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Zodiac Academy [Dramatized Adaptation] #2
Ruthless Fae [Dramatized Adaptation]
They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we're not going anywhere.
The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don't know what's coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn't an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won't be easy, but if we pull it off, they'll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.
Besides, they've already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Performed by Khaya Fraites, Jessica Schly, Gregory Linington, Julian Dailey, Ryan Dalusung, Jon Vertullo, Gabriel Michael, Daniel Llaca, Michael Glenn, Karenna Foley, Lydia Kraniotis, Nora Achrati, James Konicek, Lise Bruneau, Kelly Baskin, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Ian Russell, Kit Swann, Terence Aselford, Laura C. Harris, Shravan Amin, Michael John Casey, Tyler Hyrchuk, Crystal Lee, Ken Jackson, Yasmin Tuazon, Christopher Williams, Nanette Savard, Jeri J. Marshall, Kaylee Eluvian, Richard Rohan, Dawn Ursula, Eric Messner, Bradley Foster Smith, Amanda Forstrom, Colleen Delaney, Matthew Bassett, and Christopher Walker.
They almost did.
But we're not going anywhere.
The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don't know what's coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn't an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won't be easy, but if we pull it off, they'll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.
Besides, they've already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Performed by Khaya Fraites, Jessica Schly, Gregory Linington, Julian Dailey, Ryan Dalusung, Jon Vertullo, Gabriel Michael, Daniel Llaca, Michael Glenn, Karenna Foley, Lydia Kraniotis, Nora Achrati, James Konicek, Lise Bruneau, Kelly Baskin, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Ian Russell, Kit Swann, Terence Aselford, Laura C. Harris, Shravan Amin, Michael John Casey, Tyler Hyrchuk, Crystal Lee, Ken Jackson, Yasmin Tuazon, Christopher Williams, Nanette Savard, Jeri J. Marshall, Kaylee Eluvian, Richard Rohan, Dawn Ursula, Eric Messner, Bradley Foster Smith, Amanda Forstrom, Colleen Delaney, Matthew Bassett, and Christopher Walker.
13 pages, Audiobook
Published November 5, 2024
24 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Peckham
132 books30.9k followersI'm a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Zodiac Academy series. I write all things dark romance, from fantasy to contemporary, high school bully to mafia, there's bound to be a book for you!
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/19697...
Sign up to our newsletter here >>
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/19697...
Sign up to our newsletter here >>
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 29, 2025
(4.5 ⭐️)
God damn, that one scene with Seth’s pack with the Graphic Audio was something else 😳😳
God damn, that one scene with Seth’s pack with the Graphic Audio was something else 😳😳
November 14, 2024
the vibes were immaculate 😩
thank you julian dailey for giving us the darius voice we asked for in this one 🫶🏼
thank you julian dailey for giving us the darius voice we asked for in this one 🫶🏼
April 2, 2025
loved the dramatization, and the story is becoming quite interesting, can't lie 😬 the great variety of characters contributes to the overall impression, and I will be continuing the series 100%
February 22, 2026
5⭐️
book 2 of Zodiac Academy is still not my favourite.
but the graphic audio version is soo damn amazing that I can't give it anything else but 5 stars.
that's it. onto the next.
book 2 of Zodiac Academy is still not my favourite.
but the graphic audio version is soo damn amazing that I can't give it anything else but 5 stars.
that's it. onto the next.
January 29, 2026
I am obsessed with this series!! I think about it all the time all I wanna do is listen to it!!!
I love that Tory and Darcy went from “yeah we’re gonna leave.” to “let’s show these fuckers what we’re made of.” So badass and the way they got those dickheads back was incredible I was literally cackling in the car at what they put them through. Perfection!! And the fact that we’re getting all the guys POV is so good
Shout out to my man Lance oh my god he’s so broody and mean and hot I love him. I really like the whole hunting situation that Tori and Caleb got going on too and how Darius is so damn jealous. I know they’re huge fucking dickheads but I’m not opposed to the girls getting what they need from them.
Honestly loving every moment of this series
I love that Tory and Darcy went from “yeah we’re gonna leave.” to “let’s show these fuckers what we’re made of.” So badass and the way they got those dickheads back was incredible I was literally cackling in the car at what they put them through. Perfection!! And the fact that we’re getting all the guys POV is so good
Shout out to my man Lance oh my god he’s so broody and mean and hot I love him. I really like the whole hunting situation that Tori and Caleb got going on too and how Darius is so damn jealous. I know they’re huge fucking dickheads but I’m not opposed to the girls getting what they need from them.
Honestly loving every moment of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
Graphic audios are my favorite!!!
Here’s my review for the book https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here’s my review for the book https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 3, 2026
3.5 stars ✨
The dramatised adaptations of these are so fun! I had some gardening to do again so it was time for the second one of these and i think it secured my interest much better than the first did. The twins are definitely less annoying in this one and i like that theyre starting to settle into some more of their fae characteristics. I also loved getting the POV’s from the boys in this one - it definitely added a much needed extra layer to the bullying they’ve been heaping on the twins and helped me to understand the world building. Cant wait to find out what order the twins are.
