Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed Fates (#5), by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

dark academia • enemies to lovers • bully romance • fated and rejected mates • elemental magic

After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, the Vega twins face a world darker and more dangerous than ever before. Lionel Acrux is determined to hurt them, the Nymphs threaten the entire Fae race, and the fight for survival becomes more desperate with every passing day. With enemies closing in from every direction, even the smallest hope feels fragile.

As fear and uncertainty threaten to pull everything apart, Darcy and Tory must find the strength to keep fighting, even when the future seems impossible to trust. The danger reaches far beyond the academy, putting their loved ones and the fate of Solaria at risk. In a world where power comes at a price and no one is entirely safe, surviving may be the hardest challenge yet.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

The Vibe

Darcy and Tory are determined, fiercely loyal, and unwilling to let their enemies decide their future. Their bond as sisters remains central as they navigate mounting danger, painful choices, and the growing demands of the powers they are learning to wield.

The powerful, morally complicated love interests bring romantic tension and emotional stakes to a story shaped by rivalry, betrayal, and uncertain loyalties. Attraction and trust are difficult to separate in a world where the wrong choice can have devastating consequences.

With dark academia, elemental magic, supernatural threats, and escalating conflict, Cursed Fates takes the Zodiac Academy saga into darker territory. Expect fierce sisterhood, dangerous alliances, complicated romance, and a fight for survival that reaches far beyond the academy walls.

Tropes & Tags

• Dark academia
• Enemies to lovers
• Bully romance
• Fated and rejected mates
• Slow-burn romance
• Forbidden love
• Fae fantasy
• Elemental magic
• Dragon shifters
• Vampires, werewolves, and sirens
• Found family
• Morally gray characters
• Powerful heroines
• Sisterhood and loyalty
• Political intrigue
• High-stakes fantasy

Books in Series (In Order)

1. Zodiac Academy 1: The Awakening
2. Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae
3. Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning
4. Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow Princess
5. Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed Fates
6. Zodiac Academy 6: Fated Throne
7. Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless Sky
8. Zodiac Academy 8: Sorrow and Starlight
9. Zodiac Academy 9: Restless Stars

Print Reissue Features

• Exclusive bonus chapter
• Brand-new world map
• New cover
• Stunning interior chapter pages from the previous edition