Book cover of The Awakening

Book description

The Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling dark fantasy romance series from authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch - all I…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

7 authors picked The Awakening as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The series has a great overall plot
The writers know how to evoke emotions and feelings

Did I mention that I love academies? Yes, this series is immersed in fantasy academics with twists I enjoyed throughout the books. And, of course, what novels about schools wouldn’t be complete without different houses for students with special powers. Throw in two heroines from the everyday world I know today, and the conflicts blossom.

Be forewarned, this, too, is a fantasy romance, so I kept my focus on the rivalries between the houses and enjoyed the fast-paced action.

The first book in the Zodiac Academy Series is only dual POV, but as the series goes on, more POVs are added. This series made me laugh more than any other book series I have ever read. But it also broke my heart and sewed it back up more times than I can count.

Only having the dual POV for the first book is a great way to get to know the main characters and the world they’ve entered before adding in the others. Adding the extra POVs starting in book two gave more backstory on the characters who I…

If you love The Awakening...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on this book! As a huge astrology nerd, I was intrigued by the title and the cover, which displayed all twelve zodiac signs. I was a huge fan of the way that Peckham uses clever foreshadowing in each character’s morning astrology readings. It is genius.

The story follows two female twins who end up finding out they are heirs to the throne in a highly corrupted, ‘fey eat fey world,’ where only the strong survive. But the throne isn’t handed over to them so easily. They are put to the test, both mentally…

From Stephanie's list on slump busters.

This dark academia fantasy will make you feel every single emotion possible.

Dragon shifters, pegasuses, sirens, and vampires are just a few of the fun shifters in this series. Twins, Tory and Darcy have to navigate a whole new world and way of life after they discover they’re princesses from a Fae realm. 

This isn’t a book to be taken seriously when they say things like “I laughed like a hyena on crack” and “Hands off my buttery bagels, you slippery salmon,” but that’s what makes it worth reading. Also the great characters, fun magic, and dangerous romances.

This book is the first in the Zodiac Academy series, which is a fantasy romance series. They follow two twin sisters who discover they are the long-lost princesses of the fae world. They are brought to the world to claim their place, and learn how to control their own magic. There are many romance stories that develop throughout the series, giving readers many couples to cheer on as it progresses. The world has werewolves, vampires, pegasuses, and more wonderful beings to learn about. 

From M.K.'s list on fantasy with a touch of romance.

If you love Caroline Peckham...

Book cover of Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of the Other by Heather G. Harris,

Delve into this internationally best-selling series, now complete! A fast paced laugh-out-loud mix of Urban Fantasy and Mystery.

I can tell when you’re lying. Every. Single. Time. I’m Jinx, a PI hired to find a missing university student, I hope to find her propped up at a bar–yet my gut…

If you’ve ever wanted to throw a book and yet hug it at the same time, this series will do it for you.

The world Peckham and Valenti created is to die for, and the characters will give you a love/hate battle of wills. Be prepared for dragons you want to capture and keep, vampires that you'd let bite you, and villains you'll hate worse than Delores Umbridge.

From E.Y.'s list on the spicy fantasy genre.

If you love The Awakening...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Awakening?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Awakening.

Browse books like The Awakening

Book cover of City of Bones
Book cover of Red Rising
Book cover of Throne of Glass

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Awakening, you might also like...

Book cover of In Bad Faith

In Bad Faith by Geoffrey Carter,

Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.

Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…

Book cover of Your Sun Will Rise Again: Poems of Hope and Survival

Your Sun Will Rise Again by Joseph Jean Baptiste Jolicoeur,

Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.

Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…

5 book lists we think you will like!