The Awakening
Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Spice Level: 
Release Year: 2019
I was seriously gasping for air at the end of every book. I found myself both infuriated and obsessed, sometimes in the same chapter. The writing is messy, the pacing can be wild, and yet—there’s this compulsive energy that makes it impossible to put down. The world is a hot mess of elemental magic, Fae politics, and star-crossed destinies, but what really keeps you hooked is the relentless tension between the characters. The twin heroines, Darcy and Tory, are thrown into a world that wants to chew them up, and the Heirs? They are the definition of bully romance—cruel, magnetic, and utterly addictive. I didn’t expect to be so invested in their fates, but here I am, emotionally wrung out and still wanting more.
The romance is where this series really leans in, and let’s talk spice: it’s a solid 4.2 out of 5. There’s a high-voltage undercurrent to every interaction, whether it’s enemies-to-lovers slow burn or the kind of fast-paced, high-stakes attraction that leaves you breathless. The books are unapologetically dramatic, with betrayals, heartbreak, and redemption arcs that made me want to throw my Kindle across the room—then immediately pick it up again. I loved the multiple points of view, even when it got chaotic, because it let me crawl inside the heads of characters I loved and loathed in equal measure. The sibling bond between Darcy and Tory is a rare gem, supportive and fierce, a true anchor in the storm of academy life. And the bromances? Hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt, making the world feel lived-in and real.
But I won’t pretend there aren’t flaws. The series sprawls—sometimes it feels like it could have been tighter, with fewer POVs and less meandering through the magical mayhem. The writing stumbles, and the magical system occasionally feels too convenient, but honestly? I didn’t care. The sheer binge-ability of these books overrides the imperfections. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter, but then, suddenly, it’s 3 a.m. and I’m still reading. It’s not the most polished romantasy out there, but it’s a fever dream of drama, spice, and character growth that’s impossible to resist. That’s why Zodiac Academy lands at #18 on my all-time romantasy list: it’s not perfect, but it’s unforgettable, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
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