8 Zodiac Academy Books in Order: An Epic Guide to the Popular Series

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Whew. I have found my newest YA Fantasy series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.

The problem comes in the form of the 4 Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.

They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.

This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Don’t read this one if you are under 18, but if you are looking for books like ACOTAR, you’ll devour this one too! Or check out our list of books like Zodiac Academy!

The Awakening as Told by the Boys by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I loved revisiting the events of The Awakening from the viewpoint of the guys. Make no mistake, they are still bullies, but hearing their thought processes made me understand their actions a bit better.

I especially loved Darius’s chapters around Tory and meeting her for the first time. We got to see all of their pranks and machinations from their point and it added depth to their characters. This is one of my favorite books in the Zodiac academy series.

Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

The revenge plots the twins hatched in this book had me laughing out loud numerous times. I was so happy to see them stand up to the heirs in their own way.

It was also great to see the heirs and Orion get their own POV chapters so we could get a fuller picture of their motives. In addition, we get to learn more about the world in this story. Pitball is a highlight, as is Geraldine!

The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

It’s time for The Reckoning when students will be tested on individual skills to determine if they should stay in Zodiac Academy or not. With no sign of their order emerging, the twins are worried they won’t pass the test.

But before they get to The Reckoning, the twins must first survive Senior Week when all the freshmen are pranked and tormented.

Shadow Princess by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Well, the girls know their order, but what now? They need to learn to master it while trying to stop Lionel and the Heirs from taking their birthright.

I loved the development of Lance Orion. I think this is the book I really fell in love with him!

Cursed Fates by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

When Orion’s elicit relationship is found out, he is sent where no fae wants to go. Meanwhile Darius and Tory have to live with the consequences of Tory’s decision from the last book. Trying to see these two work through that nearly broke my heart.

And Geraldine, Max, Caleb, and Seth trying to help was the sweetest. The Heirs have officially stolen my heart.

Fated Throne by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Tory made a major sacrifice at the end of the last book and it was so hard to see it play out in this one. The bond between the twins is the backbone of this story so to see Tory’s choices pit her against Darcy was tough to read.

As Darcy and the Heirs hunt for the Imperial Star, Lionel Acrux’s power grows. Basically, shit gets real in this book. It becomes less about school life and more about saving the kingdom.

Heartless Sky by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

The twins are officially fighting to get the throne away from Lionel. They are on the run but we finally get some closure around their various love stories…..but then…

I AM GUTTED. How could these authors leave me with that cliffhanger ending? I can’t handle it and I can’t talk about it because it would ruin the book!

Sorrow and Starlight by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

After the ending of the last book, I was chomping at the bit to get to this story. Yet this book wasn’t my favorite in the series. Tons of POVs weigh down this whopper of the story.

I really needed to see the resolution of the last book handled much sooner. And it could have been cut by about 600 pages. But I’ll still read the rest of the series because I need to see my Queens succeed! I think this was my least favorite book in the Zodiac Academy series.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Together, they are trying to uncover the source of the murders and series of strange events happening around Crescent City.

This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.⁣

My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. Head over to our guide on all of Sarah J. Maas’s books if you want more from this amazing author. This is one of the best urban fantasy books I have ever read.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Royal vampires and their bodyguards train at the famed Vampire Academy where this book is set. Lissa is a princess and her best friend, Rose, is preparing to be her protector.

When a series of crazy events threaten Lissa’s safety, Rose is on a mission to figure out who is behind the threats….. if she doesn’t get distracted while lusting over her teacher first. If you like the Zodiac Academy books, we think you will like this urban fantasy series!

Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1) by Charlaine Harris

I watched this show before I knew that it was a book and then I obviously had to read these vampire books as well. Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress at a bar in her small town in Louisiana. She is quiet and keeps to herself except for the fact that she can read people’s minds.

When Bill Compton comes into the bar one night, Sookie cannot hear anything he is thinking and she is quickly infatuated. The feeling is mutual. But when murders start taking place and the two suspects are Bill and Sookie’s womanizing brother, Sookie starts to question her choices. There is nothing PG about this steamy urban fantasy romance series.

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book about creatures, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read. 

It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.