Vicious Fae is the third book of the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. It follows the events of the second book Savage Fae.
The dark romance, reverse harem series is a prequel that takes place five years prior to the Zodiac Academy series, where Elise Callisto attends Aurora Academy to find who murdered her brother Gareth, whose death is framed as a Killblaze overdose.
Elise, a vampire, finds herself entangled with the four kings of Aurora Academy (Dante, Leon, Ryder and Gabriel). On the dangerous road to revenge in this elite school, surrounded by vicious boys, Elise discovers that there is more to her brother’s murder as she becomes involved in a deeper plot of conspiracy by the Black Card.
This book is our very own Lion King’s book, where Leon comes into his own. I’m finding myself more and more curious about whatever is going on with the Black Clan, although I’m becoming a bit disconnected from the feud between the Oscura Clan and Lunar Brotherhood.
However, despite finding the series going on a bit too long, I’m enjoying reading about the beginning of a friendship between the boys (bromance for life) while continuing to find Elise wholly insufferable even though I’m not always big about reverse harem series.
Read our full plot summary, review and a list of spicy chapters in Vicious Fae in this post.
This post contains spoilers.
Vicious Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac)
Description
While I continue my hunt for the Fae who killed my brother, I have to try to keep my heart away from the vicious boys who could be responsible for his death.
But as my investigation leads me down a dangerous road and answers seem closer than ever before, I’m whisked away to the elite school, Zodiac Academy, with the four Kings, and my heart becomes more vulnerable than ever.
There are so many secrets left to uncover, and I sense something terrible is about to come to light.
But I’m in so deep to this dangerous labyrinth, what if this road only ends in blood?
Tropes
- Dark Academia
- Reverse Harem (RH/Why Choose)
- Found Family
- Murder Mystery
Review
Who is your favorite King?
Who is your favorite King?
Overall Impressions 😊
This was my favorite installment of the series so far. The highlight of the story is the interactions between the boys and the Zodiac Academy cameos. I loved seeing Lionel Acrux and Lance Orion make appearances, and my heart broke for a variety of reasons. Crossovers really tickle a certain part of my brain, so I find reading interconnected series very rewarding.
I’m very invested in what happened to Gareth at this point. Gareth’s death is the catalyst for the series, and the mystery around it almost surpasses the romance for me. Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti do an amazing job weaving a plot together, despite some of the shortcomings of this book.
That being said, this has the primary problem of a reverse harem for me. Elise is nothing special. In fact, I find it harder and harder to see redeeming qualities in her, which makes it difficult to believe what four pretty great guys could possibly see in her.
Perfect For Fans Of… 🌟
This is a pretty decent mix of romance, fantasy, murder mystery, dark academy, and reverse harem.
If you like the world of Solaria, this series adds a dash of mafia romance to the chaos.
I love the Twisted Sisters’ writing so much, and this does carry that trademark Zodiac Academy sense of humor. Everyone is just a little poorer and not quite as childish.
If you enjoyed the cutthroat nature of the fae, and want to see the world from the point of view of the biggest asshole of Solaria, like I did, you’ll probably enjoy this one too.
Characters 👥
Elise Callisto is just not doing it for me. I get that she’s grieving, has a mission, and is the anchor of a why choose romance, but I feel like she’s entitled and inconsiderate to her mates. She feels selfish and self-centered, which makes her far from an approachable main character.
The boys are what carries this book.
Leon Night, the Nemean Lion-shifting Golden Retriever, is the shining star of this series. He’s my favorite character. He has plenty of good qualities and bad ones, making him the most well-rounded character of the series. Not to mention, he’s the only one who seems to get Elise and give her what she wants, no matter how little she deserves it. This was Leon’s book, and every time he graces the page I’m giddy with excitement.
Dante Oscura, our Faetalian prince, is adorable as well — seemingly a soft family man who has a ruthless side. What’s not to love about him? He’s all good qualities right now, though I’d love to see more of his truly darker side to make him feel more fleshed out.
