Caroline Peckham

Susanne Valenti

The shadows are in my blood. I can feel them crawling through me, slithering under my skin and taking me hostage. But the darkness within me, isn't nearly as bad as the darkness that lives around me. The four heirs will stop at nothing to destroy the lives of me and my sister. But they haven't figured out yet, we're the strongest creatures they've ever known... This is the fourth book in the Supernatural Bullies and Beasts series. Start the series now with Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Zodiac Academy #4

Shadow Princess

taci

“I love you," I sobbed and I hated myself for saying it because it sounded like goodbye. His mouth pulled up at the corner then he fell still, his eyes closing and shaking the foundations of my soul. I shook him in desperation, my tears washing over him as I pleaded with the stars, tried to bargain with anything and everything I was to bring him back to mne. We were supposed to be forever. I'd sworn an oath to fight for him, no matter what it took to be with each other. I lay a shaky kiss to his forehead, squeezing his hand and vowing not to give up. I'd never, ever give up on him. On us. We were meant to be together no matter what anyone said. And death wouldn't get a say in it.

You've got to face Lionel," he wheezed. "You have to work with the Heirs." He winced as pain racked through him and I dropped my forehead against his, wishing I could pour my strength into him. "I know you can do it. Blue." "Please stop," I begged. "You're not going to die." You made the last few months the happiest of my life, Darcy Vega. I'm sorry for being an asshole when we first met - biggest regret of my life." He coughed heavily and blood slid out of his mouth, making my heart nearly collapse.

please dont do this to lance,, he is the best character😭😭😭😭

"Stay," he grunted, his hand closing around my wrist to keep me there. Blue.." "No," I stopped him, shaking my head, knowing what he was going to say. "Don't you dare give up. I'm getting you help." I tried to move again but he held on tighter, squeezing my arm with need. "Please," he rasped. "I need you to be the last thing I see."

Tears blurred my vision as I clasped my hands to the gaping wound on his stomach and pressed down hard. His eyes fell shut and my heart hit a terrifying beat as reality sank deep into my bones. She stabbed him. She fucking stabbed him!

"Stop!" He tried to fight, but he was too weak and they fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs. "Clara, stop!" he begged as she dug her nails into his arms and ripped at his flesh like a starving animal.

"Every drop of blood from my veins was sacrificed to the dark, to transport me across the worlds and leave me in the Shadow Realm to rot," Clara said in an icy tone. Her upper lip peeled back to bare her fangs and my hackles rose on instinct. "I thought you' d come for me but you never did." I thought you were dead," Orion said in dismay. "There was nothing left of you." "Because I wasn't there," she choked out. "I went into the stardust, how could you never have thought to look for me?"

My gaze locked with his just as a black ring formed around his pupils. His eyes widened in horror and I guessed the same thing had happened to me too. That was it. We were marked. Star Crossed. The bubble of peace we'd been standing in shattered suddenly and the blizzard howled in around us to claim this place like it had never existed at all. I turned and ran from him, leaving him standing in the snow, looking like the sky had caved in on his head and Id just torn his heart right out of his chest. Pain like nothing I'd ever felt scored through me, carving a chasm into my heart and blinding me as I raced out into the Snow.

"Please," Darius asked again. "I'm giving you my heart. If you give me yours in return I'll spend every moment of our lives proving to you that I can be worthy of it." "I's too late," I growled, finding some strength somewhere and throwing all of it into my words while the rest of me shattered and died, broken into a thousand pieces I knew would never mend. "If fate is so cruel as to only offer me true love with a man who could hurt me as much as you have, then I'll go without love," I swore. "You want my heart? I'd sooner cut it out than give it to you."

"Please, just be mine, Tory," Darius begged. "Td rather be alone," I whispered.

as munch as it hurts to say,, I agree with tory 

"If I'm right about this, we won't get another chance, Darius begged, raw desperation burning in his eyes as he looked at me, seeing the doubt that warred through me. "Don't you understand? We ll be Star Crossed. Bound to be alone forever. We'll never find love with another. We're meant to be together - it's fate." My jaw tightened at his words. Because it didn't even sound like he wanted me at all. He just didn't want to be Star Crossed. He'd rather have me than no one. But I didn't plan on being anyone's consolation prize.

