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1. “Control” — Halsey
Scene: Tory finally deciding she’s done being the victim and embracing her power.
Why it works: The simmering, defiant energy mirrors Tory’s transformation into someone who’s not afraid to bite back (literally and figuratively).

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2. “I Know Places” — Taylor Swift
Scene: Orion and Darcy’s forbidden moments when the whole world feels like it’s closing in.
Why it works: The secrecy, the stolen glances, the “us against them” vibe? Peak Oracy energy.

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3. “Believer” — Imagine Dragons
Scene: Any brutal training session where bruises and grudges pile up.
Why it works: That pulsing beat and gritty determination match the relentless fight to survive the Fae world.

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4. “Mad Hatter” — Melanie Martinez
Scene: The chaos and unpredictability of the Heirs when they’re at their most unhinged.
Why it works: Eccentric, darkly playful, and a little menacing — just like them.

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5. “In the Shadows” — The Rasmus
Scene: Navigating the darker corners of the academy where secrets lurk.
Why it works: Broody, mysterious, and just dangerous enough to make you keep following.

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6. “Burn” — Ellie Goulding
Scene: Big magical battles where the sky is lit with fire and lightning.
Why it works: Soaring, unstoppable energy — it’s pure Fae war anthem.

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7. “Take Me to Church” — Hozier
Scene: Orion’s moments of guilt, longing, and surrender when it comes to Darcy.
Why it works: The aching intensity matches his push-pull between desire and duty.

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8. “Bad Reputation” — Joan Jett
Scene: Tory leaning into her dangerous, untamed side after everything falls apart.
Why it works: Attitude. Defiance. Zero apologies.

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9. “Glory and Gore” — Lorde
Scene: The brutal politics and shifting alliances between the students.
Why it works: Dark, minimal, and dripping with power games.

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10. “This Is War” — Thirty Seconds to Mars
Scene: The epic battle scenes when everything is on the line.
Why it works: Heart-racing, cinematic, and a declaration of no surrender.

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Let’s be real—Max is the kind of character who feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. He’s steady, dependable, and you know he’s got your back no matter what. Maybe he’s not the flashiest or the broodiest, but his strength lies in his loyalty, kindness, and that quiet courage that shines through even in the darkest moments.

If Max is your kind of guy, you’re probably drawn to heroes who are fiercely protective, big-hearted, and maybe a little adorably awkward. The kind of characters you want to invite over for coffee and deep conversations but who can also stand toe-to-toe with any danger that comes their way.

Here’s a list of books with heroes who share Max’s genuine warmth, strength, and loyalty. Because sometimes the best kind of love story is the one that feels like home.

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1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Patroclus is all heart—gentle, loyal, and brave in a quiet way that echoes Max’s steadiness. This beautiful retelling of myth is full of deep emotional bonds and tender moments that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

2. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus Baker is the kind of kindhearted, dependable hero who will remind you of Max’s genuine goodness. This book is warm, funny, and full of hope—a perfect cozy read for fans of sweet, earnest heroes.

3. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow is lovable and loyal in the best way. His awkward charm and willingness to protect his friends at all costs make him a perfect Max-like hero, especially if you’re into magical worlds with a dash of humor.

4. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle is quiet and thoughtful, with a heart full of loyalty and tenderness. This coming-of-age story is beautiful and heartfelt, capturing the kind of emotional depth and gentle strength that fans of Max will adore.

5. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Nina Zenik)

Nina’s loyalty and fierce protectiveness shine through in this dark, thrilling series. While not a direct Max analog, the camaraderie and devotion to chosen family will definitely hit the same notes.

6. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Ead is a steadfast and courageous hero whose loyalty and quiet strength remind me of Max. This epic fantasy is rich with heart, magic, and the kind of bravery that feels grounded and true.

7. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

While Monty is a bit more flamboyant, his loyalty and big heart underneath all the antics make him a wonderful choice for fans of dependable, loveable characters who grow into their best selves.

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Final Thoughts

Max is the kind of hero who might not always be front and center, but whose strength, kindness, and loyalty quietly steal your heart. These books all have heroes who bring that same warmth and genuine care, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful love stories are the ones built on trust and steadfast devotion.

If you decide to curl up with any of these, let me know—I’m always here to chat about the kind of heroes who make you feel safe and loved through every page turn.

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Happy Reading!

Taylor

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Okay, so can we talk about Darius for a second? Because honestly, if you’ve read Zodiac Academy, you know exactly what I mean when I say he’s that perfect blend of brooding mystery, fierce loyalty, and just the right amount of smoldering tension. Like, yes please.

