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Zodiac Academy [Dramatized Adaptation] #5, Part 1
Cursed Fates (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
The stars have cursed us all.
After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, we have to deal with this hollow reality we're faced with.
Lionel seeks to destroy us, the Nymphs seek to destroy the entire Fae race, and between all of it, we have to try and survive each day and prove our worth in this forsaken place.
I'm afraid of everything falling apart, but it looks like it already has. Death lurks around every corner, and it wants to claim me and my sister. But together, we will overcome the darkness that seeks to defeat us.
Because we were forged in fire. And these flames will never die.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, we have to deal with this hollow reality we're faced with.
Lionel seeks to destroy us, the Nymphs seek to destroy the entire Fae race, and between all of it, we have to try and survive each day and prove our worth in this forsaken place.
I'm afraid of everything falling apart, but it looks like it already has. Death lurks around every corner, and it wants to claim me and my sister. But together, we will overcome the darkness that seeks to defeat us.
Because we were forged in fire. And these flames will never die.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
12 pages, Audiobook
Published October 20, 2025
About the author
Caroline Peckham
130 books33.7k 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 105 reviews
August 5, 2026
✅ Characters
✅ Redemption arc (this is a book about lessons learned and earning forgiveness)
✅ Angsty romance (I swear, they cannot catch a break)
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ World-building
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Villain that we hate SO MUCH
✅ Magic and faes
❗️❗️Cliffhanger (are we really surprised by that?)
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: torture and child abuse
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
_______________________
Second read:This first part ends right after Xavier’s order is finally revealed to the whole world, and it felt nice to end on a positive note, because I know the second half will be full of angst. I can’t remember everything that happens, but I remember this book hurting me the first time I read it.
Tory and Lance becoming friendly-ish, as well as Darcy and Darius, was so wholesome.
_______________________
**This is a review for the whole book, not only the first half.**
OMG that ending.
I was not ready for this level of intensity and hatred toward Lionel.
I could go on and on and on about how much I hate Lionel, but if you’ve made it this far in the series, you most assuredly hate him too, so I will not waste more time and energy on him. Clara is a close second too on the list of characters I despise. I can’t wait for them to get what they deserve.
After the cliffhanger of the last book, I was very eager to start this one. We start off with Lance almost dying in Darcy’s arms, while Darius and Tory become star-crossed and are trying to deal with the aftermath of their fated moment being ruined. The Shadow Princess is also on the loose and very dangerous, which makes for a pretty explosive start. After that, it’s a mix of pain, angst, and more pain for our characters, but the fact that the Heirs and the twins now have a common goal (finding a way for Darius and Tory to be together) made all the emotional roller-coaster more bearable because we finally got to see them have friendly interactions instead of just bullying and attacking each other.
This book is all about lessons learned and forging a path to redemption. It felt so wholesome to finally see the Heirs and the twins working together instead of against each other. They are truly a force to be reckoned with when they ally, and I can’t wait to see how their new tentative friendship will develop.
**Mild spoiler in the next paragraph**
Lance and Darcy never had an easy path with him being a teacher and her a student, but they still managed to make it work against all odds, and they even thought that they might be mates, but of course, they couldn’t just ride toward the sunset and have their happily ever after in book 5 of the series. I knew that things would get bad for them, but it still broke my heart into hundreds of tiny pieces when it happened. On the other hand, I know that they will end up being okay sometimes in the future, so I will just sit back and enjoy the angst it adds to the plot while I wait for them to be able to get back together. I just hope that it doesn’t take too long because while I love the angst, I don’t like it when couples I love get separated for too long…
Darius and Tory are another doomed couple in this series. I swear, none of the couples can have a smooth path; they all have obstacles to overcome, and they all need to prove their devotion and the depth of their feelings for each other. While I was frustrated at the end of the previous book when Tory decided to refuse her mate bond with Darius, I understand why she made this choice, and Darius needed to realize how badly he fucked up, and also for the heirs and Darcy to have a common goal that would finally bring them together. I was annoyed at Tory in the previous book because she kept sabotaging her happiness, but she was better in this book. She realized how she was her enemy at times, and she is trying not to sabotage herself as much and to find a way to repair the hopeless situation between Darius and her.
The sexual tension between Tory and Darius was amazing! The angst, the tortured moments, the heat and longing- it was delicious. I am still not sure how I feel about Caleb’s “solution” to allow them to spend some time together, but it added some spicy and good smut to the book, so I will not complain too much… It’s just that I was hoping for something more intimate, maybe since they’ve been desperate to get together for the whole book… I will not say more because I don’t want to spoil anyone.
Darcy and Seth spend much more time together in this book, and I have to say that Seth’s character development is going well, and it's promising for the rest of the series. He was a jerk in the first books, and reading the first book from the boys’ POV made me dislike him even more, but he is starting to redeem himself in this book. There is still work to do, of course, but seeing how he’s trying to help Darcy, how he defends her, and how he tries his best to comfort her and alleviate some of her pain is a very good start, and it was nice to see his good side for once. I have a suspicion that these two might be nebular allies, but that remains to be seen in the next books, I guess…
Tory and Lance starting to become friends was so cute, and I’ve been waiting for those softer moments forever. I almost cried when she made him a friendship bracelet, and when he decided to keep it. He’s a grumpy teacher, but we can see after 5 books that he truly does care for the Academy and the students, and he really wants to build a bond with Tory because she’s Darcy’s twin.