"Thank you," I said earnestly and Darcy nodded, blinking back her own tears as she looked to Clara where she was cradled against my chest. So long as her heart continued to beat, I knew my sister would be okay. And as I listened to the familiar thrum of it in my ears, nearly five years of grief lifted from my shoulders, bringing a part of me back to life which had long since been lost.

«They're not coming," I spat and something broke in Darcy's gaze as she realised I was right. Even if they were on their way, they weren't going to make it in time. Fuck Darius for doing this to me. I'd given everything of myself to him. My whole life was bound to his, but the one time I needed him, he couldn't show up.

Two constellations weren't sitting where they were supposed to be. It was as if the heavens had rearranged themselves for this one moment and the stars which made them up glowed even brighter than usual as they came together, So close they were almost touching. Leo and Gemini. I'd recognise those constellations anywhere. And if the sky rearranging itself to bring them together, then it could only mean one thing. This was a Divine Moment. The stars had guided me here and they'd be bringing someone else to join me. Someone who was perfect for me in every way. Who pushed me and challenged me. Who made my heart beat harder and my flesh prickle with desire unlike anyone I'd ever known. She was my mate.

*Get everything ready." I said, trying not to let the anxiety into my voice, but I wasn't sure I managed it. Orion frowned darkly as he spread out the materials before him. "I don't understand why Darius would let me down like this tonight of all fucking nights." I glanced toward the cave entrance again, my pulse thundering in my ears. We didn't have long left and I had no idea if the two of us would be strong enough to do this alone. Please hurry, Tor.

"Roxy!" Fire blazed around me and suddenly I wasn't alone in the dark anymore. A man stood with me, shrouded in flames with giant golden wings sprouting from his back. His hand took mine and I was dragged from the shadows so fast that my head spun. I drew in a shuddering breath as I found myself lying in my bed with Darius straddling me, his grip tight around my wrists and his flesh hot with the power of his fire Element. Healing energy danced along my arm, closing my wounds. *Are you back?" he asked desperately, his gaze locking with mine as his eyes burned with a wild kind of panic.

"The time draws close," she hissed, reaching for me. My limbs grew cold and the shadows wrapped themselves around me more tightly. Pain cut across mny forearm and I gasped as the shadows rushed tighter and ecstasy spilled along my flesh. I was vaguely aware of the fact that I was bleeding, that I'd cut my arm open with a shard of ice to let the darkness in, but I couldn't draw my attention away from the pleasure long enough to care.

"Get in your Order forms!" Orion shouted as another shuddering slam sounded against the door. A rasping, sucking noise filled the air and fear dug into my heart with icy talons. Nymphs." Xavier gasped behind us.

"So I maybe, kinda hooked up with Darius again last night," Do not judge my sister. Do not, do not, do not. “Are you sure you know what you're doing?" I asked in concern. "He hurt you, Tor..." Like drowned you in a Swimming pool! "I'm totally in control of it. Cross my heart. I nodded, relaxing a little. She could handle it. Tory dropped the silencing bubble and glanced at Orion. "Yeah, so I lip read that whole thing," he stated. “Im glad you're making him happy." He smirked.

"The Heirs have challenged us to a snowball fight, that 's what's going on," she said with a manic grin. "It's our game, Darcy. We'll smash them!"

"Is this what you want from me?" I taunted him as I slid his fly down and pushed my fingers into his boxers. "I want everything from you," he replied fiercely and in that moment I was willing to let him have it.

I'|ll never bow to you," I breathed as the cold stone at the foot of the throne bit into my skin. "But if you like me on my knees then there are better things that I can do down here than kiss your feet." Darius sat up straighter as I placed mny hands on his knees and slowly pushed them up the insides of his thighs.

