Zodiac Academy: The Awakening As Told By The Boys

by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

The Vega twins are alive. Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom. They're coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can't let them take it back. So much hangs in the balance and we can't risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for. I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won't let them come between me and his downfall. Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are. This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1914425049
• ISBN13: 9781914425042
• Release Date: August 2021
• Publisher: Dark Ink Publishing
• Length: 562 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An entertaining alternate perspective

** This is book one of Zodiac Academy, told from an alternate perspective. You should read book one The Awakening 1st.** The discovery of the Vega twins' survival sends shockwaves through the kingdom, challenging the established order and jeopardizing Darius’ carefully laid plans. Determined to maintain control and thwart any threat to their ambitions, the heirs resolve to eliminate the twins before they can realize their true power and potentially disrupt their carefully constructed world. Overall rating: 4/5 Rating breakdown: 1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 5/5 Even with prior knowledge of the events from "The Awakening," experiencing the story through the heirs' perspective provided a refreshing take. The plot kept me captivated throughout, and the storytelling was exceptionally well-executed. 2. **Characterization:** 5/5 Witnessing the heirs evolve and adapt, both subtly and overtly, was a highlight not typically found in "The Awakening." Despite their flaws, the characters were portrayed with depth, showcasing both their shortcomings and redeeming qualities, even though they're designed to be disliked. 3. **Writing Style:** 4/5 Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti's utilization of multiple viewpoints and voices added a unique layer to the narrative, making it engaging and entertaining. While the writing style may not be highbrow, it suits the tone of the book well. However, I could have done with fewer references to certain spicy body parts. 4. **Originality:** 4/5 Despite being a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series, this installment manages to carve out its originality. It introduces fresh content that distinguishes it from its predecessor, avoiding the trap of feeling like a mere rehash of the same events. 5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 3/5 While the book didn't evoke as strong an emotional response in me compared to others in the series, this could be attributed to the nature of the characters involved. The resolution was satisfactory and leaves room for the series to progress further. 6. **Spice:** 4/5 The level of detail surrounding the spice was both enjoyable and occasionally pivotal to the story's progression. The balance struck between being informative and entertaining was just right, enhancing the overall reading experience. Would I buy this book again? Yes, I would and I’ll be continuing the series. I enjoyed it and I felt that overall it enhanced my Zodiac Academy experience. I'm glad I read this book before I got too far into the series and I’d recommend that it be read before book 3. If you enjoyed this book of course read the rest of the Zodiac Academy series. Another adult supernatural academia novel you might enjoy is “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo. Set at Yale University, it follows a protagonist who can see ghosts and is drawn into a world of secret societies and occult magic.