How to tandem read Zodiac Academy for the best experience

If you're diving into Zodiac Academy, you might have heard about tandem reading. It's a method where you read two books at the same time by switching between them at specific points.

But why tandem read? Because it gives you the most immersive experience! Some books in Zodiac Academy provide alternative perspectives and parallel storylines, meaning reading them together can give you, a deeper understanding of key events, added emotional impact from multiple POVs, and a more complete and spoiler-free reading experience.

There are two major tandem reads in Zodiac Academy:

• Tandem Read #1: The Awakening (Zodiac Academy 1) & The Awakening As Told by the Boys (Zodiac Academy 1.5)
• Tandem Read #2: Sorrow and Starlight (Zodiac Academy 8) & Beyond the Veil (Zodiac Academy 8.5)

Let's break down how and why to do each tandem read!

What is a tandem read?

A tandem read is when you switch between two books instead of reading them one after another. The goal is to:

• Follow the timeline more accurately
• Experience key events from different perspectives
• Avoid spoilers that come from reading the books separately

While some books in Zodiac Academy can be read one after another, these two are best experienced together for maximum emotional impact.

Tandem Read #1: The Awakening & The Awakening As Told by the Boys

Books included:

• Zodiac Academy 1: The Awakening
• Zodiac Academy 1.5: The Awakening As Told by the Boys

Overview

Zodiac Academy 1 is told from Darcy and Tory Vega's perspectives, while The Awakening As Told by the Boys is a companion book from the Celestial Heirs' POVs.

This means that many key events in book 1 are also in book 1.5, but with new insight into what the Heirs were thinking.

Why do this tandem read?

• Understand the Heirs' motives & inner struggles
• See what was happening behind the scenes
• Enhances character depth without spoiling anything

How to tandem read The Awakening & The Awakening As Told by the Boys

Chapter by chapter breakdown:

• ATBTB = The Awakening As Told By The Boys

1. ATBTB - Prologue
2. The Awakening - Chapter 1
3. The Awakening - Chapter 2 
4. ATBTB - Chapter 1 
5. The Awakening - Chapter 3
6. The Awakening - Chapter 4
7. ATBTB - Chapter 2
8. The Awakening - Chapter 5 
9. ATBTB - Chapter 3
10. The Awakening - Chapter 6
11. ATBTB - Chapter 4
12. The Awakening - Chapter 7
13. ATBTB - Chapter 5
14. The Awakening - Chapter 8
15. ATBTB - Chapter 6
16. The Awakening - Chapter 9
17. ATBTB - Chapter 7
18. ATBTB - Chapter 8
19. The Awakening - Chapter 10
20. ATBTB - Chapter 9
21. The Awakening - Chapter 11
22. ATBTB - Chapter 10
23. The Awakening - Chapter 12
24. ATBTB - Chapter 11
25. The Awakening - Chapter 13
26. ATBTB - Chapter 12
27. The Awakening - Chapter 14
28. ATBTB - Chapter 13
29. ATBTB - Chapter 14
30. The Awakening - Chapter 15
31. ATBTB - Chapter 15
32. The Awakening - Chapter 16
33. ATBTB - Chapter 16
34. ATBTB - Chapter 17
35. ATBTB - Chapter 18
36. The Awakening - Chapter 17
37. ATBTB - Chapter 19
38. ATBTB - Chapter 20
39. The Awakening - Chapter 18
40. ATBTB - Chapter 21
41. The Awakening - Chapter 19
42. ATBTB - Chapter 22
43. The Awakening - Chapter 20
44. ATBTB - Chapter 23
45. The Awakening - Chapter 21
46. ATBTB - Chapter 24
47. The Awakening - Chapter 22
48. ATBTB - Chapter 25
49. The Awakening - Chapter 23
50. ATBTB - Chapter 26
51. ATBTB - Chapter 27
52. ATBTB - Chapter 28
53. The Awakening - Chapter 24
54. ATBTB - Chapter 29
55. The Awakening - Chapter 25
56. The Awakening - Chapter 26
57. ATBTB - Chapter 30
58. ATBTB - Chapter 31

Important note: While this tandem read can be fun, it's not recommended for first-time readers. It's best to read Zodiac Academy 1 by itself first, then go back to As Told by the Boys to fully appreciate both perspectives without interruptions.

