Review | The Awakening – Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

If you’ve been around the bookish community lately you probably haven’t missed the hype around the Zodiac Academy series. I know I’ve seen it everywhere. I’ve been on the fence about starting this series, because of the hype. Until a friend messaged that she was 4 books in and loving the series. So I decided to give the first book, The Awakening, a try! Keep on reading to find out more about the book and my thoughts!

You have been selected to attend Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

If you’re one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it’s in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we’re a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes.

Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn’t get the memo. Which means we’re totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae.

Air. Fire. Water. Earth.

No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn’t made us any friends so far.

As the rarest Elementals ever known, we’re already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we’ve ever seen. It doesn’t help that they’re the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too.

Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They’ve only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they’ll stop at nothing to succeed.

We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne.

We can’t expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we’ve been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood.

Today’s horoscope: totally screwed.

This is a full-length medium burn novel that is the first in a university-age academy series. Expect forbidden love and bully romance with mature content suitable for upper YA readers and onwards.

Review

If I’m honest I went into this book without many expectations. After hearing so many mixed reviews I just wasn’t sure where I would fall when it comes to enjoying this series. I was hoping it would become my new obsession. I have to say it definitely has the promise to be just that. When this comes online I’m already over a hundred pages into book two.

When it comes to settings I’m sold when it’s some type of school or academy, so I love the setting. Not only the school side of it, but also that all elements have their own spot on campus that also seems to be completely different. I wouldn’t say no to a tour! Also, this book has a map and I love maps. I love the elemental magic, orders, etc. and hope to learn more about this world as the series continues.

Okay, let’s get back to the plot. Tory and Darcy have lived in the mortal world their whole lives. That wasn’t easy for them in many ways, so to say the least they’re shocked to find out they’re the missing heirs of a world they don’t know. I have to say I liked these characters. They’re feisty, sarcastic, strong, and protective of the other. They deal with a lot after arriving at this school and a lot isn’t fair or easy to read (as mentioned in the synopsis there is bullying and abuse, please be aware). And while it isn’t unique for the main characters to be special or more powerful I can’t wait to see them get stronger.

The cast of side characters is really inter.I really don’t know who to trust. The heirs are bullies, but I know there’s more to that story. And I need to know more. The professors are all quirky and there are a few I want to know more of including Orion. With nymph attacks hitting their realm I have a feeling things are going to get more and more interesting.

The Awakening doesn’t have an unique plot, but definitely one that caught my attention. I honestly won’t be surprised if I fly through all the books now available.

After reading The Awakening I’m definitely intrigued! I need to know more about this world and the characters. I have 6 books, a novella, and story told from the heirs POV to go and I’m excited, but also a little scared. Have you started the Zodiac Academy series? If so, what do you think? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

3 thoughts on “Review | The Awakening – Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

  1. I borrowed book one from Prime Reading, and after your review added the rest of the books to my wishlist. I love a good fae book, and this sounds like it might be a good one. Looking forward to letting you know what I think!

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