Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Series by Caroline Peckham -> Restarting August 6th, 2024

[Grace]

Jamie wrote: "Based on Shadow Princess, I am [spoilers removed]"

I thought that too, but since this isn't a spoiler I'll tell you that that is NOT what (view spoiler)[she wishes she could tell him.
I think somewhere in the books they confirm that Xavier is from Catalina and Lionel.
And Catalina did sleep with other men, but mostly as a political move for Lionel. I don't know if she did outside of that. (hide spoiler)]

[Brittni]

Grace wrote: "Jamie wrote: "Based on Shadow Princess, I am [spoilers removed]"

I thought that too, but since this isn't a spoiler I'll tell you that that is NOT what she wishes she could tell him.
I think somew..."

Ah ok! Good to know. I kind of felt that Xavier may be their child but still wondering about Dante. I suppose it could just be when he was born.

[Grace]

Btw, Xavier and Darius' birth wer le calculated and planned up to the minute of their birth. So they couldn't be from someone else because Lionel had a plan. Like he had sex with Catalina in the purpose of procreating Xavier and Darius.

[Grace]

Brittni wrote: "I feel like I've read so many fantasy books with insane twists that my mind just goes wild with theories now haha. I just assume the most insane plot twist is likely at this point."

And that is exactly what ZA and RB will deliver.
Every theory (almost every) I had was true, and still there were plot twists that were so crazy I was like WTF just happened.

[Brittni]

Grace wrote: "Brittni wrote: "I feel like I've read so many fantasy books with insane twists that my mind just goes wild with theories now haha. I just assume the most insane plot twist is likely at this point."..."

I LOVE IT!

[Brittni]

Savage Fae

Finished (view spoiler)[Oooookkkkkk.....

I have some mixed. I'm enjoying it but not as much as ZA. That said still very much into it. The end was intense and I'm so glad Dante didn't die. I was ready for some wild cliffhanger but it wasn't really too bad. I'm actually ok with ending here and moving back to the other series.

Cindy Poo, Bryce and Felix all need to die. Any day now. I hate them.

I think Bryce is going to be a problem, more than he already has been. He's clearly jealous and just a dick. Did he have something to do with Gareth's "death"? I'm questioning whether he's dead or not. Time will tell.

Hats off to Elise for juggling school, investigating her brother's death and FOUR guys. Where do you find the time girl? Loving Ryder and Gabriel. Simba (yes, he's totally a Simba) isn't doing much for me though other than his nickname for Elise, little monster. No idea why, but I love it.

What's Eugene's deal? I'm not sure about him especially since Elise turned him down to be her source. He mentioned being super powerful. Thought it was odd.

Curious about Gareth and how he changes in the other books. After the pitball match when they get in a fight he says that he actually enjoyed the feeling of power over the other team so I thought it was interesting.

Also, Gabriel was saying the phoenix order is the only one that can break a bind (dark coercion). Obviously, this is referring to the twins. Curious which bind they'll be breaking! (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

Brittni wrote: "Savage Fae
Finished Oooookkkkkk..... [Hissen spoiler] ..."

Okay, so (view spoiler)[Eugene, he does keep saying he is very powerful and for a moment I thought he might be the King, but then I disregarded that theory.

I also kept expecting the worst endings 😂 I was seriously too traumatised by ZA. So RB endings get more emotionally damaging but not ZA level damaging.

HAHAHHAHAHHA She's a 19 year old who has nothing else on her plate. Can't you remember how we used to be at 19?
We could have conquered the world on 2 hours of sleep 😂 😂
Now I know why all chosen-ones are 19 😂 😂 😂


There are many small things about Gareth's POV, and honestly it's interesting we are getting a Gareth POV at all, that make me think he might be the king.
Add to it that the King does not have a shape or age or gender or voice, that's some serious level of black magic. So maybe yeah she got his body but technically he is living precariously in a different shape...

The phoenix order and breaking dark coercion 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Vicious Fae - I'm about to start chapter 6. I'm going to try and listen to it while I'm cleaning today. I'm hoping to make a dent in it if I can.

