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Sins of the Zodiac #1
Never Keep
From the Amazon .com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors of the Zodiac Academy series Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti.
The dragons are lost.
The elements are at war.
And fate doesn't favour the wicked.
*** This is an enemies to lovers romantasy series set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but it's a dark and villainous tale of its own. You haven't met tainted souls like these before or enemies that hate each other as deeply as these characters do. Book 1 in the series will leave your heart raw and bloody. You'll be left gasping for breath and aching for more of the dark and twisted Fae who lurk in the story and they might just be irredeemable... ***
The dragons are lost.
The elements are at war.
And fate doesn't favour the wicked.
*** This is an enemies to lovers romantasy series set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but it's a dark and villainous tale of its own. You haven't met tainted souls like these before or enemies that hate each other as deeply as these characters do. Book 1 in the series will leave your heart raw and bloody. You'll be left gasping for breath and aching for more of the dark and twisted Fae who lurk in the story and they might just be irredeemable... ***
22 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2024
12635 people are currently reading
137799 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Peckham
123 books30k 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,566 reviews
September 28, 2024
This was in no way a perfect read, had it's flaws but somehow was so entertaining for me. Given it's set in the same realm as Solaria and not exactly in it, I was concerned how it will work out with new characters and world but it seems to be set up just fine.
The start was captivating and immersive with the action sequences and trauma already taking the lead. However, the world building could have been refined as am pretty sure I jumbled up a few things and started to realize that a bit later. I found the writing less juvenile than Zodiac Academy BUT it's the twisted sisters, so of course one will be met with silly, somewhat immature pranks, scenes and dialogues. It did not bother me as I was fully expecting to be met with that at some point. The length of the book was fine by me but the middle definitely slowed down.
The story is told in the pov of Vesper and Everest. Both are equally badass women in their own ways. I found myself liking them both but I leaned towards Vesper a bit more, which is kinda surprising cause she gives Tory vibes and I have always been a Darcy girl. Versper's tough exterior and her need to protect her heart and love, really got to me. Her struggles towards a true sense of freedom was quite real to read. Everest, is a soft hearted and she loves freely. She yearns for revenge, her grief, her struggles with her powers was beautifully written imo. I can't wait to see her grow into what she's meant to be 👀 Nvm, I love her too. The potential for these two characters is amazing. As good as these two sound, they met and bonded with each other quite late and I feel that impacted their friendship and didn't really give them a chance to know each other.
The other characters and their dynamics with the two main characters didn't really blend in well imo and which is what made me rid them if a star. Cayde is certainly interesting and am too hurt to say the rest for now but he definitely can use some depth to him. He came across quite flat and didn't really work well for me. Kaiser on the other hand is someone I found to be very interesting. His character arc with Everest will be worth reading, hopefully. Now, Vesper and her two friends- Dalia and Moraine, I LOATHE them. Those two are horrible and absolute bitches. I just did not find them likable at all. They are possibly the worst side characters I've read by the twisted sisters. These characters working together did not work at all. The chemistry wasn't there and their dynamics just fell apart for me. There needs to be smoother dialogue flow between them and more emotional depth.
The romance is definitely was and is a true enemies to lovers. I can't wait to see how it progresses. Am already so excited for it that it's making me giddy 🤭🤭 Ngl the romances by the authors always hit 🤌
The ending was brutal 😭 I wanted more and just as it was getting really awesome, the book dares to end?! 😭 I NEED MOREEEEEEEE
It's definitely not like Zodiac Academy, with a new world and new characters coming in. But I would still recommend reading ZA first.
~•~•~
So ready to binge this 😍😍
The start was captivating and immersive with the action sequences and trauma already taking the lead. However, the world building could have been refined as am pretty sure I jumbled up a few things and started to realize that a bit later. I found the writing less juvenile than Zodiac Academy BUT it's the twisted sisters, so of course one will be met with silly, somewhat immature pranks, scenes and dialogues. It did not bother me as I was fully expecting to be met with that at some point. The length of the book was fine by me but the middle definitely slowed down.
The story is told in the pov of Vesper and Everest. Both are equally badass women in their own ways. I found myself liking them both but I leaned towards Vesper a bit more, which is kinda surprising cause she gives Tory vibes and I have always been a Darcy girl. Versper's tough exterior and her need to protect her heart and love, really got to me. Her struggles towards a true sense of freedom was quite real to read. Everest, is a soft hearted and she loves freely. She yearns for revenge, her grief, her struggles with her powers was beautifully written imo. I can't wait to see her grow into what she's meant to be 👀 Nvm, I love her too. The potential for these two characters is amazing. As good as these two sound, they met and bonded with each other quite late and I feel that impacted their friendship and didn't really give them a chance to know each other.
The other characters and their dynamics with the two main characters didn't really blend in well imo and which is what made me rid them if a star. Cayde is certainly interesting and am too hurt to say the rest for now but he definitely can use some depth to him. He came across quite flat and didn't really work well for me. Kaiser on the other hand is someone I found to be very interesting. His character arc with Everest will be worth reading, hopefully. Now, Vesper and her two friends- Dalia and Moraine, I LOATHE them. Those two are horrible and absolute bitches. I just did not find them likable at all. They are possibly the worst side characters I've read by the twisted sisters. These characters working together did not work at all. The chemistry wasn't there and their dynamics just fell apart for me. There needs to be smoother dialogue flow between them and more emotional depth.
The romance is definitely was and is a true enemies to lovers. I can't wait to see how it progresses. Am already so excited for it that it's making me giddy 🤭🤭 Ngl the romances by the authors always hit 🤌
The ending was brutal 😭 I wanted more and just as it was getting really awesome, the book dares to end?! 😭 I NEED MOREEEEEEEE
It's definitely not like Zodiac Academy, with a new world and new characters coming in. But I would still recommend reading ZA first.
~•~•~
So ready to binge this 😍😍
October 14, 2024
ೃ⁀➷ 3.5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me and I cant totally say if it was in a good way lmao.
At first I was excited, then it slightly lost me bc the intro went on for too fucking long. Mind you this took a 15% chunk out of the book. I got excited again when the love interests got introduced, then it lost me again bc of the booooring details. There was elaboration on things that didn’t need elaborating 😭🙏 I had come to a point I was genuinely this close to DNF’ing and giving two stars — it would’ve pained me but I would’ve done it. I gave it a couple more chapters to impress me and it wasn’t until the 55% mark that it gripped my interest again. From then on my interest remained steadfast. Overall I’m glad I saw it thru, the ending was worth it.
