Tag Archives: Zodiac Academy

About The Book

Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Publisher: Independently Published

Published Date: August 2nd, 2020

Page Count: 98 Pages

Main Genre: Romantasy

GoodReads Rating: 3.85

Format: E-book

“Oh, silly boy,” Geraldine said as she looked down at me with wild eyes. “You didn’t think you’d be in charge here, did you?”
Caroline Peckham, The Big A.S.S. Party

Synopsis

Once upon a moon, the wild wind whispered in my ear that the true queens were returning to Solaria and I made it my mission to open up their path to the throne so that they could slip right in like an oily oyster.

Now, on this most special and wonderous of days, the very day of their birth – I will prove myself to be the most loyal and dependable of their followers. Though of course, Venus is in my chart and Lady Petunia has caught sight of the bothersome barracuda once more.

Max Rigel is my most sinful of temptations, the shark in the dark who wishes to lure me to his sea cave and I don’t know if I’m Fae enough to resist him for long.

But one thing is for sure, I will make certain the Vegas get the big A.S.S. party they deserve for their birthday or I’ll die trying. Succulent squids be damned!

This is a 25k novella set in the world of Solaria during Book 5 of the Zodiac Academy series, Cursed Fates, featuring Geraldine and Max as they attend the party of the century and try to resist the lure of the moon as it pushes them together once more. It’s full of slippery salmons and more buttery bagels than you can shake a stick at and is best read after Cursed Fates.

Synopsis From GoodReads

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Review

This book expands more into Max and Geraldine’s relationship. We get to see what happened the night of the Eclipse which was fun but pretty much everything after that night was kind of pointless. This Novella really didn’t add or take anything away from the series so if you didn’t feel like reading it that would have been ok!

Geraldine has a good heart but the way she talks is really annoying. It takes me completely out of the story and now you expect me to read those crazy words in the middle of a spicy scene and think “Oh wow, that’s hot!”.. Yeah no thank you!

Geraldine reminds me a bit of a Mormon Girl gone crazy. I grew up in the LDS (Mormon Church) and we would say all sorts of weird things instead of swearing or talking about something deemed “inappropriate”. I just see her and think of a good church girl who has a wild side and honestly I don’t really love that image. I am trying to leave all that behind haha.

I really like Max and I am glad that we could get some more of his POV as we don’t get to read from him often. He is the Heir that is the most in tune to his emotions and is willing to just vibe. I really hope we get to see more of his character in the next few books.

I will root for these two to be together but honestly, lets keep their romance closed door! Thank you!

“Fate is a funny friend and a heartless enemy.”
Caroline Peckham, The Big A.S.S. Party

QOTD: Does the way characters “talk” bother you at points in time?

Book Review: “Zodiac Academy: Cursed Fates” By Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

The ending of book four made me upset and left me hanging so I had to pick this one up immediately so I could get some answers! Honestly, this book left me even more upset than the fourth one which I thought would have been impossible! I am honestly taking a break from this series due to the trajectory it has started to take which makes me kind of sad.

“That’s what love is, Tor,” Darcy said in exasperation. “It’s taking a leap of faith. It’s opening yourself up and letting your walls down and allowing someone to see every dark and broken corner of your soul. It’s truth and honesty with yourself and them. It’s raw and brutal and terrifying and real. You can’t just claim to want it, but refuse to allow yourself to be vulnerable to it. That’s not how it works. If you love someone, truly love them, you’ll bear you soul to them and let them be the keeper of your heart no matter how fragile or damaged it might be. And if they love you then they’ll do everything in their power to keep it safe, to nurture and protect it and heal over all the old wounds.”
Caroline Peckham, Cursed Fates

Other Zodiac Academy Reviews

Spoilers are ahead if you have not read the books I have reviewed up till this point! Proceed with caution.

About The Book

Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Publisher: Kings Hollow

Published Date: December 21st, 2020

Page Count: 886 Pages

Main Genre: Romanatsy

GoodReads Rating: 4.32

Format: E-Book

“Because in my heart I know I deserved the answer you gave me,” I replied honestly. “I wasn’t worthy of your love then and I’m still not worthy of it now. But if you gave me forever then I’d spend every second of it trying to be.”
Caroline Peckham, Cursed Fates

Synopsis

After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, we have to deal with this darker world we’re faced with.
Lionel seeks to hurt us, the Nymphs seek to hurt the entire Fae race, and between all of it, we just have to try and survive each day as it comes.
I’m afraid of everything falling apart, but it looks like it already has.

Synopsis From GoodReads

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“Darius would have spent the rest of his life making up for all he’d done to her, he would have watched over her more fiercely than the moon did the Earth. He’d have given her the world.”
Caroline Peckham, Cursed Fates

Review

This book was so slow compared to some of the other books in this series. I wanted to like it so bad but I found myself more so waiting for the book to end. It took me two weeks to read where the other books in the series before this I was bale to finish in just a few days. I don’t think it is a good sign to be pushing on till the end of the book. I should be sitting on the edge of my seat biting my nails with anticipation and I just didn’t get that feeling.