Ryder Draconis is enjoyable to read. His scars, his past, his side plot with Mariella, and his general traumatized man learning to love again arc are actually exciting to read about. I thought he was going to be too emo, and to be frank, he sometimes is, but it’s a boyish edginess that’s not a turn-off.
Gabriel Nox is the one man I continue to wish had more depth. He was so nice to read about at the beginning of Shadow Princess, and I do not know why he’s such a jerk now. His entire character is having The Sight and wanting to be monogamous with Elise. I really want to dive deeper into his past and see what he’s running from.
Elise’s relationships are fun to read, although I really don’t see what they see in her lol.
Cindy Lou is… weird?
I can do without Eugene Dipper. He’s also pretty weird.
Plot 🗺️
Plot wise this is basically what it has been the first two books. Elise tries to figure the truth behind her brother’s death. She gets closer to the kings some more, the tensions are high. They don’t always handle her not wanting to be monogamous very well (aside from Leon). Black Card does weird Black Card things.
This series could’ve been a duology . It really doesn’t need to drag on for this long.
I liked that the five of them worked together to stop Black Card from sacrificing another student.
I loved the Zodiac Academy cross overs, meeting Lance Orion and consulting with him on the dark magic is very canonically accurate, although I don’t think Elise could ever win a fight against him , but sure.. plot.
I loved seeing my baby Celestial Heirs in their teenage years . It makes me so excited to read the two prequels after I finish the series :sob:
I’m pretty sure this is the foudnation on how Lionel Acrux came to be his power hungry self full of secrets and sinister plans.
I enjoyed reading more about how Gareth found himself in the situation he is, it’s definitely keeping me engaged with the series. Normally why chooses lack the plot, but the conspiracy they’re trying to uncover is very interesting to read. It’s definitely what keeps me anchored here.
I LOVED how Leon reacted to Elise’s true motivations, I was really annoyed how well Ryder and Dante took that betrayal. And as a forever Leon girlie I loved the ending . It couldn’t have been Ryder and Dante, and it couldn’t have been Gabriel because of his possessiveness. I’m a sucker for petty drama so I can’t wait to see how the boys handle this shift in paradigm.
I’m not very invested in what Dante’s Uncle Felix is up to, I don’t care for how it ties to the plot and I’m kind of over the gang rivalries. Is this how they set up Darkmore Penitentiary series maybe? Either way, I could do less of that b plot.
My Favorite Quote to Hook You 📣
“We’re not a pack,” Leon said, waving a hand dismissively. “We’re a pride. But instead of a King with a bunch of lionesses we have a Queen with a bunch of Lions.” “I’m not a fucking Lion,” Ryder disagreed. “You are. You’re Scar, Dante’s Mufasa and I’m Simba and Gabe is…Zazu.”
Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti, Vicious Fae
Writing Style and Narration ✍️
Well, the writing style is peak ZA universe. It’s weird, twisted, funny and makes you think how the heck did they come up with that.
It’s very long though. Not only could the series have really been a duology, but also this book was nearing 700 pages?
That being said, although I like the Lion King references, I could use fewer Disney references in general, especially because we’re technically in a fantasy world. I know this is a “mirror realm,” but it’s still really strange to be mentioning pop culture so often.
I do love all the bizarre comedy though. Cindy Lou’s dragon obsession, Leon treating the boys like a bunch of lionesses, the Mindy bit are all very funny and thoroughly enjoyable to read about.
Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac – Vicious Fae Synopsis
Time to pick your magical destiny: which Order do you belong to?
Time to pick your magical destiny: which Order do you belong to?
Evidence from Dante’s Stash
Elise and Dante return to school injured from the events at the Oscura Club. Gabriel confronts them and asks Elise to stop spending time with the other guys, as they’re destined to be Elysian Mates. Frustrated by Gabriel’s refusal to respect her wishes, Elise bites him and storms off.