Not going to lie, Shadow Princess left me with a huge book hangover. I had a hard time even starting this one. I started a mafia book as well last night to try and get back in the mood to read, and that seems to be helping me lol.

[Grace]

Jamie wrote: "Vicious Fae - I'm about to start chapter 6. I'm going to try and listen to it while I'm cleaning today. I'm hoping to make a dent in it if I can.

Not going to lie, Shadow Princess..."

Ugh Shadow Princess... I understand very well the feeling.

I hope you are finding Nero fun and it helps. I'm not sure I can add and make a detour, but I'll wait for your review on it, maybe it will make it to my list next month.

[Jamie]

Vicious Fae: Ch 6-15 (view spoiler)[I'm curious how this will all work out now that they all know about one another. Gabriel clearly thinks she can't be mates with more than one person.

I love the Cindy Lou got a little bit of her own medicine, but I still feel like she has more of a role with all of this. And I'm very curious what she did to Gareth. It's clear even then, she wanted Dante. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

I'm in the middle of chapter 23. Elise is frustrating the hell out of me right now. She (view spoiler)[was just poisened and has these two men doting on her, and she's like "It's just I don't exactly have much to live for now..." ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!??! (hide spoiler)]

I'm struggling with this one. I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling it's from binging this universe. I'm starting to pick up nuances that the authors right and they are starting to get under my skin.

This tends to happen with me if I read too many books at the same time by the same author. And let's not forget, these books are 600+ pages at this point. I'm going to keep pushing through, but seriously, I'm over this line of thought at this point. I'm too many damn pages in for this kind of insecure crap. It's almost like it's for attention and that's even worse I think.

[Grace]

Jamie wrote: "I'm in the middle of chapter 23. Elise is frustrating the hell out of me right now. She [spoilers removed]

I'm struggling with this one. I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling it's from binging th..."

I do hear you.
I think a break might help. I did get frustrated too at this point and I also face slapped myself in that moment.
There's more character growth by the end of the book for all of the characters I assure you of that tho.

[Grace]

On that note, I've been thinking of something.
Did Caroline and Susanne have these books already ready and sitting on their shelf before they published the first book?
Or are they incredibly fast at writing and plot weaving?
The entire universe has been published between 2019 and 2024, so that's around 25 books + novellas in 5 years putting aside their other publications and their new books and series.

Reading the books, it doesn't look like there is a ghost author with them, so I am inclined towards they had written most of the books before publishing the first.
What are your thoughts?

[Jamie]

I think that they were probably working on them all at the same time and rotating through them to finish. It's definitely possible that they may have had a lot of it written, but I think this is their full time job, so if that's the case, it wouldn't be unheard of to write for 8+ hours a day.

I'm also guessing they were each responsible for either certain characters, or maybe scenes, so that also relieves the burden of just one person writing it.

Either way, they are both phenomenal writers. I almost wish I would've started reading this back in 2020 when this universe first was on my radar. Having the break between books being published would've done wonders for me I think. As painful as it would've been lol

[Grace]

Yeahh I think it makes sense if each of them was responsible for some characters. You're right.
Of course it's not unheard off but I imagine there's as much burn out and needing a break when writing emotional damage like that as there is in reading it lol

[Jamie]

I'm also guessing they are working off timelines on how/where/why they want the characters to intersect and how. Then they just let the writing bug take effect and adjust as needed as they go.

It's definitely something I could never do lol

[Jamie]

Grace, can you tell me if Elise (view spoiler)[tells Leon, Ryder and Dante about Gareth at some point in this book? (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

I am very certain they have maps and schemes and calendars and character sheets and event schedules and key moments and zodiac + order characterstic sheets

It seems incredible what they have had to prepare and what work went into this

[Grace]

yes by the end of the book (view spoiler)[everyone knows why she came and about Gareth (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

I wonder...