*What the hell is this, Darius?" I asked him angrily. "What is it you want from me? Because you're acting a hell of a lot like some scorned lover, but we never even made it off the starting line so I don't understand why-" Neither do I," he growled. "But when I see you, all I want is to lay claim to you. I want you to be mine and I know you never will be and it's making me even more fucked up than I was to begin with. That's why I hate you. Not because I'm supposed to or because my father wants me to, but because you represent every freedom I've never been given. It's like you were designed entirely to taunt me and toy with me and crack me open and I won't let it stand."

"I was the reason no one ever kept us," I said in a low voice, like admitting this out loud might make it even more true. "I was the loud one. The rude one. The one that no one liked, let alone loved. I actually overheard one of our foster carers asking social services to find me a new placement while they offered to adopt Darcy alone. I could have told our social worker that I'd agree to that. I could have let her be happy instead of dragging her down with me. But that's what I do. Im the one who stopped her from having Christmas traditions or friends who lasted more than a semester. I'm the one no one has ever wanted long term..."

"1 think you like it when I hurt you because on some level you believe you deserve it." "Why would I feel something that fucked up?" I snarled. "Because we're the same. Every time my father hits me c hurts me or chains me, a little piece of me relishes the pain. Because I know I deserve it. For not getting Xavier away from him. For not stopping him from claiming the shadows. For letting him hurt you and your sister." Darius frowned like he didn't like thinking those things about himself, but I could feel the honesty in his words too. And for some strange reason, I did understand what he meant.

abby

Sidney Schaffner

I am distraught. Every prediction I had was correct but that didn’t stop it from damaging me emotionally.

I simply love this series,, the tension between the characters is imaculate

tory is so relstable and strong, I just love seing her making the right choices even if they are hard as fuck for her

I simply love this series,, the tension between the characters is imaculate

tory is so relstable and strong, I just love seing her making the right choices even if they are hard as fuck for her

marta 

** spoiler alert **
           si no fuese por el final no continuaria la saga, es increíble el hate que le tengo a tory

The shadows are in my blood. I can feel them crawling through me, slithering under my skin and taking me hostage. But the darkness within me, isn't nearly as bad as the darkness that lives around me. The four heirs will stop at nothing to destroy the lives of me and my sister. But they haven't figured out yet, we're the strongest creatures they've ever known...

Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow Princess

Emma Kamer

e<3(warners lover)

Nouran Hazem

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT ENDING?! I’M IN PAIN

jenna martin

Olivia Rousseau 

Courtney

Nouran

The sisters are fighting. Everything was going so well until the Heir's just had to do what they do best, ruin everything. Now this created some major issues with the relationships between the sisters. Although they are forever friends bonded by the stars, riffs in their relationships are still able to occur, and they did. 

For the duration of Christmas, everything was back to normal and the sisters were finally able to see the inside of the castle. Their parents home. Full of mysteries and love, will they be able to go back and spend more time exploring? 

Still one of my favorite things to come of this series even though it will most likely be short lived. Tory coming back to Caleb craving the hunt as bad as he did made their relationship go back to normal. He is still as soft as ever to her, considering the other Heirs. Yet, the Christmas dinner created a little hot and awkward moment between the three. Yes, Darius has made his way into a figured out love triangle. Their relationship just shows that friends with benefits is never destined to work. Ask the stars.

U G H ! Everything was going so well. Moments shared between these two in this book had me smiling, frustrated, and even crying. It was such a rollercoaster between these two and it will be throughout the duration of the series. Darius is continuously going against his fathers wishes (go Darius) and trying to build this relationship with Tory. Although the foundation of their relationship started off as strong hate, is there a way that they can turn it around? Maybe if they will stop being SOOOO stubborn.

 “So I won’t let you ignore me, Roxy,” he snarled. “I’ll have your attention even if I have to take it without your permission.” 

“Why?” I demanded. “Why not just go after someone else?” 

“Because we don’t get to choose our obsessions. And you’re mine.”

Also...... Tory better fix what she did at the end of the book or the stars are going to have to deal with me at this point. 

This man can not catch a break, but at least he did for his birthday. Out of every scene in the Zodiac Academy, Lance's birthday has to be one of the best filler scenes yet. It had EVERYTHING needed for a banging party. Beer and trying to keep your composure in front of everyone..... yet failing. Cheers Orion 

I was drunk. So fucuuuking drunk. And horny. Plan of dreams: Step one…get Blue naked. Oh shit wait, I need more steps.