The dramatised adaptations of these are so fun! I had some gardening to do again so it was time for the second one of these and i think it secured my interest much better than the first did. The twins are definitely less annoying in this one and i like that theyre starting to settle into some more of their fae characteristics. I also loved getting the POV’s from the boys in this one - it definitely added a much needed extra layer to the bullying they’ve been heaping on the twins and helped me to understand the world building. Cant wait to find out what order the twins are.
November 20, 2025
Okay I am absolutely hooked on this series. I am eating it up and I can’t stop. It’s amazing, the narrators are great and the story, the plot, everything I LOVE IT!! 5/5⭐️ and I’d say 🌶️🌶️.5-🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ in spice.
The twins deciding to pack their bags and leave form a plan. They just need to do one last thing before leaving Zoriac forever, or? After a meeting with Orion their plans change because they realise this is their home too and they’re not giving it up. But twists and turns test their claim and their refusal to the throne. Only is that really what they want? And as the nymphs grow closer and more dangerous they realise one thing, danger is far from over at Zodiac.
I absolutely loved every second of this book and there was no part I felt was slow or bad and the sprinkle ✨ of spice in it helped a lot. I’m not one to say no to spice. The tension is definitely there and I love seeing the twins growing more into themselves and not get pushed around as much by the heirs. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
The twins deciding to pack their bags and leave form a plan. They just need to do one last thing before leaving Zoriac forever, or? After a meeting with Orion their plans change because they realise this is their home too and they’re not giving it up. But twists and turns test their claim and their refusal to the throne. Only is that really what they want? And as the nymphs grow closer and more dangerous they realise one thing, danger is far from over at Zodiac.
I absolutely loved every second of this book and there was no part I felt was slow or bad and the sprinkle ✨ of spice in it helped a lot. I’m not one to say no to spice. The tension is definitely there and I love seeing the twins growing more into themselves and not get pushed around as much by the heirs. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
July 1, 2025
relectura 2025: 4⭐️
Me ha gustado igual que la primera vez. Enserio, soy muy feliz leyendo estos libros.
La cantidad de cosas bluelance que he marcado nuevas que no marqué en la primera lectura...que se note que soy una mujer desesperada. También he notado muchísimas cosas en relación a tory/darius que estaban right there!! desde el principio
Es sencillamente maravilloso. Ahora si, ha llegado mi momento más esperado 😙🫡
Me ha gustado igual que la primera vez. Enserio, soy muy feliz leyendo estos libros.
La cantidad de cosas bluelance que he marcado nuevas que no marqué en la primera lectura...que se note que soy una mujer desesperada. También he notado muchísimas cosas en relación a tory/darius que estaban right there!! desde el principio
Es sencillamente maravilloso. Ahora si, ha llegado mi momento más esperado 😙🫡
February 25, 2025
This series deserves so many more than 5 stars! It is awesome 🔥
February 26, 2026
I’m so happy they came out with dramatized audios of these books. I can’t wait to get to the further ones for some of the scenes. 😂
November 10, 2024
This was a 3rd re-“read”. The graphic audio is incredible!!!! I’m obsessed!
August 20, 2025
Surprised on this one! I was expecting the trope to end differently and I am also wondering why the Twins made that decision towards the end. Guess I’ll have to keep reading to find out! Ps, wtf is up with the teachers at this school? I loved the dinner party portion, it was fun to be out of the school for a while.
April 14, 2025
the pool scene was everything I needed and MORE. God talk about the emotional breakdown I went through listening to Lance and Blue first kiss. The Pegasus kink moments, the fleas, the rashes. it's amazing I love this universe so much.
May 16, 2025
3.5? Struggled to rate this one because there are some really problematic behaviours and tropes that I don’t really like but on the other hand I was generally having a good time and vibes are important 😵💫
June 7, 2025
There’s nothing I do better than revenge 😈
June 10, 2025
Enjoying this series.
November 11, 2024
Thank you graphic audio for reminding me how funny and addicting this series is 🩷
March 10, 2025
I'm starting to enjoy this series more and more
January 2, 2026
I liked this book better than the first one. It was a bit fun, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it. I will read the next one instead of listening to it ( For now I'm #TeamOrion)
January 14, 2025
Holy hell! What a ride! This series has me reeled in. Second book better than the first one. I’m not into bullying so the first was hard to get through and yet they still do but now the girls are fighting back so I’m digging it!! Can’t wait to read the rest!
February 13, 2026
More a 3.75
February 19, 2026
✅✅ “What happens at the bottom of the pool stays at the bottom of the pool”
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ Pace
✅ Some sexual tension and sexy moments
✅🆗 Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: bullying and child abuse
3.5 stars
I liked this book more than the first one because the mean-girl drama was toned down. There was still bullying, but it remained mostly between the Heirs and the twins, and less between the jealous girlfriends and the twins. The main reason I don’t read series with school/academic settings is because of the stupid mean-girl drama so I was relieved to see that it was not as bad in this book. That being said, life is still not easy for the twins, but at least they started fighting back more aggressively, which was highly satisfying. They had a spine in the first book, but I love how they decided to get their revenge in this book, and make life as annoying as possible for the Heirs.
Plot-wise though, not much was happening besides the daily bullying until the last 10% of the book, which was very action-packed and intense. With that ending, I feel that the political aspect will take more room in the next book. At least that,s what I hope because while I am enjoying the Heirs/twins interactions so far, and this series is weirdly addictive even though the plot is not the best, I can’t see myself reading 9 books only about bullying and getting revenge. I will need something more substantial and more complex to remain interested.
