Title: Zodiac
Series: Zodiac
Author: Romina Russell
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: December 9, 2014
Source: Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and Purchased Final Copy
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?
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.
A few years ago, I entered a giveaway on Goodreads, not really thinking that I stood a chance at winning. I'd never won a book by a major publishing house on there before, and I had only been blogging for a few months. I literally thought there was no way that I'd be selected to win an ARC of a book.
Well I just so happened to win an ARC of Zodiac by Romina Russell. I was so excited that I sat down and started reading right away. I walked away from it , thinking that it was the best worldbuilding book I'd read since the Harry Potter series. To this day, I am stunned by the words that Romina Russell comes up with, and I'm so happy to be a part of this campaign and reread some of my favorite books.
Below, you'll find my original review of the book, along with some edits from my rereads.
My Review
Romina Russell's debut novel, Zodiac, is both out of this world fantastic and stellar. Trust me and the bad puns - you don't want to miss this book! Ms. Russell creates a new kind of world in the science fiction genre that both teens and adults will want to explore for years to come.
In the first book of theproposed trilogy - quartet, Russell introduces readers to a futuristic world whose inhabitants are descendants of the people from our world. Parts of this story are revealed in the book, and Russell definitely proves to her readers that she didn't just dream this world up in one night. There are allusions and references to stories that we know, but they've been altered so that they now belong in this futuristic solar system named after the Zodiac. Ms. Russell's world building is fantastic! In the Zodiac, there are twelve planetary systems, all named after the Zodiac signs that we all know about. The people who reside on each sign all have their own customs and traditions, and it's really neat to see her explore all of these differences. I truly believe that people are going to compare her to some of the top names in YA and children's publishing, like J.K. Rowling, with this book just because of all of the details that she includes. It's so full of new and original vocabulary that describes not only simple devices to all kinds of new planets and moons. She even includes a glossary on her website so that readers can look up these terms.
In the first book of the
(EDIT: In the paperback edition of Zodiac, readers will find a map of this beautiful world.)
The characters in Zodiac are also creative and innovative. Even though they represent people from a future society, they still hit close to home because of the emotional pull and tug. Readers can pick up on how far this society is removed from Earth, but still relate to how human they remain. Rho Grace, the novel's protagonist, has faced a lot of adversity in her young life, and it truly shows. Her rise to power is quick, and she faces it the way that any teen would; she's a little scared and confused. She is a unique character that will leave readers wanting more after they finish the last page. Rho is supported by two great groups of supporting characters - her friends from school and the people with whom she journeys through the far reaches of the Zodiac. I loved both of these groups because they bring balance to Rho's life in very different ways. Readers will be wanting to know more about Nishi, Deke, Mathias, and Hysan.
Holy Helios, there's a love triangle in this book, and I loved it! (I'm not one to complain about love triangles in YA because I work with teens, and they really are fickle. Ergo, love triangles jut don't bother me.) It's not one of those love triangles that's simply thrown into a book to heighten the drama; it's just a girl who truly is conflicted about who she likes more - the guy she's watched from afar for years and the new and exciting guy she's just met. If you're one of those people who choose not to read books because of the inclusion of love triangles, I'm asking you to please give this book a chance. The inclusion of the love triangle in no way takes away from the impressive plot. Instead, it adds a rich layer to the novel that sets up for more exciting adventures.
The many twists and turns in Zodiac will leave readers wishing for more. Sometimes you find a book that's predicable, but that is not the case with Zodiac! I was shocked and surprised multiple times while reading. It's truly a unique novel, and it's perfectly executed. Readers who like space operas or science fiction will want to get their hands on a copy of Zodiac as quickly as they can!
Week One:
June 26 – Paper Trail YA – Spotlight
June 26 – Live Love Read – Spotlight & Zodiac Magnets
June 26 – Novel Knight – Spotlight
June 27 – The Book Lounge
June 28 – YA and Wine – Review & Wine
June 29 – Life Within The Pages – Review
June 29 – In Wonderland – Book Look
June 30 – The Book Talk – Spotlight
June 30 – The Heart of a Book Blogger – Mood Board
Week Two:
July 3 – Picture Books to YA – Review & