If Voldemort ran Hogwarts, you’d get Zodiac Academy. So if you’re not a ruthless badass with a thirst for power, I suggest you turn back now. Star signs mean jack all, right? Wrong. If you’re one of the Fae, they mean everything. And as Gemini twins born with all four elemental powers, my sister and I are a seriously rare breed even in this supernatural academy of magical jackasses. And that’s … powers, my sister and I are a seriously rare breed even in this supernatural academy of magical jackasses. And that’s not even the half of it…
When a stranger showed up on our rundown doorstep promising a destiny filled with magic (and heaps of money), I let my head get turned.
Could have guessed he’d be a psycho just by taking one look in his dark eyes. But I always was a sucker for the bad guys…
Professor Hot Jerk just told us we’re changelings, swapped at birth by our true parents. And they weren’t just any Fae. They were freaking royal.
If you’re expecting the Princess Diaries to start rolling, you are gonna be so peeved. Because we just became a threat to the four Celestial Heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys I’ve ever seen.
Put it this way, if Voldemort and Umbridge had kids, these guys would eat them alive. Literally. Amongst their ranks are a Dragon Shifter, a Vampire and a Werewolf. The hungry, toothy, horror story kind.
And remember those stars I mentioned? They’re a bunch of asses too. Because they’ve wrapped our fates around the Celestial Heirs’ so tightly that we’re constantly at war.
We told them we were just here for the money. And that was true until they tried to break us body and soul. But Vega girls don’t back down from a fight. So you know what? Maybe we do intend to claim our throne after all.
Today’s horoscope: destined to rule.
***THIS IS NOT REVERSE HAREM***
This is a full-length medium burn supernatural academy novel that is the first in a university-age academy series. Expect forbidden teacher romance and bully romance at this paranormal academy with a heart-pounding story suitable for upper YA/NA readers and onwards.
Readers who love high school bully romance will LOVE this academy series! Plus Harry Potter fans searching for an adult magic school will be enthralled by this Academy.
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My new favorite series!
The cover, concept, and review ratings grabbed my attention, but you never know. I didn’t read a single review–just dove in to see for myself. Popular fiction is hit or miss for me. Zodiac Academy was a total HIT right out of the ballpark into a whole other realm.
I loved the sisterhood and strength of the twins and the alternating POVs between them. They both had their own unique characteristics yet tough in their own ways.
OMG. Orion! Stay away from my book boyfriend, friends, or I will call upon my non-existent elemental powers to scorch, flood, quake, or blow you away.
There is so much packed into this book. The astrological signs, horoscopes, elemental abilities, Orders of creatures – on top of everyone being Fae! It’s entertaining, fun, interesting, maddening (in an entertaining way), sexy, empowering… ALL The Things!
**Bully Romance Check Triggers**
This book was a really great start to an already amazing series. I really enjoyed the explanation of how the Zodiac’s tied into the story and how there are so many Orders (werewolves, vampires, and more) involved in the story. The bullying is pretty intense for someone who has been bullyed in the past, so I suggest checking into that before reading if it’s a trigger. I look forward to learning more about each character as they grow and I already love the Vega Twins!
Ah. I think this borders enemies-to-lovers.
Rubbing my greedy hands
Fantasy.
Forbidden love interest.
Bunch of drama.
Let’s meet the Heirs:
“Max Rigel,” (the dark skinned demi-god). “Caleb Altair,” (the blonde haired beaux next door), “Darius Acrux,” (my sin-filled fantasy). “And Seth Capella,” (the long haired lothario).
Ok, so this was legit VERYinteresting. Different and not what I expected.
I’m pissed, angry, betrayed, baffled. For a book to bring me to this type of way. You know it’s eliciting emotion.
Anyway, I think this was original as far as fantasy goes. I don’t think I’ve read anything close to this. I loved the originality, the characters seemed to leap off the pages. Even though I thought about everything single thing they did, trying to decipher their agendas and/or motives. The zodiac theme is extraordinary. With tons of other supernatural beings included, I wanted to soak it all in. But I couldn’t stop to absorb much because I was quickly turning the pages.
Darcy and Tory really gave you a face-punch glimpse into twins that look the same but are vastly different. I liked the difference between the two perspectives, the view from each offered a different vibe for romantic qualities. Not knowing who or why was calculating and mysterious. Let’s not forget, fycjing hot. I wanted so bad to read reviews and see who the actual love interest was for the sisters. Obviously I don’t read reviews or blurbs most the time. Because I downloaded this on a whim. Surrounding characters definitely shined through, I found myself laughing and just enjoying them.