Speaking of wholesome, cute moments, I adored every single moment with Xavier in this book. He is such a sweetheart; I want more and more and even more of him. I was so happy to have chapters in his POV, and now that he has hope for a better life away from Lionel’s constant control, I can’t wait to see what happens to him and how important he becomes to the plot.
0.5 Origins of an Academy Bully ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Awakening [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
2. Ruthless Fae [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning (part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning (part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess (part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess (part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Redemption arc (this is a book about lessons learned and earning forgiveness)
✅ Angsty romance (I swear, they cannot catch a break)
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ World-building
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Villain that we hate SO MUCH
✅ Magic and faes
❗️❗️Cliffhanger (are we really surprised by that?)
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: torture and child abuse
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
_______________________
Second read:This first part ends right after Xavier’s order is finally revealed to the whole world, and it felt nice to end on a positive note, because I know the second half will be full of angst. I can’t remember everything that happens, but I remember this book hurting me the first time I read it.
Tory and Lance becoming friendly-ish, as well as Darcy and Darius, was so wholesome.
_______________________
**This is a review for the whole book, not only the first half.**
OMG that ending.
I was not ready for this level of intensity and hatred toward Lionel.
I could go on and on and on about how much I hate Lionel, but if you’ve made it this far in the series, you most assuredly hate him too, so I will not waste more time and energy on him. Clara is a close second too on the list of characters I despise. I can’t wait for them to get what they deserve.
After the cliffhanger of the last book, I was very eager to start this one. We start off with Lance almost dying in Darcy’s arms, while Darius and Tory become star-crossed and are trying to deal with the aftermath of their fated moment being ruined. The Shadow Princess is also on the loose and very dangerous, which makes for a pretty explosive start. After that, it’s a mix of pain, angst, and more pain for our characters, but the fact that the Heirs and the twins now have a common goal (finding a way for Darius and Tory to be together) made all the emotional roller-coaster more bearable because we finally got to see them have friendly interactions instead of just bullying and attacking each other.
“Everyone’s coming?” I breathed in surprise as I climbed onto the window ledge. “Of course they are,” Darius growled firmly, and my heart squeezed at that.
This book is all about lessons learned and forging a path to redemption. It felt so wholesome to finally see the Heirs and the twins working together instead of against each other. They are truly a force to be reckoned with when they ally, and I can’t wait to see how their new tentative friendship will develop.
“Don’t ever let go of her, Lance. You fucking fight for her until your last breath, you hear me?”
**Mild spoiler in the next paragraph**
Lance and Darcy never had an easy path with him being a teacher and her a student, but they still managed to make it work against all odds, and they even thought that they might be mates, but of course, they couldn’t just ride toward the sunset and have their happily ever after in book 5 of the series. I knew that things would get bad for them, but it still broke my heart into hundreds of tiny pieces when it happened. On the other hand, I know that they will end up being okay sometimes in the future, so I will just sit back and enjoy the angst it adds to the plot while I wait for them to be able to get back together. I just hope that it doesn’t take too long because while I love the angst, I don’t like it when couples I love get separated for too long…
Poor Darius Acrux, he hungered for power so much that it destroyed the only good thing he was ever offered.
“Fuck the stars too, Darius,” I breathed and his muscles tightened around me as he held me close. “Fuck every shining, gleaming one of them.”
Darius and Tory are another doomed couple in this series. I swear, none of the couples can have a smooth path; they all have obstacles to overcome, and they all need to prove their devotion and the depth of their feelings for each other. While I was frustrated at the end of the previous book when Tory decided to refuse her mate bond with Darius, I understand why she made this choice, and Darius needed to realize how badly he fucked up, and also for the heirs and Darcy to have a common goal that would finally bring them together. I was annoyed at Tory in the previous book because she kept sabotaging her happiness, but she was better in this book. She realized how she was her enemy at times, and she is trying not to sabotage herself as much and to find a way to repair the hopeless situation between Darius and her.
The sexual tension between Tory and Darius was amazing! The angst, the tortured moments, the heat and longing- it was delicious. I am still not sure how I feel about Caleb’s “solution” to allow them to spend some time together, but it added some spicy and good smut to the book, so I will not complain too much… It’s just that I was hoping for something more intimate, maybe since they’ve been desperate to get together for the whole book… I will not say more because I don’t want to spoil anyone.
Seth Capella has written his fate in the stars. She’s coming for him like a monster in the night. And her name is Darcy Vega.
Seth moved forward, closing the distance between us and capturing my chin between his finger and thumb as he tilted my head to look up at him. “There’s one more thing I should have realised. You could never be my mate, Darcy Vega. Because we’re not equals. You’re far better than me in every way imaginable.”