The main characters:
Everest — she’s a weirdo, her fashion choices won’t align with most but idc she’s my fav girl. She’s so resilient and feels too much ugh I love her. My girl has been thru too much I wanna become a human shield so I can protect her from her greasy mould-ridden family 😤 the way she works so hard on herself and is determined to make the best of her situations 😩 I love her sfm
Vesper — i adore her, I do but only sometimes. See I’m more inclined to the characters that are more emotional in nature but I also have a penchant for misunderstood characters; vesper forcefully dug a spot for herself in my heart — as is her nature. At first I was like yeah whatever but it wasn’t until she made that unlikely alliance with Everest that I truly started to care for her. I can definitely say I’m on pins and needles for her female rage era. It’s gna be glorious 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Kaiser — There’s just something about emotionless hard to impress fictional men that makes me buckle.
Him never feeling jealousy bc of anyone until her?!?!!!!
Her vowing to his face time and again how she wants to mutilate his body but him letting her go time and again?
Him not even having to lift a finger to terrify and defeat his opponent????! 🫦🫦🫦
Kai u win I’m forever urs 💋💋💋💋🔐🔐🔐🔐
[Redacted] — OMFDS I WAS SCREAMING WHEN THIS CHAPTER POV CAME UP I WAS LIKE AHGSIDBKSIGEOE😭💘💘🎀🥹💞💗💘💘💞🤸🏻♀️🫦👹💋💕💘💞💅💘💞💘
It was the best thing to happen this entire book I’m not even kidding (other than KaiEver ofc)
One thing I can say for certain is that u can ALWAYS count on the twisted sisters to serve deliver provideeee CONCRETE enemies to lovers 🗣️🗣️‼️
There’s no skirting around the trope, this is real and it’s got layers to it. There’s no lust, no secret crush, just hard hitting combative enemies. It’s perfection 👩🍳💋💋💋
KaiserEverest carried this entire book on their backs omfds their parts were so scarce but soooo delish 😋🫦🫦🫦
They have the same potential as BlueLance in my head. Listen they’re in no way alike (bluelance tops r u kidding) but I can already FEEL I’ll be as obsessed with them in the following books (I think I already am 🙂↕️🙂↕️)
KaiEver are my fav couple for sure but the potential in the next book for vesper and her LI?? 👹*giggles*👹 🎀💖💞💕💖💋🎀💕💘💘🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
The ending saved this book. It was truly what I was hoping for and more.
I’m definitely going to read book two and I AM SO EXCITED FOR KAIEVER MY LOVES I JUST KNOW THEYRE GNA SERVE CVNT THE NEXT BOOKS 💅
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I called the 🦎 thing and I was so fucking proud of myself when I was RIGHT 👹🤭💅😋🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
THE LAST 5% WAS EVERYTHING I WAS HOPING FOR AND MORE
⋆⋅☆⋅⋆
IM READY TO EATTTT 🗣️🗣️🗣️
***
When ur card gets declined at therapy but the twisted sisters are writing a new book set in ZA 💳💥💳💥💳💥
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me and I cant totally say if it was in a good way lmao.
At first I was excited, then it slightly lost me bc the intro went on for too fucking long. Mind you this took a 15% chunk out of the book. I got excited again when the love interests got introduced, then it lost me again bc of the booooring details. There was elaboration on things that didn’t need elaborating 😭🙏 I had come to a point I was genuinely this close to DNF’ing and giving two stars — it would’ve pained me but I would’ve done it. I gave it a couple more chapters to impress me and it wasn’t until the 55% mark that it gripped my interest again. From then on my interest remained steadfast. Overall I’m glad I saw it thru, the ending was worth it.
The main characters:
Everest — she’s a weirdo, her fashion choices won’t align with most but idc she’s my fav girl. She’s so resilient and feels too much ugh I love her. My girl has been thru too much I wanna become a human shield so I can protect her from her greasy mould-ridden family 😤 the way she works so hard on herself and is determined to make the best of her situations 😩 I love her sfm
Vesper — i adore her, I do but only sometimes. See I’m more inclined to the characters that are more emotional in nature but I also have a penchant for misunderstood characters; vesper forcefully dug a spot for herself in my heart — as is her nature. At first I was like yeah whatever but it wasn’t until she made that unlikely alliance with Everest that I truly started to care for her. I can definitely say I’m on pins and needles for her female rage era. It’s gna be glorious 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Kaiser — There’s just something about emotionless hard to impress fictional men that makes me buckle.
Him never feeling jealousy bc of anyone until her?!?!!!!
Her vowing to his face time and again how she wants to mutilate his body but him letting her go time and again?
Him not even having to lift a finger to terrify and defeat his opponent????! 🫦🫦🫦
Kai u win I’m forever urs 💋💋💋💋🔐🔐🔐🔐
[Redacted] — OMFDS I WAS SCREAMING WHEN THIS CHAPTER POV CAME UP I WAS LIKE AHGSIDBKSIGEOE😭💘💘🎀🥹💞💗💘💘💞🤸🏻♀️🫦👹💋💕💘💞💅💘💞💘
It was the best thing to happen this entire book I’m not even kidding (other than KaiEver ofc)
One thing I can say for certain is that u can ALWAYS count on the twisted sisters to serve deliver provideeee CONCRETE enemies to lovers 🗣️🗣️‼️
There’s no skirting around the trope, this is real and it’s got layers to it. There’s no lust, no secret crush, just hard hitting combative enemies. It’s perfection 👩🍳💋💋💋
KaiserEverest carried this entire book on their backs omfds their parts were so scarce but soooo delish 😋🫦🫦🫦
They have the same potential as BlueLance in my head. Listen they’re in no way alike (bluelance tops r u kidding) but I can already FEEL I’ll be as obsessed with them in the following books (I think I already am 🙂↕️🙂↕️)
KaiEver are my fav couple for sure but the potential in the next book for vesper and her LI?? 👹*giggles*👹 🎀💖💞💕💖💋🎀💕💘💘🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
The ending saved this book. It was truly what I was hoping for and more.
I’m definitely going to read book two and I AM SO EXCITED FOR KAIEVER MY LOVES I JUST KNOW THEYRE GNA SERVE CVNT THE NEXT BOOKS 💅
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I called the 🦎 thing and I was so fucking proud of myself when I was RIGHT 👹🤭💅😋🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
THE LAST 5% WAS EVERYTHING I WAS HOPING FOR AND MORE
⋆⋅☆⋅⋆
IM READY TO EATTTT 🗣️🗣️🗣️
***
When ur card gets declined at therapy but the twisted sisters are writing a new book set in ZA 💳💥💳💥💳💥
October 10, 2024
The ending ????!? Those damn twisted sisters have done it again…
November 27, 2025
4⭐️
Damn this was good!! Darker than ZA but good.
Let me just say first 100 pages I was so confused…and that is just my own fault 🤷♀️. I was searching for connections with ZA and I shouldn’t have. These Fae are different.
At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I like Vesper but she grew on me ❤️. On the other hand I loved Everest right from the beginning 👍. But let me tell you that Kaiser guy might be my new crush 🥰🥰🥰. I hope to see more of him in the next book.
I am hooked 👌.
