A review by inkdrinkers
Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"I wanted to choose the kind of man I was going to become and not just blindly follow the path laid out by my father."

Technically a prequel to Zodiac Academy (and set during Ruthless Boys), this short follows Darius at fourteen having his early Awakening, and the fateful night Lance Orion lost his future. 

This was TOUGH to read after just finishing seven. I won't lie, it was a little like willingly stabbing myself with multiple swords, but I'm really glad I picked this up. I was already curious about this (because we get details, but not much in the grand scheme of things) from the main series, but I really enjoyed how succinctly it spanned the "true beginning" of the series.

I would highly recommend only reading this after getting through book four/book five! I think it made the reading experience better knowing certain plot points.

Content warnings: Child abuse/physical abuse (on page), Death, Incest (mentioned in arranged marriage), Confinement, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia/abuse of power (brief mention)
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