Series hub
Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac
Ruthless Boys is the Solaria prequel-era route for readers who want dark academy paranormal romance, fae gangs, murder investigation, reverse-harem structure, and Zodiac Academy context.
Zodiac Academy hub | Solaria reading order
Authors: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti | Last checked: August 21, 2026.
Books in the series
- Dark Fae
- Savage Fae
- Vicious Fae
- Broken Fae
- Warrior Fae
This is a complete prequel-era series within Solaria, but it is not required before starting Zodiac Academy.
Reading path
Read Ruthless Boys in order from Dark Fae through Warrior Fae. If your goal is the whole Solaria universe, use the Solaria reading order; if your goal is just Zodiac Academy, you can start with Zodiac Academy and come back to Ruthless Boys later.
Reader fit
Choose this path if you like academy settings with crime, rival power groups, fae politics, morally messy relationships, and a why-choose romance structure rather than one central couple. It is darker and more chaotic than a simple school romance, with the murder investigation and gang pressure shaping the romantic dynamic.
What readers tend to notice
The useful way to frame Ruthless Boys is not “Zodiac Academy extra homework.” It is Elise Callisto's own completed Solaria story: she enters Aurora Academy looking for answers about her brother's death, and the romance grows through competing powerful men, gang conflict, and dangerous fae politics.
Readers who want the whole Solaria experience often use it to deepen the world before or after Zodiac Academy. Readers who only want one clear romantic pairing should skip this route, because the core promise is why-choose romance with a deliberately messy power web.
Audiobook format
| Edition | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard audiobook | Retailer audiobook editions are listed by title. | Listeners who want the main audio route through Elise and the kings. |
| GraphicAudio dramatized adaptation | GraphicAudio lists Ruthless Boys adaptations, with availability rolling out by title. | Listeners who want academy conflict, gangs, and Solaria magic performed cinematically, while checking which titles are currently available. |
Where to buy or listen
Check current editions for Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac. Series availability can vary by format, country, and retailer.
Some links may be affiliate links. Always check the retailer page for the exact edition, price, narrator, and availability before buying.
Reader FAQ
Should I read Ruthless Boys before Zodiac Academy?
You can, but you do not have to. It takes place earlier and adds Solaria context, while Zodiac Academy remains the bigger gateway for most readers.
Is Ruthless Boys romantasy?
It is dark paranormal academy romance with fae magic and a romance-first engine, especially for readers who already like Zodiac Academy and want a Solaria companion route.
Is it reverse harem or why choose?
Yes. Readers should pick it when they want a why-choose structure, not a single-pairing romance arc.
Is the series complete?
Yes, the core Ruthless Boys arc is complete across five books.
What should I read next?
Move to Zodiac Academy, use the Solaria reading order, or browse Fae Academy Romance Books.