Later, Gabriel gives her the flash drive from Dante’s stash at the Kipling Brothers’ storage area. She sees footage of Gareth beating up the Fae after their Pitball game.
Wanting to check on Ryder after the attack in the club, Elise sneaks into a Lunar Brotherhood meeting. Ryder knows she’s there and, after the meeting, tells her that Felix asked him to kill Dante but he wants to kill Felix instead.
Ryder asks Elise to tattoo a cross over his heart for her. He confides in Elise about his kidnapping and abduction by Mariella.
Dante finds out that his stash was broken into. He also receives a letter from Lionel Acrux, inviting him to join the Dragon Guild, which he has no interest in doing.
Elise dives further into the recordings and realizes this is Dante’s collateral. She watches a video of Ryder having sex with Professor King. Ryder catches her, and Elise confesses she stole the flash drive from Dante. She tells him she’s looking for evidence on suspects, but doesn’t fully confess to him about Gareth.
Dragon Shrine, Gabriel’s Confession and a Trip to Zodiac Academy
Cindy Lou tries to frame Elise for bullying him with Dante present. Elise finally is fed up and confronts her, finding a dragon shrine in her room with stolen goods by Dante and implications that Cindy is more interested in Dante in his dragon form.
Gabriel confesses to Elise that he beat Gareth up after finding out he was blackmailing him just hours before his death. Elise forgives him and they make up. Gabriel shows up to Elise’s pitball match, kissing her at the end. Realizing Dante and Leon had no idea about the two of them, Elise finds herself offending the boys. She once again emphasizes that she does not want to be exclusive.
Elise then tries to talk Ryder who is possessive and wants Elise just to himself.
Elise follows Miss Nightshade to a bathroom and goes through a secret passage. She finds the Killblaze lab. She blows it up also kind of destroying half of the Cafaeteria.
Then she asks Dante to be his alibi who’s in the boat house worrying someone is stealing from him. Elise hands back the flash drive apologizing. Instead of being angry with her, Dante tells her he loves her.
Principle Greyshine tells the students there is going to be a trip to Zodiac Academy and top 5 students will go. Dante blackmails him. Elise, Dante, Gabriel, Leon and Ryder are all chosen to go.
Leon sets up a date in the school auditorium with him and Ryder. They watch Lion King together.
Tabitha’s Betrayal , Dante’s Birthday Party and Leon’s Obsession with Zodiac Academy
Dante takes Elise flying and they end up at the boathouse. Dante’s second, Tabitha, betrays him and tries to shoot Elise with a poison dart. It hits her. Dante takes Elise to Ryder, the only person who can detect poison by taste thanks to his order. Elise is healed, and the three of them spend the night together.
Dante’s birthday arrives, and he invites Elise and Leon to his party. On the way, Elise asks Leon to stop by Old Sal’s strip club to pick up Gareth’s ashes. Leon doesn’t like Old Sal. At the party, Leon and Elise put on a show for Dante but are caught by Roary, Leon’s brother, who promises not to tell anyone.
In her next counseling session, Elise lashes out at Miss Nightshade after she uses her Siren gifts on her and knocks her out. Elise calls Gabriel for help. Ryder also arrives, and the three of them interrogate her.
The next day is the trip to Zodiac Academy. Leon is beyond excited. Ryder is openly romantic with Elise during the trip, surprising the other three boys. Lance Orion, another vampire, is their guide. Gabriel has a vision from the Sight revealing that Orion studies dark magic and could help with the Black Card cult. He tells Elise.
Leon is overly enthusiastic about Zodiac Academy’s pitball field and rolls around on it naked.
Elise’s Secret Comes Out
Leon plans a party in Elise’s room to watch pitball on TV and invites Orion. Orion wants to bite one of the boys, which Elise refuses. They fight, and Elise fights dirty and wins.
Lionel Acrux invites Dante to a party at his house, hinting that this trip to Zodiac Academy is all his doing to get Dante to visit him. All five of them go. Dante rejects Lionel’s offer.
