Welcome to Solaria... Against Your Will
Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valentii (Books 1-6)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: I may share details of the book. I try to only give minor details and stay away from spoiling books in general for those who like to read a review before they read the book.
Imagine this: you’re kidnapped and suddenly told you’re not human—you’re fae. And not only that, but you’re also royalty. A princess (or a prince for male readers). But before you can claim your throne—or, more importantly, your inheritance—you’re forced to attend a fae academy for four years (Zodiac Academy). You must graduate, survive constant torment, and prove you’re the strongest fae alive... even though you never asked for any of it.
This is the twisted reality for Tory and Darcy Vega, Gemini twins thrown into a vicious world they know nothing about. Everyone wants their power. Everyone wants them dead. And the stakes only get higher from here.
This series has me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD. I’m talking reading while cooking, reading when I should be sleeping, reading when I should be doing literally anything else.
Caroline and Susanne have not missed. They pull you into emotional chaos almost immediately. Throughout the series, I found myself hurting for the characters, getting angry with them, laughing out loud, and smiling down at my Kindle like a fool. Only two other series have had me this emotionally invested: The Empyrean Series (reviews coming soon!) and Not Talking by Andrew Clements—yes, the one I devoured in 5th grade where I genuinely had to remind myself that I wasn’t part of the class experiment.
One of the biggest fears with long series is that the plot will eventually sag, get repetitive, or lose direction. Not Zodiac Academy (ZA)! If someone told me these authors mapped the entire saga from day one, I would believe them without hesitation. The pacing is consistent, the world building gets richer with every book, and the character developments? Chefs kiss! I usually root for tragic endings because happy endings can be predictable and boring, but this is one of the rare stories where I’m praying for everyone to get their peace. These characters have suffered enough, and I’m only halfway through the full series!
As of finishing book 6, I’ve got questions swirling in my head:
- What exactly is the curse?
- When will Darcy and Orion get their Divine Moment? (Because we all know it’s coming.)
- When are Seth and Caleb going to man up?
- Are Max and Geraldine mates or am I imagining things?
- What does this mean for Tory and Darius?
- And most importantly, if this major conflict can possibly be wrapping up, how are they stretching this for 3 more books?
The pacing has been amazing so far, but I’m genuinely curious, and slightly nervous about how they’ll maintain that momentum.
Final thoughts: ZA is a wild, emotional, addictive ride, and I highly recommend starting the new year with Tory and Darcy’s chaotic journey if you haven’t already.
If you have read books 1-6, tell me your thoughts! What shook you? What theories do you have? Who are you rooting for?
It's truly incredible how deeply you can connect with characters in a series like Zodiac Academy. After devouring the first six books, from 'The Awakening' to 'Fated Throne,' I found myself constantly thinking about Tory and Darcy, and even the complex relationships with Max, Geraldine, Darius, and Orion. The emotional highs and lows they experience, particularly after events in 'Ruthless Fae' or 'The Reckoning,' just stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It's no wonder so many readers are inspired to create fanart of characters like Darcy or even Geraldine; these authors have created such strong, memorable personalities that live rent-free in your head. The vivid descriptions of their struggles and triumphs make you feel like you’re right there in Solaria with them, battling alongside the Gemini twins. Personally, I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on their growth and how each challenge, from the initial shock of being thrust into Zodiac Academy to the escalating conflicts, shapes who they become. It truly feels like a journey you're taking with them. The world of Solaria, with its intricate Fae hierarchy and academy challenges, is so richly detailed. Every book, including 'Shadow Princess' and 'Cursed Fates,' adds another layer, making you feel completely immersed in their struggle to survive and claim their birthright. You can almost feel the magic, the tension, and the danger lurking around every corner. This isn't just a school story; it's a battle for survival and identity, constantly raising the stakes. The authors masterfully weave in elements of ancient Fae lore and prophecy that make the world feel incredibly real, earning the series a well-deserved five-star rating for its immersive world-building alone. What truly sets Zodiac Academy apart for me is the moral ambiguity. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains, just characters making difficult choices in a brutal world. You find yourself rooting for unexpected alliances and questioning loyalties, especially as the series progresses and you uncover more layers to characters like Darius and Lionel. The emotional rollercoaster is real, and it's what makes discussing the series with other fans so rewarding. The constant twists and turns, the unresolved questions, keep you utterly glued to the pages. I've personally spent hours scrolling through fan theories online, just trying to piece together what might come next, especially after the shocking revelations. This series isn't just a read; it's an entire experience that sparks endless conversations and creative outlets, from deep dives into character motivations to appreciating the vibrant fanart that brings these beloved characters to life. It's a world that encourages you to dive deep, to feel everything alongside the characters, and to contribute to its ever-growing community of passionate readers.