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Sins of the Zodiac Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Caroline Peckham
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Quick Answer

Start Sins of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham with "Never Keep", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Sins of the Zodiac series by Caroline Peckham. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Never Keep"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The discussion focuses primarily on highly anticipated sequels and new releases from established authors (Pynchon, Tchaikovsky, Reynolds). The recommended reading order is implicit: readers must follow the established sequential order for series like 'Tear Down Heaven' (Rachel Aaron) and 'The Craft Wars' (Max Gladstone) before reading the new entries. Authors like Robert Jackson Bennett and Joe Abercrombie generated high praise, indicating those are strong starting points for new readers, particularly the 'Foundryside' trilogy for Bennett."

Key Reddit Advice

For direct series continuation: Read The Craft Wars (1-2) before Dead Hand Rule (Book 3). Read Tear Down Heaven (1-3) before Hell Hath No Fury (Book 4). For general author introduction: Robert Jackson Bennett's Foundryside trilogy is highly recommended as a starting point.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Sins of the Zodiac conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Sins of the Zodiac. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Never Keep" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Sins of the Zodiac" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Never Keep"Explore all by Caroline Peckham

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order1 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Never Keep

Pub: 2024★ 4.04

Fate doesn't favour the wicked in the highly anticipated first installment in this brand new spin off series to the Booktok phenomenon, the Zodiac Academy series, from the Twisted Sisters and Amazon and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti.The dragons are lost. The elements are at war. Enlisting isn’t optional. And I’m falling for a man who wants me dead.I’m a wielder of hearts and summoner of corruption. Heir to nothing and born to a fool in the wrong damn month. But I’m also one of only two Fae in this divided land of hellions who might be starting to see through the lies we’ve swallowed for so long.In the year we turn twenty-one, conscripts from across the warring nations of air, fire, earth and water are sent to Never Keep – the only place in our besieged continent where our magic can be Awakened. But something is wrong inside Never Keep. Something which might extend far beyond the reaches of this desolate fortress. Within the gothic walls of this frigid castle in the snow, we’re left to hold our own against the brutal Fae from the opposing lands. The Reapers are merciless. The Royals are lying. The Werewolves run rampant and Vampires roam the wastelands in bloodthirsty covens. But even though death lurks in every shadow of the Keep, it’s the least of my worries.I’m delving into secrets the stars don’t want me uncovering, making alliances with Fae born to be my enemy, falling for a sinner while promising my heart to a different heathen and somewhere amid it all, I’m supposed to win a war.I thought the only thing I had to do was survive my magical instruction. Turns out, fate doesn’t favour the wicked. ***This is an enemies to lovers romantasy series set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but it's a dark and villainous tale of its own. You haven't met tainted souls like these before or enemies that hate each other as deeply as these characters do. Book 1 in the series will leave your heart raw and bloody. You'll be left gasping for breath and aching for more of the twisted Fae who lurk between the pages and they might just be irredeemable...***

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Sins of the Zodiac series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Sins of the Zodiac?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Never Keep" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Caroline Peckham intended.

Can I read Sins of the Zodiac books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Sins of the Zodiac universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.