If you’ve fallen under the spell of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, you’re in for a wild ride through a world of magic, danger, and sizzling romance. This BookTok sensation has captured the hearts of fantasy romance lovers everywhere. But with its rich universe, interconnected prequels, and spin-offs, knowing where to start can feel as overwhelming as facing a reckoning at the Academy.
Don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into Solaria or trying to piece together how Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, Darkmore Penitentiary and all the novellas fit into the timeline, this guide will help you find a Zodiac Academy reading order that works for you.
If you’re looking to dive even deeper, don’t miss our other articles featuring unforgettable quotes from Zodiac Academy, character spotlights, and must-read book lists for romantasy book lovers.
So grab your Fae magic, follow this guide, and prepare to discover why Zodiac Academy and its companion series have become a phenomenon among romantasy readers everywhere.
So let’s start off by saying that the chronological order and publication order are two separate though vaguely connected concepts when it comes to the twisted sisters—much like their series. Zodiac Academy: The Awakening was the first book that was published in this universe. However, only a few months later, the first book of Ruthless Fae, Dark Fae, was published which is a prequel to Zodiac Academy.
Finding the correct order for reading Zodiac Academy can be a feat of its own, so let’s take a look at the three series and novellas taking place in the world of Solaria, and take it from there.
Bookworms across all platforms have been crying for help and wrecking their brains for the correct reading order. While there are many opinions on the matter, there is a consensus that Darkmore Penitentiary is best left for last. So that leaves us with Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae, and the Novellas.
A widely recommended reading order is to start off with Zodiac Academy since it contains a lot more world-building and read the first three books before moving on to the Ruthless Fae series as this is the point where characters of the prequel series will start appearing and taking up more central roles in the Zodiac Academy series.
Alternatively, Caroline Peckham has also published a suggested reading order, although as she also remarks, there is no right or wrong way to read.
There are also many who advocate for a tandem read of Zodiac Academy #8, Restless Stars and the Beyond the Veil novella, which is certainly interesting, and we could really get behind that.
Since there is no established way to read the works of Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti, it does boil down to personal preference. If you prefer to get the maximum out of the world-building and have no regard for the thousands upon thousands of pages and dedication that would need, then the first reading order sounds like it would be for you.
If you prefer to take your time and finish a project before you start a new one, probably reading Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac and then moving on to Zodiac Academy and Darkmore Penitentiary sounds more like you.
Finally, if you just want to read Zodiac Academy as a standalone series to understand what the—well-deserved—hype is about, without any spin-offs or novellas, that is also extremely possible! The authors have done an amazing job of keeping the series relatively spoiler-free, so you can definitely follow whatever suits you best!
Following the right reading order for you when reading Zodiac Academy and its companion series ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the drama, romance, and jaw-dropping twists that make this world so addictive. From the Vega twins’ fiery rise to power to the dark and brooding tales of Solaria’s past, Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti have created a universe that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
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The stars are calling—what will you read next?
Zodiac Academy can definitely be read as a standalone series. However, since many of the characters who play crucial roles in the story are the main characters from other series (like Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac), it’s much more enjoyable to already know—and love—these characters as they interact with the Vega twins and our beloved heroes.
No, the novellas aren’t essential to follow the main storyline of Zodiac Academy. However, if you love the characters—and let’s be honest, you will—reading the novellas can give you a deeper understanding of them. Plus, since Seth on the Moon is often referenced in the series, it’s worth reading for a little extra context and fun.
The Darkmore Penitentiary series is set in Solaria five years after Zodiac Academy and ten years before Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac. While the series can be enjoyed on its own without spoilers for the others, you’ll have even more fun spotting character crossovers and subtle connections woven into the story.