If you’re here because you want more characters with that Darius energy—those complicated heroes who protect the people they love but keep their walls way too high—then buckle up. I’ve got your next reading list right here. These are all the books that, to me, feel like the literary siblings of Darius. They bring the magic, the angst, the slow-burn romance, and the kind of characters you want to wrap in a blanket and protect. (Also? Bonus points for enemies-to-lovers vibes. Because duh.)

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1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

If you haven’t dived into this series yet, it’s time. Rhysand’s brooding, darkly protective nature definitely hits the same notes as Darius’s vibe. The world-building is lush, the stakes are high, and the romance? Slow burn with all the heart and heat. Honestly, if you liked Darius’s internal struggle and his soft side peeking through, you’ll eat this up.

2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This one’s for the fans of gritty fantasy with characters who fight for their survival and their people. Laia and Elias navigate a world full of rebellion and impossible choices, and the emotional depth here is next level. The kind of story where you want to scream at the page and also hug the characters tightly — just like with Darius.

3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Kaz Brekker = Darius vibes x 10. Dark, smart, calculating, but with a fierce loyalty to his crew that you can’t help but love. The slow-building trust and complex relationships in this book make it impossible to put down. Plus, the gang dynamics and clever heists bring all the tension and thrills you crave.

4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Sticking with Bardugo because, well, her worlds are that good. This series is packed with magic, mystery, and heroes wrestling with their destinies—kind of like Darius trying to balance his power and his heart. It’s an epic fantasy with so much depth and a dash of romance that never feels rushed.

5. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Prince Cardan is the ultimate complicated love interest—sharp, dangerous, and with that slow burn that keeps you hooked. If you love Darius for his smoldering intensity and complex feelings, you’ll be obsessed with this book. Plus, the fae politics and dark twists add all the spice.

6. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Enemies to lovers, magic, and a hero who’s as fiercely protective as Darius? Yes, please. This one has all the tension and heart you want, with characters who start off at odds but slowly find common ground—and maybe more.

7. Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem with political intrigue, magical powers, and characters whose loyalty runs deep. If you want the slow burn and the fierce friendships that Zodiac Academy fans love, this is your next must-read.

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Final Thoughts

Honestly, Darius has set the bar high for swoony, layered heroes who aren’t perfect but are so worth rooting for. These books all scratch that same itch—whether it’s the magic, the mystery, the slow-burning romance, or the tension that makes your heart race.

If you end up diving into any of these, let me know! I’m always here to fangirl over brooding book boys and recommend more cozy reads to curl up with. Because really, that’s what reading is all about—getting lost in worlds and falling for characters who feel like they could be your secret best friend… or maybe your next great love interest.

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Happy Reading!

Taylor

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Okay, let’s talk about Cursed Fates (Zodiac Academy Book 5). Cursed Fates went from being a book I wanted to throw across the room to one of the most addictive, drama-filled rollercoasters I couldn’t look away from.

What I Loved

• The absolute chaos. This book is drama, drama, drama. Messy emotions, betrayals, heartbreak, impossible choices… it’s basically reality TV for Fae.
• The romance. Say what you will, but when the moments of tenderness break through the pain, they hit ten times harder.
• The sheer unpredictability. I was constantly clutching the book thinking, “Oh no they didn’t.” Spoiler: they did.

What I Struggled With

• The length. It’s a beast. You’ll need caffeine and snacks.
• The level of suffering. Every time you think the characters have hit rock bottom, nope, there’s a trapdoor.
• That ending… yeah. I’m still recovering.

My Verdict

Zodiac Academy: Cursed Fates isn’t perfect, but it is wildly entertaining once you lean into the drama. If you want clean, polished fantasy with neat character arcs, this isn’t it. If you want a messy, over-the-top, emotionally brutal soap opera set in a magical academy — then welcome home.

Absolutely! Molten lava cakes are perfect for Zodiac Academy — gooey, dramatic, and a little dangerous (like Darius, let’s be real). Here’s a recipe dressed up with a fun, academy-themed name:

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Book & Bake: Dragon’s Breath Molten Lava Cakes (Zodiac Academy Edition)

These molten lava cakes are rich, indulgent, and filled with a gooey chocolate center that feels just as chaotic as a school assembly at Solaria. They’re dramatic, over-the-top, and impossible to stop at just one — basically the dessert equivalent of Zodiac Academy.

