Susanne Valenti and Caroline Peckham discuss their writing journey, creative collaboration, and the Zodiac Academy series on Gorls Unplugged.
Uploaded by Gorls Unplugged, 2026 · Watch on YouTube ·
Valenti reveals that they have turned down multiple screen adaptation offers because production companies insisted on contractual rights to alter characters and plotlines. She emphasizes that while discussions are continuing, they will only move forward if an adaptation remains faithful to the books.
Valenti explains that the core Zodiac Academy cast will likely not lead another full series because their character arcs are complete. However, she hints that a brooding character with unresolved issues could headline a future spinoff that features cameos from original characters.
Valenti shares that while drafting the eighth Zodiac Academy book, she and Caroline Peckham felt an expectation to kill off a major character, debating between Geraldine and Xavier. Ultimately, they chose to spare both, concluding that the characters had endured enough trauma already.
Valenti advises aspiring writers to write characters they know intimately without softening their flaws or trying to force stories to fit market trends. She notes that tropes can easily be identified and marketed after a passionate, genuine story is written.
Valenti names the Death Club duet as her most enjoyable writing project due to its absurd, unhinged comedy and writing the character Niall. She recalls how easily the scenes flowed, from casual assassinations to an emotional breakdown featuring a support pineapple.
4.9/5
reader rating · 53 ratingsSavage Fae is the second book in the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, following protagonist Elise as she hunts for her brother's killer while navigating dangerously close ties to four powerful kings. It earns devoted fans through its immersive world-building and high heat, though some readers find the mystery plot light relative to its page count.
Reviewed Oct 8, 2026
4.2/5
reader rating · 123,897 ratingsZodiac Academy: The Awakening is the first book in a twelve-part fantasy romance series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, following twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega as they discover their Fae heritage and fight to survive a cutthroat magical academy where star sign-based powers determine everything. A BookTok phenomenon from Amazon and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors, it earns attention for its sharp blend of elemental magic, dark academy tension, and enemies-to-lovers heat.
Reviewed Sep 30, 2026
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