Now being stuck with the shadows, Lance has the ability to be able to see what lurks beneath. Is he going to be able to get what he wants, or are the shadows going to take him for trying? 

Back to my favorite couple again. Everything about them in this book shows how they are just meant to be together. Yet, they might not be the only ones who know about their relationship. This can cause a lot of trouble later on in the series. There were so many moments shared between them that allowed the reader to see just how much their relationship has developed from puppy love to an intense love that burns you from just getting too close. Better together than apart.

“I think the stars picked you for me, Blue. I think you’re my Elysian Mate.”

Their back in forth dynamic never gets old. There are so many times where Seth has just been the biggest sweetheart to Darcy before going back to his ways. Yet, there is this little feeling in me that Seth is going to become one of Darcy's closest friends in the Academy. They are always finding themselves together no matter the context. Although there are up and downs, that is quite common along any relationship seen in this book, and we saw how Tory and Darius dealt with it. Darcy is seen to be more reasonable than Tory, so maybe this dynamic can grow into something else.

Alexandrea

The Shadow's Are Here

Tory & Darcy

The sisters are fighting. Everything was going so well until the Heir's just had to do what they do best, ruin everything. Now this created some major issues with the relationships between the sisters. Although they are forever friends bonded by the stars, riffs in their relationships are still able to occur, and they did. 

For the duration of Christmas, everything was back to normal and the sisters were finally able to see the inside of the castle. Their parents home. Full of mysteries and love, will they be able to go back and spend more time exploring? 

Tory & Caleb

Still one of my favorite things to come of this series even though it will most likely be short lived. Tory coming back to Caleb craving the hunt as bad as he did made their relationship go back to normal. He is still as soft as ever to her, considering the other Heirs. Yet, the Christmas dinner created a little hot and awkward moment between the three. Yes, Darius has made his way into a figured out love triangle. Their relationship just shows that friends with benefits is never destined to work. Ask the stars.

Tory & Darius

U G H ! Everything was going so well. Moments shared between these two in this book had me smiling, frustrated, and even crying. It was such a rollercoaster between these two and it will be throughout the duration of the series. Darius is continuously going against his fathers wishes (go Darius) and trying to build this relationship with Tory. Although the foundation of their relationship started off as strong hate, is there a way that they can turn it around? Maybe if they will stop being SOOOO stubborn.

 “So I won’t let you ignore me, Roxy,” he snarled. “I’ll have your attention even if I have to take it without your permission.” 

“Why?” I demanded. “Why not just go after someone else?” 

“Because we don’t get to choose our obsessions. And you’re mine.”

Also...... Tory better fix what she did at the end of the book or the stars are going to have to deal with me at this point. 

Orion 

This man can not catch a break, but at least he did for his birthday. Out of every scene in the Zodiac Academy, Lance's birthday has to be one of the best filler scenes yet. It had EVERYTHING needed for a banging party. Beer and trying to keep your composure in front of everyone..... yet failing. Cheers Orion 

I was drunk. So fucuuuking drunk. And horny. Plan of dreams: Step one…get Blue naked. Oh shit wait, I need more steps.

Now being stuck with the shadows, Lance has the ability to be able to see what lurks beneath. Is he going to be able to get what he wants, or are the shadows going to take him for trying? 

Darcy & Lance

Back to my favorite couple again. Everything about them in this book shows how they are just meant to be together. Yet, they might not be the only ones who know about their relationship. This can cause a lot of trouble later on in the series. There were so many moments shared between them that allowed the reader to see just how much their relationship has developed from puppy love to an intense love that burns you from just getting too close. Better together than apart.

“I think the stars picked you for me, Blue. I think you’re my Elysian Mate.”

Darcy & Seth

Their back in forth dynamic never gets old. There are so many times where Seth has just been the biggest sweetheart to Darcy before going back to his ways. Yet, there is this little feeling in me that Seth is going to become one of Darcy's closest friends in the Academy. They are always finding themselves together no matter the context. Although there are up and downs, that is quite common along any relationship seen in this book, and we saw how Tory and Darius dealt with it. Darcy is seen to be more reasonable than Tory, so maybe this dynamic can grow into something else.