Tory and Darcy upped their badass level in this book, and it was AWESOME. They are so resilient and strong, it is admirable really. I love them both a lot as main characters, and there is room for a lot more growth when it comes to their powers, so I am ready for them to become even more badass in the future. I also like how they are getting closer to Geraldine, and how Geraldine is slightly less annoying in this book, but still remains intense in her own refreshing and cute way.
Darcy and Tory are being clever about their revenge, which is why I enjoy it so much. It is subtle enough that the Heirs have no idea that they are being targeted, or they have no idea who is behind the pranks/attacks. Their ideas to get their revenge are funny, original, and very entertaining, and I really loved that new spark in them. Their crazy plan also made me smile or laugh many times, which is always good when reading a book.
Caleb Altair 🧛🌱🔥
Caleb started off really well for me because he was actually feeling almost guilty about what the Heirs did to Tory at the end of the first book, but besides being pissed at the Heirs and feeding off them for a while, he didn’t do shit, so he ended up being a little disappointing… I was hoping for some growth, but at least there is potential, there is a little kindness in him, now it’s just a matter of time before it starts to grow I imagine… That being said, he was still nicer to the twins than the other Heirs, and there was some delicious sexual tension between Tory and him, so I like him for that.
Seth Capella 🐺💨🌱
Seth remains a wild card… He and his pack weirded me out a little bit with their casual orgies, but besides that, I just never know how he will react. In the first book, he proved to be vicious and cruel, pretending to be nice and sweet in order to hurt Darcy even more, but in this book, we can see how he’s starting to get stuck in his own game, but it just frustrates him even more, making him more determined to ruin the twins, even if it might hurt him to do so. The situation is becoming more complex when it comes to him, but honestly, I am enjoying the hurt it’s causing him. 😈
Max Rigel 🧜🏽♂️💧💨
Honestly, I found him as annoying and obnoxious as in the first book, there was not much change in his character, and I didn’t warm up to him at all. I honestly do not have anything else to say about him. He annoys me and I don’t like him.
Darius Acrux 🐉🔥💧
While he kept his bored and cruel façade for most of the book, we discovered a lot about Darius in this sequel. He gained more depth and is more complex than I initially thought. He doesn’t want to be a mean bully because it means being like his father, but he will happily do it if it means protecting his younger brother from their father’s ire. I also sensed some sexual tension between Tory and him, and while I liked Tory and Caleb’s hot scenes, I would love Tory and Darius together even more. There is potential for a great hate-to-love here, and I am really hoping it will happen eventually.
Lance Orion 🧛💨💧
OMG, I really loved Orion’s dry humor and sarcasm in this book. He gives no shit about his job and his students, but I am highly entertained by it. I think the teacher in me is fantasizing about what it would be like to be allowed to do or say anything I wanted to my students.
Now, about the OBVIOUS attraction and sexual tension between Darcy and him… Please tell me that it’s all going somewhere?! Because I would be highly disappointed if they didn’t end up together before the end of the series… My sweet, doomed, and forbidden lovers. I am rooting for them even though there are MANY obstacles in their way.
Meeting the Celestial council again was interesting, but probably not as “shocking” as it should have been since I met them already in the Ruthless Boys series… I already knew how much of an ass Lionel was, and even though he was only there for a few chapters in this book, I am already fed up with him and I can’t wait for the Heirs and the twins to be rid of him once and for all… But of course, I am expecting him to remain for a while since he’s the main opposition to the twins and the big motivator behind the bullying.
Oh, I am ready! But somebody recommended that I read book 1.5, which is book one from the Heir’s POV before continuing with book 3, so I will be doing that, but I can’t wait to start book 3 and see what will happen at the Reckoning.
0.5 Origins of an Academy Bully ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Awakening [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
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✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ Pace
✅ Some sexual tension and sexy moments
✅🆗 Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: bullying and child abuse
3.5 stars
I liked this book more than the first one because the mean-girl drama was toned down. There was still bullying, but it remained mostly between the Heirs and the twins, and less between the jealous girlfriends and the twins. The main reason I don’t read series with school/academic settings is because of the stupid mean-girl drama so I was relieved to see that it was not as bad in this book. That being said, life is still not easy for the twins, but at least they started fighting back more aggressively, which was highly satisfying. They had a spine in the first book, but I love how they decided to get their revenge in this book, and make life as annoying as possible for the Heirs.
Plot-wise though, not much was happening besides the daily bullying until the last 10% of the book, which was very action-packed and intense. With that ending, I feel that the political aspect will take more room in the next book. At least that,s what I hope because while I am enjoying the Heirs/twins interactions so far, and this series is weirdly addictive even though the plot is not the best, I can’t see myself reading 9 books only about bullying and getting revenge. I will need something more substantial and more complex to remain interested.
Everyone knows, karma’s a bitch. And today her name was Tory Vega.
Tory and Darcy upped their badass level in this book, and it was AWESOME. They are so resilient and strong, it is admirable really. I love them both a lot as main characters, and there is room for a lot more growth when it comes to their powers, so I am ready for them to become even more badass in the future. I also like how they are getting closer to Geraldine, and how Geraldine is slightly less annoying in this book, but still remains intense in her own refreshing and cute way.