Darcy and Seth spend much more time together in this book, and I have to say that Seth’s character development is going well, and it's promising for the rest of the series. He was a jerk in the first books, and reading the first book from the boys’ POV made me dislike him even more, but he is starting to redeem himself in this book. There is still work to do, of course, but seeing how he’s trying to help Darcy, how he defends her, and how he tries his best to comfort her and alleviate some of her pain is a very good start, and it was nice to see his good side for once. I have a suspicion that these two might be nebular allies, but that remains to be seen in the next books, I guess…
The fact that Tory had given him that little friendship bracelet – which he religiously wore every day without comment – was the cutest damn thing ever.
Tory and Lance starting to become friends was so cute, and I’ve been waiting for those softer moments forever. I almost cried when she made him a friendship bracelet, and when he decided to keep it. He’s a grumpy teacher, but we can see after 5 books that he truly does care for the Academy and the students, and he really wants to build a bond with Tory because she’s Darcy’s twin.
Speaking of wholesome, cute moments, I adored every single moment with Xavier in this book. He is such a sweetheart; I want more and more and even more of him. I was so happy to have chapters in his POV, and now that he has hope for a better life away from Lionel’s constant control, I can’t wait to see what happens to him and how important he becomes to the plot.
“That’s what love is, Tor,” Darcy said in exasperation. “It’s taking a leap of faith. It’s opening yourself up and letting your walls down and allowing someone to see every dark and broken corner of your soul. It’s truth and honesty with yourself and them. It’s raw and brutal and terrifying and real. You can’t just claim to want it, but refuse to allow yourself to be vulnerable to it. That’s not how it works. If you love someone, truly love them, you’ll bear your soul to them and let them be the keeper of your heart no matter how fragile or damaged it might be. And if they love you, then they’ll do everything in their power to keep it safe, to nurture and protect it, and heal over all the old wounds.”
0.5 Origins of an Academy Bully ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Awakening [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
2. Ruthless Fae [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning (part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning (part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess (part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess (part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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March 11, 2026
I hate seeing Tory and Darius so sad 🥺 I love that the whole group is trying to get them together and hopefully change their fate. They’re my babies and they deserve to be happy!!
Lance and Darcy are everything I love them so much if these books were only about them I’d still be so into it. Flirty Lance, teacher Lance, mean Lance, happy Lance I love it all that is MY MAN 🥵😍
Clara is the absolute worst and I hope Lance sees that also I want to fucking barf anytime she calls Lionel daddy 🤢 she’s so fucking annoying honestly can’t wait for the girls to destroy her.
Also love Knox his voice fucking sends me into heat it’s so hot 🥵
Glad the girls are finally stepping up and taking on the heirs for their crowns such badass queens 👑
Lance and Darcy are everything I love them so much if these books were only about them I’d still be so into it. Flirty Lance, teacher Lance, mean Lance, happy Lance I love it all that is MY MAN 🥵😍
Clara is the absolute worst and I hope Lance sees that also I want to fucking barf anytime she calls Lionel daddy 🤢 she’s so fucking annoying honestly can’t wait for the girls to destroy her.
Also love Knox his voice fucking sends me into heat it’s so hot 🥵
Glad the girls are finally stepping up and taking on the heirs for their crowns such badass queens 👑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Standing ovation for the voice actors. PHENOMENAL.
November 8, 2025
Perfect series for dramatized audiobook
November 30, 2025
yet another astounding book in the series!! I can feel my wishes for the ending already coming true!! 😊
until part 2.... 💛💚💙
until part 2.... 💛💚💙
December 2, 2025
I need part two asap!
April 13, 2026
ah i have so much hope and light in my eyes, i sure hope nothing happens to destroy that 😀
November 14, 2025
4⭐️/5⭐️
now THAT’s what dramatized audiobooks should all be like.
whatevers going on, the voice actors deliver all so well i feel like i can’t rate below 4⭐️.
they did an amazing job at embodying their character. their tonality, rythme, nuances, THEIR LAUGHTER, please. it’s perfect!
for now, there aren’t many emotional moments but when there are , like book 4’s ending, they do it so great!!!
i can never not hear them whenever i think about the book or read the book.
they are the characters and i salute their performances. such great work 👏👏👏
as for the content, ugh i remember this book being so hard to get through on my kindle. tory pmo so much 😭
and it’s not even the worst of it, part 2 is gonna be delicate 😖
darcy and darius shine so bright! i love their character development. especially darcy’s, she’s such a dear❣️
im so excited for part 2 and coming back to the voice actors (if i don’t go back to listening the previous ones beforehand) 🙇♀️🙇♀️
i could never stop recommending these (the laughter!!!)
🖤❤️🧡💙💜💚
now THAT’s what dramatized audiobooks should all be like.
whatevers going on, the voice actors deliver all so well i feel like i can’t rate below 4⭐️.
they did an amazing job at embodying their character. their tonality, rythme, nuances, THEIR LAUGHTER, please. it’s perfect!
for now, there aren’t many emotional moments but when there are , like book 4’s ending, they do it so great!!!
i can never not hear them whenever i think about the book or read the book.
they are the characters and i salute their performances. such great work 👏👏👏
as for the content, ugh i remember this book being so hard to get through on my kindle. tory pmo so much 😭
and it’s not even the worst of it, part 2 is gonna be delicate 😖
darcy and darius shine so bright! i love their character development. especially darcy’s, she’s such a dear❣️
im so excited for part 2 and coming back to the voice actors (if i don’t go back to listening the previous ones beforehand) 🙇♀️🙇♀️
i could never stop recommending these (the laughter!!!)
