Book Review: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Title: The Awakening

(Zodiac Academy #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 411 

Published: July 13th 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

If you're one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it's in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we're a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes.

Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn't get the memo. Which means we're totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae.

Air. Fire. Water. Earth.

No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn't made us any friends so far.

As the rarest Elementals ever known, we're already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we've ever seen. It doesn't help that they're the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too.

Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They've only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they'll stop at nothing to succeed.

We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne.

We can't expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we've been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood.

Today's horoscope: totally screwed.

Review:

My friend recommended this to me and it was free on Amazon so why not!

Here we follow twins Tory and Darcy Vega. The twins had spent their whole lives in the mortal world as orphans. Once they turned 18, they are tossed out on their own by their last guardians. While struggling in the mortal world, Professor Orion shows up and informs them of the truth....they are Fae born and are magical. It turns out their birth parents were King and Queen of Solaria. In order to reclaim their throne, they must go and graduate from the Zodiac Academy. However, there are loads of people not happy at their return. Not only will the twins have to come to terms with their power, their role, their past, but also their new enemies.

Sighs...those poor girls. They have not had an easy life and now things are even harder for them. They didn't ask for any of this. I just want them to be happy. At least they have each other. F those people! Bullying aholes. 

I loved Tory and Darcy! I didn't like anyone else so that made it hard for me to fully enjoy this. Everyone...even some of the professors....are jerks and terrible. I just wanted these girls to leave the school. Is the throne really and truly worth it??? I guess they just want to find a home and be happy, but they have SO many people rooting for them to fail. 

Lots of adult content here. I truly do not see this being in the YA category because of the adult situations and content these 18 year-olds have to deal with. It didn't feel YA AT all. 

Grrrr! I felt myself just be angry this whole time especially at the end! WTH??? Those people should have been arrested and locked up!! I won't say, but they took the bullying to a whole another level!!! MONSTERS!!!

There are hints at a love triangle for Tory. I worry because I don't like either of the boys. They are asshats too. Okay...Darius isn't THAT bad, but still. Not a fan of him. Caleb is a lunatic. 

And do NOT get me started on Professor Orion. >_> Hated his face the moment we met him.

So.....I still want to read book 2. Maybe because I have hope Tory and Darcy will be able to kick some of their asses? A lot of those Heirs need to be taught a tough lesson!!!!!!!!!! Plus I love Tory and Darcy. I want to see them win over these monsters. I do have my worries for book 2, but I am curious. 

Okay...a rating? Mmmmmmm. I'll give this 3. There is a lot of potential here. If you are looking for a mix of Harry Potter and  Avatar the last Airbender with a splash of adult content....then you will probably like this. My friend did warn me book 1 is a little rough, but it does get better so I am looking forward to book 2. But yes. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #8 for Romance Reading Challenge - YA