“Iron is made stronger in the hottest part of the fire, Seth. You didn't break me, you forged me.”
Darcy and Tory are being clever about their revenge, which is why I enjoy it so much. It is subtle enough that the Heirs have no idea that they are being targeted, or they have no idea who is behind the pranks/attacks. Their ideas to get their revenge are funny, original, and very entertaining, and I really loved that new spark in them. Their crazy plan also made me smile or laugh many times, which is always good when reading a book.
Caleb Altair 🧛🌱🔥
Caleb started off really well for me because he was actually feeling almost guilty about what the Heirs did to Tory at the end of the first book, but besides being pissed at the Heirs and feeding off them for a while, he didn’t do shit, so he ended up being a little disappointing… I was hoping for some growth, but at least there is potential, there is a little kindness in him, now it’s just a matter of time before it starts to grow I imagine… That being said, he was still nicer to the twins than the other Heirs, and there was some delicious sexual tension between Tory and him, so I like him for that.
Seth Capella 🐺💨🌱
Seth remains a wild card… He and his pack weirded me out a little bit with their casual orgies, but besides that, I just never know how he will react. In the first book, he proved to be vicious and cruel, pretending to be nice and sweet in order to hurt Darcy even more, but in this book, we can see how he’s starting to get stuck in his own game, but it just frustrates him even more, making him more determined to ruin the twins, even if it might hurt him to do so. The situation is becoming more complex when it comes to him, but honestly, I am enjoying the hurt it’s causing him. 😈
Max Rigel 🧜🏽♂️💧💨
Honestly, I found him as annoying and obnoxious as in the first book, there was not much change in his character, and I didn’t warm up to him at all. I honestly do not have anything else to say about him. He annoys me and I don’t like him.
“Do you hate me, then?” he asked quietly and for some strange reason it sounded like the idea of that didn’t sit well with him.
“No,” I said and a glimmer of relief spilled through his eyes. “To hate you, I’d have to care about you. And I don’t give one shit about you,” I said coldly.
Darius Acrux 🐉🔥💧
While he kept his bored and cruel façade for most of the book, we discovered a lot about Darius in this sequel. He gained more depth and is more complex than I initially thought. He doesn’t want to be a mean bully because it means being like his father, but he will happily do it if it means protecting his younger brother from their father’s ire. I also sensed some sexual tension between Tory and him, and while I liked Tory and Caleb’s hot scenes, I would love Tory and Darius together even more. There is potential for a great hate-to-love here, and I am really hoping it will happen eventually.
“Shut the fuck up!” Orion shouted. “I'm trying to concentrate here.”
"Watching porn again, sir?" Seth shot at him with a smirk.
"Yeah, your mom's really improved since the last edition," he answered without missing a beat and Seth's face dropped into a scowl as a laugh tore from my throat.
Lance Orion 🧛💨💧
OMG, I really loved Orion’s dry humor and sarcasm in this book. He gives no shit about his job and his students, but I am highly entertained by it. I think the teacher in me is fantasizing about what it would be like to be allowed to do or say anything I wanted to my students.
Now, about the OBVIOUS attraction and sexual tension between Darcy and him… Please tell me that it’s all going somewhere?! Because I would be highly disappointed if they didn’t end up together before the end of the series… My sweet, doomed, and forbidden lovers. I am rooting for them even though there are MANY obstacles in their way.
“Well I hear the King was a bit of a whack job,” I said mildly. “So perhaps it’s better not to live by the way he did things. But if you like the idea of addressing us by those names then why don’t I just call you Barry and we’ll see how you like it?”
Meeting the Celestial council again was interesting, but probably not as “shocking” as it should have been since I met them already in the Ruthless Boys series… I already knew how much of an ass Lionel was, and even though he was only there for a few chapters in this book, I am already fed up with him and I can’t wait for the Heirs and the twins to be rid of him once and for all… But of course, I am expecting him to remain for a while since he’s the main opposition to the twins and the big motivator behind the bullying.
“Are you saying you want to try for your claim after all?” Seth asked, his tone laced with surprise.
“It’s not our claim,” I countered darkly.
“It’s our birthright,” Darcy finished.
“Alright then,” Darius said darkly. “If you want it then you’ll have to fight for it.”
“And crawl up out of the gutter to claim it,” Max added.
“Then strive to keep it every, single, day,” Caleb growled.
“So you’d better be ready,” Seth hissed.
Oh, I am ready! But somebody recommended that I read book 1.5, which is book one from the Heir’s POV before continuing with book 3, so I will be doing that, but I can’t wait to start book 3 and see what will happen at the Reckoning.
0.5 Origins of an Academy Bully ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Awakening [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
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January 5, 2025
Audiobook Review: Key Points Without Spoilers
The first thing you want to know, as per the title, this is a Dramatized audiobook. Please read the end of this review for an explanation into Single, Dual, Duet, Full and Dramatized narration explanations.
