Zodiac Academy Books: The Complete Guide for Fans

If you’ve spent any time on BookTok or Goodreads lately, chances are you’ve heard whispers—or full-blown screams—about the Zodiac Academy books. This fantasy romance series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti has developed a fiercely loyal fandom and a reputation for gut-wrenching plot twists, unforgettable characters, and a magical world that sucks readers in and refuses to let go.

Whether you’re completely new to Solaria or knee-deep in the Vega twins’ royal chaos, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From reading order and character breakdowns to themes, reviews, and spoiler-free insights, consider this your ultimate resource for exploring the Zodiac Academy universe.

“Zodiac Academy isn’t just a book series—it’s a magical experience that grabs your soul and doesn’t let go.”

Let’s begin our journey through Solaria with the series’ core concept and structure.

What Is the Zodiac Academy Series About?

At its heart, the Zodiac Academy books are about power, identity, and survival. The story begins when orphaned twins Tory and Darcy Vega discover they are Fae royalty—heirs to the throne of Solaria. But instead of receiving a warm welcome, they’re thrown into Zodiac Academy, an elite magical school filled with deadly politics, social hierarchies, and elemental magic.

The four ruling Celestial Houses (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) want the Vega twins out. And they’ll do anything to stop them from claiming their rightful place.

Core Premise:

• Twin protagonists (Tory and Darcy Vega)
• Elemental magic system
• Bully romance & enemies-to-lovers tropes
• Twisted magical academy hierarchy
• Dark academia meets fantasy romance

“This isn’t the kind of fairytale where the princess marries the prince. It’s the kind where she burns the castle down.”

Zodiac Academy Books in Order (With Release Dates)

To fully enjoy the Zodiac Academy universe, you must read the books in order. The story arcs are highly serialized, and each book builds upon the emotional devastation—and cliffhangers—of the last.

Here’s the complete chronological order of the main series:

Notable Spin-Offs and Related Books:

• Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac – A prequel series set in the same world
• Darkmore Penitentiary – A darker, prison-set side story
• Additional novellas & bonus content from the authors’ website

“Once you start the Zodiac Academy books, you won’t stop until your heart has been shattered—and you’ll thank them for it.”

Meet the Authors Behind Zodiac Academy

Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are the sister-duo masterminds behind the Zodiac Academy books. With a shared love of fantasy, mythology, and morally gray characters, they’ve built a fiercely loyal fanbase and one of the most binge-worthy fantasy universes of the decade.

Who Are Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti?

• British sisters and best-selling indie authors
• Known for: Dark romance, fantasy world-building, and savage cliffhangers
• First breakout success: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac
• Zodiac Academy became viral via TikTok and Goodreads

Other Popular Series by the Duo:

• Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac
• The Dead Men Walking Duet
• Darkmore Penitentiary
• The Harlequin Crew

Buy their books on Amazon or check ratings on Goodreads

Zodiac Academy Characters You Need to Know

The Zodiac Academy books are rich with layered characters, complex rivalries, and slow-burning emotional arcs. Below are the key players you’ll meet—and obsess over.

The Vega Twins

• Tory Vega: Brash, rebellious, a firecracker with serious fight in her.
• Darcy Vega: Empathetic, thoughtful, and more strategic in her rise to power.
• Together: A powerful force that threatens the academy’s status quo.

The Celestial Heirs

• Caleb Altair (House of Earth): Fae vampire hybrid with a thirst for dominance.
• Max Rigel (House of Water): Siren with serious arrogance—and trauma.
• Darius Acrux (House of Fire): Ruthless dragon shifter with a tragic backstory.
• Seth Capella (House of Air): Wolf shifter prankster hiding pain behind humor.

[Insert Table: Character Comparison Chart – Vega Twins vs Celestial Heirs]

Faculty and Side Characters

• Professor Orion – Mysterious and powerful, with a complicated connection to the twins
• Lionel Acrux – Darius’s father and political villain
• Catalina – Complex mentor with shifting loyalties

Each character evolves deeply across the series—expect betrayal, redemption, and emotional turmoil.

Zodiac Academy Book Reviews and Ratings

One of the reasons the Zodiac Academy books continue to gain momentum is their explosive reception from readers. The emotional investment, deep character development, and high-stakes plotlines generate passionate responses—both praise and critique.

Average Reader Ratings by Book

Here’s a snapshot of how readers rate each installment of the series across major platforms:

Common Praise

• Addictive storytelling with consistent suspense
• Deep character arcs and emotional range
• Rich magical system and lore
• Unexpected plot twists that leave lasting impact
• Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and dark romance

“Every book makes you feel something—rage, grief, love, obsession. That’s powerful storytelling.”