The fourth book made me so upset by the end so I was really hoping this book would close some of those wounds and start looking up for these girls but I was completely wrong!

Orion got arrested?! I mean I should have seen it coming but I think I was just in denial. Darcy and Orion are my favorite romance as I like both of their characters and their POV’s but that all went up in flames when the FIB showed up to take him and then him lying in court made me so upset! Our one stable relationship just got destroyed and my interest in the books went right off with it. I know we have to have some new plot points to keep the books moving or else we would run out of books but honestly this series probably could have been shorter but all be it less dramatic.

Tory and Darius are both starting to grow on me more, I hate Tory a tad bit less this book as she was finally starting to find her footing but still… This slow burn is trying to take me out! I love how in love Darius seems, he literally makes me swoon and I am thankful that Tory is starting to notice these details! Them running together every day was becoming one of my favorite parts and the gifts they were giving one another were chefs kiss!

Gabriel is the twins lost brother?! That was a plot twist I didn’t expect at all but I am here for it! Gabriel is quickly climbing to the top of my list of favorite characters and I only wish him the best bit I am terrified something bad might happen to him just cause everyone seems to like him so much.

The ending of this book pissed me off even more than the last book which I didn’t think would be possible. Lionel is already too powerful so the fact that he now bonded Tory to him is crazy! That should be illegal honestly and should be taken to court.. Also he just attacked all the Heirs so the other counselors better be prepared to do some ass Kicking next book. I don’t understand how Lionel can keep getting away with so much, it is beyond exhausting at this point.

Next book they better free both Tory and Orion from their misery or at least give me something substantial to root for as it feels like everything I liked about these books has now been tossed aside. I am just struggling to find my love for the books like I had at the start of the series.

Knowing me I will probably pick up book 6 here soon just cause I can’t stop myself from being curious about how it all ends, I just don’t want to be disappointed anymore.

“Don’t talk shit about my Mate.”
Caroline Peckham, Cursed Fates

QOTD: What’s a series that disappointed you?

“You can’t just claim to want it, but refuse to allow yourself to be vulnerable to it.”
Caroline Peckham, Cursed Fates

Book Review: “Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess” By Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I picked this book up right before Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros came out and made it 50% of the way through before putting it down to read Onyx Storm. I am so happy I had already started this before hand cause I was feeling a huge slump coming on and this helped me dig my way out of it. If it wasn’t already started I probably wouldn’t have picked up another book for weeks due to how empty I had felt, not that this book left me feeling any happier though haha.

“The next time you want to drown in them, tell me about it.” “Why?” “Because if you’re going to drown then I’m going to drown with you.”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

Other Zodiac Academy Reviews

Spoilers are ahead if you have not read the books I have reviewed up till this point! Proceed with caution.

About The Book

Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Publisher: Kings Hollow

Published Date: January 13th, 2020

Page Count: 724

Main Genre: Romantasy

GoodReads Rating: 4.27

Format: E-Book

“YOU ALL PASSED THE RECKONING. THE STARS MUST BE FUCKING WITH ME.”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

Synopsis

After the events of the Lunar Eclipse, Tory and Darcy must learn to deal with the darkness which shadows their lives.

With a secret binding them to Darius and Orion, they must find a way to all work together for the greater good. But some things are easier said than done…

Synopsis from Goodreads

“She is so…everything. Does she know how everything she is?”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

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“I don’t want you on your knees. I want you fighting me and hating me and fucking me like you mean it. You’re Roxanya Vega and you weren’t built to bow to anyone,” he growled passionately. “You want me to hate you?” I asked in surprise. “I want you to feel for me. And I’ll take hate if that’s all you’re offering.”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

Review

This book honestly had so much going on! To name a few; Seth holding Orion and Darcy’s secret over their heads, Orion and Tory bonding over a dare, Tory and Darius Having the hottest sex of their lives… Twice… (The Throne Scene..), Xavier getting to be care free in his Pegasus form, the snowball fight and Caleb and Darius both putting their hands on Tory’s Thighs during Christmas dinner.

I had so much fun reading all of these adventures but that ending had me on the edge of my seat. Fate is honestly so cruel.

Because Seth found out about Darcy and Orion’s relationship we saw less of these two in this book which made me quite sad. I think their relationship is one of my favorites so when Orion told Darcy he though t they were Elysian Mates my heart did a few flips! Also, them making promises to one another was seriously so cute! I hope these two are end game but I honestly am so unsure! Especially after we thought we lost Orion by the hands of his sister! I had a feeling that the ending of this book would bring harm to Orion, I honestly thought he would either end up in prison or die due to the way everyone was saying they hated the ending of the book and that it will make you cry.. Little did I know that these authors had a gut wrenching twist in store for me.

