Review: Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

February 28, 2022February 26, 2022 I'm All Booked Up YA

The morning after the dramatic conclusion to Zodiac Academy 1: The Awakening, Tory Vega and Darcy Vega are ready to quit and return to Chicago, Illinois. At the last minute they decide they need to stay and fight, like true fae. They can’t physically overpower the Celestial Heirs yet…but they are smarter.

In order to get payback, Tory, Darcy and their friend group devise a plan something special and unique for each one, including burning down a room and starting a hilarious (yet embarrassing) rumor. It seems like the girls are starting to find their place here.

But the Heirs and their families won’t take the return of the Solaian Princesses without a fight. Tory and Darcy are brought into the current political workings of Solaria and eventually they have to decide what they truly want.

Let’s start by saying that liked Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae was even more amazing than book 1. We really got to know the characters better. While most of the book is still told by Tory and Darcy, we get the occasional chapters from Professor Orion (Lance), Caleb, Darius, Max and Seth.

Tory is still our favorite character because of spunk and strong personality. This book delves deeper into the love triangle with Tory, Caleb and Darius, though she only has a relationship with one of them so far. We love Caleb so far, who is the nicest and funniest of the Heirs. As for Darius, we’re intrigued and want to know more about him.

As for Darcy, we liked getting to know her better and seeing her strength. She stood up to the worst Heir: Seth and proved that she will not take any shit. As for romance, Darcy starts something with Lance Orion (Professor Orion), who we liked a lot more in this book. Since Zodiac Academy is basically a University, it’s not a disgusting relationship like Aria and Ezra. Darcy is of age and Lance is in his early/mid-20s.

Max is the Heir that we don’t know much about. We’re hoping to get a little bit more insight to this water elemental in the next installment.

Our favorite new character is Xavier Acrux, Darius’s younger brother. Xavier has such a tough life and we just feel so bad for him. Plus, he and Tory got along great. Some other great minor characters are Geraldine and Sofia. Gerladine can be super annoying, but is also hilarious. Sofia, on the other hand, is sweet, strong and a loyal friend to the Vegas.

As for the plot, we appreciated getting information on Solaria and the enemies of Tory and Darcy. So far, we know the biggest opponents are Lionel Acrux and the Nymphs, a demon-esque creature that can steal a fae’s magic. Ruthless Fae had real stakes and took the series to the next level.

The last part we loved had to do with the ending, which to place at a pitball game. Like Harry Potter, this series invented a new (and dangerous!) sport. However, the game turned dramatic, leading to Tory and Darcy doing the unthinkable. Since this ended with a cliffhanger, we found ourselves buying Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning right away.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