Damn this was good!! Darker than ZA but good.
Let me just say first 100 pages I was so confused…and that is just my own fault 🤷♀️. I was searching for connections with ZA and I shouldn’t have. These Fae are different.
At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I like Vesper but she grew on me ❤️. On the other hand I loved Everest right from the beginning 👍. But let me tell you that Kaiser guy might be my new crush 🥰🥰🥰. I hope to see more of him in the next book.
I am hooked 👌.
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
SPOILER FREE
Listen, I LOVE Zodiac Academy, so I was really excited to pick this up since it’s set in the same world. It gave prequel vibes (though don’t quote me on that, but there were a few clues that led me to believe that’s the case). Honestly though, I’m not sure why so many people are raving about it—I found it a bit underwhelming.
Lets start with the positives...The ending was strong, and I did enjoy some of the worldbuilding touches that expanded on the universe I already love. There were also a few intriguing twists and moments of tension that kept me intrigued, especially toward the end. I can see the potential in the story, and there’s definitely a foundation here that could (maybe?) grow into something bigger in the next installments.
That said, overall I just didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters, which is one of the things I adore most about Zodiac Academy. The characters there are unforgettable, but here they felt flat. Even the two potential MMCs didn’t have much pull—they’re nowhere near the level of Orion or Darius, even if the story is aiming for a truer than true enemies-to-lovers vibe with the slowest of slow burns.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. The book felt far too long for how slowly the plot moved, and that made it drag in too many places. Overall, It wasn’t horrible, but it definitely wasn’t a favorite—especially disappointing because I love Zodiac Academy so much. In a lot of ways, it felt like a less exciting version of ZA, without the unforgettable characters and relationships that made me fall in love with that series. At this point, I’m not sure how I feel about continuing with the series, because I did think that overall this book by itself was just mehhh.
Maybe I’m just in a romantasy slump 🤷♀️, but overall this one left me disappointed.
SPOILER FREE
Listen, I LOVE Zodiac Academy, so I was really excited to pick this up since it’s set in the same world. It gave prequel vibes (though don’t quote me on that, but there were a few clues that led me to believe that’s the case). Honestly though, I’m not sure why so many people are raving about it—I found it a bit underwhelming.
Lets start with the positives...The ending was strong, and I did enjoy some of the worldbuilding touches that expanded on the universe I already love. There were also a few intriguing twists and moments of tension that kept me intrigued, especially toward the end. I can see the potential in the story, and there’s definitely a foundation here that could (maybe?) grow into something bigger in the next installments.
That said, overall I just didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters, which is one of the things I adore most about Zodiac Academy. The characters there are unforgettable, but here they felt flat. Even the two potential MMCs didn’t have much pull—they’re nowhere near the level of Orion or Darius, even if the story is aiming for a truer than true enemies-to-lovers vibe with the slowest of slow burns.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. The book felt far too long for how slowly the plot moved, and that made it drag in too many places. Overall, It wasn’t horrible, but it definitely wasn’t a favorite—especially disappointing because I love Zodiac Academy so much. In a lot of ways, it felt like a less exciting version of ZA, without the unforgettable characters and relationships that made me fall in love with that series. At this point, I’m not sure how I feel about continuing with the series, because I did think that overall this book by itself was just mehhh.
Maybe I’m just in a romantasy slump 🤷♀️, but overall this one left me disappointed.
March 22, 2025
3.5 stars
Not my favorite Twisted Sisters book at all, but I’m at least invested in this story now! I feel like a lot of what was in this was filler, honestly. I didn’t get invested until about 55% in, then I started having a good time. I’m hoping Echo Fort really makes up for what this one lacked in. The characters? Love them. The plot line? Unclear. The sass and banter? Of course, fabulous. The love interests for our two FMC’s? No idea. Kind of an idea. Maybe?
I’ll definitely be reading Echo Fort even if this one wasn’t my favorite. Keeping the faith because these authors have never done me wrong in the long run.
Not my favorite Twisted Sisters book at all, but I’m at least invested in this story now! I feel like a lot of what was in this was filler, honestly. I didn’t get invested until about 55% in, then I started having a good time. I’m hoping Echo Fort really makes up for what this one lacked in. The characters? Love them. The plot line? Unclear. The sass and banter? Of course, fabulous. The love interests for our two FMC’s? No idea. Kind of an idea. Maybe?
I’ll definitely be reading Echo Fort even if this one wasn’t my favorite. Keeping the faith because these authors have never done me wrong in the long run.
October 23, 2024
hey what the fuck lol
I loved this sooooo much and it could’ve been a 5 star however…. the beginning of this book was a bit rough tbh. world dumping and non stop action to the point that I really struggled to know what was going on. but after getting about a third of the way through the book I was HOOKED. i’m obsessed with these characters and the mystery plotline was so good. and that ending. PREPARE YOURSELVES. book 2 is moving right to the top of my most anticipated releases of next year.
I loved this sooooo much and it could’ve been a 5 star however…. the beginning of this book was a bit rough tbh. world dumping and non stop action to the point that I really struggled to know what was going on. but after getting about a third of the way through the book I was HOOKED. i’m obsessed with these characters and the mystery plotline was so good. and that ending. PREPARE YOURSELVES. book 2 is moving right to the top of my most anticipated releases of next year.
Want to read
December 2, 2024𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ i been itching to come back to Solaria, so ta-da! GIMME DRAGONS
𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘪 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘙 𝘪'𝘮 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 🎀
𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘪 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘙 𝘪'𝘮 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 🎀
October 9, 2024
4.25 stars. Not as good as ZA 4 and 5, but super enjoyable. You do NOT need to read Zodiac Academy or any other world of Solaria books to understand this. A good cliffie. Cannot wait for book 2
June 13, 2025
reread review: It’s just as good a second time and on audio🙂↕️ SOOOOO excited to dive into Echo Fort and so thankful i did a reread because there are so many little details i had forgotten!
~ ~ ~
never keep by caroline packham and susanne valenti 💫✨SPOILER FREE REVIEW
besties, ohhhhhhhh besties do i have a TREAT for you. Never Keep is a BRAND NEW celestial series full of badass fmc’s, bloodthirsty enemies, reluctant allies, elemental magic, and of course that good ol’ twisted sisters trauma. (see book blurb pinned in the comments!)
set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but separated by continents and time, you do NOT have to read ZA before diving into Never Keep. in fact, this is the perfect place to start! this will acquaint you with the addictive fast paced writing, magic, and turmoil that’ll have you itching for more 🙂↕️
Never Keep is like if Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Avatar the Last Airbender had a violent traumatized baby. 😅 Our FMC’s Everest (pisces, underdog, with a vendetta to avenge her mother) and Vesper (aquarius, succubus and revered “sky witch” war general) stole the show for me. the tension and enemies to ?!?! vibes with the mmc’s was top notch, but nothing beats a truly feral fmc 🙂↕️
speaking of enemies- i don’t say this lightly, but i’ve NEVER seen enemies enemying so hard. like…. not sure if there’s coming back from this. IM BEING SO FR
keeping it ✨spoiler free✨ but here are some highlights you can expect:
🌜 war college setting
✨ elemental magic
🌜 enemies to ????