🖤❤️🧡💙💜💚
Did Not Finish
August 3, 2026DNF
Took way too dark of a turn in my taste. But will read(listen) later on. The rest of the series too. The series had too much potential to not read.
Took way too dark of a turn in my taste. But will read(listen) later on. The rest of the series too. The series had too much potential to not read.
July 17, 2026
My favorite Zodiac Academy book so far. I love this series so much, it has officially become one of my all-time favorites. ❤️
This book was an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, I was shocked, I was angry... and then it completely broke my heart. 😭
As always, the GraphicAudio adaptation was phenomenal. The cast, music, and sound effects make these books even more addictive. Now please... release the remaining dramatized adaptations faster because I need the next one immediately. 🎧🔥📖
This book was an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, I was shocked, I was angry... and then it completely broke my heart. 😭
As always, the GraphicAudio adaptation was phenomenal. The cast, music, and sound effects make these books even more addictive. Now please... release the remaining dramatized adaptations faster because I need the next one immediately. 🎧🔥📖
October 29, 2025
4.25⭐️
Finally I feel like this series is hitting its stride. I really enjoyed the character development, relationship development (all of them platonic and otherwise), the inclusion of Xavier’s POV, and learning more about some of the heirs’ extended family members. Geraldine remains a constant source of comedic relief. I love the magic, monsters, and academia but could do without the smut (as someone who isn’t a smut reader) as I don’t even find that it moves the storyline or character development along. As always, I find the voice actors’ performances to be outstanding. A very fun listen.
Finally I feel like this series is hitting its stride. I really enjoyed the character development, relationship development (all of them platonic and otherwise), the inclusion of Xavier’s POV, and learning more about some of the heirs’ extended family members. Geraldine remains a constant source of comedic relief. I love the magic, monsters, and academia but could do without the smut (as someone who isn’t a smut reader) as I don’t even find that it moves the storyline or character development along. As always, I find the voice actors’ performances to be outstanding. A very fun listen.
November 15, 2025
The voice they used for Dante (who is tied with Ryder as my favs from RB) had me cracking up! That is not at all what I imagined he sounded like, but it tickled me nonetheless. Can’t wait for part 2!
February 1, 2026
As usual this graphic audio production was very well enjoyed! Even though I have read the physical book before and knew the story, still, this I really enjoyed this audio production… like movie in your mind!
Geraldine voice tops my list and so close to what I imagined… then followed by Caleb voice (I listen to anything by Jon Vertullo, after Sevro), then Seth and Lance voice.
Darcey voice didn’t do it for me…
Geraldine voice tops my list and so close to what I imagined… then followed by Caleb voice (I listen to anything by Jon Vertullo, after Sevro), then Seth and Lance voice.
Darcey voice didn’t do it for me…
August 31, 2026
Great rendition of Cursed Fates, love Graphic Audio.
December 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ good/enjoyed reading but probably won’t read again
At this point, what can I even say? These books are not masterpieces, but they are wildly addictive. The characters all kinda suck in their own ways, but I’ve reached the point where I’m like, “yeah, Tory sucks… but that’s my girl.”
The graphic audiobooks are doing a lot of heavy lifting here. The voice acting is incredible. I fly through these even though I think they’re actually pretty long at this point. They release so consistently that I auto-buy every new one. The series really has hit its stride, at least in this format.
At this point, what can I even say? These books are not masterpieces, but they are wildly addictive. The characters all kinda suck in their own ways, but I’ve reached the point where I’m like, “yeah, Tory sucks… but that’s my girl.”
The graphic audiobooks are doing a lot of heavy lifting here. The voice acting is incredible. I fly through these even though I think they’re actually pretty long at this point. They release so consistently that I auto-buy every new one. The series really has hit its stride, at least in this format.
March 15, 2026
What the actual heck was that ending?!! SERIOUSLY WHAT DID I JUST READ?!!!! Not gunna lie it made me feel a bit sick and I am now terrified for the next book! That ending has UTTERLY destroyed me! 😭 how do we come back from this?!
I don’t think I have ever wanted 2 characters to get together more than I do Tory and Darius. They put the work in in this book, their emotional growth was amazing! Their whole arc in this book was so so heartfelt and after book 4 it was everything I needed!! Until it wasn’t because of that ending and all 😭 The sliver of hope that had been built for it all to be ripped away. Seriously though have they not both proved their devotion to one another yet? Why would the stars let this happen?! And once again I asked HOW DO WE COME BACK FROM THIS?!!!!
And speaking of Stars…I need to know more about these stars, they seem to be completely against the side of good! They’ve got some answering to do!
“Fuck the stars. Fuck every shining, gleaming one of them.”