Common Criticism

• Some readers find the bullying tropes too harsh
• Cliffhangers can be emotionally exhausting
• Lengthy books (700+ pages) with slower middle pacing
• Mature content not suitable for younger readers

Pros and Cons of Reading Zodiac Academy

To help you decide if the Zodiac Academy books are a good fit for your bookshelf, here’s a spoiler-free pros and cons breakdown:

Pros

• ✔️ Rich and evolving character dynamics
• ✔️ Original elemental magic system
• ✔️ Plot full of suspense, betrayal, and loyalty
• ✔️ High emotional payoff for invested readers
• ✔️ Well-integrated romantic subplots

Cons

• ❌ Heavy on the bully romance trope (especially early on)
• ❌ Long reads that demand commitment
• ❌ Some dark themes may be triggering
• ❌ Cliffhangers require access to the next book ASAP

“It’s not always an easy read, but it’s always unforgettable.”

Best Reading Tips for Newcomers

The Zodiac Academy books can feel overwhelming due to their intensity and page count. If you’re just starting, these tips will help guide your journey:

Where to Start if You’re New

• Begin with The Awakening — it introduces the core characters, magic system, and school structure.
• Read the main series in order without skipping. Each book ends on a cliffhanger.
• Optional: You can explore Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac afterward for background lore.

Ideal Age Group for Zodiac Academy

These books are classified as New Adult, which means they target:

• Readers aged 17+
• People who enjoy mature content, dark themes, and complex relationships
• Fans of fantasy romance with spice

Is It Suitable for Young Adults?

Not really. While the school setting might suggest YA, the tone, language, and content are far more mature.

“Think of it as ‘college-age Hogwarts with heat and heartbreak.’”

Zodiac Academy Theories, Spoilers & Fan Reactions

One of the most exciting parts of joining the Zodiac Academy fandom is diving into wild fan theories and emotional reactions. This is a series that invites obsession.

Wildest Fan Theories (Spoiler-Free)

• The Vega twins’ magic is more ancient than we know
• A major heir will betray their House
• A secret fifth element could exist
• Past characters from prequels may reappear as villains or allies

“Every minor scene is a clue. Every silence is a setup.”

Shocking Plot Twists (Spoiler Alert)

• Character deaths that come out of nowhere
• Unexpected romances that shake the entire hierarchy
• Betrayals that feel like heartbreak

Reader Reactions from BookTok & Reddit

Fans describe the series as:

• “Painfully addictive”
• “Emotionally wrecking”
• “Fantasy crack”
• “Twilight, but brutal”
• “What ACOTAR wanted to be, but darker”

Related Book Recommendations

If you’ve devoured the Zodiac Academy books and want more, here are other series you’ll likely enjoy:

If You Like Zodiac Academy, Read These Next:

• Crave series by Tracy Wolff
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
• Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Other Dark Academia or Fantasy Romance Books

• Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy

You can also explore our Ultimate Fantasy Romance Reading List for even more spellbinding stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Zodiac Academy books finished?

No, the Zodiac Academy books series is still ongoing. As of now, there are eight main books released, and more are expected to conclude the twins’ story arc and fully wrap up the battle for Solaria’s throne. The authors have hinted at future releases to tie up all loose ends.

How many books will be in the series?

The main series is expected to consist of nine books, although this could expand depending on side plots and spin-offs. In addition, related works like Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac and Darkmore Penitentiary exist in the same universe, providing even more content for fans.

Is there a movie adaptation in the works?

There is no confirmed movie or TV adaptation for the Zodiac Academy books as of now. However, fans have been actively campaigning for a series adaptation, and the buzz on platforms like TikTok and Reddit has caught the attention of producers. It remains a strong candidate for future adaptation.

What reading age is Zodiac Academy for?

The books are best suited for New Adult (17+) readers. While the school setting may resemble a YA fantasy, the themes are mature, including violence, bullying, and sexual content. It is not recommended for younger teens.

Do you need to read the prequels first?

No. You should begin with The Awakening (Book 1 of Zodiac Academy). Prequels like Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac can be read later for additional backstory, but they’re not necessary to follow the main plot.

Final Thoughts and Community Call-to-Action

The Zodiac Academy books offer an intense, immersive escape for readers who love dark fantasy, messy relationships, high-stakes power struggles, and jaw-dropping twists. With an ever-expanding world and deeply flawed but compelling characters, the series isn’t just another magical academy story—it’s a saga of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

“You don’t just read Zodiac Academy—you feel it. And once you do, you’re never the same.”

Whether you’re here for the drama, the magic, or the chaos, the Vega twins and their enemies-turned-allies have something for everyone who loves fantasy romance with bite.

Leave a Comment: Which Book Is Your Favorite?

We’d love to hear from fellow Solaria fans! Share your thoughts, theories, and heartbreaks in the comments. What was your favorite twist? Who’s your ultimate OTP?

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Zodiac Academy books are more than just a viral sensation—they’re a world readers live in long after the final page. If you’re ready for heartache, heat, and high-stakes magic, there’s no better time to dive in.

“Pain. Magic. Power. Love. That’s Zodiac Academy.”