End of story, we hate Lionel : ) !

Loulou

THE SNOWBALL FIGHT?? STEALING THE MOTORBIKE???? THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH TYLERS MOM??? MAX AND GERALDINE???? THE DINNER TABLE SCENE ON CHRISTMAS??? THE THRONE ??? XAVIER HAVING A CROWD HE CAN BE HIMSELF AROUND??? THE DRESSES???THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS DAY FR??? TORY IGNORING DARIUS THE WHOLE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK AND HIM CHASING AFTER HER LIKE THE LITTLE BITCH HE IS??? THE DATE IDEA BEING EXACTLY WHAT SHE WOULD WANT ??? CHEERLEADER TORY???

i’m on tory’s side no matter what and i wholeheartedly get where she’s coming from but she just threw away the one thing she always wanted. I SAY IT AGAIN : IM ON HER SIDE WITH THIS 

darius wouldn’t have apologized and we all know it, he guarantees her a better life after being the reason she hated hers EVEN THO HE HAD DOUBTS SHE WAS HIS TRUE LOVE???

i do think that tory should move on and get her closure over the drowning incident but i know damn well i wouldn’t have so i think it’s hypocritical of me to say that. she already got revenge on the heirs for it and she fought back against the photographs taken when halloween was in so i’d say they’re fair here if it weren’t for them just being assholes without their biggest gestures. 

she should have taken the chance with darius and just put distance between them if he couldn’t keep his promise cause what’s the worst that could happen?? she knew she wanted him and that it would hurt her and yet she chose to walk away

moving on , darcy and orion in the cave??? THE ENDING??? CLARA?? no way the guys dead i already know it 

rhea ⸆⸉

THE SNOWBALL FIGHT?? STEALING THE MOTORBIKE???? THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH TYLERS MOM??? MAX AND GERALDINE???? THE DINNER TABLE SCENE ON CHRISTMAS??? THE THRONE ??? XAVIER HAVING A CROWD HE CAN BE HIMSELF AROUND??? THE DRESSES???THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS DAY FR??? TORY IGNORING DARIUS THE WHOLE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK AND HIM CHASING AFTER HER LIKE THE LITTLE BITCH HE IS??? THE DATE IDEA BEING EXACTLY WHAT SHE WOULD WANT ??? CHEERLEADER TORY???

ATE IT UP

the ending….

i’m on tory’s side no matter what and i wholeheartedly get where she’s coming from but she just threw away the one thing she always wanted. I SAY IT AGAIN : IM ON HER SIDE WITH THIS 

darius wouldn’t have apologized and we all know it, he guarantees her a better life after being the reason she hated hers EVEN THO HE HAD DOUBTS SHE WAS HIS TRUE LOVE???

i do think that tory should move on and get her closure over the drowning incident but i know damn well i wouldn’t have so i think it’s hypocritical of me to say that. she already got revenge on the heirs for it and she fought back against the photographs taken when halloween was in so i’d say they’re fair here if it weren’t for them just being assholes without their biggest gestures. 

she should have taken the chance with darius and just put distance between them if he couldn’t keep his promise cause what’s the worst that could happen?? she knew she wanted him and that it would hurt her and yet she chose to walk away

ONCE AGAIN :

IM ON HER SIDE 

moving on , darcy and orion in the cave??? THE ENDING??? CLARA?? no way the guys dead i already know it 

literally gonna rip my eyes out omds WTFALSVXIS

📚

literally gonna rip my eyes out omds WTFALSVXIS



It’s 4:23 AM and I feel like I’ve just had my entire heart ripped out of my chest 

samantha lias

the angst in this one was on 100!!! girl i would have folded for darius so fast, tory is for real stronger than me. i hate lionel so much i hope that man dies a terrible death. the last two chapters had my heart breaking :( tory and darius are star crossed now and lance better not be dead bc i will RIOT

Danyella Barajas

Allison Freedman

I am living, breathing and eating this series! It has consumed me these past few days and the ending of this book has me in a frenzy!! This one is hands down my favorite so far. The banter in it is unmatched and Tory’s witty personality is hilarious. I love that we got moments of everyone getting along despite knowing full well it would only last so long. I can’t wait to see what happens next, but also dreading the day I’m fully caught up on the series.