Tory and Darius being Elysian Mates didn’t surprise me but them being forced by the stars to make this decision after only knowing each other for four months threw me for a loop. This book has had me pining for them to be together all series and we finally get to see them have a few special moments together but they truly never got to talk to one another about their feelings on the matter. SO to find them under the stars to make the biggest decision of their lives I knew immediately that this was the scene everyone was so broken up about. I can’t blame Tory for the decision she made, I mean she is right, the man seriously tortured her. But as the reader we know that Darius has a different side to him and that’s what made reading this scene so difficult… If only Tory and Darius had some more time maybe things could have been different.

Seeing Darius under the stars and the emotion from him really solidified him as a favorite character for me in this series while Tory on the other hand is quickly falling into last place for me. I understand where Tory is coming from but she causes herself so many problems that could be avoided and her inner monologue doesn’t really help me understand her motives completely, I guess I am just exhausted of her self sabotaging, I am just exhausted and I hope to see her character really grow in the rest of the series.

Orion forcing the girls to participate in school activities that don’t seem to fit their personalities was a fun plot point in this book, no matter how small it feels as of now. Tory had to join the cheerleading squad despite her being the least peppy person anyone knows and Darcy was forced to try out for the Pitball team even though she is super clumsy and not really into sports. I think this is a fun way to see some kind of character growth while they adapt to being outside of their comfort zone I just wish we got to see more of it or at least more Pitball, I could care less about cheerleading haha. But also why wouldn’t he just make them both join Pitball so he could have two of the strongest, most versatile players? Having two girls who can use all elements would make the team undefeatable right? But maybe I don’t know enough about the fictional sport to make this determination.

I am terrified for what will come next in this series now that Orion’s Shadow Princess of a sister has been released. I think the rest of the book just became unpredictable for me. I really hope Tory and Darius can get a second chance at their mating bond or can at least find some common ground as my heart aches for them! I will Immediately be jumping into the 5th book… Wish me luck!

“Because we don’t get to choose our obsessions. And you’re mine.”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

QOTD: Is there a main character in a book that you just can’t stand?

“Because you’re in my head all the time. You pulse through my blood with each beat of my heart. I live for every scrap of attention you offer me and suffer through every moment you spend ignoring me,” he said darkly, holding my eye the entire time.”
Caroline Peckham, Shadow Princess

Book Review: “Zodiac Academy: Origins Of An Academy Bully” By Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I debated if I should make a blog post about this book or not. It is less than 100 Pages long but the more I thought about it the more I decided it was for the best. Why not have all my thoughts on a series written down, despite the length?

“I knew she was a bitch, but dammit she was supposed to be my bitch.”
Caroline Peckham, Origins of an Academy Bully

Other Zodiac Academy Reviews

Spoilers are ahead if you have not read the books I have reviewed up till this point! Proceed with caution.

About The Book

Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Publisher: Indy Published

Published Date: July 10th, 2019

Page Count: 94 Pages

Main Genre: Romantasy

GoodReads Rating: 3.79

Format: E-Book

Synopsis

Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy.
That’s why I hide it so well.

But now I’m supposed to mentor Darius Acrux: the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria.

If he’s caught using blood magic, he’ll lose his claim to the throne.

The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we’re determined to find out what. No matter what dark power we must turn to…

Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite.

This is a prequel novella set four years before Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, Book 1 in the Supernatural Bullies and Beasts series.

Synopsis From Goodreads

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This was a super quick read but it gave me so much info that I was missing!

Poor Orion… Losing his sister like that was brutal! I read this book after book 3 “The Reckoning” So he also had to relive his sisters death when watching Darcy, the girl he loves go through the very thing that killed her. The Trauma!!

Also… Darius is my new favorite character after this book… We all knew his dad was brutal but damn… I am so upset for him! How dare his father force this bond between him and Orion.. Orion had dreams..

“I despised the idea that we were enslaved to our fates.”
Caroline Peckham, Origins of an Academy Bully

QOTD: What books have you read that had a spicy teacher/student relationship?

“The world was not black and white. It wasn’t even a patchwork of greys. It was rainbows layered upon rainbows.”
Caroline Peckham, Origins of an Academy Bully

Book Review: “Zodiac Academy: The Awakening; As Told By The Boys” By Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I was trying to follow a specific reading order but I clearly did not check the reading order before continuing the series after the 3rd book. I was supposed to read “The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac” Series next before moving onto the novellas for this series but completely skipped those before moving on so I have thrown all plans out the window.

I am not too upset by this because I feel like if I deviated away from the main series at this point in time I would struggle to keep going. I am interested in this series but the writing isn’t as great as I would like to see so I am scared that reading a separate series between would make it hard for me to find the motivation to return, especially because it is 5 total books before I can come back and I can really only get 4-5 books done a month realistically.

So maybe all this was a happy accident?

“If only real life bullies could be hot, brooding men with dark back stories who worked through their inner demons for the sake of true love.”
Caroline Peckham, The Awakening as Told by the Boys

Other Zodiac Academy Reviews