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A review by jazzyj94
Sorrow and Starlight by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
4.0
I just finished Zodiac Academy 8: Sorrow and Starlight, and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. This installment really pulled me in from the start and kept me hooked until the very last page. The mix of magic, mystery, and teenage drama that I love so much in this series was dialed up in all the right ways. The stakes felt higher, the emotions ran deeper, and the characters I’ve grown attached to faced some truly difficult and heart-wrenching challenges.
What stood out to me the most was how the story handled the balance between darkness and hope. There were moments that made my heart ache — the sorrow was palpable — but there were also those shining moments of friendship, loyalty, and courage that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. The author did an amazing job showing the characters’ growth, especially as they navigated new layers of their powers and personal struggles. It felt so genuine and relatable, even with all the magical elements thrown in.
The world-building keeps getting richer, too. I love how the Zodiac powers continue to be explored and expanded upon. Every new detail adds a fresh twist and keeps the story feeling exciting and unpredictable. The plot moved at a great pace for me — never dragging, but also giving enough time for the characters and their relationships to develop meaningfully.
One thing I really appreciated was the emotional depth in this book. The way the characters grappled with loss, identity, and trust made the story hit harder than I expected. I found myself really invested in their journeys and rooting for them every step of the way.
And the ending? Wow. It left me with so many questions and a desperate need for the next book. The cliffhanger was brutal but perfect, and I’m already counting down the days until I can find out what happens next.
If you’re into fantasy with a school setting, complex characters, and a blend of lighthearted moments and intense drama, Sorrow and Starlight is definitely a must-read. I can’t recommend it enough.
What stood out to me the most was how the story handled the balance between darkness and hope. There were moments that made my heart ache — the sorrow was palpable — but there were also those shining moments of friendship, loyalty, and courage that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. The author did an amazing job showing the characters’ growth, especially as they navigated new layers of their powers and personal struggles. It felt so genuine and relatable, even with all the magical elements thrown in.
The world-building keeps getting richer, too. I love how the Zodiac powers continue to be explored and expanded upon. Every new detail adds a fresh twist and keeps the story feeling exciting and unpredictable. The plot moved at a great pace for me — never dragging, but also giving enough time for the characters and their relationships to develop meaningfully.
One thing I really appreciated was the emotional depth in this book. The way the characters grappled with loss, identity, and trust made the story hit harder than I expected. I found myself really invested in their journeys and rooting for them every step of the way.
And the ending? Wow. It left me with so many questions and a desperate need for the next book. The cliffhanger was brutal but perfect, and I’m already counting down the days until I can find out what happens next.
If you’re into fantasy with a school setting, complex characters, and a blend of lighthearted moments and intense drama, Sorrow and Starlight is definitely a must-read. I can’t recommend it enough.