✨ forbidden love
🌜 fae shifters
✨ celestial aesthetic
🌜 ancient prophesy
✨ plot twists (duh)
if you’re still here, this is your formal invitation to scream in my dm’s when you’re reading Never Keep!! may the stars guide your journey 💫✨
~ ~ ~
never keep by caroline packham and susanne valenti 💫✨SPOILER FREE REVIEW
besties, ohhhhhhhh besties do i have a TREAT for you. Never Keep is a BRAND NEW celestial series full of badass fmc’s, bloodthirsty enemies, reluctant allies, elemental magic, and of course that good ol’ twisted sisters trauma. (see book blurb pinned in the comments!)
set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but separated by continents and time, you do NOT have to read ZA before diving into Never Keep. in fact, this is the perfect place to start! this will acquaint you with the addictive fast paced writing, magic, and turmoil that’ll have you itching for more 🙂↕️
Never Keep is like if Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Avatar the Last Airbender had a violent traumatized baby. 😅 Our FMC’s Everest (pisces, underdog, with a vendetta to avenge her mother) and Vesper (aquarius, succubus and revered “sky witch” war general) stole the show for me. the tension and enemies to ?!?! vibes with the mmc’s was top notch, but nothing beats a truly feral fmc 🙂↕️
speaking of enemies- i don’t say this lightly, but i’ve NEVER seen enemies enemying so hard. like…. not sure if there’s coming back from this. IM BEING SO FR
keeping it ✨spoiler free✨ but here are some highlights you can expect:
🌜 war college setting
✨ elemental magic
🌜 enemies to ????
✨ forbidden love
🌜 fae shifters
✨ celestial aesthetic
🌜 ancient prophesy
✨ plot twists (duh)
if you’re still here, this is your formal invitation to scream in my dm’s when you’re reading Never Keep!! may the stars guide your journey 💫✨
June 19, 2025
UM. HEY WTF?!
The first 140 pages of this book was like trying to drink the ocean. I didn’t know where to start, and it started to drown me a bit (think Crescent City). This shit just throws you right in. But it pays off as you go.
The world building is so good in this book, and if you want like TRUE, hateful enemies to lovers (maybe?), look no further!!
The last 60 pages of this book were absolute insanity, I was frantically reading to figure out what was happening. I also LOVED both FMC’s so much, and I cannot wait to continue on with Echo Fort, because this was an enjoyable, but complicated ride.
4.5 stars. ⭐️
The first 140 pages of this book was like trying to drink the ocean. I didn’t know where to start, and it started to drown me a bit (think Crescent City). This shit just throws you right in. But it pays off as you go.
The world building is so good in this book, and if you want like TRUE, hateful enemies to lovers (maybe?), look no further!!
The last 60 pages of this book were absolute insanity, I was frantically reading to figure out what was happening. I also LOVED both FMC’s so much, and I cannot wait to continue on with Echo Fort, because this was an enjoyable, but complicated ride.
4.5 stars. ⭐️
January 3, 2025
i can’t put into words how incredible it feels to be back in the world of solaria! this book did not disappoint!! it is definitely working to fill the void left after finishing zodiac academy ❤️🩹.
it’s action packed from start to finish and in true twisted sister fashion the ending has left me SHAKING with rage 🥲. you know when you don’t like a character and you just can’t put your finger on why?? let’s just say i had serious doubts about one of the characters and sure enough, they proved my intuition right at the very end 🙂🙃🙃.
i am absolutely in love with both our FMCs they are determined, headstrong and powerful (i would let vesper punch me in the face and i would thank her for it). it was so interesting and fun to be introduced to so many new orders and learning about them along the way made reading this feel fresh and new while still being somewhat nostalgic being back in solaria. i had so many theories surrounding everest and her order and as usual the twisted sisters have kept it so unpredictable my head was left spinning.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK AAAHHHHHHHHH
ps kaiser could get it.
it’s action packed from start to finish and in true twisted sister fashion the ending has left me SHAKING with rage 🥲. you know when you don’t like a character and you just can’t put your finger on why?? let’s just say i had serious doubts about one of the characters and sure enough, they proved my intuition right at the very end 🙂🙃🙃.
i am absolutely in love with both our FMCs they are determined, headstrong and powerful (i would let vesper punch me in the face and i would thank her for it). it was so interesting and fun to be introduced to so many new orders and learning about them along the way made reading this feel fresh and new while still being somewhat nostalgic being back in solaria. i had so many theories surrounding everest and her order and as usual the twisted sisters have kept it so unpredictable my head was left spinning.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK AAAHHHHHHHHH
ps kaiser could get it.
September 30, 2024
– 2.5 stars
aww that quote gave me the biggest bluelance feelings and i was back in my missing bluelance era 🥺
overall that this book was much better than A Game of Malice and Greed and I think this series/book will flop less than AGOFLOP, but that doesn't mean it was anywhere near good. As always the book is wayyy too long. This had no business being over 600 pages long as the first book. No book should.
As far as characters and relationship dynamics.. I'm team Everest and Kaiser all the way. That's my ship of the series. Even though Kaiser's name is horrible and unsexy af. He really has potential 😌 the-hates-everyone-but-her trope or in this case feels-no-emotions-until-he-met-her trope will always be *chef's kiss*
I will be tuning in for the next book just for them and them only.
Galomp patted his head with one finger. "Blue means you, small dragon. I do hope you remember that."
aww that quote gave me the biggest bluelance feelings and i was back in my missing bluelance era 🥺
overall that this book was much better than A Game of Malice and Greed and I think this series/book will flop less than AGOFLOP, but that doesn't mean it was anywhere near good. As always the book is wayyy too long. This had no business being over 600 pages long as the first book. No book should.
As far as characters and relationship dynamics.. I'm team Everest and Kaiser all the way. That's my ship of the series. Even though Kaiser's name is horrible and unsexy af. He really has potential 😌 the-hates-everyone-but-her trope or in this case feels-no-emotions-until-he-met-her trope will always be *chef's kiss*
I will be tuning in for the next book just for them and them only.
Want to read
August 31, 2024I just saw an arc review for this on IG and as someone who also hasn’t read ZA yet—she loved this 🙌🏼 two badass fmcs sounds so refreshing tbh. I just hope it’ll be good
unfinished-series-or-authors
April 12, 2024I know the twisted sisters are gonna slay again with the enemies to lovers trope 🤭 ALSO THIS SERIES IS SET IN ZA WORLD!? JUST TAKE MY MONEY 💳 💳
October 1, 2024
4 ★
So I ended up getting sucked into this book and was hardly able to put it down😭 does it have some flaws? Yes, but I’m choosing to give it this rating out of enjoyment and vibes just keep in mind that when you read this book the flaws might irk you more than they did for me.
