure about the reception he'll receive at the 20th anniversary reception for the graduating class of Cherrywood Christian Academy. His senior year certainly had its ups and downs, but when he and his mates set up the fireworks prank at the Homecoming Game, life was a lot simpler for this honor student and aspiring photographer. Going to Cherrywood, one of the best private academies in the state, meant he had a fairly good chance at getting a scholarship to a good university and his photography work for the school newspaper had already made him the go-to person for school and church events. Sylas runs into trouble, however, when he begins to notice discrepancies in the charitable work done by Clanton Baptist Church and the Southern Hope Foundation, and sees firsthand a troubling pattern of fixed marks for the star athletes in the school's football program. His immediate and instinctive response is to inform Principal Sites, whom he trusts to address the situation, but Sy’s life seems to get a lot harder after that.

J.T. Payne and Ryan Mix's Christian fiction coming of age novel, The Academy, is a compelling and hard-hitting story about a young man's quest for truth and honor, and the price he has to pay for standing up for what is right. Sylas is able to see what's good and bad about the Christians in his life, and has soon come to realize that being labelled a Christian does not entitle anyone to an automatic pass. It takes a lot more than that. His father is a good example as the failed pastor wannabe has let bitterness and envy sour both his life with his family and his faith. Sylas' real family experiences are those he shares with his friends and their families, and the reader can't help but sympathize with the young man whose family seems adrift and in trouble. I enjoyed seeing how Sylas grows from being one of those kids playing elaborate pranks into a young adult who has a keen sense of responsibility toward his family, school and church. His courageous investigations into possible corruption, and willingness to investigate and examine the tenets of his faith fuel this outstanding and very memorable story. Payne and Mix's plot is compelling and filled with dramatic tension, and the story is virtually impossible to put down. The Academy is most highly recommended.