The Zodiac Academy series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti has become a BookTok sensation thanks to its blend of dark fantasy, bully romance, and complex emotional arcs.
But with that popularity has come a lot of curiosity—and concern—about its appropriateness for younger readers.
Despite its school setting, Zodiac Academy is not a Young Adult (YA) series. This guide breaks down the age rating, content warnings, and themes so readers and parents can make an informed decision.
What Is Zodiac Academy About?
The series follows twin sisters Darcy and Tory Vega, who are whisked from their ordinary human lives into the brutal magical world of Solaria. There, they discover they are Fae royalty and rightful heirs to the throne. Sent to Zodiac Academy to train in elemental magic, they find themselves in a violent social hierarchy, dominated by the four male “Heirs” who have been raised to believe the throne is theirs.
As Darcy and Tory navigate deadly power struggles, grow stronger in their abilities, and form complicated romantic ties, they uncover a deeper web of conspiracies and face moral, emotional, and physical challenges that push them to the edge.
🔞 Age Rating: 18+
The Zodiac Academy series is widely rated as 18+ (Adult) and is not recommended for teen or YA audiences.
Why It’s Rated 18+:
- Graphic sexual content (explicit and prolonged)
- Intense bullying, harassment, and power imbalances
- Dark fantasy themes with violent and disturbing elements
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Strong language and mature subject matter
Though the characters begin as teenagers and the academy setting might initially seem like a typical YA backdrop, the execution is far darker and more mature.
Parents Guide & Content Breakdown
Below is a breakdown of the content categories and what to expect:
Sexual Content
- The series features explicit sex scenes with detailed graphic descriptions, making it unsuitable for younger readers.
- Sexual harassment and coercive undertones are present, especially in earlier book,s due to the bully romance dynamic.
- Relationships often begin in morally gray areas (e.g., enemies-to-lovers with abuse elements).
Violence & Gore
- Includes physical and magical violence, sometimes described in graphic detail.
- Torture, death, and violent magical combat are frequent.
- Characters are frequently harmed or killed, and some scenes are emotionally disturbing.
Psychological Trauma & Dark Themes
- Depictions of emotional manipulation, PTSD, loss, betrayal, and personal breakdowns.
- Characters undergo significant trauma that affects their behavior and relationships.
- Intense scenes may be distressing to sensitive readers.
Bullying
- Bullying in Zodiac Academy goes far beyond pranks—it includes:
- Humiliation
- Sabotage
- Physical attacks
- Psychological warfare
- The romantic evolution from bullying to love can be controversial and triggering.
Fantasy & Magical Lore
- Rich Fae-based worldbuilding: elemental powers, astrology-based magic, shape-shifting, and magical creatures.
- Elements of dark magic, curses, and forbidden spells play a central role.
Profanity
- Frequent use of strong language, including F-bombs and crass phrases.
- Dialogue is often harsh and adult in tone.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
- Characters are depicted drinking alcohol and occasionally using magical substances with drug-like effects.
- These behaviors are often normalized within the academic setting.
Recommended Reading Age: Who Is It For?
| Ages 13–15 | Not suitable | Intended audience: mature readers of dark romance and fantasy |
| Ages 16–17 | Not recommended | Despite mature readers in this group, themes are excessively adult |
| Ages 18+ | The content is too explicit and emotionally dark | Intended audience; mature readers of dark romance and fantasy |
This series is best for adult readers who enjoy:
- Dark fantasy romance
- Anti-hero characters
- Slow-burn emotional arcs
- Complex moral dilemmas
- High heat/“spicy” scenes
Zodiac Academy Reading Order
Main Series (Zodiac Academy):
- The Awakening
- Ruthless Fae
- The Reckoning
- Shadow Princess
- Cursed Fates
- Fated Throne
- Heartless Sky
- Sorrow and Starlight
- Restless Stars (Final book)
Notable Prequels/Novellas:
- Zodiac Academy 0: Origins of an Academy Bully (Darius-focused)
- Zodiac Academy 1.5: The Awakening as Told by the Boys
- Zodiac Academy 5.5: The Big A.S.S. Party (lighter novella)
Connected Series in Solaria Universe:
- Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac (Prequel series)
- Darkmore Penitentiary (Sequel series)
FAQs-
Q: Is Zodiac Academy appropriate for teens?
A: No. The series is firmly in the adult fantasy romance genre and contains sexually explicit content, violence, and dark psychological themes.
Q: Is there a movie or TV adaptation in the works?
A: As of now, there is no confirmed TV or film adaptation, though fan interest is high due to the series’ popularity on social media.
Q: Does the series romanticize bullying?
A: The romantic dynamics in the early books are controversial. The “bully romance” trope is used heavily, which may be uncomfortable for some readers. The authors explore character growth over time, but the early portrayals are intense and not romanticized for everyone.
Q: Can mature teens read the series?
A: While some mature older teens may choose to read it, parental discretion is strongly advised due to the explicit nature of the content.
Conclusion
Zodiac Academy is a compelling and high-stakes dark fantasy romance with richly layered characters and an expansive magical world. However, its explicit sexual content, violence, and dark themes make it suitable for adults only. Parents and guardians should be aware of the mature elements before allowing younger readers to engage with the series.