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Zodiac Academy [Dramatized Adaptation] #5, Part 2
Cursed Fates (Part 2 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!
14 pages, Audiobook
Published January 26, 2026
About the author
Caroline Peckham
114 books33k 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 101 reviews
April 16, 2026
so yall must want me to go in a corner and cry myself to sleep too!! 😭
rtc!!
rtc!!
March 3, 2026
GAAAAHHH… the Angst!!!
As usual, the graphic audio is 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
I love that, at this point, I can figure out who’s speaking based on the voice 🤣 (but it would be helpful if graphic audio wrote out whose chapter we’re reading, just like the e-book does 🤷🏻♀️)
Here’s my review for the book
As usual, the graphic audio is 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
I love that, at this point, I can figure out who’s speaking based on the voice 🤣 (but it would be helpful if graphic audio wrote out whose chapter we’re reading, just like the e-book does 🤷🏻♀️)
Here’s my review for the book
April 22, 2026
UGH UGH UGH my fav in the series for a reason 😭
the graphic audio’s continue to bring such a fun and immersive experience, i love them so much!!
the graphic audio’s continue to bring such a fun and immersive experience, i love them so much!!
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
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 it was necessary for Darius to realize of bad 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 to not sabotage herself as much and to find a way to repair the hopeless situation between Darius and her.
Also, about them… The sexual tension was just off the charts. It 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 very 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 cute 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.
Talking about wholesome and 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 some chapters in his POV, and now that there is hope for him to get a better life away from Lionel’s constant control, I can’t wait to see what will happen to him, and how important he will become to the plot.
0.5 Origins of an Academy Bully ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Awakening ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
2. Ruthless Fae ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess ⭐⭐⭐⭐.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
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 it was necessary for Darius to realize of bad 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 to not sabotage herself as much and to find a way to repair the hopeless situation between Darius and her.
Also, about them… The sexual tension was just off the charts. It 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 very 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 cute 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.
Talking about wholesome and 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 some chapters in his POV, and now that there is hope for him to get a better life away from Lionel’s constant control, I can’t wait to see what will happen to him, and how important he will become 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 ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys ⭐⭐
2. Ruthless Fae ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Reckoning ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Shadow Princess ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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January 29, 2026
Dammit graphic audio better hurry up with book 6 lol and yes I know there are other audiobooks I can listen to but it’s not the same. I have to listen to this version so I will torture myself and wait……and read spoilers.
August 7, 2026
One of my favourite in the series
THIS WAS AMAZING!!!!!!
LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT
THIS WAS AMAZING!!!!!!
LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT
February 27, 2026
I wish there was a audiobook only for Caleb & Seth that I can listen to, the rest I can part with…
June 12, 2026
BRUH FUCK LIONEL FUCK CLARA THOSE TWO HOES ARE AT THE TOP OF MY SHIT LIST!!!! Ugh the ending to this book gave me the heebeegeebies so gross and creepy like your mates dad is forcing you to love him in a weird sexual way like please sir stop…. Darius was so close to ending Lionel and that stupid ass bitch Clara had to come and fuck it up.
I’m happy that Tory and Darius finally got to a place where they want to work on their relationship and want to try to be together but now everything is fucked up… there has to be a way to sever the guardian bond between them…
These books just keep getting better and better. So many good and bad things happened in this part. Gabriel and the twins finding out their related, the twins and the heirs finally getting along! I love to see it. Diego dying was sad but I was kinda sus about him. Fucking Lance saying he dark coerced Darcy and being sent to prison then how he treated her when she went to visit him oh my god I was so angry and sad.
This book gave me so many feels! I had to wait a while for this part to be available on Spotify so it just made me realize how much I missed and love this series. It has my heart I feel so connected to these characters! I can’t wait for the next book to come out on Graphic Audio
I’m happy that Tory and Darius finally got to a place where they want to work on their relationship and want to try to be together but now everything is fucked up… there has to be a way to sever the guardian bond between them…
These books just keep getting better and better. So many good and bad things happened in this part. Gabriel and the twins finding out their related, the twins and the heirs finally getting along! I love to see it. Diego dying was sad but I was kinda sus about him. Fucking Lance saying he dark coerced Darcy and being sent to prison then how he treated her when she went to visit him oh my god I was so angry and sad.
