Zodiac Academy - The Reckoning

This was a 4.5 star read for me. Definitely loved it more than the first two books.

Felt like the story is really progressing as the twins are coming into their own. Loved the magic trials and the girls evolution as fae. Relationships are expanding and I was relieved for Darius to come to his senses. Caleb is definitely cute as he struggles between being hard on Tory but he can’t resist her at the same time. Seth whimpering every other scene is adorable and you want to hold sympathy but also not at the same time. Didn’t feel like Max got as much air time but that’s okay! Geraldine is funny as always. Surprised at how Diego is turning out, so will be interested to see how the friendship with the twins continues.

I wasn’t expecting as much spice as there was in this book. I was prepared but not complaining either. Glad that Darcy and Lance are exploring what they have even if it’s against the rules. Tory is just one bad ass who just goes for what she wants, even if she knows it’s only temporary. I enjoy reading her outgoing nature and the hate (which will turn into love) with Darius.

With that cliffhanger, I’m wondering what’s in store for the next book in the series.

Zodiac Academy - Ruthless Fae

This one is another 3.5 stars from me. It was slightly better than the first book.

The twins getting they’re revenge with their pranks was entertaining. Caleb showing a softer side was nice to read - like there is some decency underneath that exterior. The pool scene with Lance and Darcy was sad. I never tire of Tory’s sarcasm and quick witted comments. Darius’ circumstances with his betrothed cousin and abusive father are unfortunate. It’s clear he only bullies to keep his father happy but that one chapter with his POV clearly shows his affection for Tory. That scene with Tory and Caleb, I was thinking “yes girl go get some!”. I’m waiting for Tory to kiss Seth, so then she’s had a taste of all of them. The pack scenes with Seth opened us up to his sexuality and that was refreshing to read.

This book has so much happening in such a short amount of time. It’s still only just over a month in the timeline which I think is insane. Tory and Darcy continue to show how strong they are. They really know how to hold their own and it’s awesome to read them fighting back in their own way.

I rated this book slightly down because it was riddled with spelling errors, grammatical errors (which I’m not even an expert on, but if I noticed, then it’s bad) and I still find it annoying that they don’t study the hell out of Solaria’s history because if I were them, I’d spend every waking moment trying to figure what I’m up against. Also those end scenes with the nymphs just dragged on for me, but it gave us a little insight to how much Tory actually cares for Darius.

Zodiac Academy - The Awakening

3.5 stars

I wanted to read this book because of the hype on TikTok. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for me.

The story follows Darcy and Tory who are two broke 18 year old girls just trying to survive. A mysterious man follows Tory home after she had stolen a motorbike and sold to her regular dealer. This mysterious man named Orion advises that they are heirs to a throne in a fae magical kingdom called Solaria and they were once thought dead until their magical presence was highlighted with them being in the mortal realm. If they follow him, they will have food, shelter and enough money to not worry about… as long as they past whatever tests are being held at the Zodiac Academy. They will need to prove their worth and also face the challenges that come with being an heir to a throne they know nothing about.

Definitely loved the fae world that the twins Darcy and Tory have been thrust into, though not much specifics were given about their personal history and why they were sent to the mortal realm. I would have liked someone to go over the world in which they’ve entered, the history of where they came from and more about their parents. If I was them, I would have wondered about this myself and gone to the library or just asked someone to spend time with me to explain how it all works… like really thoroughly. The fallen star towards the end offered a specific piece of the history.

The celestial heirs… we’re supposed to hate them right? Even though they’re hot? They are cruel and bullies. In fact, pretty much the whole school are bullies besides Diego, Sofia and the A.S.S group. The story really displayed the strength these girls continue to show and they take everything in their strides. That ending with the pool and hair was just so traumatic and it’ll be interesting to see how they soldier on in the other books.

I did get confused by the timeline until about 260 pages in, I think it mentioned a week had passed, so I was like wow so much is happening! Totally understand that they are in this academy learning about their powers and trying to get a hold on that, but there is much repeated dialogue of them not knowing how anything works. On repeated dialogue, I don’t know how many times the heirs kept repeating that their throne was threatened and in response the twins saying they didn’t want it.

Definitely enjoyed the magical system, the different orders (in which people could shift), the description of the world they now live in, the MCs are balanced in personality, the side characters are great, I was engaged the whole time and it did leave me wanting more. I am going to continue on reading through the series because I’m intrigued!

Do check your trigger warnings!