✨ Overall Opinion: A captivating and emotionally charged dark romance series with an engaging story and strong character development. The slow-burn romance, evolving dynamics, and emotionally impactful moments keep you hooked. With its mix of dark, romance and compelling tropes, this series is worth diving into. If you’re comfortable with the trigger warnings and enjoy rooting for characters to rise and find redemption/revenge, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
✨Completed book series
✨Tropes: Dark Bully, M/F, Enemies to Lovers, Slow-Burn, Paranormal, Fantasy, Steamy, Romance
✨Spice: Increases throughout the series and isn’t fade to black
✨Trigger Warnings
✨BE WARNED: Graphic Audio have not completed this series. If you start on GA you will then have to wait to progress, switch to reading or switch to audibles completed Dual narrations.
✨Story: I’m writing this review while currently on book 3, and I have to say, the further I get into the series, the more captivated I become. I’m fully rooting for the twins to get some well-deserved wins and payback, while also uncovering the guys’ perspectives and the reasons behind their actions. All I can say is, I’m here for the payback and the eventual groveling! If you’re comfortable with the TW’s, stick with it—this story is worth the ride so far!
✨Trigger Warnings: While I personally have no triggers, you might, so I recommend checking them out before diving in. As a dark romance fan, I found the content relatively tame; HOWEVER, the emotional impact of this story hit me hard. Thinking about what the twins endure at the hands of the MMC's left me feeling emotionally crushed at times. It really makes you question: what’s worse—physical pain or emotional pain?
✨Dramatized: These audiobooks tend to divide opinions—you either love them or hate them. For every person who enjoys the sound effects and music, there’s someone who feels these elements interrupt the story. It’s all down to personal preference. Personally, what I love most is that every character has their own voice actor, bringing the story to life in a way that mirrors how I imagine it when reading. This is why I can only listen to Duet, Full Cast, or Dramatized audiobooks. While the sound effects or music can occasionally feel cringey, the overall experience is incredibly fun and immersive in this book.
✨Performance: I really enjoyed some of the voice actors, though it took me a bit longer to warm up to others. If I could, I’d probably switch out a few of the male narrators. That said, as an avid reader, I know it’s nearly impossible for an audiobook to perfectly match the characters I’ve imagined in my head, from their appearance to their voice. It wouldn’t be fair—or realistic—to lower my review based on a mismatch with my personal expectations. What truly matters is the quality of the performance, which was solid overall. My only critique is that it was sometimes hard to tell whether I was in Tory’s or Darcy’s POV, as the female narrators had similar tones, and the audiobook didn’t always make that distinction clear.
📚Main Story:
ZA 1: The Awakening
ZA 2: Ruthless Fae
ZA 3: The Reckoning
ZA 4: Shadow Princess
ZA 5: Cursed Fates
ZA 6: Fated Throne
ZA 7: Heartless Sky
ZA 8: Sorrow and Starlight
ZA 9: Restless Stars
📚Novellas:
ZA 0.5: Origins of an Academy Bully
ZA 5.5: The Big A.S.S. Party
📚Companion Books:
ZA 1.5: The Awakening as Told by the Boys
ZA 8.5: Beyond the Veil
ZA: Live and Let Lionel
🎧 Narration Explanations 🎧:
❌ Single Narration: One narrator voices the entire audiobook, performing all characters and narration.
❌ Dual Narration: Two narrators share the storytelling, often alternating chapters or sections, with each performing all the dialogue and action for their assigned parts. For example, in a chapter from Tory’s POV, her narrator voices not only Tory’s thoughts and narration but also Darius’s dialogue. Similarly, in a chapter from Darius’s POV, his narrator handles all the narration and dialogue, including Tory’s lines.
✅ Duet Narration: Two narrators perform together throughout the audiobook, each consistently voicing specific characters during both dialogue and narration. For example, in a chapter from Aly’s POV, her narrator will handle the narration, but if Josh is speaking to Aly, then Josh’s narrator will voice all of Josh’s spoken dialogue and vice versa.
✅ Full Cast Narration: A group of narrators performs the audiobook, with each actor voicing a specific character. Sometimes voicing multiple characters, but when done well, each voice is distinct enough for the listener to easily differentiate between them.
✅ Dramatized Narration: The audiobook includes voice actors for each character, sound effects, and music, resembling a radio play or audio drama for an immersive experience. Due to the inclusion of these elements, dramatised versions often condense or adapt the original text, resulting in shorter runtime compared to standard audiobooks.
The first thing you want to know, as per the title, this is a Dramatized audiobook. Please read the end of this review for an explanation into Single, Dual, Duet, Full and Dramatized narration explanations.
✨ Overall Opinion: A captivating and emotionally charged dark romance series with an engaging story and strong character development. The slow-burn romance, evolving dynamics, and emotionally impactful moments keep you hooked. With its mix of dark, romance and compelling tropes, this series is worth diving into. If you’re comfortable with the trigger warnings and enjoy rooting for characters to rise and find redemption/revenge, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
✨Completed book series
✨Tropes: Dark Bully, M/F, Enemies to Lovers, Slow-Burn, Paranormal, Fantasy, Steamy, Romance
✨Spice: Increases throughout the series and isn’t fade to black
✨Trigger Warnings
✨BE WARNED: Graphic Audio have not completed this series. If you start on GA you will then have to wait to progress, switch to reading or switch to audibles completed Dual narrations.
