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?
Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs.
Review
The first 80 pages of this book was a struggle. It wasn't bad, I just couldn't get into it. I was having to force myself to continue to read it up to that point. ...and then the story took off.
And oh how it took off! I could not put the book down until my eyes were watering past exhaustion. I had meant to read a chapter or two, and ended up reading all but the last 40ish pages. (I'd have finished it too, if my eyes would have stopped being difficult and let me continue reading!)
It took a while for me to form any attachments to Rho, although I can't say I really did. As a main character, she felt more like a filler in the story for a while.
Then there was Hysan and Mathias... and, although what happened there bothered me a bit, I think that it was handled well and believable. Even if it wasn't how I would have envisioned it.
Lastly, GAH! Because ALL THE DRAMA! I wish I could go into the story and punch this one guy in the face. And I'm not even taking about the main villain either. Think of this character as Umbridge in comparison to Lord Voldemort. Even though Voldemort was the main villain, everyone totally hated Umbridge more. That's how I felt about this specific character.
Despite the slow start, I really enjoyed this story and I'm glad I picked it as my first read of 2015.