ZODIAC (Zodiac Series #1) by Romina Russell

ZODIAC (Zodiac Series #1)
by Romina Russell

Source: Online
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (December 2014)

Adelaine Pek’s ratings: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ / 5 hearts

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?

I was stuck between giving this book a 5 or a 4. Reason being: I LOVE this book for the awesome storyline and very impressive ideas, but I cannot stand the love triangle factor in it. But I will get to it later in the review.

I absolutely loved how the story is set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs. There was a period in my life where I was obsessed with the zodiac signs hence imagine my joy when I get to relive this experience through this book. I have to praise Russell’s great imagination; all the characters (appearances and behaviors according to their zodiac sign) is really creative and impressive. Details such as the way of transportation in different planets, clothing, lifestyle, etc. are very thoroughly thought out and detailed that I had no problem at all visualizing them in my head. They played like a real movie inside my mind. It’s beautifully written, it’s complex, it’s the golden heart of this book.

I loved the main character (and her name), Rhoma Grace. Like the zodiac Cancer, Rhoma is honest, caring and selfless. She is flawed like all humans are except that she tries to overcome her fear and face the demons, in which this case is the zodiac they banished many years ago. My favorite character after Rhoma would most likely be Hysan Dax. Gosh, every thing about him in the book sounded dreamy (or in another words, right up my alley). Not sure why, but I kind of visualized him as a nicer version of Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter (fine you got me, I just like that type, ‘kay?).

And ugh, every damn YA book needs a damn love triangle and this book unfortunately did not escape the generic pattern. I mean, sure who doesn’t like a good love triangle to spice up the story? But at the very least make it something unique instead of being so predictable (though the love triangle did not end the way I expected it to, which was rather nice). Somehow, when you read this book you will sympathize with the villain—I know I did.

But as I have long promised it is honesty you will be hearing (or in this case, reading) from me, I have to admit that nearing the end of the book I got a little disinterested. I can’t explain why exactly; the book still remained interesting with all the well-detailed unique information of the zodiac planets and actions were rolling, but somehow I was just starting to feel a little detached from the story. Until today I still can’t pinpoint the reason why but I managed to get the mood back to finish up the book.

All in all, I did enjoy reading this book and I cannot wait for the next two books. Definitely recommend this to those who dare to leave the comforts of their genre zone and those who are seeking to try a different kind of sci-fi.

Signing off.