✨Story: I’m writing this review while currently on book 3, and I have to say, the further I get into the series, the more captivated I become. I’m fully rooting for the twins to get some well-deserved wins and payback, while also uncovering the guys’ perspectives and the reasons behind their actions. All I can say is, I’m here for the payback and the eventual groveling! If you’re comfortable with the TW’s, stick with it—this story is worth the ride so far!
✨Trigger Warnings: While I personally have no triggers, you might, so I recommend checking them out before diving in. As a dark romance fan, I found the content relatively tame; HOWEVER, the emotional impact of this story hit me hard. Thinking about what the twins endure at the hands of the MMC's left me feeling emotionally crushed at times. It really makes you question: what’s worse—physical pain or emotional pain?
✨Dramatized: These audiobooks tend to divide opinions—you either love them or hate them. For every person who enjoys the sound effects and music, there’s someone who feels these elements interrupt the story. It’s all down to personal preference. Personally, what I love most is that every character has their own voice actor, bringing the story to life in a way that mirrors how I imagine it when reading. This is why I can only listen to Duet, Full Cast, or Dramatized audiobooks. While the sound effects or music can occasionally feel cringey, the overall experience is incredibly fun and immersive in this book.
✨Performance: I really enjoyed some of the voice actors, though it took me a bit longer to warm up to others. If I could, I’d probably switch out a few of the male narrators. That said, as an avid reader, I know it’s nearly impossible for an audiobook to perfectly match the characters I’ve imagined in my head, from their appearance to their voice. It wouldn’t be fair—or realistic—to lower my review based on a mismatch with my personal expectations. What truly matters is the quality of the performance, which was solid overall. My only critique is that it was sometimes hard to tell whether I was in Tory’s or Darcy’s POV, as the female narrators had similar tones, and the audiobook didn’t always make that distinction clear.
📚Main Story:
ZA 1: The Awakening
ZA 2: Ruthless Fae
ZA 3: The Reckoning
ZA 4: Shadow Princess
ZA 5: Cursed Fates
ZA 6: Fated Throne
ZA 7: Heartless Sky
ZA 8: Sorrow and Starlight
ZA 9: Restless Stars
📚Novellas:
ZA 0.5: Origins of an Academy Bully
ZA 5.5: The Big A.S.S. Party
📚Companion Books:
ZA 1.5: The Awakening as Told by the Boys
ZA 8.5: Beyond the Veil
ZA: Live and Let Lionel
🎧 Narration Explanations 🎧:
❌ Single Narration: One narrator voices the entire audiobook, performing all characters and narration.
❌ Dual Narration: Two narrators share the storytelling, often alternating chapters or sections, with each performing all the dialogue and action for their assigned parts. For example, in a chapter from Tory’s POV, her narrator voices not only Tory’s thoughts and narration but also Darius’s dialogue. Similarly, in a chapter from Darius’s POV, his narrator handles all the narration and dialogue, including Tory’s lines.
✅ Duet Narration: Two narrators perform together throughout the audiobook, each consistently voicing specific characters during both dialogue and narration. For example, in a chapter from Aly’s POV, her narrator will handle the narration, but if Josh is speaking to Aly, then Josh’s narrator will voice all of Josh’s spoken dialogue and vice versa.
✅ Full Cast Narration: A group of narrators performs the audiobook, with each actor voicing a specific character. Sometimes voicing multiple characters, but when done well, each voice is distinct enough for the listener to easily differentiate between them.
✅ Dramatized Narration: The audiobook includes voice actors for each character, sound effects, and music, resembling a radio play or audio drama for an immersive experience. Due to the inclusion of these elements, dramatised versions often condense or adapt the original text, resulting in shorter runtime compared to standard audiobooks.
November 14, 2024
Of course I loved it.
I actually prefer this to the standard audio the narration and cast are so much better.
I’m not a huge fan of the husband and wife duo that done the standard audio and really struggled to listen because of them.
But this was just soooo good.
I love the story of the twins and their growth in this book and also the side characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually prefer this to the standard audio the narration and cast are so much better.
I’m not a huge fan of the husband and wife duo that done the standard audio and really struggled to listen because of them.
But this was just soooo good.
I love the story of the twins and their growth in this book and also the side characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2025
I say this book is my favorite. It keeps you guessing
November 11, 2024
Ruthless Fae (Book 2, The Zodiac Academy) - Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
This was a book series I had seen and heard of for a while but had never gotten around to reading them and as luck would have it, I was able to borrow the audio book on Libby.
Caroline Peckham is an American author who likes to write dark romance, high school bully, mafia, and fantasy. She now writes books together with her sister – Susanne Valenti.
The Celestial Heirs have done the unthinkable to the twins, Tory and Darcy. Just when they thought that maybe the Celestial Heirs weren’t so bad, they take things to a whole new level. One twin is drowned and almost dies, the other is secretly filmed during a tender moment with one of the heirs and their hair crudely hacked off.
They are so tired of the heirs, tired of the harassment and how they are treated. But just when they are ready to give up, they decide enough is enough. Time to see how the Celestial Heirs like it when they tables are turned on them.
So begins the start of a series of plans whereby the heirs are made to be humiliated, seen as lesser than and slowly isolated from their friends – they are the ones being ridiculed. And boy is it sweet for the twins seeing how the heirs react to all of these things, not so nice now it’s on the other foot hey.
Yet there is an attack on the academy and if the twins and the heirs have any chance at surviving, they need to work together. Whether that is something either of them can bring themselves to do just yet remains to be seen...