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Ingredients (makes 4 cakes):

• 4 oz (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 6 oz (1 cup) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp instant espresso powder (optional, but adds depth)
• Pinch of salt

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Directions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder so nothing sticks (because unlike Lionel, you want a clean exit).
2. Melt & Mix: In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together (microwave in 30-second bursts or use a double boiler). Stir until silky smooth.
3. Whisk: In another bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until light and slightly frothy.
4. Combine: Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs, then fold in flour and salt until just combined.
5. Bake: Divide batter evenly into the ramekins. Bake 12–14 minutes — the edges should be firm, but the center still soft and wobbly (like your feelings for Darius and Orion).
6. Serve: Let rest for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Slice open and watch the molten chocolate flow out like a volcanic eruption straight out of Solaria.

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Serving Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy touch (a nod to that iconic Blood & Ash winter scene you mentioned before).
• Add a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for contrast.
• Drizzle with raspberry sauce for a dramatic, bloody finish (because what’s Zodiac Academy without a little carnage?).

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Why Dragon’s Breath?

Because the gooey, molten center feels like the dessert version of Darius’s fire magic — hot, dangerous, and impossible to resist.

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Molten Lava Not Your Thing? Try Dark Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes

This book is dark, it’s intense, and honestly, it leaves you needing comfort. So the perfect bake? Dark Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes.

They’re rich, bittersweet, and a little dramatic in flavor (kind of like Orion). Plus, the coffee kick will keep you awake through those marathon reading sessions because let’s be honest — you’re not sleeping until you hit that last chapter.

Recipe Vibes:

• Moist chocolate cupcakes with a shot of espresso baked right in
• Espresso buttercream swirled on top
• Optional sprinkle of crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for extra crunch

Think of it as your survival snack for surviving Cursed Fates.

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Zodiac Academy Survival Kit (Cursed Fates Edition)

Because you’re not going to get through this book unscathed. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A box of tissues (you’ll cry, probably multiple times).
• Snacks — cupcakes are a great start, but maybe also something salty for balance.
• A playlist full of angry, moody songs (Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Lorde — you’re welcome).
• A friend to scream/text in all caps when things go off the rails.
• A blanket fort. Trust me, it helps.

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Reading Cursed Fates was like willingly diving into emotional quicksand — painful, messy, but also impossible to resist. With dark chocolate cupcakes in one hand and a playlist blasting in the background, I survived. Barely.

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Happy Reading!

Taylor

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Falling in Love with Darius and Tory in Zodiac Academy 5

There are some book couples who sneak up on you and before you know it they own a little corner of your heart. For me that is Darius and Tory in Zodiac Academy 5. I did not realize just how invested I had become until I caught myself smiling like a fool during their scenes and then later sitting with tears in my eyes when everything started to unravel. That is the magic of these books. They pull you in, let you believe in something hopeful, and then remind you that heartbreak and love often exist in the same breath.

What I adore about them together is the way their edges fit. Darius is all fire and storm, so much weight on his shoulders, so much anger and loyalty tangled up inside of him. Tory is fierce in a different way, raw and untamed and desperate to prove she will never be controlled again. Separately they are combustible, together they are devastating in the most beautiful way. They fight and they love with the same intensity and you feel it in every scene.

Book five made me stop and reread certain lines because the emotion between them was too heavy to breeze past. There is nothing light about their connection. It is sharp and consuming, sometimes even painful. And yet that is exactly why I cannot get enough of them. They show that love does not always look like soft words and gentle touches. Sometimes it looks like two people choosing each other even when the world is burning around them.

I think what breaks me most is how much they carry for each other. The sacrifices, the stubbornness, the fierce protectiveness. Darius would bleed himself dry before letting Tory fall and Tory would set the sky on fire if it meant saving him. There is something tragic and poetic about that. It is not perfect love. It is desperate and flawed and human, which somehow makes it feel even more real.

When I finished book five I had that ache in my chest that only comes from being too close to fictional people. I kept thinking about them long after I closed the book, wondering if they would ever get the peace they deserved, wishing I could step into their world just to tell them to hold on a little longer. That is the mark of a good story. It lingers. It makes you want to believe in the power of love, even when it hurts.

So yes, I am fully in my Darius and Tory era. They are messy and passionate and everything I want in a fictional couple. If you are reading Zodiac Academy for the first time, brace yourself. And if you are already as obsessed as I am, then you know exactly what I mean when I say they are unforgettable.

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Happy Reading!

Taylor