Zodiac Academy: The Awakening Paperback – September 8, 2021

Prepare to be completely immersed in the thrilling and unpredictable world of Zodiac Academy as you embark on a journey like no other. "The Awakening" by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti introduces us to a captivating premise that had me hooked from the very beginning.The story follows the life of two Gemini twins, Darcy and Tory, both headstrong and impulsive individuals who discover they’re heirs to a mysterious throne in the Fae realm of Solaria. However, claiming their birthright is no easy task, as they must prove themselves as the most powerful supernatural beings in Solaria. Little did they know that every Fae in the kingdom, including the almighty Heirs, would stop at nothing to take their throne. Or not have them achieve their birthright.The authors brilliantly set the stage at a school that is both dangerous and filled with wild parties. Vampires roam the corridors, the Werewolf pack indulges in orgies under the full moon, and the Sirens manipulate emotions with their dark powers. The atmosphere is intense, and survival is the name of the game.What sets this book apart is the incorporation of astrology into the story. The Gemini star sign now determines the protagonists’s elemental magic and influences their destiny. Learning astrology becomes crucial in their quest to outshine their classmates, all of whom are encouraged to compete fiercely.Amidst the chaos, Tory must navigate the attention of a drool-worthy Dragon shifter and his three intimidating friends, all vying for the throne. The dynamics between the characters are complex and add an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative."The Awakening" is a dark, bully romance that shatters any preconceived notions of a sweet school for magic. This is a cutthroat institution where strength reigns supreme, and survival is not guaranteed. The absence of a savior figure like Dumbledore creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, with an evil dictator-like character adding to the tension.Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti have crafted a story that grips you from start to finish. The writing style is engaging, and the vivid descriptions transport you into the heart of Zodiac Academy. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as this book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and leaves you craving for more.If you're seeking a thrilling and dark paranormal romance with a unique twist, "The Awakening" is a must-read. Step into the world of Zodiac Academy and brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure! I can’t wait what other adventure will await me in this series.

This is a review of books 1-4 in this series, not just the first book. I liked book 1 but I love the next 3 so stick with it even if you are on the fence with the first book. Very addicting. Spoilers ahead:What I like:The twins, Darcy and Tory, are very different characters so you do get a unique perspective with each chapter. They are not clones of one another at all. The Heirs all have distinct voices too, as well as teachers and friends. The characters are very well developed in this series and if you put the book down and come back later in the middle of a chapter, it's easy to tell whose POV it is.Darcy and Tory are not instantly good at everything and nothing comes easy to them. They have to fight against a lot of adversity and also learn magic and explore their potential capabilities without being miraculously fantastic at everything, unlike many other book characters in other stories. The struggle is real, and fantastic to read about.The bullies are actual bullies. Super nasty. No false bullying, this is the real deal and you really feel for the girls and HATE the guys at certain points.The world building is great, and it is a dog eat dog world that isn't going to change to suit the needs of the main characters. They have to change perspective to navigate their surroundings as they are.Darcy and Orion. Hot hot hot!What I don't like:Darcy and Tory aren't very motivated to learn beyond what is being introduced to them by teachers despite being tormented every single day. If I was being harassed by more powerful beings but knew I was intrinsically more powerful, I would be spending every waking moment figuring out how to best them. Instead they are learning what first years learn and that's it. I wish they showed more initiative to practice and learn skills so they aren't so easy to bully.The hot and cold with Darius, Seth, Max, and Caleb can be tiring. One day they are besties with the girls and other days they are so cruel. It's not as consistent as it should be one way or another. This goes beyond their well laid plans to con the girls. That I understand with the hot/cold thing because they are planning horrible things that demand gaining a level of trust. But beyond that, they have days where they are friendly and days where they are absolute enemies so it's a little odd.Lack of critical thinking skills and cleverness. There are solutions to the issues between the Heirs and the Royals than just doing what the Heir parents want them to do. The Heirs don't even want to do half of what they do, but they can't seem to think their way out of the box. Orion is the only one who seems to troubleshoot in any way about how they could all make their situation work to everyone's advantage. Along these same lines, the Heirs do know that Darcy and Tory are going to be very powerful beings to reckon with, but they alienate them over and over again. Poking the bear so to speak doesn't seem like the best strategy when you know that your power will pale in comparison in the years to come. How do they think they will actually hold onto their seats as heirs when they will be outclassed in a short amount of time? Teamwork is the obvious best option. If they couldn't pull teamwork off, a long deception would be a better strategy than the inconsistent bullying. I have the feeling that the characters will get there eventually, but it is taking a long time for them to puzzle this all out.I don't want to give too much away but I highly recommend starting this series. I have lost sleep because I can't put down the books and I am so glad I gave it a chance. It has some issues, but you just have to roll with it and enjoy the story. All the drama! Definitely superbly entertaining.

This was a bit of a slow burn for me—not in the romance sense, but in actually getting into the writing style and rhythm of the story. It took me a minute to fully immerse myself, but once I did, I found myself really intrigued by the world-building. The different Fae orders and abilities? So cool. I love a magic system with depth, and this one has a lot of potential.Now, let’s talk bully romance—I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it going in, and honestly, I’m still on the fence. Some moments worked, others had me side-eyeing my Kindle. But Tory and Roxy? Loved their personalities. Their dynamic is fun, fiery, and exactly the kind of chaos I look for in sister duos.And then there’s Lance Orion. Listen. I get it. He’s that guy. Officially adding him to my ever-growing book boyfriend list.Also, the FaeBook references? They kill me. In a way that I kind of love?? The humor in this book caught me off guard in the best way.On a more serious note, Diego is suspicious as hell. Did he drug Sofia?? Something about him is off, and I’m definitely side-eyeing every interaction he has.Overall, The Awakening was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some parts dragged, but the world kept me interested, and I’m curious enough to keep going. On to the next one!

Why did I wait so long to start this series? I read this approximately 24 hours! It was so much fun but also serious and silly and mysterious!! I love a mystery wrapped into Romantasy and there are plenty of mysteries to go around in this book. Also, there are shifters of every kind, a Fae Academy, hot guys, hot professors, what else could you want?! lol I can’t wait to learn more about the world of Solaria!