Review: ‘Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully’ by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully
by Caroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiSeries: Zodiac Academy #0.5
Published by Self-Published on 7/10/2019
SubGenres: New Adult Romance, Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Add to Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon
Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy.That's why I hide it so well.
But now I'm supposed to mentor Darius Acrux: the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria.
If he's caught using blood magic, he'll lose his claim to the throne.
The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we're determined to find out what. No matter what dark power we must turn to...
Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.
As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite.
This is a prequel novella set four years before Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, Book 1 in the Supernatural Bullies and Beasts series.
I took a chance on a new book/series (to me) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. I saw their Zodiac Academy series pop up on my Instagram thanks to other Bookstagrammers and knew I had to give the series a try since I love bully romances. I’m glad I did because it most likely got me out of the reading slump that I have been experiencing this month. Don’t get me wrong, I have been reading, but not as much, and it was driving me crazy. I needed something to get me away from reality for a while since I found myself getting depressed. The Zodiac Academy reminds me of Harry Potter, but it’s dark and twisted, and I’m enjoying it so far and can’t wait to dive into the following books very soon.
Storyline/My Thoughts: The prequel introduces us to Orion and Darius and how these two characters play a significant part in the first book and the series. Darius has wanted to impress his father forever, and now is his time for his awakening. Unfortunately, his father is a jerk, and nothing can impress his father. I felt for Darius after reading this prequel. I also felt for Orion (Lance). Readers find out what Orion wanted out of life and what he ended up doing thanks to his mother and Darius’s father. Darius and Orion’s families are linked together for a specific reason, and that’s to do with power. Darius and Orion don’t want to follow in their families’ footsteps, but unfortunately, you don’t stray from the path that your parents already have planned.
This was an enjoyable prequel that introduced the four heirs and Orion. After reading the first full-length novel, I understood more why Darius and Orion are connected. (I actually read Book 1 before the prequel, but it didn’t confuse me for reading out of order.)
I found out who the real threat in the series is, and I can’t wait to dive more into this series. I give this prequel 3.5-stars and look forward to reading more of this series. I know this series will wreck me since it’s a dark bully romance, but I’m prepared for it.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Zodiac Academy series and I recommend reading in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you are a fan of dark bully romances, I would recommend this book/series.
Warning(s)/Trigger(s): Body (Physical/Emotional) shaming; blood/dark magic; coercion; abuse (family related); death
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. It will help sponsor future giveaways but costs you nothing extra. You can read the full disclosure underneath the Privacy Policy.
About Caroline Peckham
I'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.
About Susanne Valenti
I am Susanne Valenti and I write all kinds of Romance with my sister and co-author Caroline Peckham and you’ve just looked at a bunch of pictures of our faces 🖤
I live in England with the Queen and the red buses and all that jazz. We’re down in the south east, kinda near London but far enough out to be able to look at fields all wistfully and shit if the mood takes me.
I’m married to a dude I met when I was 17 who seemed like a keeper so I held on tight. We have two gorgeous kiddies, a girl and a boy who are in that mental toddler stage so that keeps me busy a lot with jumping in muddy puddles and cutting and sticking and roll playing as a monster (why do I always have to be the t-rex?? But also, why do I always volunteer for the roll? 🤔)
I like to run (alright, like is a bit strong, but I do get my ass out of the house and run while pushing a running buggy with a little boy on board who likes to shout at me to go faster because Daddy is getting away – rude, right?)
My parents are the best, they are super supportive with all of this writing madness me and Caroline have embarked upon and also dive in five hundred percent when my kids demand fairy hunts in the garden, an imaginary tea party or even a millionth rendition of Old McDonald Had A Farm and it’s thanks to them that I get the time to get any writing done at all 💖
I’ve got two cats who are always up to something and a few fish in a tank who seem to be living their best lives…and I think I’m out of interesting facts there….
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
- Happy Release Day + Giveaway: ‘Bracing The Storm’ by J.C. Reed - May 27, 2025
- ARC Review: ‘Restless Hawke’ by Gwyn McNamee - May 26, 2025
- ARC Review: ‘From Drummer to Gamer’ by Emberlynn Raine - May 25, 2025