Zodiac Academy 9: Restless Stars Paperback – April 23, 2024

The absolute perfect ending to one of the greatest series I've ever read! This book was amazing from start to finish. Action packed and had me clinging to my seat as well as kicking my feet with each new page. The banter somehow is even better than all the other books. There were so many pov's that all added to the experience. I already wish I could read it again for the first time. On to Darkmore Penitentiary!

As a long-time fan of the Zodiac Academy series, my journey with these characters, from the moment I turned the first page of book one, has been filled with intense emotions and investment. "Restless Stars," the ninth installment, brings many of these narrative threads to a close, aiming to tie up the sprawling saga of magic, power, and destiny. While the conclusion of the story was satisfying and well-executed in many ways, the path to get there had its shortcomings.This latest book, along with several novellas, seems to have been added to stretch the series to match the twelve zodiac signs, a thematic choice that, while clever, ultimately made the series feel prolonged beyond its natural endpoint. Some parts of "Restless Stars" felt rushed, as if the authors were compelled to cover substantial ground in a limited space, leading to certain plot points not receiving the development they deserved.Despite these criticisms, there were many elements to praise. The dark, enthralling world of Zodiac Academy was as compelling as ever, and the final battles were a testament to the series' ability to blend high stakes with deep, personal conflicts. The emotional payoff, especially considering the journey these characters have endured, was significant and mostly fulfilling.The book's strength lies in its dramatic conclusion and the resolution of key character arcs, which have been the series' backbone. The prose is sharp, and the vivid settings are as immersive as they are brutal. The narrative drives home the harsh realities of the magical world Peckham and Valenti have crafted, where survival is never guaranteed, and victory comes at a steep cost.Overall, while "Restless Stars" may not have needed so many predecessors to tell its tale effectively, the series concludes in a way that honors its characters and satisfies its readers. This installment earns four stars for its exciting climax and emotional depth, though it admittedly carries the weight of unnecessary extensions. For those who have followed the Zodiac Academy series from its inception, this book offers a bittersweet, fitting farewell to a beloved universe.

There isn't much I can say about this book besides the fact that it's the end and it's heartbreaking but beautiful all at once.This is a series that will forever have a huge place in my heart. I have read these books multiple times (aside from this last one ..which this is actually my second finish.. I did a physical and an audio before I decided to do a review)I thought about writing some huge long review about everything that happened within the series and what makes it great but honestly... it's just that kind of series that just becomes a part of you and a part of your life.. the kind of series where you buy every book that you can and you buy decor for your bookshelf that matches the series. It's just a series that grips onto you and holds on tight and I for one am grateful for that.I will forever miss these characters and I know for a fact that, this will not be the last time I venture into their world. I will never let go of these characters and the joy and heartbreak and love that they have brought me upon being a part of their world through reading.This is the last book and it gives you everything that you need in the last book It gives you heartache, redemption , peace and happiness and at the very end you get the closure that you knew that not only you as a reader deserved but these characters deserved and fought so freaking hard for.I will forever be grateful for the Twisted Sisters for every single one of their series but Zodiac Academy has a place in my heart that I don't even know how to put into words.What a beautiful ending to a beautiful world and beautiful characters and to a beautiful book series.I hope the Twisted Sisters are proud of what they created because they should be.❤️💙❤️Long Live The True Queens 💙❤️💙

So this review has spoilers, sorry , but after reading 10 books and becoming engrossed in all 8 main characters and a host of secondary characters and extras it’s hard to hold back. I read the synopsis of the very end prior to reading on after book 6 because it’s hard to read such violence. Fortunately there is laugh out-loud humor in every book. Seth just is sweet and funny and like a golden retriever puppy when he shows his true self. Caleb is logical and warm and caring and the calm to Seth. Orion and Darcy suffered so much through all the books that they so deserved a happy ever after. Then there is Darias and Tory whose violent natures ensnared each other. Everyone made mistakes along the story, but grew in wisdom and physical strength. The war was harrowing, scary to read and devastating with the losses of family and friends. The end of the war was triumphant and the death of Lionel poignant, appropriate and validating. The years following the war were filled with joyous events, births and emergences. It soothes the soul after all the traumas they all experienced. I did enjoy the series. There were parts that weren’t needed. It was very long and could have been better edited. But all in all I’m glad I persevered through it. So if you’d read 9 books this one is worth persevering through to get to the happy.