“This is no joke. You know you can’t date teachers right? Them’s the rules. And I’d appreciate if you didn’t mouth-hump his name in front of me.” “Can you please stop saying mouth hump? It’s not a thing.” “It is a thing.” He said with a shrug. “I just made it a thing.”
This is the first book, I hope that the same writing style and tension remains, because I thought this was silver, almost gold. There was a line crossed and I can’t wait to see what happens.
The banter and dialogue in this book alone is reason enough to pick up this book and the series as a whole. It’s so well written I can’t help but get emotional over these characters. I have never cackled out loud or cringed while reading so much in a long time. These books are absolutely binge-worthy!
I picked this book up after seeing in on Bookstagram. I do love a good academia book. This one was much darker and definitely on the upper end of YA.
The book follows 2 twin sisters, Darcy and Tory, who find out that they are both Fae and in line to take the throne. Neither sister is excited about the fact that they have been ripped from their human world and placed at the Zodiac Academy. Both have to navigate a magic system that neither of them know anything about.
This book was way more intense than I though it would be. There is some serious bullying going on and I don’t even thing bullying is a strong enough word. Both Darcy and Tory have no idea how to hand lethe world they have been dropped in. They are sweet smart and rely on each other. Along the way they pick up a few friends but still cannot get away with the abuse and treachery they are faced with on a daily basis. I loved the world building based on the Zodiac signs and the magic that surrounds the sisters. There are also magical creatures thrown into the mix. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. This book gets 4.5 stars from me!
Trigger warning: This book is dark and there are a lot of instances of severe bullying along with violence and abuse. I would suggest skipping this if those thing bother you at all.
This is the first book I have read from this dynamic duo and I am totally in love with this series. Admittedly, I have gone ahead and already read books 2, 3, 4, 5 and am about 50% into 6 and I am just struggling. I have had to read agonizingly slow due to parenting, university and working but when it all starts kicking my butt, I pick up ZA and just lose myself in the awesomeness.
Can’t wait to make a start on basically every other series Caroline and Susanne have ever written.
Warning: This series will grab you by your Pegasus horn and not let you go… and thank goodness for that!
Twin sisters Tory and Darcy have had horrible luck their whole lives. Their parents were killed in a fire as babies, a fire they somehow survived. Then they are shipped around to a new foster home constantly until being kicked out of the last one just before they turn 18. The sisters luck might be about to change when a stranger hunts them down and tells them that they are two long lost Fae who can get their sizable inheritance if they complete two tasks: come with him to have their Fae powers awakened and attend 4 years at Zodiac Academy. Sounds pretty simple. At least until the girls get to the school and discover how difficult that task might be.
This series is one of my all time favorites! It is a bully paranormal academy romance, and the bullying is heavy with the first book. If you stick it out you will have a multitude of buttery bagels to eat and you will be horny for the horn. Also be sure to watch out for that slippery sea bass, he just might surprise you. Bridget Bordeaux does an amazing job with the audiobook for this book. I am so excited that this series is starting to come out in audiobooks!
This is definitely a book series to read!
3.5
“Zodiac Academy: The Awakening” is book one in the Supernatural Bullies & Beasts series co-authored by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. Told in dual povs by Darcy and Tory.
Darcy and Tory grew up in the mortal realm having no idea about magic. When Professor Orion comes to retrieve them and tell them that they are Fae changelings that belong in the Fae realm. The Twins don’t believe him and think his is mad. But when they arrive at Zodiac Academy and go through the Awakening and receive their elemental powers they finally feel at home. But there is no home welcoming, instead they are threatened and bullied to leave and go back to the mortal realm. As the Twins are a threat to the Solaria way of life, and to the Celestial Court and Heirs ruling.
Wow, I had absolutely no idea what to expect when going in to this book, but I will tell you this that I am so excited and highly addicted to this series and can’t wait to see how things pan out.
Darcy and Tory are just want Solaria needs, they are fresh minded without the years of growing up there. Plus they haven’t been corrupted by the need for power. The Heirs are real mysteries, but I do believe there is more to their facade than just the arrogance, dominance and a**hole-ness we see from them.