This book gave me so many feels! I had to wait a while for this part to be available on Spotify so it just made me realize how much I missed and love this series. It has my heart I feel so connected to these characters! I can’t wait for the next book to come out on Graphic Audio
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
Cursed Fates absolutely gutted me. I went in hoping for at least a little happiness and instead found myself emotionally wrecked in the best and worst way. There is so much happening in this part of the story, and so much of it is heavy, painful, and unfair to characters I’ve grown deeply attached to. It’s not the rainbows-and-rewards arc I wanted for them, and that’s exactly why it’s so powerful.
This book proves just how invested I am. I felt everything — the tension, the heartbreak, the dread, and the desperate need for things to finally turn around. Even when it hurt, I couldn’t pull away. The storytelling kept me locked in and craving answers, relief, and justice for these characters.
While I’m genuinely sad that the graphic audio ends here and I’ll have to switch formats, this book left me with no choice but to continue. I need to know what happens next. As emotionally brutal as it is, Cursed Fates is compelling, immersive, and unforgettable — the kind of book that leaves you aching, but eager for more.
This book proves just how invested I am. I felt everything — the tension, the heartbreak, the dread, and the desperate need for things to finally turn around. Even when it hurt, I couldn’t pull away. The storytelling kept me locked in and craving answers, relief, and justice for these characters.
While I’m genuinely sad that the graphic audio ends here and I’ll have to switch formats, this book left me with no choice but to continue. I need to know what happens next. As emotionally brutal as it is, Cursed Fates is compelling, immersive, and unforgettable — the kind of book that leaves you aching, but eager for more.
January 30, 2026
ИСУСЕ ИСКАМ ДА ЗАКОЛЯ ТОВА ЛАЙНО!
Тази книга ме изкорми и ми направи шал от червата... Не съм сигурна, че мога да чакам график аудиото за 6та книга...
Тази книга ме изкорми и ми направи шал от червата... Не съм сигурна, че мога да чакам график аудиото за 6та книга...
April 9, 2026
So good but heart breaking 💔
February 9, 2026
Basic Plot: The Heirs and the Princesses start working together to fight both Lionel and fate itself.
I swear, these books are written specifically to take the reader's (or listener in this particular case) heart, rip it out of their body, stomp on it, stab it a few times, stomp on it some more, and then set fire to the remains. Jeez, was this book a gut-wrencher.
I was hoping for some happy in this volume- and there were some moments. Some absolutely lovely and funny moments. That just allowed me to have a tiny break before more heart stomping would commence. This installment was relentless. The last 2 hours, especially. I don't even know what I can say about the book without spoilers because so flipping much happened.
Listening to these in Graphic Audio is amazing. I loved all the audio effects, on top of the casting choices. I look forward to the next installment.
I swear, these books are written specifically to take the reader's (or listener in this particular case) heart, rip it out of their body, stomp on it, stab it a few times, stomp on it some more, and then set fire to the remains. Jeez, was this book a gut-wrencher.
I was hoping for some happy in this volume- and there were some moments. Some absolutely lovely and funny moments. That just allowed me to have a tiny break before more heart stomping would commence. This installment was relentless. The last 2 hours, especially. I don't even know what I can say about the book without spoilers because so flipping much happened.
Listening to these in Graphic Audio is amazing. I loved all the audio effects, on top of the casting choices. I look forward to the next installment.
February 15, 2026
I hate everything. Because what the actual hell was that and why? I’m so mad. I need to take a break from this series, it’s depressing me.
Read
January 29, 2026Decided not to finish the series. Too many cringe moments for me.
February 11, 2026
Mmm I have no words. My heart is breaking for these characters.
July 20, 2026
Wow. Just wow. What a book! The graphic audio took me further into this story than reading it could have done. The acting was brilliant and the sound effects really helped bring everything to life.
Lionel may be one of the best written villains I’ve read. Just when you think you couldn’t possibly hate him more, he goes and does something else that leaves you completely shocked!
The pain and heartbreak in this book are on another level. There is just so much for them to deal with now. It’s difficult to say much without giving anything away, but I’m definitely feeling the emotional damage after this one.