Is Nightshade (view spoiler)[trying to make Eugene one of the next victims? I feel like she's playing with his emotions to make him a good candidate based on what Elise overheard several chapters back (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

hmmmmm

[Jamie]

ok, I'm skimming at this point. I'm over this one. Nothing is happening other than Elise acting stupid and making out and having some form of sex with which ever one she is around. It's not really enjoyable anymore.

[Grace]

The books are indeed long and with everything at stake I do want more to happen.
It slowed down for me a bit between 25 to 50%
But it picked up in the last 75%, plus I was eager to get some Lance

Where are you now Jamie?

[Jamie]

I’m at 77% of the way through right now.

[Grace]

you're about to get an easter egg for Lancy and Gabe!!

[Jamie]

I finished. The ending heated up for sure. However, I do need a break from these guys I think, especially after how it ended with (view spoiler)[Leon. The rest of the guys are all like it's not us, peace ou, and the next book will be all that drama and I'm sure no head way on the Gareth situation. (hide spoiler)]

Good thing the other series are up next for a bit

[Grace]

Jamie wrote: "I finished. The ending heated up for sure. However, I do need a break from these guys I think, especially after how it ended with [spoilers removed]

Good thing the other series are up next for a bit"

I need them to do more progress.
(view spoiler)[
I am scared of who king is, and there are several moments in this book that made me feel like Gareth is still alive and he is the king, especially the moment when he goes down the well and says if he does this he will be "king".
And the fact that he knows all the secret passages and how to go through them. Something went on for him to be able to do this and I just don't trust him.

I am wondering who the vampire in the well/cave was.
Male, disappeared years ago, and the fact that he's a vampire and not just some other monster is making me think there's more to him and maybe a connection to our MCs?
I don't want to over-stretch but could he be related to Elise?
I mean the details the authors shared are not random and to mention him so many times plus him getting locked and not killed... he'll come back yeah?

The ending broke my heart! And I really need Broken Fae to have at least 2 divine moments.

I am wondering if Ryder and Dante are astral adversaries and they'll have their divine moment to break that connection, and then after they'll have their divine moment as Elysian mates with Elise together?... (hide spoiler)]

Although this isn't as heavy as ZA, I was glad that there's a break with the other series before going back to it.

[Jamie]

I still think the (view spoiler)[King is one of the teachers. I also don't think that Gareth is alive. I think whoever is in charge of this Black Card thing killed him because he was starting to figure out what was happening. I believed this more when Nightshade turned pale when Elise and the guys were fighting her and Elise mentioned Gareth's name.

I'm anticipating that nothing happens with the other guys in the next book. This seems to be the history with these authors, which is why I think this universe is starting to suffer for me because they are doing the same thing across series, so it's easy to predict we won't have answers.

I need more than Elise always wanting sex with the guys and that's all that this book felt like for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

I agree on the last point (view spoiler)[I want Elise to want more than sex too.
I am hopeful cz there are 2 more books in this series so we need to at least start getting some closures and I don't suppose they will leave all the divine moments till the last book.

I was so glad that the boys got together and removed the block on Gabriel's sight gift. I liked that solidarity moment and I was wondering how that block is removed since we meet him in ZA without it.

Concerning if the King is a teacher, technically the only other teacher who we've had enough interaction and mention of to make it into possible suspects is Prof Titan. And considering how nice and supportive and helpful he is to Elise I refuse to believe he is the king. That will be devastating, and I am not sure there are any warning signs, unless I missed them...

Are you reconsidering the universe read? (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

It's so funny that you say (view spoiler)[Professor Titan, because I'm pretty sure I thought he might have something to do with it back in the first book. I actually suspect him BECAUSE he is so nice to Elise. What better way to have someone confide in you and for them to trust you. She will/would never see it coming.

I really hope you're right that they won't wait to have the other three in the last book, but I'm expecting them all in the last book. They gave us a little slice of hope by having Leon in this book, and I have no doubt the next one will be all the drama with the other three upset and her "fighting" or whatever to get them to come back to her.

