Zodiac Academy Series in Publication Order
- The Awakening (2019)
- Ruthless Fae (2019)
- The Reckoning (2019)
- Shadow Princess (2020)
- Cursed Fates (2020)
- Fated Throne (2020)
- Heartless Sky (2021)
- Sorrow and Starlight (2022)
- Beyond The Veil (2023)
- Restless Stars (2024)
Optional Zodiac Academy Companion Series
- Origins of an Academy Bully (2019)
- The Big A.S.S. Party (2020)
- The Awakening as Told by the Boys (2021)
- Live And Let Lionel (2024)
Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Series
- Dark Fae (2019)
- Savage Fae (2019)
- Vicious Fae (2020)
- Broken Fae (2020)
- Warrior Fae (2021)
Darkmore Penitentiary Series
- Caged Wolf (2020)
- Alpha Wolf (2020)
- Feral Wolf (2021)
- Wild Wolf (2024)
Sins of the Zodiac Series
- Never Keep(2024)
- Echo Fort (2025)
- Cinder Vale (206)
Zodiac Academy Series in Reading Order (Chronological Order)
When it comes to the Zodiac Academy series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, there’s often debate about the best order to read the books. Some readers prefer chronological order, while others stick with publication order — and fans can be surprisingly passionate about which is right.
If you’re unsure, publication order is always a safe choice. It’s how the books were originally released and how most readers first experienced the series. You really can’t go wrong starting there.
Prefer a guided approach? See the full recommended Zodiac Academy series reading order.
About Zodiac Academy
The Zodiac Academy series is a dark fantasy romance set in a magical academy ruled by elemental power and ruthless hierarchy. Written by sisters Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, the series blends enemies-to-lovers tension, supernatural politics, astrology-based magic, and emotionally intense character arcs.
What begins as a magical academy story quickly expands into a sprawling fantasy saga filled with shifting loyalties, power struggles, brutal rivalries, and long-term consequences. Because the plot grows more layered and interconnected with each installment, the books are best experienced in publication order, allowing the emotional and political stakes to build naturally.
The World of Zodiac Academy
Zodiac Academy takes place in Solaria, a world inhabited by Fae who draw power from the elements and the stars. Magical abilities are linked to zodiac signs, and social status often depends on power level and lineage.
The story centers on two sisters who discover they are heirs to a throne they never knew existed. Thrown into the Academy—a place where strength determines survival—they must navigate a hostile environment filled with dangerous rivals, powerful teachers, and ancient secrets.
The tone of the series combines:
- academy competition
- dark fantasy politics
- morally grey characters
- intense romantic tension
- slow-burning power struggles
While the early books focus on survival and rivalry within the academy walls, later installments expand far beyond school life into full-scale political conflict.
Zodiac Academy Books in Order
The Zodiac Academy series grew steadily in scope. Reading in publication order ensures character arcs and plot revelations unfold as originally intended.
Main Zodiac Academy Series (Publication Order)
- The Awakening (2019)
- Ruthless Fae (2019)
- The Reckoning (2019)
- Shadow Princess (2020)
- Cursed Fates (2020)
- Fated Throne (2021)
- Heartless Sky (2021)
- Sorrow and Starlight (2022)
- Restless Stars (2023)
The rapid release schedule helped maintain momentum, and each installment deepened the emotional and political intensity.
The Zodiac Academy world expands beyond the main series. Companion novels and connected series provide additional perspectives and backstory.
Dark Fae (Prequel Series)
The Dark Fae series explores earlier events in the Solarian universe and focuses on different characters connected to the world of Zodiac Academy. While it can be read independently, reading it after becoming familiar with the main series often enhances the experience.
Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac
Another connected series set in the same universe, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac centers on a different academy and group of characters. It shares world-building elements and references but tells its own story.
Readers who enjoy the main Zodiac Academy series often explore these connected books afterward.
How the Series Evolves Over Time
Reading the Zodiac Academy books in publication order highlights how dramatically the tone shifts.
Early Books:
- Focus on academy survival
- Bully romance tension
- Training and rivalry
Middle Books:
- Political intrigue deepens
- Romantic dynamics grow more complex
- Hidden truths surface
Later Books:
- War and large-scale conflict
- Leadership decisions
- Emotional consequences for past actions
The evolution from school-based rivalry to kingdom-level stakes feels gradual when read in order.
Romance and Character Arcs
Romantic tension plays a major role throughout the series. Relationships often begin as hostile or adversarial, evolving slowly across multiple books.
The authors are known for:
- extended emotional buildup
- morally complicated love interests
- shifting alliances
Because these relationships develop gradually, skipping books disrupts emotional continuity.
Magic System and Zodiac Influence
The zodiac-based magic system is central to the identity of the series. Each character’s abilities are influenced by their astrological sign, shaping:
- elemental powers
- personality traits
- strengths and weaknesses
This thematic structure remains consistent across the books, becoming more detailed as the series progresses.
Writing Style and Tone
Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti write in a dramatic, emotionally charged style. Their books often feature:
- multiple points of view
- cliffhanger endings
- intense internal monologues
- bold emotional swings
Publication order preserves the intended pacing and escalation.
Themes Across the Series
Several recurring themes define Zodiac Academy:
Power and Hierarchy
Social structure and inherited authority play central roles.
Identity
Characters struggle with expectations tied to lineage and destiny.
Loyalty
Friendships and romantic bonds are constantly tested.
Resilience
The protagonists endure betrayal, humiliation, and hardship before claiming strength.
Who Connects Most With This Series
The Zodiac Academy books tend to appeal to readers who enjoy:
- dark fantasy romance
- enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- academy settings with high stakes
- morally grey characters
- slow-burn romantic arcs
The series blends dramatic tension with emotional intensity.
A Natural Reading Path
The most seamless experience is to:
- start with The Awakening
- follow the main series in publication order
- explore prequels and spin-offs afterward
Because of recurring characters and escalating stakes, maintaining chronological release order keeps the storyline cohesive.
The Zodiac Academy series grew from a dark academy rivalry into an expansive fantasy saga. Reading the books in publication order allows the emotional arcs, political struggles, and character transformations to unfold with the same momentum and intensity experienced by early readers.