“Ruthless Fae” is the exhilarating and explosive next chapter in the Zodiac Academy series, picking up right where we were left off. The story telling was fast paced with lots of action, suspense and mystery. I found it absolutely captivating and thrilling and hate I have no wait so long for the next instalment in the graphic audio book so now I am actually trying to track down physical copies to tide me over. The only thing I’m hoping will happen is the inevitable with Professor Orion – like just cut the crap and get to it already! And as well with regards to the graphic audio book, I freaking loved it – just having the multiple voice actors and the sound effects is just amazing and what I prefer in an audio book.
This was a book series I had seen and heard of for a while but had never gotten around to reading them and as luck would have it, I was able to borrow the audio book on Libby.
Caroline Peckham is an American author who likes to write dark romance, high school bully, mafia, and fantasy. She now writes books together with her sister – Susanne Valenti.
The Celestial Heirs have done the unthinkable to the twins, Tory and Darcy. Just when they thought that maybe the Celestial Heirs weren’t so bad, they take things to a whole new level. One twin is drowned and almost dies, the other is secretly filmed during a tender moment with one of the heirs and their hair crudely hacked off.
They are so tired of the heirs, tired of the harassment and how they are treated. But just when they are ready to give up, they decide enough is enough. Time to see how the Celestial Heirs like it when they tables are turned on them.
So begins the start of a series of plans whereby the heirs are made to be humiliated, seen as lesser than and slowly isolated from their friends – they are the ones being ridiculed. And boy is it sweet for the twins seeing how the heirs react to all of these things, not so nice now it’s on the other foot hey.
Yet there is an attack on the academy and if the twins and the heirs have any chance at surviving, they need to work together. Whether that is something either of them can bring themselves to do just yet remains to be seen...
“Ruthless Fae” is the exhilarating and explosive next chapter in the Zodiac Academy series, picking up right where we were left off. The story telling was fast paced with lots of action, suspense and mystery. I found it absolutely captivating and thrilling and hate I have no wait so long for the next instalment in the graphic audio book so now I am actually trying to track down physical copies to tide me over. The only thing I’m hoping will happen is the inevitable with Professor Orion – like just cut the crap and get to it already! And as well with regards to the graphic audio book, I freaking loved it – just having the multiple voice actors and the sound effects is just amazing and what I prefer in an audio book.
July 25, 2025
🎧 Ruthless Fae Dramatized Adaptation by Caroline Peckham
⭐ Rating: 5/5 🩸🎙️🔥
📖 Summary (but louder):
The Vega twins are back and done being nice.
The Heirs? Still cruel, chaotic, and somehow more obsessed.
But now you get to hear it all:
The magical fights? Explosive.
The tension? Heavy breathing included.
The bullying? Somehow hotter when whispered with venom.
The flirting? Downright feral.
This is Zodiac Academy with soundtrack, battle noise, magical crackles, blood-curdling screams, AND smoldering confessions.
💖 Character / Theme Audio Highlights:
Tory’s voice actress? UNHINGED ICON. Every snarl, every scream — chef’s kiss.
Darius’s actor? Growls, purrs, grunts = you were sweating.
Caleb’s creepy flirtiness? 100% more feral in your ears.
Lance Orion's low warning tone? Yeah. He could ruin lives.
Geraldine’s dramatized monologues? Instant serotonin.
Themes that sang through the headphones:
✨ “Touch her and I’ll kill you” vibes
✨ Sisterhood as weapon
✨ Everyone’s broken, horny, and bleeding
✨ Redemption will come… after more emotional damage
🔥 Smut Level:
Still mostly tension… but hearing that tension?
YEAH. Your earbuds were blushing.
#SmutTags: #ToryDariusAudioSmolder #GrowledInsultsHitDifferent #BathtubSceneWasUnholy #EnemiesToLoversWithSoundDesign #ScreamFlirtRepeat
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Bullying (physical, magical), emotional distress, trauma, teacher/student inappropriate dynamics, violence, verbal cruelty, obsession themes
🏷️ Tags:
#RuthlessFaeAudio #ZodiacAcademyAdaptation #DramaInSurroundSound #ToryFeral #DariusGrowlsOnCue #EnemiesToLustInHD #BathtubTension #MagicalChaosDelivered #GeraldineTheVoiceActressDeservesAnAward #AudiobookAddictionUnlocked
⭐ Rating: 5/5 🩸🎙️🔥
📖 Summary (but louder):
The Vega twins are back and done being nice.
The Heirs? Still cruel, chaotic, and somehow more obsessed.
But now you get to hear it all:
The magical fights? Explosive.
The tension? Heavy breathing included.
The bullying? Somehow hotter when whispered with venom.
The flirting? Downright feral.
This is Zodiac Academy with soundtrack, battle noise, magical crackles, blood-curdling screams, AND smoldering confessions.
💖 Character / Theme Audio Highlights:
Tory’s voice actress? UNHINGED ICON. Every snarl, every scream — chef’s kiss.
Darius’s actor? Growls, purrs, grunts = you were sweating.
Caleb’s creepy flirtiness? 100% more feral in your ears.
Lance Orion's low warning tone? Yeah. He could ruin lives.
