---

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.)

---

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.

---

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.

---

Happy Reading!

Taylor

---

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:

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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?).

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Happy Reading!

Taylor

---

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.

---

Happy Reading!

Taylor

---

⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
✨ Favorite Character: Darius Acrux (officially obsessed)

Shadow Princess took me on such a rollercoaster that I’m still catching my breath. The tension, the politics, the heartbreak….it’s everything I love about this series, but this time, my heart completely belonged to Darius. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a soft spot for Orion/Darcy, but honestly… Tory and Darius own my soul now. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? Perfectly cutting. The vulnerability? Stab me right in the heart.

This book also gave us moments of real gut-punch emotion. Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are masters at pulling you in, making you feel like part of the Vega twins’ fight, and then casually wrecking your emotions when you least expect it. I think that’s why this one hit so hard, it’s not just action and romance, it’s the unraveling of loyalty, love, and destiny all tangled together.

If you’ve been on the fence about continuing the series, let me just say—this book is a turning point. The stakes are higher, the world-building richer, and the characters? Well… I’m officially claiming Darius for myself. Sorry, Tory.

---

---

Favorite Character Moment

Darius’s walls coming down. I won’t say when or why, but you’ll feel it in your bones when it happens. He’s broody, infuriating, and yet so protective in a way that makes you believe him. It’s peak “touch her and die” energy, and I ate it up like it was my last meal.

---

Books & Bakes Moment

If Shadow Princess were a dessert, it would be something dark, rich, and a little dangerous. So today we’re making Midnight Mocha Brownies (nut-free, of course). Perfect for stress-eating while yelling at fictional characters.

Midnight Mocha Brownies
Serves: 12 | Time: 45 min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. The center should be fudgy but set.
6. Cool slightly before cutting. Pair with coffee… preferably while plotting fictional revenge.

---

Would you like me to also make this into a printable recipe card so it’s cute enough to post on your blog alongside the review? That way your readers could save it or print it for their own kitchen.

Would I recommend?
Absolutely. But be prepared for heartbreak, jaw-clenching tension, and to walk away with a new fictional crush.

---

Tell me: Who’s your ride-or-die Zodiac Academy couple? Are you Team Orion/Darcy forever, or has Darius completely ruined you too?

Happy Reading!

Taylor

Because sometimes your book taste is as telling as your lunch order…

---

I firmly believe your favorite fast food order says so much about you… and yes, it can tell me exactly what book you should be reading. So grab your fries, your milkshake, and your next read. Let’s match your drive-thru craving to your perfect book boyfriend-filled, plot-twist-laden adventure.

---

1. Chick-fil-A — Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren

Warm, comforting, and just a little bit sweet—like waffle fries and a peach milkshake. Second-chance romance with heart? Absolutely.

---

2. Taco Bell — The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Chaotic, hilarious, and full of “how did we get here?” moments—exactly like your 2 a.m. taco run.

---

3. McDonald’s — The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Classic. Comforting. Nostalgic. McDonald’s fans know the beauty of a soft-serve cone and a story that makes you feel sixteen again. Belly’s summers with Conrad and Jeremiah are your literary version of a Happy Meal toy you’ll never throw away.

---

4. Panera Bread — Book Lovers by Emily Henry

You’re cozy-core. You like soups, sandwiches, and stories that feel like warm blankets. Nora and Charlie’s banter-filled, slow-burn romance is perfect for the type of reader who’d happily camp out in Panera with a cinnamon crunch bagel and a novel.

---

5. Starbucks — Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

You love the slow mornings, the cozy aesthetics, and the cinnamon-scented joy of life. This cozy fantasy about an orc opening a coffee shop will give you all the latte art vibes you crave.

---

6. Chopt — Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

Fresh, romantic, and just the right balance of sweet and healthy. Perfect for when you want your heart fed and your reading list refreshed.

---

7. Wingstop — Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Spicy, addictive, and you will absolutely keep coming back for more, even when it’s a little intense.

---

8. Domino’s — Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

If you’re a Domino’s lover, you thrive on indulgence. This is not the place for moderation — we’re talking drama, tension, and addictive plot twists that keep you up until 3 a.m. like a late-night pizza binge.

---

9. Subway — Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

You like to mix-and-match your favorites into something personalized. This sweet romance, set in Paris, has all the charm and slow-burn magic of your favorite sandwich creation.

---

10. Dairy Queen — The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

You’re fun, flirty, and a little magical. This witchy rom-com is as sweet and slightly chaotic as a Blizzard on a summer night.

---

Book & Bite Moment:
If you want the ultimate bookish snack pairing, try making beach picnic sandwiches for your next reading day. My nut-free, cozy reader-approved combo: soft hoagie rolls, honey turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, a swipe of mayo, and a drizzle of honey mustard. Wrap it up, toss in a cooler, and take your current read to your favorite sunny spot.

---

Cozy Beach Picnic Sandwich

(Makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients

• 1 small baguette or 2 crusty sandwich rolls
• 4 slices roasted turkey or chicken breast
• 2 slices mild provolone or Havarti cheese
• 4–6 slices cucumber
• 2–3 roasted red pepper strips (from a jar or roasted at home)
• Handful of fresh spinach or baby arugula
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prep your bread – Slice your baguette/rolls in half lengthwise. If you’re packing them for later, scoop out a little of the soft middle to make a “pocket” for fillings (helps prevent sliding).
2. Mix your spread – In a small bowl, stir together the mayo and Dijon. Spread evenly on both halves of the bread.
3. Layer smartly – Start with turkey/chicken on the bottom, then cheese, then roasted red peppers, cucumbers, and greens.
4. Drizzle & season – Lightly drizzle olive oil over the greens, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Wrap tight – Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper or foil if you’re taking them to-go. This helps them “meld” without getting soggy. (my favorite parchment paper )

Happy Reading!

Taylor