The Awakening (Dramatized Adaptation)

Zodiac Academy, Book 1

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 have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates–which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

This is a dark, bully romance–don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Performed by Khaya Fraites, Jessica Schly, Gregory Linnington, Julian Dailey, Jon Vertullo, Ryan Dalusung, Gabriel Michael, Karenna Foley, Daniel Llaca, Lydia Kraniotis, Nora Achrati, Kelly Baskin, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Crystal Lee, Dawn Ursula, Lise Bruneau, Kaylee Eluvian, Marissa Clay, Bradley Foster Smith, Michael John Casey, Ken Jackson, Tyler Hyrchuk, Donald Guzzi, Yasmin Tuazon, Jerri J. Marshall, Laura C. Harris, Karen Novack, Eric Messner, Scott McCormick, Drew Kopas, and James Konicek.

* This audio production was updated on 10-14-2024 with new voice actors for Darius and Caleb. Reviews posted before that date are about the older version.

©2019 Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti (P)2024 Graphic Audio LLC

The world of Solaria is my favorite eacape.

I have read and listened to all of the ZA books. They're my absolute favorite and I will continue to re-read this series over and over. I have recommended these books to everyone I know. I've loved the full cast version. With all that being said. Geraldine's voice needs to be recast. She is supposed to be smart, strong and beautiful. The voice actor used for her sounds like none of those. Every time she was in a scene I cringed so much. I loved the casting for everyone else but could not stand Geraldine. She is one of my absolute favorite characters.

Great story, bad voice casting

I loved the ZA series and was excited for the dramatization - but the voice casting makes it pretty unbearable. They got almost every main character wrong. Hoping Graphic Audio switches it up in future books. Until then, you’re better off reading them!

Interesting, Different

It's a different and interesting story that has kept my focus straight through without breaks. The voice actors did a phenomenal job, all of them. I have never liked graphic audios with the music and background noises because it's always been distracting and I've never found it to add value to the story before but on this story the producer(s) got it right. I love it all.
What I didn't understand was the twins just standing there, not even trying to access their magic for defensive position when they are attacked. I understand it wouldn't come as second nature to them but when their attacker is using magic, that should be a big kick in the pants but they rarely do and on those rare occasions they try, it's such a weak effort it's laughable. They're supposed to be the strongest fae, so why has the author written them as if they aren't? Those portions are irritating to listen to, to be honest. The rest of the book is great so far. Can't wait to continue the series.

Don’t like Dramatized Adaptation

Book is great! But adaptation is disappointing. That will be second series where I’m switching from dramatized adaptation to “usual” audio book

It's hard to tell the twins a part

Over all it's not bad, but I think so many of the boys do not match their personality. I also had a hard time telling if Darcy or Tori were talking.