The character development has been amazing! When I finished the first book I said I couldn’t possibly see how any of the boys could be redeemed. I honestly hated them!! But here we are now and I love all the boys! How did that happen? Well they grew up, they started analysing their actions, the consequences of those actions, and they looked at themselves, who they were and who they wanted to be, and they made some good choices. Seeing the heirs and the twins finally all working together was what I had been waiting for!
Blue and Lance, they have my heart fully but the authors decided to tear my heart to pieces. The twist we always knew was going to happen sooner or later happened and it was even worse than I expected it would be. WHY Orion, why?! 😭 I get it but I also don’t!
This book was filled with so much heartbreak, devastation and gut wrenching moments, but sprinkled throughout was hope, love and some beautiful heartwarming moments. The rollercoaster of emotions was has left me broken, drained and desperate to read the next book in the hopes of being put back together!
My only gripe is that I am getting a little bit fed up of the good guys always loosing and I seriously just need some wins in the next book! I don’t think my heart can take anymore emotional damage!!
This series just keeps getting better and better! The world is intriguing, the characters are compelling, the plot is exciting, the spice spices and it is just utterly addictive!! Straight into the next book I go!!
I don’t think I have ever wanted 2 characters to get together more than I do Tory and Darius. They put the work in in this book, their emotional growth was amazing! Their whole arc in this book was so so heartfelt and after book 4 it was everything I needed!! Until it wasn’t because of that ending and all 😭 The sliver of hope that had been built for it all to be ripped away. Seriously though have they not both proved their devotion to one another yet? Why would the stars let this happen?! And once again I asked HOW DO WE COME BACK FROM THIS?!!!!
And speaking of Stars…I need to know more about these stars, they seem to be completely against the side of good! They’ve got some answering to do!
“Fuck the stars. Fuck every shining, gleaming one of them.”
The character development has been amazing! When I finished the first book I said I couldn’t possibly see how any of the boys could be redeemed. I honestly hated them!! But here we are now and I love all the boys! How did that happen? Well they grew up, they started analysing their actions, the consequences of those actions, and they looked at themselves, who they were and who they wanted to be, and they made some good choices. Seeing the heirs and the twins finally all working together was what I had been waiting for!
Blue and Lance, they have my heart fully but the authors decided to tear my heart to pieces. The twist we always knew was going to happen sooner or later happened and it was even worse than I expected it would be. WHY Orion, why?! 😭 I get it but I also don’t!
This book was filled with so much heartbreak, devastation and gut wrenching moments, but sprinkled throughout was hope, love and some beautiful heartwarming moments. The rollercoaster of emotions was has left me broken, drained and desperate to read the next book in the hopes of being put back together!
My only gripe is that I am getting a little bit fed up of the good guys always loosing and I seriously just need some wins in the next book! I don’t think my heart can take anymore emotional damage!!
This series just keeps getting better and better! The world is intriguing, the characters are compelling, the plot is exciting, the spice spices and it is just utterly addictive!! Straight into the next book I go!!
December 14, 2025
As always, I really enjoyed this series. It’s very engaging.
Since my favorite trope is enemies to lovers. This book begins immediately as enemies to lovers since they’re starcrossed. Usually a series struggles to maintain an enemies to lovers trope because eventually they go to lovers and it’s hard to go back to enemies. Put this storyline. Does a good job, throwing us. Back in there in a new way.
I like the graphic audio version more and more. In this book we continue from where Tory and Darius are starcrossed Period. I thought I was gonna find it annoying how much they both are pining and miserable for each other but I actually appreciated it. They’re supposed to be starcrossed, so it should take up quite a bit of time in the book. The main issue was Darius was cruel to her many times. Although they had a few great moments together alone, it seems to be ruined quickly by something Darius planned to destroy her. In this book, he wholeheartedly gives her kindness and patience as he keeps his distance, and does little, kind things for her. Examples include getting her coffee and speaking up in her defense on Faebook when he never ever responds or comments on there before. You can see in small ways. He has either changed, or at least changed in her eyes. I’m also grateful Gabriel makes Tori confront how she’s responsible for the actions that took place. She was in denial and blamed everything on Darius. So it’s good to force her to be vulnerable. The book also sets up for Xavier being a strong, powerful pegases. My guess is, he will be the leader of the heard of Pegasus at School and win Sophia’s love.
Since my favorite trope is enemies to lovers. This book begins immediately as enemies to lovers since they’re starcrossed. Usually a series struggles to maintain an enemies to lovers trope because eventually they go to lovers and it’s hard to go back to enemies. Put this storyline. Does a good job, throwing us. Back in there in a new way.