PS Geraldine is the cats pajamas and I hope to god she never goes away 😂

Sloan MacDonald

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODMAMMSOZKAKWKWK!!!!!!!!
my heart is FUCKING BROKEN!!!! absolutely fuck you tory, you’re the worst character to ever exist how is your character development GOING IN REVERSE.

Kaytlin Heisterman

I know Seth is supposed to be portrayed like the rest of the heirs, in an intimidating fashion, but I COULD NOT IMAGINE HIM TALLER THAN 5’4”!!!!!!!!! Quit nuzzling people u bitch it’s giving ick

Melyssa Tromberg 

I AM UNWELL.

*finishes book and immediately starts book 5*

I am so mad at Tory but also so excited to see what happens now and literally crying for Darcy. Bring on the next book!

“I don’t want to stay away,” I whispered, because I knew it was impossible for me to. I felt bound to him like the stars had wrapped golden thread around us and refused to let us go. In the very root of my bones, I knew we belonged together."

“I’m the devil and I want you. I want you like I’ve never wanted anything or anyone. And I will fight to make you mine, no matter what it takes. No force in Solaria will rip us apart.”

“The next time you want to drown in them, tell me about it.” “Why?” “Because if you’re going to drown then I’m going to drown with you.”

“shadows” by seven lions, wooli, amidy

“dancing with our hands tied” by taylor swift

“the way i loved you” (taylor’s version) by taylor swift

“wonderland” by taylor swift - “i’d fallen down the rabbit hole and I didn’t want to ever leave wonderland,”

“So maybe it was time we stopped denying our birth right. Because the Vegas had been born to rule. And I was sick of being forced to bow.”

“power” by little mix
“shadows” by seven lions, wooli, amidy
"orion's belt" by sabrina claudio
“dancing with our hands tied” by taylor swift
"set fire to the rain" by adele
“see through” by the band camino
“the way i loved you” (taylor’s version) by taylor swift
“boyfriends” by harry styles
“wonderland” by taylor swift - “i’d fallen down the rabbit hole and I didn’t want to ever leave wonderland,”

“So maybe it was time we stopped denying our birth right. Because the Vegas had been born to rule. And I was sick of being forced to bow.”

SHUTUPPPP IT ENDS LIKE THAT???!!!!!!

Now that I slept it off and read a bit of the next book to get rid of the awful cliffhanger, I can finally put my thoughts on worlds. 

 picks up where The Reckoning left but not really. When The Reckoning ended with a massive cliffhanger (as always), I expected the next book to be action packed and intense but instead the girls go back to  their routine mostly. Other than a mention here and there, their 'training' with the shadow that I wish I saw more of it,  the events of the last book had no effect or at least not one as big as I was hoping for. 

I am not going to deny that until now everything is the same, the plot doesn't focus on developing the magic of the twins, the mystery of the cards that I'm still waiting to see solve or the nymph treat that other than the random attacks it's totally forgotten but on their relationships, both as a couple and as a family and that gives the book or series the feeling that the story is stuck. I'm totally hooked but I keep finding a lot of filler content and unnecessary scenes that could've been easily deleted. 

To add to my frustration, the characters started to get on my nerves. At of them pissed me off at some point. Tory and her stubborn ass, Darcy and her unwillingness to come clean to her sister, Orion's and his sometimes cringy attitude and Darius and his schizophrenic personality and mood changes. 

Nevertheless, I'm still rooting for my Bluelance and dying for the day that Tory & Darius stop playing the cat and the mouse game because as much frustration and anger and this book caused me, it also gave me joy and happiness on those little moments when they all come together;  the snowball fight, Orion's birthday and even the Halloween party that ended being a clusterfck.  