This story will have you on the edge of your seat flipping each page with anticipation. It’s fast paced, action packed with witty banter, s*xual chemistry, heart racing, and OMFG moments.
I enjoyed reading this and I can’t wait to see what happens next especially after that ending.
This series started greatly, the world building is phenomenal, the characters are intriguing and simply ones you will have to fall in love with. I love astrology, I love paranormal creatures, I love college drama, I love it all, and this is starting to be a must-read series. I couldn’t put it down, the audiobook was amazing complement, narrated by Bridget Bordeaux, I need the next ones to come out soon, but since I can’t wait I will have to keep on reading.
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved every moment. How had I not read this wonderful duo before? A MUST read!
I am definitely late to the ZA party, but better late than never, right? I now know why this series is so highly recommended. The world building and structure of the academy is so detailed and fantastic. There are so many different little details that I feel like I need a cheat sheet sometimes
Wow! This is such a unique series so far. Solaria being a mirror world of earth, and having 2 fmc’s and trying to remember which is which lol! Yes, I realized if I touch my iPad screen it shows me which fmc is front and center. I wasn’t sure at first how I’d feel about it, but the story is just so good! It’s obviously going to be a slow burn…which works. You have created this beautiful Fae world, and the characters are all different, and unique! I love when there are multiple types of supernatural/Fae beings in a book! Very creative! I would love to throat punch some heirs though…that’s for sure! The douchebags! Boy do they have some redeeming to do…hopefully in book 2. I see some promising alphahole’s there.
I have finished the 5 books of Zodiac Academy and they get better and better as you read them. I think that the authors have put a really nice twist on the bully romance with this fantasy twist. The female leads are both strong leads and I never get turn off by them like other books that often tote a strong female lead and they aren’t. The boys are hot of course and all bring something to the table. All in all, I can’t wait for the 6th book and will be checking out other books by these authors.
I opened this books on July 18th, but started reading on 28th and OMFG! I love this book! It’s a mixture of a few books or tv shows I watched and I love it!
The beginning was slow and did not entertain me at all, but after a few chapters I fell in love! It’s so good and it keeps you on wanting and having mode.
The main characters are amazing! I love Tory and Darcy! I love their personalities, although they are twins and I thought I would choose only one to like, I ended up loving both!
The story will just keep you on edge…either bad or a good one. The academy itself is really weird with their customs and traditions, but you’ll understand and mostly accept it as you move on.
Love the start to this series definitely didn’t disappoint
So in the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this or not but once I settled down to read it I found that I just could not put it down! I was totally drawn into this world that these two authors have built and it’s fae academy and found that human or supernatural you still have the bullies, the mean girls, the nice quiet group and teachers that abuse their position and powers! I love Darcy and Tori, hate the heirs and that ending OMG, I really must read the next book ASAP!
You may think that this is just another Academy book but its not – This one feels a little different from a lot of them probably as there a 2 main female leads which adds an interesting perspective to the book.
I came across these Authors by a complete random fluke as I was looking at potential new reads from different Facebook groups and loved the idea and concept of this book. Storey story is well told and difficult to put down after the first few chapters. I love most Academy Books but not always the bullying ones as they can be a bit much and really which self-respecting heroine falls in love with someone who has been evil to her. To be fair the bullying in this one actually works and isnt OTT.
I don’t think this is a RH which is good as makes it stand above a lot of the other Academy books out there. For something a little different this book is well worth a read and within a few chapters you will be hooked as the storey is really good, well defined characters and brilliant moments through out the book that drag you in deeper leaving you definitely wanting book 2, there is also a prequal that I have just found which I am off to read ..
Intense & Full Of Intrigue!! A 4.5 Star Read
**Contains Storyline info & my own suspicions about plot lines!!**
Tory & Darcy are identical twins that were orphaned as babies & have been raised in the foster system ever since. It was an unstable & insecure upbringing, they only had each other to rely on for true comfort & love!! At 18 they were kicked out with only the clothes on their backs, not allowed to collect their belongings or the money they’d been secretly earning hiding away Darcy, the peacekeeper & quieter twin, decided to break in their old home to reclaim the money stash but is nearly caught. That night Tory, the danger magnet & speed freak, is followed home by a guy, she thought she’d given him the slip. He demands entry to their flat & for some reason she can’t refuse him He tells them he’s called called Professional Orion & shares some weird tale with them, blows some dust at them then BAM
The twins are at the Zodiac Academy in the Fae Realm at what’s called the Awakening Ceremony!! The powers that can granted are earth, air, fire & water. Most get one, quite a few get 2 powers, the exceptional get 3! The girls get all FOUR & though a few people seem excited most seem furious, weirdly? They’re then told they’re the lost Heirs – Princesses , to Solaria (the Fae Realm) & to claim their inheritance & the Throne they need to make it through the Reckoning, if not they’ll be sent back to earth to their previous existence!