I like the graphic audio version more and more. In this book we continue from where Tory and Darius are starcrossed Period. I thought I was gonna find it annoying how much they both are pining and miserable for each other but I actually appreciated it. They’re supposed to be starcrossed, so it should take up quite a bit of time in the book. The main issue was Darius was cruel to her many times. Although they had a few great moments together alone, it seems to be ruined quickly by something Darius planned to destroy her. In this book, he wholeheartedly gives her kindness and patience as he keeps his distance, and does little, kind things for her. Examples include getting her coffee and speaking up in her defense on Faebook when he never ever responds or comments on there before. You can see in small ways. He has either changed, or at least changed in her eyes. I’m also grateful Gabriel makes Tori confront how she’s responsible for the actions that took place. She was in denial and blamed everything on Darius. So it’s good to force her to be vulnerable. The book also sets up for Xavier being a strong, powerful pegases. My guess is, he will be the leader of the heard of Pegasus at School and win Sophia’s love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
💜💜💜 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spicy
Cursed Fates picks up the threads of Solaria's ever-tangling web of power, rivalry, and forbidden feeling. The Vega twins continue navigating the brutal social hierarchy of Zodiac Academy, where every alliance is fragile and every enemy knows exactly which wounds to press. The stakes feel meaningfully higher here — the world beyond the Academy walls starts to close in, and it becomes harder to ignore that the conflict is much bigger than classroom rivalries.
This entry leans further into political intrigue than its predecessors, and that shift is welcome. The shadowy forces working against the Vegas become more defined — you start to understand what the villains actually want, and their motivations, while far from admirable, give the conflict more texture. The world-building layers in some meaningful new detail, and several long-simmering character dynamics finally start to move.
If you've made it this far in Graphic Audio format, there's really no going back. The full cast, sound design, and score continue to elevate the experience in ways that are genuinely hard to overstate. Scenes that might read as melodramatic on the page land with real emotional weight when dramatized this well. It's the ideal way to experience this series.
This is unmistakably a Zodiac Academy book — it's emotional, dramatic, and yes, spicy. Readers who've come this far know exactly what they're signing up for. The plotting doesn't reinvent the wheel, but the series continues to deliver reliably on what its fans love most.
Cursed Fates picks up the threads of Solaria's ever-tangling web of power, rivalry, and forbidden feeling. The Vega twins continue navigating the brutal social hierarchy of Zodiac Academy, where every alliance is fragile and every enemy knows exactly which wounds to press. The stakes feel meaningfully higher here — the world beyond the Academy walls starts to close in, and it becomes harder to ignore that the conflict is much bigger than classroom rivalries.
This entry leans further into political intrigue than its predecessors, and that shift is welcome. The shadowy forces working against the Vegas become more defined — you start to understand what the villains actually want, and their motivations, while far from admirable, give the conflict more texture. The world-building layers in some meaningful new detail, and several long-simmering character dynamics finally start to move.
If you've made it this far in Graphic Audio format, there's really no going back. The full cast, sound design, and score continue to elevate the experience in ways that are genuinely hard to overstate. Scenes that might read as melodramatic on the page land with real emotional weight when dramatized this well. It's the ideal way to experience this series.
This is unmistakably a Zodiac Academy book — it's emotional, dramatic, and yes, spicy. Readers who've come this far know exactly what they're signing up for. The plotting doesn't reinvent the wheel, but the series continues to deliver reliably on what its fans love most.
December 17, 2025
4.5⭐ 3🌶️ 5❤️ 5🎧
✨Review Highlights✨
- Incredible graphic narration
- Loved the story
- More emotional
- Really got to see different sides of these characters
This was the first Graphic Audio I listened to. I wanted it to be a book that I have read before so if I got confused by the layout or the background noise I would still know what was happening in the story. I was surprised at how not distracting it was. I really felt more emersed in this story and the world. I really enjoyed this book in this format.
This is one of my favorite books in the Zodiac Academy world. In this book we get to see and feel so much more from the cast of main characters. We really get that gritty emotional depth that I love about the Twisted Sisters writing. I love feeling the characters pain and their joy when something good happens, I feel like this book is one of the first books in this series where we are really getting to a lot of that emotional grit. Also experiencing that grit in this type of audio format was so much fun for me, I felt like everything was amplified, it was a really enjoyable experience. I would recommend.
✨Review Highlights✨
- Incredible graphic narration
- Loved the story
- More emotional
- Really got to see different sides of these characters
This was the first Graphic Audio I listened to. I wanted it to be a book that I have read before so if I got confused by the layout or the background noise I would still know what was happening in the story. I was surprised at how not distracting it was. I really felt more emersed in this story and the world. I really enjoyed this book in this format.
This is one of my favorite books in the Zodiac Academy world. In this book we get to see and feel so much more from the cast of main characters. We really get that gritty emotional depth that I love about the Twisted Sisters writing. I love feeling the characters pain and their joy when something good happens, I feel like this book is one of the first books in this series where we are really getting to a lot of that emotional grit. Also experiencing that grit in this type of audio format was so much fun for me, I felt like everything was amplified, it was a really enjoyable experience. I would recommend.
July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished Cursed Fates: Part 1 in the GraphicAudio edition, and it was a fantastic listen.
This first half does a great job of setting the stage for everything that's coming in Part 2. There is always something happening—action, character development, and plenty of moments that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Even though it's clearly building toward the second half of the story, I never felt bored.
One thing I've come to really appreciate about the GraphicAudio adaptations is how immersive they are. The full cast, sound effects, and music keep me completely engaged, and I find my mind doesn't wander the way it sometimes does with traditional audiobooks. It really feels like you're experiencing the story instead of just listening to it.
