Below is the complete list of Zodiac Academy books in reading order, presented in publication order for the series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti....
Read All the Zodiac Academy Books in Order
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Read Zodiac Academy Books in Publication Order
- The Awakening (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Ruthless Fae (2019)
Buy on Amazon - The Reckoning (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Shadow Princess (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Cursed Fates (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Fated Throne (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Heartless Sky (2021)
Buy on Amazon - Sorrow and Starlight (2022)
Buy on Amazon - Beyond The Veil (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Restless Stars (2024)
Buy on Amazon
Read Zodiac Academy Companion Books in Publication Order
- Origins of an Academy Bully (2019)
Buy on Amazon - The Big A.S.S. Party (2020)
Buy on Amazon - The Awakening as Told by the Boys (2021)
Buy on Amazon - Live And Let Lionel (2024)
Buy on Amazon
Read Zodiac Academy Books in Chronological Order
- The Awakening
Buy on Amazon - Ruthless Fae
Buy on Amazon - The Reckoning
Buy on Amazon - Origins of an Academy Bully
Buy on Amazon - The Awakening as Told by the Boys
Buy on Amazon - Shadow Princess
Buy on Amazon - Cursed Fates
Buy on Amazon - The Big A.S.S. Party
Buy on Amazon - Fated Throne
Buy on Amazon - Heartless Sky
Buy on Amazon - Sorrow and Starlight
Buy on Amazon - Beyond The Veil
Buy on Amazon - Live And Let Lionel
Buy on Amazon - Restless Stars
Buy on Amazon
Read Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Books in Publication Order
- Dark Fae (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Savage Fae (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Vicious Fae (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Broken Fae (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Warrior Fae (2021)
Buy on Amazon
Read Darkmore Penitentiary Books in Publication Order
- Caged Wolf (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Alpha Wolf (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Feral Wolf (2021)
Buy on Amazon - Wild Wolf (2024)
Buy on Amazon
Read Sins of the Zodiac Books in Publication Order
- Never Keep(2024)
Buy on Amazon - Echo Fort (2025)
Buy on Amazon - Cinder Vale (206)
Buy on Amazon
Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
The Zodiac Academy series is a wildly popular fantasy romance saga that blends magic, astrology, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a dark academic setting. Written by sister duo Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, the series has become a major hit among readers who enjoy high-stakes romance, morally grey characters, and long, emotionally intense story arcs.
At its heart, Zodiac Academy is a slow-burn fantasy series set in a brutal magical school where power determines survival. It mixes classic academy tropes with elemental magic, fae politics, and romance that is often messy, painful, and deeply addictive. The books are known for their cliffhangers, multiple points of view, and the way they steadily raise the emotional and narrative stakes with each installment.
The Core Premise of Zodiac Academy
The story begins when twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega discover that they are not ordinary humans. After growing up in the mortal world with little money and no safety net, they learn that they are actually fae royalty—the rightful heirs to the throne of Solaria, a magical realm ruled by power, bloodlines, and the stars.
To claim their birthright, the twins must attend Zodiac Academy, a dangerous school where students are sorted by elemental magic and astrological signs. Unlike typical magical academies, Zodiac Academy is not a place of protection or fairness. It is ruthless, competitive, and unforgiving. Weakness is exploited, cruelty is common, and survival often depends on alliances rather than rules.
Standing in the twins’ way are the Celestial Heirs, four powerful fae students who currently control the academy and believe the throne belongs to them. What follows is a long-running conflict filled with rivalry, attraction, betrayal, and shifting power dynamics.
A Darker Take on the Magic Academy Trope
One reason Zodiac Academy stands out is its tone. This is not a light or cozy fantasy series. The world is harsh, and the characters often suffer real consequences for their choices. Bullying, emotional trauma, and moral ambiguity are central to the story, especially in the early books.
That said, the darkness is intentional. The authors use it to explore:
- Power and entitlement
- Trauma and resilience
- Revenge versus justice
- Love formed under pressure
- Identity and self-worth
As the series progresses, the narrative expands beyond the academy itself, diving deeper into fae politics, ancient magic, and the cost of ruling.