•*⁀➷
main thoughts:
I want to start off with saying that it took me a couple chapters to get sucked into this book, but then at some point I was just flipping pages cause the writing was bingeable. Not a surprise when it comes to the twisted sisters and I just had to find out what was going to happen. I think the chapters before the time jump to one year later weren’t as fun, but they were necessary to read for background information and to understand the characters a little bit. I do also want to mention that the book sort of slowed down around the middle and while I was still able to read it pretty easily I just wish it picked up the pace and that more stuff actually happened😅 thinking back on this book it could have been more suspenseful, but at least I was enjoying the chapters enough that it didn’t feel like I had to force myself through them.
I do think the writing was also better then what it was in zodiac academy which kinda surprised me, of course there were a few silly and questionable things thrown in this book but not enough that I was cringed out or anything, plus it was to be expected.
characters:
Everest Arcadia: ִ✼ 𓂃 𓈒𓏸 I think I had a soft spot for her because I loved reading her povs the whole time, in some ways she reminded me of myself and I think she’s a strong human being with some soft layers to her, but I can’t wait to see what she becomes. Did she give me second hand embarrassment once or twice yes but she’s still my girl and I love her🤭
Vesper/SW: ೃ༄ I’m ngl I love and hate her it’s complicated, at first I didn’t really care about her povs cause I could only see her as the enemy and I didn’t know what to do with that😭 but eventually I started to like her more and I like seeing how in-depth she actually is as a character. But at the same time her and her friends annoyed me like why are we just bullying people? I do think she’s a badass and probably acts the way she does because of how she grew up and the things that have happened to her, but she needs to chill a bit in that regard. I know I’m going to have a complete soft spot in my heart for her eventually just not yet.
•*⁀➷
btw I do wish these two characters met sooner cause they are a fun duo and I need a full friendship between them.
I feel like I can only say so much about the side characters, but I can tell you without a doubt that I did not care about vesper’s friends they were just too bland and lacked personally all they did was cuss at each other all the time and bullied others😃 oh and everest’s father and brother are intolerable and need to die.
romance:
i was expecting more romance it’s definitely set up as a true enemies to lovers especially for the next books, but I needed more from both mmcs because we didn’t really get to see inside their head or learn that much about them.
I don’t want to say too much, but i did need more from
cayde and I fear the spicy scenes we got from him just don’t make up for anything now and I can’t say the romance between him and vesper were my favorite because it did feel sudden and the ending just made it worse. I am intrigued by kaiser but we also didn’t have much scenes with him either so I’m clueless on how to feel in general.
๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑
extra:
I will be reading the next book because it was getting really good before the book just ended and I need to know what’s going to happen next. I feel like I should have expected the ending and plot twists more, but I guess I was just as clueless as the main characters, thinking back on it now it does make sense I just didn’t use my brain I guess😔
pre review:
um that was some ending and I need answers😭 rtc!
pre read: ⚔️🪄
I didn’t realize this was out already and my favs SK and Iqra are reading it so now’s my time to shine🤭✨ I’m hoping this is as bingeable as ZA👀
So I ended up getting sucked into this book and was hardly able to put it down😭 does it have some flaws? Yes, but I’m choosing to give it this rating out of enjoyment and vibes just keep in mind that when you read this book the flaws might irk you more than they did for me.
•*⁀➷
main thoughts:
I want to start off with saying that it took me a couple chapters to get sucked into this book, but then at some point I was just flipping pages cause the writing was bingeable. Not a surprise when it comes to the twisted sisters and I just had to find out what was going to happen. I think the chapters before the time jump to one year later weren’t as fun, but they were necessary to read for background information and to understand the characters a little bit. I do also want to mention that the book sort of slowed down around the middle and while I was still able to read it pretty easily I just wish it picked up the pace and that more stuff actually happened😅 thinking back on this book it could have been more suspenseful, but at least I was enjoying the chapters enough that it didn’t feel like I had to force myself through them.
I do think the writing was also better then what it was in zodiac academy which kinda surprised me, of course there were a few silly and questionable things thrown in this book but not enough that I was cringed out or anything, plus it was to be expected.
characters:
Everest Arcadia: ִ✼ 𓂃 𓈒𓏸 I think I had a soft spot for her because I loved reading her povs the whole time, in some ways she reminded me of myself and I think she’s a strong human being with some soft layers to her, but I can’t wait to see what she becomes. Did she give me second hand embarrassment once or twice yes but she’s still my girl and I love her🤭
Vesper/SW: ೃ༄ I’m ngl I love and hate her it’s complicated, at first I didn’t really care about her povs cause I could only see her as the enemy and I didn’t know what to do with that😭 but eventually I started to like her more and I like seeing how in-depth she actually is as a character. But at the same time her and her friends annoyed me like why are we just bullying people? I do think she’s a badass and probably acts the way she does because of how she grew up and the things that have happened to her, but she needs to chill a bit in that regard. I know I’m going to have a complete soft spot in my heart for her eventually just not yet.
•*⁀➷
btw I do wish these two characters met sooner cause they are a fun duo and I need a full friendship between them.
I feel like I can only say so much about the side characters, but I can tell you without a doubt that I did not care about vesper’s friends they were just too bland and lacked personally all they did was cuss at each other all the time and bullied others😃 oh and everest’s father and brother are intolerable and need to die.
romance:
i was expecting more romance it’s definitely set up as a true enemies to lovers especially for the next books, but I needed more from both mmcs because we didn’t really get to see inside their head or learn that much about them.
I don’t want to say too much, but i did need more from
cayde and I fear the spicy scenes we got from him just don’t make up for anything now and I can’t say the romance between him and vesper were my favorite because it did feel sudden and the ending just made it worse. I am intrigued by kaiser but we also didn’t have much scenes with him either so I’m clueless on how to feel in general.
๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑
extra:
I will be reading the next book because it was getting really good before the book just ended and I need to know what’s going to happen next. I feel like I should have expected the ending and plot twists more, but I guess I was just as clueless as the main characters, thinking back on it now it does make sense I just didn’t use my brain I guess😔
pre review:
um that was some ending and I need answers😭 rtc!
pre read: ⚔️🪄
I didn’t realize this was out already and my favs SK and Iqra are reading it so now’s my time to shine🤭✨ I’m hoping this is as bingeable as ZA👀
Want to read
July 9, 2024
꒰ °⤿*ੈ pre-release𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ ꒱
update 09th, July: OMGGG SINCE WHEN DO WE HAVE A COVER AND BLURB?!?! ALSO SEPTEMBER 2024?! I can't wait to get this book in my hands 😩
A new series set in ZA world?! Take all my money 💳 and give me this asap. Also who is gonna pay for my therapy when I read this series? 😔
update 09th, July: OMGGG SINCE WHEN DO WE HAVE A COVER AND BLURB?!?! ALSO SEPTEMBER 2024?! I can't wait to get this book in my hands 😩
A new series set in ZA world?! Take all my money 💳 and give me this asap. Also who is gonna pay for my therapy when I read this series? 😔
October 3, 2024
This was a fun read but it's definitely not one of my favorite books by the Twisted sisters. That cliffhanger was bad I'm still used to the Zodiac academy cliffhangers so compared to them it wasn't that bad. Poor Vesper and Everest though. Also I should have known that something was bad with a certain character because it did seem like insta love, and these authors never have a couple get together in book 1. RTC.