The ending definitely leaves you ready to jump straight into Part 2, and I can't wait to see how everything plays out.
If you've been enjoying the series and are looking for an audiobook experience that brings the world and characters to life, I highly recommend the GraphicAudio version.
I just finished Cursed Fates: Part 1 in the GraphicAudio edition, and it was a fantastic listen.
This first half does a great job of setting the stage for everything that's coming in Part 2. There is always something happening—action, character development, and plenty of moments that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. Even though it's clearly building toward the second half of the story, I never felt bored.
One thing I've come to really appreciate about the GraphicAudio adaptations is how immersive they are. The full cast, sound effects, and music keep me completely engaged, and I find my mind doesn't wander the way it sometimes does with traditional audiobooks. It really feels like you're experiencing the story instead of just listening to it.
The ending definitely leaves you ready to jump straight into Part 2, and I can't wait to see how everything plays out.
If you've been enjoying the series and are looking for an audiobook experience that brings the world and characters to life, I highly recommend the GraphicAudio version.
November 24, 2025
If you’re a part of the ZA subreddit you know how much emotional distress everyone is experiencing and obviously the most popular topics are about the bad part or the intense parts that it’s easy to forget that there are a lot of fun, lighthearted things happening in between. So much of these books are about the day to day at the academy. It’s helping me calm down when the harder parts happen.
Xavier’s photoshoot was the greatest thing ive read so far. I was cackling at Lionel’s rage and the heirs posing with Xavier topless was so funny.
I do think that this 1st part of the audiobook ended at a weird spot. They usually end at more climactic spots but it’s not the end of the world. I hate that I have to wait until January for graphic audio to come out with part 2. At the same time giving myself a break for the craziness is definitely needed.
Xavier’s photoshoot was the greatest thing ive read so far. I was cackling at Lionel’s rage and the heirs posing with Xavier topless was so funny.
I do think that this 1st part of the audiobook ended at a weird spot. They usually end at more climactic spots but it’s not the end of the world. I hate that I have to wait until January for graphic audio to come out with part 2. At the same time giving myself a break for the craziness is definitely needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
Seriously. Is there one single bad book in this series? Because I’d say the answer is no. A total 5/5⭐️ and I’d say the spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
The Vega twins facing more danger as each day passes and the stars seeming to be against them start to wonder if there is hope left for them. But they refuse to give up. And as they start learning more about themselves and those around them they realize things might finally start looking up for them. And they have plans to make sure the stars take back what was denied. A bond. A mate.
I absolutely loved every second and will immediately head into book two! The action, the tension, the story development the characters! Ahh, I don’t think there is a single bad thing about this book and if you loved the previous ones then this one makes the top as most things happening at part one! Now who’s excited for part two? I definitely am.
The Vega twins facing more danger as each day passes and the stars seeming to be against them start to wonder if there is hope left for them. But they refuse to give up. And as they start learning more about themselves and those around them they realize things might finally start looking up for them. And they have plans to make sure the stars take back what was denied. A bond. A mate.
I absolutely loved every second and will immediately head into book two! The action, the tension, the story development the characters! Ahh, I don’t think there is a single bad thing about this book and if you loved the previous ones then this one makes the top as most things happening at part one! Now who’s excited for part two? I definitely am.
January 16, 2026
Review and rating is for the Graphic Audio version only.
This is my favorite series, and I’ve read the books multiple times. I’ve found past Graphic Audio productions of earlier books in the series did not do this series justice. This one was a vast improvement overall. The voice acting was great, even if I maintain some voices don’t fit (ahem, Geraldine…and Dante).
However, it was still not without flaws. Especially in part 5, the background music was too loud (and the music seemed to be odd choices). It was also too loud in part 6 with Kraveen Dire’s letter. There were still some words the cast didn’t agree on pronunciation about, but they weren’t as egregious as in the earlier productions in the series.
I realize they had to stop it somewhere, but this just seemed like a weird spot to do it. I look forward to part 2!
This is my favorite series, and I’ve read the books multiple times. I’ve found past Graphic Audio productions of earlier books in the series did not do this series justice. This one was a vast improvement overall. The voice acting was great, even if I maintain some voices don’t fit (ahem, Geraldine…and Dante).
However, it was still not without flaws. Especially in part 5, the background music was too loud (and the music seemed to be odd choices). It was also too loud in part 6 with Kraveen Dire’s letter. There were still some words the cast didn’t agree on pronunciation about, but they weren’t as egregious as in the earlier productions in the series.
I realize they had to stop it somewhere, but this just seemed like a weird spot to do it. I look forward to part 2!
December 31, 2025
Listened to the 11-hr audiobook, which I finished at 1.25x speed in about 10 hours. Enjoying the series. Would recommend.
Favourite Quotes:
"It was just a shame. Being me right now hurt like hell."
"What was the point in power if I was alone with it?"
"I knew I shouldn’t have asked him about Mildred but she was just such a fxcking asshxle. The idea of him with her: Lord and Lady Acrux in their fancy fxcking house with their hoard of dragon babies, each with their own fluffy little moustaches, just like hers, just made me want to… ugh."
"Bouncing Bananas!"
"Stand up you succulent squid."
