Cursed Fates by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti – Book Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)

Just when I thought the Zodiac Academy series couldn't possibly put my emotions through anything worse than Shadow Princess, Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti proved me wrong.

Cursed Fates is the fifth installment in the Zodiac Academy series, and it marks a turning point for the story. The stakes are higher than ever as the Vega twins face threats from every direction, including Lionel Acrux, the Nymphs, and the cruel twists of fate that seem determined to keep tearing everyone apart. The aftermath of the previous book leaves Solaria in chaos, and every character is forced to confront impossible choices.

What I loved most about this book was the character development. The relationships that have been slowly building throughout the series begin to evolve in meaningful ways, and the emotional depth of the story reaches new heights. Characters who once felt like enemies are forced to work together, alliances shift, and loyalties are tested in ways that kept me completely invested from beginning to end.

Darius and Tory continue to be one of the most frustrating and compelling couples I've ever read. Every step forward feels hard-earned, which makes their moments together all the more impactful. Darcy and Orion's storyline remains one of my favorites in the series, and watching them fight for their future despite overwhelming obstacles had me turning pages long into the night.

As always, Geraldine provided much-needed comic relief amid the darkness. Her larger-than-life personality and unforgettable dialogue continue to make her one of the standout characters in the entire series.

This book is packed with everything I've come to expect from Zodiac Academy: political intrigue, heartbreaking twists, intense romance, dangerous magic, and enough emotional damage to leave me staring at the wall after finishing the final chapter. The pacing can feel slower in places due to the sheer size of the novel, but every chapter contributes to the growing tension and the sense that something catastrophic is coming.

And that ending? Absolutely devastating.

By the time I reached the final pages, I was emotionally exhausted, completely invested, and immediately reaching for the next book. Cursed Fates may not be the easiest read in the series emotionally, but it is one of the most impactful. It deepens the world, strengthens the character arcs, and sets the stage for even greater battles ahead.

If you've made it this far into Zodiac Academy, prepare yourself. You'll laugh, you'll rage, you'll probably cry, and you'll definitely need the next book waiting nearby.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect for readers who love:

• Dark fantasy romance
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Fated mates
• Magical academies
• Multiple POVs
• Emotional rollercoasters
• Characters who refuse to give up, even when fate itself is against them