Never keep follows Vesper and Everest who are two young women that are the same age but have are opposite sides of an ancient war. Vesper is known as the skywitch because she is a powerful warrior that has managed to find a place for herself in the world despite her low birth status. She has been working for Prince Dragnor since she was a young teenager. Meanwhile Everest is shunned and ridiculed by most of her family as well as most of the members of her homeland. Only her mother and friend Harlon accept her for who she is. However Everest's homeland is invaded by Dragnor's forces, including Vesper and her best friends Dahlia and Morriane. In the process of the battle that follows this invasion Everest ends up losing her mother and she vows to kill the man who murdered her. Meanwhile Vesper follows the orders of Prince Dragnor in the battle who she has feelings for, but she is unsure how he feels about her and whether she is more to him than just a talented warrior that he can use however he sees fit. At the same time she meets a man called Cayde who she instantly hates and has intense banter with. Vesper has two very close friends Dahlia and Morriane, who are basically sisters to her as she has grown up with them. Anyway a year passes and Vesper and Everest both arrive at Never keep where 21 year old train and learn more about their magic in so that they become part of the war. They both pass the initiation test which means that they become students at Never keep. However Everest ends up having to seperate from Harlon as he has two elements, which means that he must now become a reaper. Everest and Vesper then beginning learning how to use and control their magic along with the other students at the war college. However both women realise that something is not right at Never keep when they beginning hearing screams. They investigate what is going on separately and they discover that the reapers are torturing people to death. Everest and Vesper end up telling each other what they have seen and they decide to tentatively work together so that they can find out what other horrific acts the reapers are committing.
I liked this book but it's just not on the same level as other books by these authors are for me. The World building was confusing and I still don't really know how it works. For example I can't tell you what the side characters orders and how they work, and the reason for why there is a war between the two different types of fae doesn't really make sense to me. I also didn't really connect to the main characters as much as I would have liked to. However it often takes a few books to connect to the main characters a series by the Twisted sisters, and I usually end up loving them and being really connected to their romances. The plot twists near the end of this book were good though. I definitely didn't see Cayde's betrayal of Vesper coming and I didn't predict Everest's capture by her mother's killer either. The more I think about this cliffhanger the worse it gets and I will be reading the next book after it comes out.
Never keep follows Vesper and Everest who are two young women that are the same age but have are opposite sides of an ancient war. Vesper is known as the skywitch because she is a powerful warrior that has managed to find a place for herself in the world despite her low birth status. She has been working for Prince Dragnor since she was a young teenager. Meanwhile Everest is shunned and ridiculed by most of her family as well as most of the members of her homeland. Only her mother and friend Harlon accept her for who she is. However Everest's homeland is invaded by Dragnor's forces, including Vesper and her best friends Dahlia and Morriane. In the process of the battle that follows this invasion Everest ends up losing her mother and she vows to kill the man who murdered her. Meanwhile Vesper follows the orders of Prince Dragnor in the battle who she has feelings for, but she is unsure how he feels about her and whether she is more to him than just a talented warrior that he can use however he sees fit. At the same time she meets a man called Cayde who she instantly hates and has intense banter with. Vesper has two very close friends Dahlia and Morriane, who are basically sisters to her as she has grown up with them. Anyway a year passes and Vesper and Everest both arrive at Never keep where 21 year old train and learn more about their magic in so that they become part of the war. They both pass the initiation test which means that they become students at Never keep. However Everest ends up having to seperate from Harlon as he has two elements, which means that he must now become a reaper. Everest and Vesper then beginning learning how to use and control their magic along with the other students at the war college. However both women realise that something is not right at Never keep when they beginning hearing screams. They investigate what is going on separately and they discover that the reapers are torturing people to death. Everest and Vesper end up telling each other what they have seen and they decide to tentatively work together so that they can find out what other horrific acts the reapers are committing.
I liked this book but it's just not on the same level as other books by these authors are for me. The World building was confusing and I still don't really know how it works. For example I can't tell you what the side characters orders and how they work, and the reason for why there is a war between the two different types of fae doesn't really make sense to me. I also didn't really connect to the main characters as much as I would have liked to. However it often takes a few books to connect to the main characters a series by the Twisted sisters, and I usually end up loving them and being really connected to their romances. The plot twists near the end of this book were good though. I definitely didn't see Cayde's betrayal of Vesper coming and I didn't predict Everest's capture by her mother's killer either. The more I think about this cliffhanger the worse it gets and I will be reading the next book after it comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
SO im back to my roots it seems(fantasy- I mean fantasy… and okay admittedly Solaria too)
I haven’t had such a great time in fantasy in a long ass time so let me ramble a little;
The writing is SIGNIFICANTLY better than ZA so that’s a huge improvement. World building is much more vast too and complex as well so I hope to go over certain aspects of Never Keep, as we move forward. ZA was easily understood even when I didn’t payed much attention to world building but here I actually had to be alert. 🧐
NOW THE CHARACTERS : the sisters clearly know how to forge characters that are likeable. Leads at least. I love both of them honestly. Everest is Resilient, Ambitious and just RELENTLESS. I love her tenacity 💯. Vesper on the other hand is courageous and already powerful.
Boys however, idk what to think of them based on this books alone. Yes they both have attractive qualities but their actions are VERY QUESTIONABLE so I won’t make up my mind right away. I did fell for Cayde and…. *sigh* and Kaiser is unpredictable and has lots of secrets. I do hope we get their POVs in the sequel tho.
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS: I love love LOVEthe fact that our girls who belong to two different worlds form an unlikely alliance.
What I am looking forward for in the future is that progression of my romantic ships. TWISTED SISTERS GIVING US TWO ENEMIES TO LOVERS- 🤭I will eat it up- given that they’re executed properly.
One is a classic enemies to lovers with slow burn by the looks of it and the other is a whole betrayal trope.
What mmcs do to their significant others in last 12% tho is….. they better be in pain and agony next book.
I straight up want 3 characters dead tho. Ransom, his ugly father and the prince. I CANT STAND THESE ASSHOLES.
*please note that these are my initial thoughts and my feelings towards books, characters may change depending on their actions in later series. I might hate the characters I claimed to love now and vice versa.