"I’m happier than a clam riding a sea turtle."
"Making decisions and sticking to them is always character-building."
Favourite Quotes:
"It was just a shame. Being me right now hurt like hell."
"What was the point in power if I was alone with it?"
"I knew I shouldn’t have asked him about Mildred but she was just such a fxcking asshxle. The idea of him with her: Lord and Lady Acrux in their fancy fxcking house with their hoard of dragon babies, each with their own fluffy little moustaches, just like hers, just made me want to… ugh."
"Bouncing Bananas!"
"Stand up you succulent squid."
"I’m happier than a clam riding a sea turtle."
"Making decisions and sticking to them is always character-building."
March 4, 2026
I’ve been eyeball reading this series and I had wanted to try one of the Graphic Audios bc I love GA books. I was worried bc the voices in my head as I read didn’t fully match what the performers voices are but I also didn’t mind it. It was easy enough to shift my train of thought into these voices. Darius is the only one that I’m on the fence with. And that’s not bc of the narrator but bc I had a different voice and for some reason I’m having a harder time shifting my thought. Anyway, the story is phenomenal and I had actually stopped after book 4 for like 2 years bc I was so mad and upset lol I think the GA version really helped in that regard to bring me back into the story. Onto part 2 of book 5.
December 2, 2025
Basic Plot: Tory and Darcy continue to learn at the academy while simultaneously thwarting and working with the Heirs.
There was just a lot going on in this installment. I still mix up which twin is which half the time, but I'm having fun, so I don't really care. It's mostly names that I keep tripping over, because each twin has 2 names, and different characters use different names, and I get thrown off. At any rate, even with all of the darkness in the background, this installment felt lighter in tone. There were a lot of funny moments and there was an infusion of hope that is missing from most of the series. Onward!
There was just a lot going on in this installment. I still mix up which twin is which half the time, but I'm having fun, so I don't really care. It's mostly names that I keep tripping over, because each twin has 2 names, and different characters use different names, and I get thrown off. At any rate, even with all of the darkness in the background, this installment felt lighter in tone. There were a lot of funny moments and there was an infusion of hope that is missing from most of the series. Onward!
December 23, 2025
This is only the first half of the book but if they're going to sell it to me in 2 different parts I'm counting it as two different books on my log 🤣 Especially since I need to wait until January to get the second half!!!
These are soooo good on graphic audio!!! Some people don't like Geraldine's voice in the graphic audio but I think she's hilarious this way. I do want to listen to the normal one at some point because everyone says her normal southern accent is better. I love reading these books this way!!! At some point I want to get the physical books, but I'm aiming to listen to the entire series this way at least once 🤣
These are soooo good on graphic audio!!! Some people don't like Geraldine's voice in the graphic audio but I think she's hilarious this way. I do want to listen to the normal one at some point because everyone says her normal southern accent is better. I love reading these books this way!!! At some point I want to get the physical books, but I'm aiming to listen to the entire series this way at least once 🤣
March 20, 2026
I usually enjoy Graphic Audio’s full cast adaptations, and although the voice actors were great, there is something seriously wrong with the background music during the longer stretches of narration. Awkward and misplaced, at best.
These books are not supposed to be masterpieces, but the characters and romance were enough to hook me at the beginning of the series. That really faded with this instalment.
There is little mystery, the gimmick is old, the problems feel manufactured while the solutions rewrite the rules to the established magic system.
But maybe part 2 will change my mind.
These books are not supposed to be masterpieces, but the characters and romance were enough to hook me at the beginning of the series. That really faded with this instalment.
There is little mystery, the gimmick is old, the problems feel manufactured while the solutions rewrite the rules to the established magic system.
But maybe part 2 will change my mind.
April 5, 2026
Honestly this book might be my favorite of them all so far! I feel like they’re finally getting into the meat of some issues and it’s not all consuming teenage drama.
I think I’ve been shocked by so many of the hopeless situations because I didn’t think the authors had it in them. Like what do you mean Tory and Darius are STILL star crossed? And Lance in DarkMoore? And Tori now being a guardian of LIONEL?! My god. I’ve never been more turned off than when Clara calls him daddy or when he’s suggestively interacting with Tory. NOPE. Intrigued to see what happens next!
I think I’ve been shocked by so many of the hopeless situations because I didn’t think the authors had it in them. Like what do you mean Tory and Darius are STILL star crossed? And Lance in DarkMoore? And Tori now being a guardian of LIONEL?! My god. I’ve never been more turned off than when Clara calls him daddy or when he’s suggestively interacting with Tory. NOPE. Intrigued to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
All I have to say is that when I initially started this series I was fully under the impression that the hype was over exaggerated. ‘twas not. However, I couldn’t stand behind this statement until Shadow Princess so I’m not sure what that says but .. yeah.
& also, Geraldine ‘Ravish Me You Devilish Donut’ Grus has officially been dubbed my spirit animal. 🤣 I used to be so annoyed by her and now look at me.
& also, Geraldine ‘Ravish Me You Devilish Donut’ Grus has officially been dubbed my spirit animal. 🤣 I used to be so annoyed by her and now look at me.
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