'Zodiac Academy: The Awakening as Told by the Boys' offers readers a unique perspective on the events of the main series, shedding light on the character development and motivations of the male protagonists. The book delves into the minds of the boys, revealing their struggles, relationships, and inner conflicts as they navigate the challenges presented in the series.

Throughout the narrative, readers are taken on a journey that provides a deeper understanding of the boys' actions, feelings, and perspectives, offering a fresh and insightful take on the events that unfold in the main storyline. The writing style captures the emotional intensity and complexities of the characters, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists.

Characters:

Characters portray complex emotional arcs, with significant development, particularly for Darius and Orion.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and character-focused, but it can feel repetitive and drawn out.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into the boys' conflicting feelings about the twins, showcasing their struggles with familial expectations and their own desires.

Setting:

Set in a richly imagined fantasy world, the story highlights themes of royalty and personal struggle.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, featuring slow sections but ultimately ramps up to become gripping.

Notes:

The book offers insights into the boys' thoughts about Darcy and Tory.

Orion and Darius feel a strong attraction toward the twins, causing internal conflict.

Caleb prefers not to harm the twins, making him a more relatable character.

The boys struggle with their responsibility to their parents while dealing with their feelings for the girls.

Lionel is portrayed as a brutal and despicable character.

Readers find the repetitive inner monologues in the series tedious.

The story is said to be drawn out, with significant developments expected much later in the series.

Max lacks clear motivation for his actions against the twins, which frustrates readers.

Darius and Orion's character development is highlighted, especially Darius's hardships under Lionel.

The perspective shift provides clarity about the boys' previously confusing actions.

Many readers express hopes for the boys to redeem themselves in future books.

The writing duo creates a captivating escape for readers, merging love and conflict within characters.

The dynamics of friendships among the boys become more engaging when explored from their POV.

The book's pacing picks up towards the end, leaving readers wanting more.

Caleb is consistently viewed as the most mature and level-headed heir among the boys.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for themes of bullying, power struggles, and emotional manipulation.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a significant component of the story, particularly the developing relationships between the boys and the twins.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

**This is a retelling of book 1 of Zodiac Academy from the perspective of Orion, Darius, Caleb, Seth and Max**

The Vega twins are alive.

Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.

They're coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can't let them take it back.

So much hangs in the balance and we can't risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.

I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won't let them come between me and his downfall.

Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.

This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

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Zodiac Academy: The Awakening as Told by the Boys

Caroline Peckham

Book 1.5 in the series:Zodiac Academy