"The universe is our home. "
This was the first quote that jumped out at me while reading the novel. It hit home for me, in a way that was unexpected and welcoming all at once. This wasn't your typical Sci-Fi novel, and that is ultimately what kept me turning each page. Let's dive into the world of Zodiac, shall we?!
“When we open our minds too wide, we risk closing them.”
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Authors: Romina Russell
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Format/Source: Backlist (2014) Paperback
From GoodReads: At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….
Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?
HERE'S WHAT I THINK...
This was a surprisingly engaging read. I was a bit skeptical at first because I'm not typically into heavy science fiction, which is what I thought this book was going to be. The promos and blurbs don't lie when they say this is a sci-fi/high fantasy mash up. This book kept me hooked from the very beginning and I struggled to do anything BUT read this book.
Wherever we are, whatever happens
Cancer sustains us.
She is our Center.
Find her now in your hearts.
The book certainly had it's issues and I'll gladly cover them - but first, I want to gush about all of the things I *LOVED* first.
From the very beginning, the world building that Russell weaves is startlingly vivid. Immediately we are thrust into a world set in the stars. It's easy to decipher that the humans have moved on from Earth and out into the galaxy, making their homes in the beloved Zodiac constellations. The world is a seamless blend of science, religion and magic. Russell was able to create a world that while completely fabricated, feels like it could be a reality in the future. If for no other reason, the setting and the way the characters interacted with it was enough of a reason to continue to read the book - and that really was the tip of the iceberg.
Russell's writing style was point blank, easy to understand and vividly enchanting all at once. The ability to lay everything out in easy to understand ways - yet creating fables and songs that held the lyricality of a whimsical writer kept me captivated as I read. It was easy to get lost in her words and lose track of time - just in examining her writing alone. The pace that she sets, the way Russell reveals things, and the over all tone of her writing was definitely enjoyable for me.
The CHARACTERS! I adored them! I've heard/seen some reviews that called the MC - Rho - whiney or bratty. I felt like those were appropriate responses for what she was being asked to do - nah, what she was being FORCED into doing. If you were 16 years old, partying up with your friends and then someone told you that the safety and guidance of an entire planet was now up to you --- you'd probably act a little immature to. But lest us forget the ages of these characters, and treat them as if they are adults. :) Rho behaved exactly as a typical teenager would, with more class than I would gather many could. Her character held steady through most of the novel, never straying far from her decisions, no matter the consequences. It was a beautiful portrayal of a girl who lost everything, yet fought for everyone else. Her dedication is always to her family, her people, her friends. That kind of loyalty and dedication sends my heart soaring. Too often, we see characters who get sidetracked and off the path. While we definitely see Rho struggle to decide between her family and her people, this makes Rho more human - more relatable. Through this first book, at least, Rho stayed true to her mission despite the many hurdles in front of her making her a heroine to root for.
The supporting cast was wonderful as well! From the best friend - Nisha- to the two boys that followed Rho through the galaxy.
Hysan was by far my favorite; with his suave skills and super fluid relationships - he reminded me of a fox, sleek and beautiful with the ability to charm his way out of any situation. The depth of Hysan is there, laying just beneath the surface, and it was beautiful to watch him open up and allow people into his private world.
Mathias was swoon worthy, but a little too rigid for my taste. That being said, he was fantastically written. His duty and honor kept him on one path, while you could see the conflict tugging him down another. The hesitations he felt were reasonable and he held fast to them, making his character realistic and tangible. The ending of Zodiac left me a little iffy on my feelings towards him, but that's another story - not easily told without spoilers.
Pointedly, the story would not be as wonderful as it is without the addition of this fabulous ensemble.
Finally, we come to the plot of the story. The plot is easily a plot that has been used over and over in YA literature. Girl acquires or is born with powers she doesn't understand, has to save the world/universe etc. It's your typical plot, but the themes and sub plots keep the book as fast paced and engrossing as ever. The fine details of the plot are what save it from being redundant. The big bad is unlike any I've ever read, and the twists and turns it takes you on is a fantastical ride that leaves you breathless when you are a finished.
“Trust your fears Rho.
Believing in them makes you safe.”
While this is a 4 star read for me, there were a few angles that fell flat. This is a brief overviw of the things I *PERSONALLY* did not care for:
LOVE TRIANGLE! This is the biggest pet peeve for me. We could have had a beautiful tale of love AND friendship, but instead, Rho is a ho and has to have both. This leads to disastrous results for the characters, and while it's good for plot moving - it's not something that I particularly enjoy. It's easy to understand why she was drawn to each of them, and as far as love triangles go - this was definitely one of the better ones.
WHERE DID THE PARENTS GO?! Okay, okay, don't take that so literally. We are told in the story what happens to her parents, but I felt like at least one of them could have been left alone. I have a sneaky suspicion though that one of them is going to make a reappearance. Or at least I DESPERATELY HOPE SO!
Also, what happened to the second part of the book? It seemed like events hit into hyperdrive, and it was a bit of struggle to understand some of the events unfolding when it seemed like 4 were happening at once, with nothing really explained. I'm hoping this was intentional and that we are able to explore these events in "Wandering Star". This section of the book is ultimately what dropped my 5 star rating to a 4.
Zodiac (Book 1 of the Zodiac Series) is a solid 4 star read for me. It was engrossing, entertaining, easy to understand and heartfelt. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and I am eager to pick up Wandering Star and dive in!
TL;DR
Zodiac is a high paced, well written and wonderfully exciting sci-fi/fantasy smash up. With a supporting cast to rival the MC, this novel will transport you into the stars and whisk you away with it's words. If you enjoy space themed actions with a dash of romance, this story is for you. Rho and her friends are bound to make you root for them. Zodiac flies in at a 4 star rating!
“Humans--in their infinite injustice--have wronged you,
but you'll find your rightful place again.
Your light shines too brightly not to be a beacon for others.”
About the Author:
Romina Russell (aka Romina Garber) is a Los Angeles based author who originally hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a teen, Romina landed her first writing gig—College She Wrote, a weekly Sunday column for the Miami Herald that was later picked up for national syndication—and she hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not working on ZODIAC, Romina can be found producing movie trailers, taking photographs, or daydreaming about buying a new drum set. She is a graduate of Harvard College and a Virgo to the core.
Other Works:
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