Geraldine’s dramatized monologues? Instant serotonin.
Themes that sang through the headphones:
✨ “Touch her and I’ll kill you” vibes
✨ Sisterhood as weapon
✨ Everyone’s broken, horny, and bleeding
✨ Redemption will come… after more emotional damage
🔥 Smut Level:
Still mostly tension… but hearing that tension?
YEAH. Your earbuds were blushing.
#SmutTags: #ToryDariusAudioSmolder #GrowledInsultsHitDifferent #BathtubSceneWasUnholy #EnemiesToLoversWithSoundDesign #ScreamFlirtRepeat
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Bullying (physical, magical), emotional distress, trauma, teacher/student inappropriate dynamics, violence, verbal cruelty, obsession themes
🏷️ Tags:
#RuthlessFaeAudio #ZodiacAcademyAdaptation #DramaInSurroundSound #ToryFeral #DariusGrowlsOnCue #EnemiesToLustInHD #BathtubTension #MagicalChaosDelivered #GeraldineTheVoiceActressDeservesAnAward #AudiobookAddictionUnlocked
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Strong ⭐⭐⭐.75 rounded up to 4
🌶️.5
Still not getting the hype around this series. Feel free to convince me to keep going and or chime in on when it gets good. We've at least gone up a whole quarter of a star.
Is this going to be a why choose or RH? I get mixed signals. I think I actually preferred the severe bullying from book one and want it mixed into the web weaving going on with this book. I think another issue with me is this was (hopefully) planned to be such a long series, because it feels like there is next to no character growth so far and I think I need that. I'm down for the hot for teacher plot and we need more of that as well. The bits and pieces of world building and actual villains being identified is appreciated. I constantly find myself wondering are we only 2 weeks into this school year?!?! The pace is so slow I really have no idea.
Graphic Audio continues to be terrible. I think if I do continue, I will look for regular audiobooks or just read the rest of the books.
♊Bully Romance
🩸Twin Changeling FMCs
♊Payback
🩸Magical Academy
♊A book boyfriend for every taste
🩸Many Mythological/Magic Races
♊Modern Urban Fantasy
🩸Student/Teacher Yearning
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher and get book recommendations follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
🌶️.5
Still not getting the hype around this series. Feel free to convince me to keep going and or chime in on when it gets good. We've at least gone up a whole quarter of a star.
Is this going to be a why choose or RH? I get mixed signals. I think I actually preferred the severe bullying from book one and want it mixed into the web weaving going on with this book. I think another issue with me is this was (hopefully) planned to be such a long series, because it feels like there is next to no character growth so far and I think I need that. I'm down for the hot for teacher plot and we need more of that as well. The bits and pieces of world building and actual villains being identified is appreciated. I constantly find myself wondering are we only 2 weeks into this school year?!?! The pace is so slow I really have no idea.
Graphic Audio continues to be terrible. I think if I do continue, I will look for regular audiobooks or just read the rest of the books.
♊Bully Romance
🩸Twin Changeling FMCs
♊Payback
🩸Magical Academy
♊A book boyfriend for every taste
🩸Many Mythological/Magic Races
♊Modern Urban Fantasy
🩸Student/Teacher Yearning
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher and get book recommendations follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
February 17, 2026
Ruthless Fae is where the Zodiac Academy series truly sinks its claws in. If The Awakening introduced the chaos, this installment turns up the cruelty, tension, and emotional intensity to another level entirely.
The power dynamics between the twins and the heirs become even more complicated here. Alliances shift, vulnerabilities start to show, and the lines between hatred and something far more dangerous begin to blur. The bullying is still brutal—sometimes shockingly so—but there’s more depth layered underneath the conflict. You start to see cracks in the armor, and that emotional nuance makes everything hit harder.
The world-building expands in satisfying ways, diving deeper into the zodiac-based magic and the politics of Solaria. The stakes feel higher, not just socially within the academy, but on a much larger scale. There’s a sense that the characters are being shaped—sometimes broken—by the trials they’re facing.
Emotionally, this book is a rollercoaster. There are moments of triumph that feel earned, betrayals that sting, and tension so thick it practically hums. The romance elements intensify, but nothing comes easily, and that slow burn keeps the pages flying.
Overall, Ruthless Fae cements the addictive quality of the series. It’s dramatic, messy, and unapologetically intense—and I immediately needed the next book after that ending.
The power dynamics between the twins and the heirs become even more complicated here. Alliances shift, vulnerabilities start to show, and the lines between hatred and something far more dangerous begin to blur. The bullying is still brutal—sometimes shockingly so—but there’s more depth layered underneath the conflict. You start to see cracks in the armor, and that emotional nuance makes everything hit harder.
The world-building expands in satisfying ways, diving deeper into the zodiac-based magic and the politics of Solaria. The stakes feel higher, not just socially within the academy, but on a much larger scale. There’s a sense that the characters are being shaped—sometimes broken—by the trials they’re facing.
Emotionally, this book is a rollercoaster. There are moments of triumph that feel earned, betrayals that sting, and tension so thick it practically hums. The romance elements intensify, but nothing comes easily, and that slow burn keeps the pages flying.
Overall, Ruthless Fae cements the addictive quality of the series. It’s dramatic, messy, and unapologetically intense—and I immediately needed the next book after that ending.
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