For those who have enjoyed ZA I highly recommend this book.❤️❤️🤭
I haven’t had such a great time in fantasy in a long ass time so let me ramble a little;
The writing is SIGNIFICANTLY better than ZA so that’s a huge improvement. World building is much more vast too and complex as well so I hope to go over certain aspects of Never Keep, as we move forward. ZA was easily understood even when I didn’t payed much attention to world building but here I actually had to be alert. 🧐
NOW THE CHARACTERS : the sisters clearly know how to forge characters that are likeable. Leads at least. I love both of them honestly. Everest is Resilient, Ambitious and just RELENTLESS. I love her tenacity 💯. Vesper on the other hand is courageous and already powerful.
Boys however, idk what to think of them based on this books alone. Yes they both have attractive qualities but their actions are VERY QUESTIONABLE so I won’t make up my mind right away. I did fell for Cayde and…. *sigh* and Kaiser is unpredictable and has lots of secrets. I do hope we get their POVs in the sequel tho.
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS: I love love LOVEthe fact that our girls who belong to two different worlds form an unlikely alliance.
What I am looking forward for in the future is that progression of my romantic ships. TWISTED SISTERS GIVING US TWO ENEMIES TO LOVERS- 🤭I will eat it up- given that they’re executed properly.
One is a classic enemies to lovers with slow burn by the looks of it and the other is a whole betrayal trope.
What mmcs do to their significant others in last 12% tho is….. they better be in pain and agony next book.
I straight up want 3 characters dead tho. Ransom, his ugly father and the prince. I CANT STAND THESE ASSHOLES.
*please note that these are my initial thoughts and my feelings towards books, characters may change depending on their actions in later series. I might hate the characters I claimed to love now and vice versa.
For those who have enjoyed ZA I highly recommend this book.❤️❤️🤭
September 18, 2024
A must read for fans of Zodiac Academy!!
Set in the same world but an entirely new story. Never Keep gives off completely different vibes, almost as if it’s in a different time period (past?). New characters, new school, new plot lines, but not lacking the banter & tension we know and love from the Twisted Sisters. I could not devour this book fast enough and I’m already itching for book 2.
Set in the same world but an entirely new story. Never Keep gives off completely different vibes, almost as if it’s in a different time period (past?). New characters, new school, new plot lines, but not lacking the banter & tension we know and love from the Twisted Sisters. I could not devour this book fast enough and I’m already itching for book 2.
July 6, 2025
This book was sooo good!! I was savoring it and I didn’t want it to end. The twists and turns in this were so well done. I’m a Zodiac Academy lover but I honestly think I might have loved this even more.
We follow Everest and Vesper. Everest is unsure, inexperienced, but on her revenge arc. She is adorable, fashionable, and possesses so much more power than she even knows. Vesper is beautiful, cunning, strong, resilient and she knows her power. They are total opposites besides the fact that they both are out for revenge.
I will say even though this takes place at an academy, there really isn’t much about the school, classes, professors, etc. it’s more focused on what’s going on behind the scenes. Vesper and Everest are unexpected allies being from opposite sides of a war. However, I love their budding friendship and I’m excited to see how that plays out.
You never know who the mmc is and you really have no idea who to trust. I have a feeling Kaiser is one of our mmc’s and I’m obsessed with him!!!! He’s stoic, antisocial, possesses no remorse or feelings all together. He’s a fury and the only of his kind. He is insanely powerful and has a motive that we’re not sure of. This is big time enemies to lovers and the first book gave us NO romance. I’m so here for this and I hope he ends up with Everest.
I’m so excited for the second book. If you love enemies to lovers, war and heavy plot, magical beings, twists and turns that will have you sobbing… read this!!!
We follow Everest and Vesper. Everest is unsure, inexperienced, but on her revenge arc. She is adorable, fashionable, and possesses so much more power than she even knows. Vesper is beautiful, cunning, strong, resilient and she knows her power. They are total opposites besides the fact that they both are out for revenge.
I will say even though this takes place at an academy, there really isn’t much about the school, classes, professors, etc. it’s more focused on what’s going on behind the scenes. Vesper and Everest are unexpected allies being from opposite sides of a war. However, I love their budding friendship and I’m excited to see how that plays out.
You never know who the mmc is and you really have no idea who to trust. I have a feeling Kaiser is one of our mmc’s and I’m obsessed with him!!!! He’s stoic, antisocial, possesses no remorse or feelings all together. He’s a fury and the only of his kind. He is insanely powerful and has a motive that we’re not sure of. This is big time enemies to lovers and the first book gave us NO romance. I’m so here for this and I hope he ends up with Everest.
I’m so excited for the second book. If you love enemies to lovers, war and heavy plot, magical beings, twists and turns that will have you sobbing… read this!!!
October 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️ DNF @45%
Y’all. I hate to say this but this is just not good. ZA had me in a chokehold, but I don’t care for these FMCs a bit. I am also not a huge fan of the changes to how Solaria is presented as a steampunk world, but that’s just a matter of personal preference. I wish they’d been in a separate land all together, rather than Solaria. Maybe then I could reconcile the vast differences in how the magic wielders and geopolitical dynamics of this world are presented to us.
All in all, while we are dropped in the action, sadly those scenes are an entire battle played out over multiple chapters and it reads like the culmination of a book rather than the introduction. The problem with that is we care for no one. The stakes don’t matter, because we don’t care for the characters. It takes so long to actually start to get to know our characters and by then, it’s all snarling and arrogance from our FMCs and anger is a one dimensional characteristic.
It’s bad. Don’t let the glowing reviews on here fool you.
Now I’m not saying don’t read it for yourselves. Please, by all means, get it and read it. But I want you all to have clear expectations from someone not enamored with this book.
⭐️⭐️ 🥹
Y’all. I hate to say this but this is just not good. ZA had me in a chokehold, but I don’t care for these FMCs a bit. I am also not a huge fan of the changes to how Solaria is presented as a steampunk world, but that’s just a matter of personal preference. I wish they’d been in a separate land all together, rather than Solaria. Maybe then I could reconcile the vast differences in how the magic wielders and geopolitical dynamics of this world are presented to us.
All in all, while we are dropped in the action, sadly those scenes are an entire battle played out over multiple chapters and it reads like the culmination of a book rather than the introduction. The problem with that is we care for no one. The stakes don’t matter, because we don’t care for the characters. It takes so long to actually start to get to know our characters and by then, it’s all snarling and arrogance from our FMCs and anger is a one dimensional characteristic.
It’s bad. Don’t let the glowing reviews on here fool you.
Now I’m not saying don’t read it for yourselves. Please, by all means, get it and read it. But I want you all to have clear expectations from someone not enamored with this book.