Elise suggests that while Lionel won’t let him go willingly, Dante can make him realize he’s not worth the trouble. They meet the Celestial Heirs (Darius, Caleb, Seth, and Max). They start drinking.
They start a drinking game where one of them jumps off the roof and another catches them with air magic. Elise jumps without them looking and nearly dies. Gabriel is infuriated, both that Elise keeps putting herself in danger and that she continues to associate with the boys. In his frustration, he tells the boys that Elise has a secret mission, to find Gareth’s killer. Ryder, already aware, does not react, and Dante forgives her immediately. Leon, however, feels completely betrayed and thinks Elise has been using him this entire time, his heart broken. He ends things between them there and then.
The next day is their pitball game, something very important to them, and Leon throws the game, still hurt, sad, and angry at Elise. She tries to apologize to Leon over and over again, but he won’t listen.
Later, Dante and Ryder end their deal, and the three of them get together.
Vicious Fae Ending Explained
Gabriel and Orion hang out. Orion eats some Oreos dosed with a lust potion and starts coming onto Gabriel. Gabriel makes an antidote, and the two of them become friends. He tells Orion about their dealings with Black Card at Aurora Academy, and Orion agrees to help.
After returning to Zodiac Academy, Orion asks Gabriel to meet him in the city and gives him a shroud that can protect the person carrying it from being infected with dark magic.
They plan to stop the Black Card clan from sacrificing another student at the full moon. They realize it is Eugene Dipper they want to sacrifice this time, and Elise manages to get him out. The boys stay behind and fight the clan, but Elise is dosed with Killblaze and loses her wits. She runs into Nightshade and pushes her into the well. Elise uses the necklace Ryder has given her with the antidote to flush Killblaze out of her system. She goes down the well and finds a monster down there. Not a little monster like herself, but a starving vampire.
Gabriel has a vision of Elise being in trouble but can’t access the Sight. The boys power-share and remove the block on the Sight Gabriel has.
They race to save Elise and find that while she got away from the vampire, Nightshade has her. She is stronger than she looks. She nearly kills Gabriel and ties up Dante.
She uses spears on Leon and kills him.
Ryder catches her in a vision, and Elise drinks her blood. Ryder snaps Nightshade’s neck and kills her.
As they say their goodbyes to Leon, Dante shocks him with electricity, restarting his heart.
They leave the tunnels, but Leon feels a strange magical pull. The stars rearrange themselves, with Leo and Libra becoming side by side. Elise and Leon have their Divine Moment revealed. They are Elysian Mates.
Elise and Leon accept the stars’ proposal to be mated to one another.
The other boys are devastated, but the FIB arrives, and they have to run.
Spicy Chapters
How Spicy is Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac: Vicious Fae (Book 3): 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Whether you want to get to the heat or want closed-door modifications here’s the list of spicy chapters below.
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 36
Tinfoil Hats On: My Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 4 Predictions
- There’s an ongoing annoying period where they assume Elise can only have one mate
- Lionel Acrux and Dante make a deal, something funky is going on with his storm dragon-ness. I’d wager Dante is critical to whatever Lionel is doing in ZA land.
- Elise ends next book mated to at least one more guy, maybe Gabriel??
Leon must be protected at all costs.
Overall, I’m still enjoying my vacation in the five years before Zodiac Academy. The bromance, the boys, the murder mystery and the overarching plot implications of the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac is enough to keep me engaged.
I do wish the series was a bit shorter and the main character was more well rounded, but I’m still continuing on, even if it’s just to see how far Leon and Ryder’s relationship is going to go 😉
I’m not sure if RBOTZ is a reread, but I’m enjoying my first time nonetheless. At this point I am getting a bit impatient to read the rest of the series, so while I’m still a Solaria universe stan, I am being worn out by the prequel series.
Next up is Broken Fae with a very questionable cover, so that should be an adventure.
Did you like Vicious Fae? If your favorite is not (or heck, is) Leon, what did you think of the ending? Let me know in the comments!
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