Geraldine is a delight as always with her unique ways and funny sayings. I found myself giggling with what came out her mouth. I will say, I’m still struggling to fit the voice actor to her character but I’m warming a bit more to her as the story goes on. #bothersomebarracuda
And I have to mention Darius and Tory!! Those two have me shouting at my phone one minute and swooning the next. I think theirs will be the epic love story of this series (well I hope so anyway 😅). The pining and yearning is off the scale!!
On I go to book 6… I’m fully invested now after that ending. Book 5 absolutely tore my heart out and I’m not sure how much more emotional damage I can take 🫣
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬:
🌶️ MFM threesome
🌶️ Magic-enhanced sex.
𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭’𝐝 𝐛𝐞:
🎶 War Of Hearts by Ruelle.
Honestly feels made for the enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance side of this book.
Lionel may be one of the best written villains I’ve read. Just when you think you couldn’t possibly hate him more, he goes and does something else that leaves you completely shocked!
The pain and heartbreak in this book are on another level. There is just so much for them to deal with now. It’s difficult to say much without giving anything away, but I’m definitely feeling the emotional damage after this one.
Geraldine is a delight as always with her unique ways and funny sayings. I found myself giggling with what came out her mouth. I will say, I’m still struggling to fit the voice actor to her character but I’m warming a bit more to her as the story goes on. #bothersomebarracuda
And I have to mention Darius and Tory!! Those two have me shouting at my phone one minute and swooning the next. I think theirs will be the epic love story of this series (well I hope so anyway 😅). The pining and yearning is off the scale!!
On I go to book 6… I’m fully invested now after that ending. Book 5 absolutely tore my heart out and I’m not sure how much more emotional damage I can take 🫣
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬:
🌶️ MFM threesome
🌶️ Magic-enhanced sex.
𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭’𝐝 𝐛𝐞:
🎶 War Of Hearts by Ruelle.
Honestly feels made for the enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance side of this book.
June 30, 2026
Honey let’s be honest listening to these books of ZA IS A MUST. Because all of the voice actors are incredible and being Tory, Darcy, Darius, Seth, Caleb, Max even Geraldine to life and I am forever grateful.
BUT THAT ENDING THO- DEVASTATING and I feel like it’s going to get much much worse. I love the found family here
By far my favorite book do the series!!!! Soo far… hehehe 😂 as
BUT THAT ENDING THO- DEVASTATING and I feel like it’s going to get much much worse. I love the found family here
By far my favorite book do the series!!!! Soo far… hehehe 😂 as
February 16, 2026
Man…. Why did that have to happen to my fave couple 😭
February 25, 2026
This series cheeses my melon, and I don’t know why I keep listening to it.
June 2, 2026
Some characters started to redeem themselves after their frustrating decisions in the last book.
But everything just keeps going wrong. The plot is exhausting. But I'm still quite invested.
But everything just keeps going wrong. The plot is exhausting. But I'm still quite invested.
January 31, 2026
I love this world. I enjoyed reading it - even though the writing is not incredible - the stories and characters are just so enthralling! I adore graphic audio, and now I have to very (im)patiently wait for the next Graphic Audio releases.
So in the meantime, since I want to stay in this world, for now, I've purchased the "regular" audiobooks and will still be immersing myself in this world.
So in the meantime, since I want to stay in this world, for now, I've purchased the "regular" audiobooks and will still be immersing myself in this world.
March 17, 2026
Nah... the ending... NAH NAH NAH.
May 12, 2026
Ofc shit would go sideways.
May 7, 2026
The graphic audio of this one made me an emotional wreck….& I can’t wait until Lionel gets what’s coming to him….he gives me the ick
May 11, 2026
3 stars for lots of action and interesting characters
And 5 stars for fantastic narration maybe 3.5 stars together
The characters are interesting and I am invested in what is going to happen to each of them. But the amount of minutia is overwhelming. Also, can we please have a win for the “good guys” or less bad guys?
I read to escape and for entertainment. I don’t want to fell stressed and sad when I finish a book.
And 5 stars for fantastic narration maybe 3.5 stars together
The characters are interesting and I am invested in what is going to happen to each of them. But the amount of minutia is overwhelming. Also, can we please have a win for the “good guys” or less bad guys?
I read to escape and for entertainment. I don’t want to fell stressed and sad when I finish a book.
February 16, 2026
This half of the audio book made me feel so many different feelings!!!!!