I'm going to continue. I just need to read something quick before I start Caged Wolf. I need to get my brain on something different, so I'm not nitpicking the books apart.
(hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

how about we take a breather until 1 Sept and then pick up Caged Wolf there?
or we can do caged wolf before the end of the month and then wait a bit

I am cool with whatever, I am picking up different books

im all cases we need to read book 2 and 4 of Fate & Falme beginning Sept.
I just couldn't preorder my book 4 copy still and I am trying to figure out how to do it so I have it ready to read in Sept

[Jamie]

Ok, that sounds perfect!

I wonder why you can't get it. I have mine on preorder so I'm hoping I'll have it first thing on the 4th :) I'm excited to finish those two books!

[Grace]

I think it's an amazon store country related issue
it's so moody when it comes to Lebanon
sometimes I can get ebooks very easily sometimes I have to switch to my sister's address in France, and sometimes nothing works, this one of the nothing is working times

[Brittni]

So just starting Vicious Fae. Are you both thinking about taking a break after reading Caging Wolf?

[Grace]

Since I am ahead of you guys I am reading other things waiting for you to catch up. I'll be ready once you are.

[Jamie]

I'm taking a break right now before reading Caging Wolf. I need a break from these characters. When you are at a point to read my spoilers, you'll see why I was getting annoyed.

I'm reading a good one right now, so I'm thinking this will help.

[Brittni]

Ok great. I’ll make my way through this one and see how I’m feeling. Can’t wait to get further into it!

[Brittni]

Vicious Fae

Chapter 8 - I think I'm in the same boat as you both. After the ending of Shadow Princess I'm just not getting into this one at all. I'm bored and I've felt somewhat similar for most of this series. There isn't a lot happening and I don't love Elise. I also think I'm not sold on this why choose situation playing out.

I'm loving the ZA world and characters and this just isn't what I want it to be.

[Grace]

@Brittni how about a break?

[Brittni]

Finished Vicious Fae

Ok....I don't know what to say about this one. Again, somehow lots and nothing at all happened. Honestly, I stayed for Noxy and Orio. I love them haha.

Curious how all of this is going to work out. (view spoiler)[Since Elise now had her event with Leon. These two series are obviously challenging the previous beliefs on Elysian Mates between the 4 guys who I assume she ends up with and Tory and Darius in ZA.

I honestly had a brief moment there where I thought Leon was going to die. He grew on me, like Grace said, serious golf retriever vibes and I was getting into it.

I loved the scenes of Orion and Gabriel together. The lust potion was hilarious.

All the guys are definitely growing and changing which is nice to see. Elise just isn't my favourite FMC. I'm just not sold on her.

Overall, I was a little bored by this book but so want to continue the series and figure out what happened to Gareth. I'm curious how Linoel might play into this. I'm glad Nightshade is finally dead. (hide spoiler)]

[Brittni]

I thought about taking a break but I kind of want to jump into Caged Wolf I think. I'm interested in hearing more about Rosalie. Grace, where are you at in this reading schedule again?

Jamie, when do you think you'll start Caged Wolf?

[Jamie]

I was going to jump back in around Sept 1 or so.

[Grace]

I know of one way that Lionel plays into RB... and it ain't pretty.

@Brittni you distracted me with Powerless series lol
I'll finish Powerful today and jump into Reckless cz I want to catch your notes before the thread expires.

I can start right after that or whenever you guys want.

I am still ahead of you guys with Cursed Fates, but otherwise we're all on the same page right?

[Brittni]

Haha. Lovely. Curious how you feel about Reckless.

I'm going to jump over and read Leather and Lark before the end of the month then and we can all start Caged Wolf at the beginning of September. I'm just so anxious to get back to ZA now haha.

[Grace]

okay we'll reconvene beginning Sept then

[Grace]

Just started

And I am broken already

[Grace]

=> Chp 8

This seems to be taking a different pace.
Of course the first couple of chapters (view spoiler)[had me almost crying at the agony from all of them.
Leon is so adorable and the best. I love how he recognises who Elise is at her core and that she still yearns for the other kings.