Their trouble starts with the current four Heirs. Their families took over when the Throne fell, meaning their parents were murdered, & the sons are expected to run Solaria together once they graduate the Academy!! Seth, Caleb, Max & Darius all hold 3 powers each, they’re the most powerful beings in their world – Ever, well until the twins arrived!! Except they’re trained & have been raised knowing all about this world & how it works, Tory & Darcy are clueless!!
The whole premise of the Fae, and therefore the Academy, is the most powerful rise to top & anything goes to make sure you stay the most powerful. So the girls are immediately targeted by the Heirs & their followers. They’re both claimed by Vampires as their donors, they have no choice until they’re strong enough to fight them off!! The Heirs, it’s needs to be stated, are all hot & sexy as hell, as is Professor Orion Unfortunately they all have Alpha @sshole genes seeping out of their pores too They deploy some deplorable tactics on the twins throughout! Thankfully their previous lives made them tough so they don’t back down to the threats & inner terror
There is much more going on behind the scenes. Deaths are occurring, they are in real mortal danger from somewhere! I have my own suspicions who it is & it’s someone close to them, in a hat!! I actually think the plot they’ve uncovered that Orion & Darius are involved in is against the parents not the twins – I don’t know why, it’s just a niggling suspicion!
I’ve enjoyed this book. The quest for their magical origin etc is good. I can’t wait to find out what they are – did Darcy replenish when she visited the A.S.S founder in the infirmary?? I hope they get a grip on powers asap The world is fascinating, the characters are fully formed – love them or loathe them. Lol The slow/medium burn romances were smashed to smithereens after the Heirs final attack! It was brutal & disgusting – God I LOATHE bullying!!
Bring on Book #2
Debbie, 1970, UK
I’ve never really been into bully romances as a trope, but as I’ve come to expect from Caroline and Susanne, they worked their magic to pull readers in masterfully and keep you hooked and desperate for more. The Four Heirs were COMPLETE ASSHOLES, yet I (along with Darcy and Tory) continually found myself looking for something good in them and making excuses for their absolute horrid behavior. They almost had me fooled until the last scene in the book–those poor girls! And while the twins are having to learn how to wield magic and protect themselves from the Heirs and their cronies–with no help from the insane faculty–they are also having to determine who is trying to take them out for good.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy/paranormal slow-burn romance and readers who don’t mind their “heroes” being total assholes. Orion and Darcy’s slow-burn, semi-romance was absolutely my favorite part of the book (what can I say, I love me a broody and moody vamp); I just LIVED for their heated interactions. And he definitely has America’s Ass! I cannot wait to continue on in this series as I’m dying to know who The Shadow is and who the good/bad guys really are!
[Side note: This is NOT a reverse harem]
This was an amazing start to a new series! Orphans Darcy and Tory Vega have been in and out of foster homes their whole life, but upon turning eighteen they were kicked out of their last one without being able to pack. Weeks later and running out of money, both girls are trying to get money just to scrape by. A mysterious man encounters both of them and he finally gets them alone. As it turns out, they were switched at birth from a world of fae and are the lost heirs to Solaria. Even though they don’t want the throne and only want their inheritance to survive, the celestial heirs have made it their mission to put them in their submissive place and to do anything they can to see them fail. The celestial heirs, Caleb, Darius, Max, and Seth are ruthless, vindictive, and totally hot along with Orion, one of their professors, who likes to ridicule and make the twins powerless as well. I honestly swear that Voldemort and Umbridge run this academy. The faculty of Zodiac Academy turn the other way or join in on the bullying towards the Vega twins because everything is about power and if you can’t defend yourself, you’re not worthy to keep it. All of the characters were amazing and the world building of Zodiac Academy was fantastically and vividly written. I liked how different Darcy and Tory’s personalities were, but they still were always there for one another and each grew throughout the book. This book was filled with so many trials, twists and turns, hatred, and determination and I loved it all the way through!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review