⭐️⭐️ 🥹
July 6, 2025
yeah, so this blew all of my expectations out of the water !!!
i did see a lot of the “twists” coming bc i was locked in and paying attention to every little detail. i was so into this book from start to finish even though it just throws you right into the thick of it !!
i like both of the female main characters, but everest is my favorite. i’m rooting for her so bad !!!!
i will say, don’t come into this book expecting a ton of romance. there’s actually very little of it. the main focus seemed to be worldbuilding, getting to know the main characters, and a lot of action (especially in the beginning)
we get crumbs of a possible spectacular enemies to lovers situation, and i’m sat and patiently waiting for it to blossom. like he’s actually really the worst but for some reason i get so giggly and blushy any time they interact??? idk what that says about me but i love a good enemies to lovers
i did see a lot of the “twists” coming bc i was locked in and paying attention to every little detail. i was so into this book from start to finish even though it just throws you right into the thick of it !!
i like both of the female main characters, but everest is my favorite. i’m rooting for her so bad !!!!
i will say, don’t come into this book expecting a ton of romance. there’s actually very little of it. the main focus seemed to be worldbuilding, getting to know the main characters, and a lot of action (especially in the beginning)
we get crumbs of a possible spectacular enemies to lovers situation, and i’m sat and patiently waiting for it to blossom. like he’s actually really the worst but for some reason i get so giggly and blushy any time they interact??? idk what that says about me but i love a good enemies to lovers
Want to read
June 28, 2025Enemies to lovers heheheh
May 18, 2025
Let me start by saying I love the Twisted Sister and all of their books/series. I go in blind to everything I read (I like to be surprised/tortured), so I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading this, other than it was set in Solaria. It turns out it’s a completely new series set in the world but with no relation to the ZA characters. So it took me a minute in the beginning to grasp what was going on because it felt like reading a completely brand new series, aside from the magic system, orders, fae and generalness of ZA. I have a feeling this is going to be a big series because so much is going on, and there is so much potential for sh!t to go wrong (and then hopefully right again, and then wrong, and then right etc).
I absolutely LOVE the 2 FMCs. They are strong and fierce. I love love some of the side characters that have been introduced and I cannot wait to hear more from them. If you have read ZA you know that some of the side characters end up being your favorite in the entire series. There’s some pretty crazy stuff that happens in the last half little bit of the book that will make you scream. Literally, at the pool reading my book I was screaming. But I live for the Twisted Sisters and their torture.
I CANNOT wait for the read of this series. I mean I can, because I’ll never rush perfection. But literally the second I catch wind of book two I will be on their doorstep with my tent and sleeping bag.
This book 100% gets 5 stars from me. Impeccable story telling, amazing writing, amazingggg charter building, of course their twisted humor is just the best thing, I live for it.
I absolutely LOVE the 2 FMCs. They are strong and fierce. I love love some of the side characters that have been introduced and I cannot wait to hear more from them. If you have read ZA you know that some of the side characters end up being your favorite in the entire series. There’s some pretty crazy stuff that happens in the last half little bit of the book that will make you scream. Literally, at the pool reading my book I was screaming. But I live for the Twisted Sisters and their torture.
I CANNOT wait for the read of this series. I mean I can, because I’ll never rush perfection. But literally the second I catch wind of book two I will be on their doorstep with my tent and sleeping bag.
This book 100% gets 5 stars from me. Impeccable story telling, amazing writing, amazingggg charter building, of course their twisted humor is just the best thing, I live for it.
Want to read
September 25, 2024didn't even read ZA and the authors are already writing a spin-off 😭
September 30, 2024
This felt like the disappointment you would have when you were a kid cracking open an Easter egg hoping it was solid chocolate.
Hollow af.
Hollow af.
November 18, 2024
The twisted sisters have done it again🗣️🗣️
I’m a huge fan of the Zodiac Academy series, so I of course had to read their latest release and it did not disappoint! Never Keep is the start of a new, separate series, set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but separated by space and time. I was so happy to be back in this world and magic system, it’s just so unique and I love the celestial themes💫
(You do not have to read the ZA series first to read Never Keep)
To start, the beginning of this book was pure chaos, as you’re thrust into the middle of an intense elemental war. We meet our two FMCs and learn more about their backgrounds, as they fight on opposite sides of the war. I personally loved that this book started off so intense, since fantasy books can sometimes take a while to pick up. This also has such addictive writing that is easy to get lost in and makes you forget you’re reading.
While the first part of this book was action packed and heavier on the world building, the middle did ease up a bit. But even then, there wasn’t a slow moment for me the whole way through. This had such an intriguing plot featuring a war college setting, elemental magic, warring kingdoms caught in an endless war, an immensely powerful cast of characters, and all the spicy tension🤌🏼 I also have to mention, the enemies to lovers fan in me was having a BALL reading this. Truly everything I look for in a romantasy!
Now that ending? THAT. ENDING. In true twisted sisters fashion, the last part of this book was so brutal and had me reeling for days. I will be FERAL for book 2 whenever it comes out.
If you decide to pick this one up, BUCKLE UP, you’re in for a ride🖤✨ easy 5 stars!
I’m a huge fan of the Zodiac Academy series, so I of course had to read their latest release and it did not disappoint! Never Keep is the start of a new, separate series, set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but separated by space and time. I was so happy to be back in this world and magic system, it’s just so unique and I love the celestial themes💫
(You do not have to read the ZA series first to read Never Keep)
To start, the beginning of this book was pure chaos, as you’re thrust into the middle of an intense elemental war. We meet our two FMCs and learn more about their backgrounds, as they fight on opposite sides of the war. I personally loved that this book started off so intense, since fantasy books can sometimes take a while to pick up. This also has such addictive writing that is easy to get lost in and makes you forget you’re reading.
While the first part of this book was action packed and heavier on the world building, the middle did ease up a bit. But even then, there wasn’t a slow moment for me the whole way through. This had such an intriguing plot featuring a war college setting, elemental magic, warring kingdoms caught in an endless war, an immensely powerful cast of characters, and all the spicy tension🤌🏼 I also have to mention, the enemies to lovers fan in me was having a BALL reading this. Truly everything I look for in a romantasy!
Now that ending? THAT. ENDING. In true twisted sisters fashion, the last part of this book was so brutal and had me reeling for days. I will be FERAL for book 2 whenever it comes out.
If you decide to pick this one up, BUCKLE UP, you’re in for a ride🖤✨ easy 5 stars!
September 17, 2025
i was lied to, beaten up, betrayed. i need a gun.
September 24, 2024
I took my time with this one!!!! The world building is next level! The characters are so incredible and their story is so good!!! Every time I put this book down I thought about it!!!! I am so honored to have been able to read this and own a signed copy!!!!! Go check out Never Keep when it releases on 9/24!!!!! It's just that good!!!!
And let me tell you- they live up to their nickname of the Twisted Sisters!!!!!
And let me tell you- they live up to their nickname of the Twisted Sisters!!!!!
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