I definitely see a friendship blooming between Ryder and Gabriel, if they only would let it.

I did not expect spice this early on between someone other than Elise and Leon, but I like it. I hope we continue on this road to redemption without a lot of agony moving forward.

I'm convinced we will get another Divine moment in this book. We must. I mean they need to work together to do this.
And I do want more balance concerning the investigation and the poly dynamic.

I like this pace, and I like that Gabriel is more present.
I mean I feel a shift in his chapters, he's not just there, he is active present and aiming to take actions and do things for himself and still for Elise.

I wonder if they know that Nightshade is dead. Principal what's-his-name said "she left".

I also wonder if they'll go back into the cave and who that imprisoned vampire is. Why is he imprisoned. Is he just a weapon? Has he been trapped down there with no way to go out because he was stranded? Is he alive because Fae don't die of hunger/thirst? Or is he cursed?
I mean there was so many mentions of him before, I don't think it's the end.

I look forward to see the clash between Ethan and Bryce. Gosh I hate Bryce. I loved Ethan's introduction.
I like when we get these different POVs on MCs.

And final thought for now, LOVED Dante sticking it up to Lionel.
I did want to know what Lionel's "perfect fantasy woman" looks like. Is that a clue to something? I need to go back to read if a description was given.

In the words of the great Meryl Streep, "That's all.' (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

Here goes my theory that Gareth was the king 😅

I wonder, if it (view spoiler)[was Prof Titan why is he encouraging Elise so much and empower her so much.
I would expect manipulation no? (hide spoiler)]

=>chp 12

[Jamie]

Grace wrote: "Here goes my theory that Gareth was the king 😅

I wonder, if it was Prof Titan why is he encouraging Elise so much and emporium her so much.
I would expect manipulation no?

=>chp 12"

I've been telling you I thought (view spoiler)[ it was him!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Grace]

I'm still not sure it's him, but I confirm that my theory of it being Gareth is wrong.
Titan seems the closest bet now...

=>Chp 18

So I think we slowed down a little bit, even though we're progressing on both fronts. (Or maybe I am just too tired, cz I certainly am)
I was so sure we're close to a Divine moment here but alas.

(view spoiler)[It feels like this book is driven more by the guys. They're the ones getting things done and Elise is a step back to a certain extent.
It almost feels like she's not Elise.
I want to know if you feel that too when you read or just me.
My idea is that since we're getting more "real" stuff from the boys Elise had to be toned down a bit.
Add to that that she is without them, so as if a part of her is missing because they are missing.
Could be just my feelings tho.

I am loving seeing these friendships blossoming between the boys, and the way they're all leaning into each other and as if "pining" for each other.
I can't wait to find out what type of bond they would be having.

The forest that Gabriel went to and he got the Phoenix ring...
1) I wonder who the 2 people are and what is that place...
2) I wonder if these writings or this couple will come into play in ZA... I would bet they're some kind of royalty considering Phoenixes are that powerful and likely to have been of Royal blood.

I like that there is more progress finally on the murder thing, and we're now down to 2 months before Gareth's death.
Maybe we won't get Gareth POV in book 5?

I think that the Magicae Mortuorum book will contain the spell that will remove the concealment and finally reveal King's identity.

So I am hoping by the end of thia book we:
1) Have one other Divine moment (I'm kinda convinced we're getting 3 more: 2 with Elise and 1 between Ryder and Dante who will have their Divine moment with Elise together.

2) Figured out how Gareth died (probably cz he stole the book)
3) Figured out who King is


PS: I saw a spoiler from ZA that was so insignificant but I just remembered it when I read a moment between Gabriel and Ryder discussing tattoos... We're figuring out what happens to Ryder right? And why they mourn him?
The spoiler didn't even mention Ryder, it was Xavier getting a tattoo and questioning the name of the guy.
So what if Ryder fakes his death so that they can all 5 live in peace together without the constant conflict? (hide spoiler)]