We’re back to Zodiac Academy! (btw i am VERY annoyed that max isn’t on the picture i put) I know I never finished reviewing the series. I promise I will someday. But I’m tryna finish all my books rn so that I can single-mindedly read the 7th book of the series. But I did read this because honestly why not!? I love the guys! And I wanna hear the whole Awakening from their side! And I’m not even joking right now, I love them even more now.
**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.
HVJYTFYGHJBKHGYUFGH omgggg i loved this bookkkkkk. Like I already loved the guys but now I love them even more. And I do not just mean Darius and Orion. I mean ALL of them. Orion, Darius, Max, Seth, Caleb.
Characters
- Orion: A brooding figure driven by duty and desire. He is captivated by Darcy and struggles with dark magic and expectations.
- Darius: The regal dragon shifter conflicted between loyalty to his family and a burgeoning love for Tory, experiencing deep emotional turmoil.
- Caleb: The charming vampire with a playful demeanor, navigating jealousy and attraction toward the Vega twins.
- Seth: The impulsive alpha wolf whose brashness often lands him in trouble, harboring complicated feelings about the twins.
- Max: The siren with hidden depths, revealing unexpected loyalty and insights throughout the story.
Highlights
- Inner Monologues: Insightful reflections from each of the boys deepen their characterizations.
- Additional Content: Over 50k words of fresh scenes add excitement and depth to familiar events.
- Heartbreak and Redemption: Characters reveal their vulnerabilities and strive for redemption amidst turmoil.
The boys’ viewpoints really show what they’re going through and the challenges they deal with. Each heir’s got their own stuff to fight, mostly thanks to that infamous Lionel Acrux. Darius is especially torn, trying to balance his loyalty to his brother Xavier with his feelings for the Vegas, who are out to get back what was taken from them. It’s like he’s stuck in this emotional storm, filled with guilt and longing. Orion, the typical brooding type, has some serious mixed feelings for Darcy; he sees her as a beacon in his otherwise dark life. The chemistry between them sparks a wild battle for control and some intense ups and downs with their identities. He’s got to face the fact that he might turn into the very monster he hates. Then there’s Seth and Caleb, who are usually the funny ones but also show their own struggles with family expectations. Their drive to grab what they want reveals a darker side we haven’t seen before. Max, who doesn’t get enough credit, gives us a peek into the group’s deeper vulnerabilities.
As the Vega twins roll up to the academy, things get really tense. The boys start to realize their lives are now tied to two mysterious princesses who could turn their whole world upside down. Secrets start to slip out, and with each chapter, it’s clear just how connected their futures really are. The boys are hell-bent on kicking the twins out before they tap into their true potential. This leads to them putting on a brave face to hide their vulnerability, which ends up in some pretty emotional showdowns and mind games. Darius and Orion’s motivations show their inner struggles and moral dilemmas as hints of redemption start to emerge. By the time the story hits its climactic moments, the heartache shifts into some unexpected friendships. The cloud of rivalry begins to lift, revealing deeper connections. The growing bond between the boys shines as the only steady light in an otherwise heavy atmosphere.
With emotions running high, the characters are totally stumbling through their complex relationships like they’re walking a tightrope. Gotta mention, Orion brings some much-needed laughs, sprinkled with moments of deep self-reflection that lighten up the darker stuff. Their funny, totally off-the-mark ideas about the twins being sirens just add another layer to what drives them. As the reality of their situation sinks in, Darius steps up to protect Tory, sparking a mix of jealousy, confusion, and undeniable attraction. The boys, who once seemed like the bad guys, start showing their softer sides, and that just grows as the story goes on. Their struggle to guard their hearts is a big deal that helps them bond and evolve. You can see hints of betrayal and new friendships popping up in the middle of all the fear and anger. They’re caught in a messy web of choices that could either save them or ruin everything. That constant back-and-forth between keeping their friendships intact or chasing after romance is seriously a hotbed for secrets and truths. But honestly, I just love how much they care about each other. They’re like the ultimate besties!
“The Awakening as Told by the Boys” isn’t just a retelling; it’s like this super cool mix of fates all tangled together. You get to experience everything from heartbreak to some hilarious buddy moments. Each character doesn’t just fall into simple stereotypes; they’re totally realistic and relatable. The battle to figure things out brings some serious emotional growth. As you dive into the minds of the Heirs, you also get how important love and sacrifice are. When the end of the story rolls around, your heart’s pounding with excitement for what’s next. There’s a lot of darkness hiding secrets, but the journey towards the light is going to be even more thrilling in the next round.
- “The past is gone. The are no more paths for you there.”―Caroline Peckham,The Awakening as Told by the Boys
- “Blue means you…holy shit,” he muttered under his breath.”―Caroline Peckham,The Awakening as Told by the Boys
SPOILER
side note: this gif is perfect for the couples in this book but mainly Tory and Darius especially after they become star-crossed (which btw that scene made me cry and scream [in my head ofc] but honestly wtf tory this man was on his knees for you and you couldn’t even say yes!?!??!?! TSK TSK) but wait no it could also work for darcy and orion because like he’s her professor (which like wtf the age gap between them isnt that big but its still an age gap i suppose) so ig they’re also cursed 😭 (sighhh if only someone would call me blue, i think the time to get myself some blue highlights has come)
XOXO
Aaradhyaa
#TheBoys
#TheVegasAndHeirsAreStillAwesome
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