📚 Ellis Academy by Cassie Snowberry
Edited by Trevor Adamo | Illustrated by Justine Trimboli
Expected publication: June 9, 2026

Genre: Contemporary | Boarding school drama
Vibes: enemies to lovers, chaotic student politics, Shakespeare retelling, witty banter, multi POV chaos

What happens when two rival schools are forced together?

Absolute chaos.

After Prescott Academy burns down, its students are relocated to Ellis Academy, turning it into a co ed boarding school overnight. The student councils are supposed to work together to keep things running smoothly.

They cannot stand each other.

At the center of it all:

Emma Bishop and Benedict.

She is sharp, cynical, and already hates him.
He is philosophical, emotionally unavailable, and equally unimpressed with her.

Put them in a room together and you get nonstop verbal sparring.

What makes this story so fun:

🎭 A modern retelling of Shakespeare with a fresh twist
🔥 Enemies to lovers with elite banter energy
🎓 Boarding school drama mixed with student politics
🌀 Multiple POVs that bring chaos and depth
✨ Diverse representation including ace, aro, and non binary characters

While Emma and Benedict steal the spotlight with their tension filled dynamic, the supporting cast adds layers of drama, humor, and emotional complexity.

Ryan is plotting revenge.
Friendships are shifting.
Relationships are forming in the most inconvenient ways.

And then there is Tiger.

Garfield “Tiger” Moriarty is a standout character, bringing balance to the chaos with a strong sense of identity and purpose. Their role in maintaining order (or attempting to) adds both humor and depth to the story.

The narrative builds toward the Harvest Festival where everything comes to a head. Alliances shift, secrets come out, and long standing tensions finally explode.

The tone balances witty humor with emotional moments, and the dialogue especially shines with clever, sharp exchanges that feel very true to the Shakespeare inspiration.

If you love:

🎭 Shakespeare inspired retellings
🔥 Enemies to lovers dynamics
🎓 Boarding school settings
✨ Diverse and inclusive casts

this is a fun, chaotic read to keep on your radar.

💬 What is your favorite Shakespeare retelling?

#EllisAcademy
#YABooks
#EnemiesToLovers
#ShakespeareRetelling
#BookstagramReads

A fun retelling of my favorite Shakespeare play. Beatrice and Benedict are so much fun and so out of touch with their own feelings and this book maintained that dynamic. This is a multi-POV story, I particularly enjoyed Benedict bevause he reminded me of one of my favorite literary characters and was very funny.

As an asexual, I am always excited to find smart, funny ace romances. The humor was great with some laugh out loud moments and other dry, witty moments that surprised me. There is a little bit of the absurd in this book which I always appreciate, it makes for an enjoyable read.

I really loved the way the story changed the source material by giving more power and agency to Emma (the Beatrice character). And Tiger (the Dogberry character) was a refreshing and delightful counterbalance to all the other characters' angst.

Overall, it was a lot of fun with one of my favorite tropes turned on its head- fake dating, but not how you'd expect. Also enemies to lovers and a little love at first sight trope thrown in too.

Reccomended if you like some bonkers comedy, witty banter, and multi-POV.