The Role of Astrology and Elemental Magic
Astrology is not just a theme in Zodiac Academy—it is the backbone of the magic system. Every fae has:
- A zodiac sign that influences personality and power
- One or more elemental affinities (such as fire, water, air, or earth)
- A defined place within the magical hierarchy
Horoscopes, star charts, and celestial alignments directly affect the plot. This gives the series a unique identity compared to other fantasy academies and adds an extra layer of world-building that astrology fans especially enjoy.
Main Characters and Dual Perspectives
Tory Vega
Tory is fierce, stubborn, and emotionally guarded. She struggles with trust and authority, often reacting with anger rather than vulnerability. Her arc is one of the most divisive but also one of the most emotionally complex in the series.
Darcy Vega
Darcy is more empathetic and cautious than her sister, but she is far from weak. She values connection and emotional honesty, and her journey focuses heavily on confidence, self-belief, and leadership.
The Celestial Heirs
The four heirs—each powerful, privileged, and deeply flawed—are central to the story’s romance arcs. What begins as outright hostility slowly evolves into complicated relationships shaped by guilt, desire, loyalty, and regret.
One of the defining features of Zodiac Academy is its multi-point-of-view storytelling. Readers see events from many perspectives, which makes even antagonistic characters feel layered and human over time.
Romance: Slow Burn, High Angst
Zodiac Academy is often described as romantasy, and for good reason. Romance is not a side plot—it is woven directly into the central conflict. However, readers should be aware that:
- Relationships develop slowly
- Miscommunication is common
- Emotional pain is frequent
- Payoff often comes much later
This is a series that rewards patience. The emotional tension builds over thousands of pages, making the eventual breakthroughs feel earned rather than rushed.
Reading Level, Age Range, and Content Warnings
Zodiac Academy is written for adult readers. While it is sometimes compared to young adult fantasy due to the academy setting, the content is firmly New Adult / Adult.
Readers can expect:
- Explicit language
- Sexual content in later books
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Violence and darker themes
It is best suited for readers who are comfortable with morally grey storytelling and long-form emotional arcs.
Can You Read Zodiac Academy Out of Order?
No—Zodiac Academy should be read in order.
Unlike some fantasy series where individual books function as standalone stories, Zodiac Academy follows one continuous narrative. Major events, character arcs, and political shifts carry directly from one book to the next. Skipping books will result in confusion and missed emotional context.
This is especially important because:
- Character relationships evolve gradually
- Power dynamics shift frequently
- Plot twists rely on earlier setup
If you are committing to Zodiac Academy, it is best approached as a full-series journey rather than isolated reads.
Companion Books and Related Series
In addition to the main Zodiac Academy novels, the authors have released companion and spin-off books that expand the universe. These may include:
- Prequels that explore earlier events
- Alternate POV retellings
- Side stories focused on secondary characters
These books are generally optional but highly rewarding for dedicated fans who want deeper insight into the world of Solaria.
Writing Style and Why Readers Get Hooked
Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are known for their high-output, bingeable writing style. The books are long, often ending on dramatic cliffhangers that make it difficult to stop reading.
Key traits of their writing include:
- Clear, accessible language
- Strong emotional beats
- Frequent twists and reveals
- Character-driven conflict
While the prose is straightforward, the emotional investment runs deep, which is why many readers describe Zodiac Academy as “addictive” or “emotionally wrecking—in the best way.”
Why Zodiac Academy Became So Popular
The rise of Zodiac Academy is closely tied to:
- Word-of-mouth on BookTok and Bookstagram
- Strong digital and Kindle readership
- Readers who enjoy long fantasy series with romance
- A hunger for darker, more intense academy stories
The series appeals especially to readers who felt traditional fantasy romances played things too safe. Zodiac Academy takes risks, and while that means it is not for everyone, it is unforgettable for those who connect with it.
Final Thoughts
The Zodiac Academy series is not a casual read—it is a commitment. With its long books, intense emotions, and slow-burning romance, it demands patience and emotional investment. But for readers who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, complicated characters, and romance forged through conflict, it delivers a powerful payoff.
If you love dark fantasy academies, astrology-based magic systems, and stories where characters earn every victory the hard way, Zodiac Academy is a series worth diving into—just be prepared to stay there for a while.