Series at a glance
Zodiac Academy is a fantasy romance series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. It is generally described as a dark paranormal romance with bully romance elements, set in a magical academy tied to astrology. The main series has nine books, plus novellas and related stories. This page gives a light-spoiler overview; later-book developments are described only in broad terms.
Zodiac Academy books in order
- The Awakening
- Ruthless Fae
- The Reckoning
- Shadow Princess
- Cursed Fates
- Fated Throne
- Heartless Sky
- Sorrow and Starlight
- Restless Stars
Novellas exist alongside the main books, and it is a good idea to check the author’s own listings for reading order if you want them.
Premise and setting
The story follows twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega, who grow up as human foster children and discover they are lost Fae with a claim to the throne of Solaria. They enter Zodiac Academy, a brutal school where magic is tied to the zodiac and to elements such as fire, water, earth and air. Four arrogant Celestial Heirs, including Darius Acrux, Seth Capella, Caleb Altair and Max Rigel, torment the twins. Over the course of the series, political corruption and a powerful antagonist, Lionel Acrux, make the stakes far larger than school rivalry.
Book summaries (light spoilers)
- The Awakening. The twins arrive in Solaria, learn about their heritage and face hostility from the Heirs.
- Ruthless Fae. The conflict intensifies as the twins plot their revenge, while a broader threat begins to rise.
- Books three to five. The scope widens to political maneuvering, hidden truths and darker magic, and the relationships between the twins and the Heirs grow more complicated.
- Books six and seven. Alliances shift and the story moves toward a larger war, with high emotional stakes for the main characters.
- Sorrow and Starlight (book eight). According to reviewers, this installment picks up after a tumultuous cliffhanger, with the twins separated and each facing serious danger and loss.
- Restless Stars (book nine). The final book is where the series concludes its major storylines.
What happens in book two of Zodiac Academy?
In Ruthless Fae, the twins try to find their footing after the events of the first book. They are bullied by the Celestial Heirs while also struggling with conflicting feelings. Rather than backing down, they begin planning payback, even as a new threat rises in the background. This is the book where the series’ mix of rivalry and romance becomes clear.
How do Tory and Darius break the curse?
This is a significant spoiler tied to later events, and the details are easy to get wrong in a short summary. We recommend reading the books rather than relying on a brief answer, since the resolution depends on events and choices across several installments.
What is the sixth book, and does the series end at nine?
The sixth book is Fated Throne. The main series is a nine-book run, ending with Restless Stars, although the world also includes novellas and companion material. Check the authors’ official pages if you want the latest information on additional releases.
Content notes and who it is for
The series is written for adults. It includes bullying, violence, strong language and sexual content (see how to check a book’s spice level for ways to gauge heat), and the central dynamic involves cruelty between characters who later become romantic. If you dislike that dynamic, this may not be your series. If you enjoy dark academy romance, our look at whether Fourth Wing is a good book covers another popular option in a different style.