Now that ending and cliffhanger, Orion's ending and Tory's decision that had me in shock and utter disbelief to the point that I started the next book right away and breaking my promise to put some time between reading them.  

One thing I'd like to clarify is that I don't hate Tory, even tho I found her incredibly frustrating many times, I couldn't really blame her because her decision was made based on past traumas and events. Her refusal ( I know I'm being awfully vague and probably making no sense but I don't want to spoil anything and people who've read it will understand me) I think it was one of the most shocking things I've read in my life, I felt it all, it was painful at the time and the first time in my life I literally screamed in pure frustration but I completely understood it now that I digested it, it made all the sense in the world, it made her character and what they were living more real, that's how it must be, I would not have believed that she would've forgiven Darius that easily but God, it hurts. There's five more books to come( probably more) so making that decision so early on? That's a 'prepare to be emotionally wrecked from now on' neon sign.

Without a doubt, these books are not for everyone, they have a lot of drama (sometimes unnecessary), frustration and I saw people say that from now on, it's pain on pain which by that ending I can totally see it coming. God help me but I want to finish this series.  

Souhaila

Now that I slept it off and read a bit of the next book to get rid of the awful cliffhanger, I can finally put my thoughts on worlds. 

Shadow Princess picks up where The Reckoning left but not really. When The Reckoning ended with a massive cliffhanger (as always), I expected the next book to be action packed and intense but instead the girls go back to  their routine mostly. Other than a mention here and there, their 'training' with the shadow that I wish I saw more of it,  the events of the last book had no effect or at least not one as big as I was hoping for. 

I am not going to deny that until now everything is the same, the plot doesn't focus on developing the magic of the twins, the mystery of the cards that I'm still waiting to see solve or the nymph treat that other than the random attacks it's totally forgotten but on their relationships, both as a couple and as a family and that gives the book or series the feeling that the story is stuck. I'm totally hooked but I keep finding a lot of filler content and unnecessary scenes that could've been easily deleted. 

To add to my frustration, the characters started to get on my nerves. At of them pissed me off at some point. Tory and her stubborn ass, Darcy and her unwillingness to come clean to her sister, Orion's and his sometimes cringy attitude and Darius and his schizophrenic personality and mood changes. 

Nevertheless, I'm still rooting for my Bluelance and dying for the day that Tory & Darius stop playing the cat and the mouse game because as much frustration and anger and this book caused me, it also gave me joy and happiness on those little moments when they all come together;  the snowball fight, Orion's birthday and even the Halloween party that ended being a clusterfck.  

Now that ending and cliffhanger, Orion's ending and Tory's decision that had me in shock and utter disbelief to the point that I started the next book right away and breaking my promise to put some time between reading them.  

One thing I'd like to clarify is that I don't hate Tory, even tho I found her incredibly frustrating many times, I couldn't really blame her because her decision was made based on past traumas and events. Her refusal ( I know I'm being awfully vague and probably making no sense but I don't want to spoil anything and people who've read it will understand me) I think it was one of the most shocking things I've read in my life, I felt it all, it was painful at the time and the first time in my life I literally screamed in pure frustration but I completely understood it now that I digested it, it made all the sense in the world, it made her character and what they were living more real, that's how it must be, I would not have believed that she would've forgiven Darius that easily but God, it hurts. There's five more books to come( probably more) so making that decision so early on? That's a 'prepare to be emotionally wrecked from now on' neon sign.

Without a doubt, these books are not for everyone, they have a lot of drama (sometimes unnecessary), frustration and I saw people say that from now on, it's pain on pain which by that ending I can totally see it coming. God help me but I want to finish this series.  

linhie

5/5 ☆
this continued after the 3rd book so well IM VERY MUCH INVESTED IN THESE CHARACTERS AND THE PLOT! idk it just makes me enjoy romance with some fantasy action!! making me enjoy reading with a hint of angst and tension but also good moments as well!! like i said before characters can be dumb but it fits the entertaining and vibes appeal! i dont mind drama and characters being dumb bc ga it builds to incredible tension! surprisingly im not annoyed and i just find this series sm fun to read!! <3

Shadow Princess Zodiac Academy #4

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