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Series Guide
Zodiac Academy
By Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti · 9 main books · Complete
Use this Zodiac Academy books in order guide to start in the right place, follow the main series clearly, and understand where the optional companion books fit.
Start with: The Awakening
About this series
Zodiac Academy is Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti’s dark academy romantasy series, built around fae politics, rivalry, power struggles, and high-intensity relationship drama across a long-form nine-book arc.
If you are new to the series, start with The Awakening and continue through the 9 main books in publication order. Optional entries like Beyond the Veil, Live and Let Lionel, and The Awakening As Told By The Boys are best treated as bonus or companion reads rather than part of the core first-time path.
Best first read: publication order.
Read more about this series
If you are new to the series, start with The Awakening and continue through the 9 main books in publication order. Optional entries like Beyond the Veil, Live and Let Lionel, and The Awakening As Told By The Boys are best treated as bonus or companion reads rather than part of the core first-time path.
Best first read: publication order.
Reading order
Main books in order
- 1
The Awakening
2019
- 2
Ruthless Fae
2019
- 3
The Reckoning
2020
- 4
Shadow Princess
2020
- 5
Cursed Fates
2021
- 6
Fated Throne
2021
- 7
Heartless Sky
2022
- 8
Sorrow and Starlight
2022
- 9
Restless Stars
2024
Optional companion and bonus books
- 8.5
Beyond the Veil
Bridge bookOptional2023
- 8.6
Live and Let Lionel
NovellaOptional2024
- 12
The Awakening As Told By The Boys
CompanionOptional2022
For most readers, Zodiac Academy has 9 main books. Some retailer listings show 12 because they also include related entries like Beyond the Veil, Live and Let Lionel, and The Awakening As Told By The Boys in the broader series count.
Reading Order Notes
These Zodiac Academy reading order notes help first-time readers choose the clearest main path while understanding where the companion books fit.
For most first-time readers, the main books are the core reading path. This guide also includes companion and novella entries for readers who want the fuller world-level order.
Why publication order works
For most new readers, the cleanest reading path is the 9 main books from The Awakening through Restless Stars.
The simplest place to start
For most readers, publication order is the best Zodiac Academy reading order because it keeps the emotional escalation, relationship tension, and major world reveals in the clearest sequence.
Can you skip any books?
Yes, you can skip the optional companion entries on a first read. The best beginner path is the 9 main books only, then add extras later if you want more world context, bridge material, and completionist bonus content.
New to this series? Start here
Zodiac Academy
Best first entry point for Zodiac Academy. Read this before the rest of the series.
Buy first book on BookshopSeries at a glance
9
Main books
🌶️🌶️
Spice
Complete
Status
3
Tropes
Best for: dark academy romantasy readers
Start with: The Awakening
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct Zodiac Academy reading order?
For most readers, the best Zodiac Academy reading order is the 9 main books from The Awakening through Restless Stars. Optional entries like Beyond the Veil and Live and Let Lionel can be added later.
Is Zodiac Academy complete?
Yes. The main Zodiac Academy storyline is complete at 9 books, ending with Restless Stars.
How many Zodiac Academy books are there?
The clearest count is 9 main Zodiac Academy books, plus optional companion and bonus titles. Some retailer listings may show 12 because they include related entries in the broader series count.
Is Beyond the Veil part of Zodiac Academy?
Yes, but it is usually treated as an optional bridge-style entry, often referred to as 8.5, rather than one of the 9 core main books.
Where does Live and Let Lionel fit in the order?
Most readers treat Live and Let Lionel as an optional 8.6 bonus-style companion. It usually works best after Beyond the Veil and before or around Restless Stars.
Do I need to read The Awakening As Told By The Boys?
No. It is a companion retelling and not required for understanding the main 9-book story path.
Do I need to read the companion books?
No. Most first-time readers can follow only the 9 main books. Companion and bonus entries are best for readers who want extra scenes, context, or a completionist path.
What is the first Zodiac Academy book?
The first book is The Awakening. It is the correct starting point for most new readers.
Is Zodiac Academy romantasy?
For most readers, yes. It is usually described as dark romantasy or dark fantasy romance because romance is a major part of the reading experience.