THE ENDING?! WHAT THE ACTUAL F?!??
THE ENDING?! WHAT THE ACTUAL F?!??
February 7, 2026
Lionel you bastard.
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.
February 22, 2026
4.25⭐️ The second part of this book which I had to wait about 3 months for was only marginally better than the first. The audio book production is still fire and most likely why I have stuck with this series for so long. It’s fantastically put together, the voice cast is fantastic and the effects and music are stellar.
In terms of the dynamics between the characters, it can at times be painfully slow or whiplash fast. Tory and Darius are at least consistent in their behaviour, which was an improvement from the last book where it kept flip flopping. But I suppose that was to reflect that he hadn’t completely come to terms with his feelings yet. I also do like Tory who owns her bad decisions and allows herself to feel remorse and regret when she sees the error of her ways. She’s realistic and interesting without seeming dumb. Her confrontation with her sister is easily the best part of the story
I really did enjoy the tension between Seth and Caleb and the reveal concerning Gabriel was really heart warming. The story did sag in places and the smut can be a cringe, but only a little bit. It’s not off putting but a bit more eye rolling. It doesn’t move the story along as much as it could but I’m not mad at it.
I’m not sure I can switch to the physical book now the next audio one doesn’t come out until August I think? Happy to wait as I’m well used to the character’s voices and I don’t want to work in my recall of them when reading!
In terms of the dynamics between the characters, it can at times be painfully slow or whiplash fast. Tory and Darius are at least consistent in their behaviour, which was an improvement from the last book where it kept flip flopping. But I suppose that was to reflect that he hadn’t completely come to terms with his feelings yet. I also do like Tory who owns her bad decisions and allows herself to feel remorse and regret when she sees the error of her ways. She’s realistic and interesting without seeming dumb. Her confrontation with her sister is easily the best part of the story
I really did enjoy the tension between Seth and Caleb and the reveal concerning Gabriel was really heart warming. The story did sag in places and the smut can be a cringe, but only a little bit. It’s not off putting but a bit more eye rolling. It doesn’t move the story along as much as it could but I’m not mad at it.
I’m not sure I can switch to the physical book now the next audio one doesn’t come out until August I think? Happy to wait as I’m well used to the character’s voices and I don’t want to work in my recall of them when reading!
February 6, 2026
Again, rating is only for Graphic Audio version, not the book. I loved the book the other times I read it.
This was fine. It was a better production than certain earlier books, so that’s good.
I did most of this with AirPods in, and when Clara spoke or when the nymphs or shadows were chattering, it almost made me dizzy with the sound alternating from one ear to the other quickly. It was not enjoyable. Please don’t do that anymore.
And oof. I cringed at both Dante and Rosalie’s voices. I get that they’re Italian (or Faetalian), but damn. So awful. I’m not Italian, but it almost seemed offensive. And the voice for Mildred wasn’t anywhere near as masculine as I would want or expect for a dragon shifter with facial hair due to taking so much testosterone and an extreme underbite. Honestly, the voice for Mildred should switch with Geraldine, who still sounds like a 52 year old field hockey coach.
The voice actor for Tory really seemed like she was phoning it in for the narrative parts. She was so obviously reading and only seemed to be attempting to act during dialogue.
With this being one of my favorite series, I’m protective of it, and anything less than perfection just tears away at my soul, I guess.
This was fine. It was a better production than certain earlier books, so that’s good.
I did most of this with AirPods in, and when Clara spoke or when the nymphs or shadows were chattering, it almost made me dizzy with the sound alternating from one ear to the other quickly. It was not enjoyable. Please don’t do that anymore.
And oof. I cringed at both Dante and Rosalie’s voices. I get that they’re Italian (or Faetalian), but damn. So awful. I’m not Italian, but it almost seemed offensive. And the voice for Mildred wasn’t anywhere near as masculine as I would want or expect for a dragon shifter with facial hair due to taking so much testosterone and an extreme underbite. Honestly, the voice for Mildred should switch with Geraldine, who still sounds like a 52 year old field hockey coach.
The voice actor for Tory really seemed like she was phoning it in for the narrative parts. She was so obviously reading and only seemed to be attempting to act during dialogue.
With this being one of my favorite series, I’m protective of it, and anything less than perfection just tears away at my soul, I guess.
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