Tandem Read #2: Sorrow and Starlight & Beyond the Veil

Books included:

• Zodiac Academy 8: Sorrow and Starlight
• Zodiac Academy 8.5: Beyond the Veil

Overview

Unlike the first tandem read, Sorrow and Starlight and Beyond the Veil happen at the exact same time but follow two different perspectives.

• Sorrow and Starlight → Follows the Vega twins and their fight for survival
• Beyond the Veil → Explores a different major storyline that is happening simultaneously

If you read these books one after another, you might spoil key emotional moments or feel like you're missing something.

Why do this tandem read?

• Prevents spoilers & ensures major reveals happen in the right order
• Adds emotional depth & understanding to key events
• Creates a smoother reading experience without confusion

How to tandem read Sorrow and Starlight & Beyond the Veil

Chapter by chapter breakdown:

• S&S = Sorrow and Starlight
• BTV = Beyond the Veil

1. BTV - Chapters 1 - 2
2. S&S - Chapter 1
3. BTV - Chapter 3
4. S&S - Chapters 2 - 6
5. BTV - Chapter 4
6. S&S - Chapters 7 - 11
7. BTV - Chapter 5
8. S&S - Chapters 12 - 18
9. BTV - Chapter 6 - 7
10. S&S - Chapters 19 - 23
11. BTV - Chapter 8
12. S&S - Chapter 24
13. BTV - Chapter 9
14. S&S - Chapters 25 - 26
15. BTV - Chapter 10
16. S&S - Chapters 27 - 28
17. BTV - Chapter 11
18. S&S - Chapters 29 - 30
19. BTV - Chapter 12
20. S&S - Chapters 31 - 32
21. BTV - Chapter 13
22. S&S - Chapters 33 - 34
23. BTV - Chapter 15 (out of order - read before chapter 14)
24. S&S - Chapter 35
25. BTV - Chapter 14 (out of order - read after chapter 15)
26. S&S - Chapters 36 - 40
27. BTV - Chapter 16
28. S&S - Chapters 41 - 43
29. BTV - Chapter 17
30. S&S - Chapters 44 - 48
31. BTV - Chapter 18
32. S&S - Chapters 49 - 52
33. BTV - Chapter 19
34. S&S - Chapter 53
35. BTV - Chapter 20
36. S&S - Chapters 54 - 56
37. BTV - Chapter 21
38. S&S - Chapter 57 - 58
39. BTV - Chapter 22
40. S&S - Chapters 59 - 61
41. BTV - Chapter 24 (out of order - read before chapter 23)
42. S&S - Chapter 62
43. BTV - Chapter 23 (out of order - read after chapter 24)
44. S&S - Chapters 63 - 65
45. BTV - Chapter 25
46. S&S - Chapters 66 - 72
47. BTV - Chapter 26
48. S&S - Chapter 73
49. BTV - Chapter 27
50. S&S - Chapter 74
51. BTV - Chapter 28
52. S&S - Chapters 75 - 82
53. BTV - Chapter 29
54. BTV - Epilogue
55. S&S - Chapter 83

Highly recommended: Unlike the first tandem read (which is optional), this one is strongly recommended for the best reading experience.

Should you tandem read or read separately?

Tandem read #1 (books 1 & 1.5):

• Best for: Rereads or readers who want extra character insight
• Skip if: You're reading Zodiac Academy for the first time (read book 1 alone first!)

Tandem read #2 (books 8 & 8.5):

• Best for: Everyone! This prevents major spoilers and makes book 8 feel more complete.
• Skip if: You don't mind reading them separately (but you might miss some context).

Final thoughts: why tandem reading enhances your Zodiac Academy experience

Whether you're experiencing Zodiac Academy for the first time or rereading to pick up every hidden detail, tandem reading deepens the emotional impact and enhances world-building.

• Tandem reading books 8 & 8.5 is HIGHLY recommended.
• Tandem reading books 1 & 1.5 is optional but adds fun insight.
• Following the chapter guide will make sure you don't miss key moments!

Which tandem read are you trying first? Drop a comment @read.romantasy and let's talk about Zodiac Academy!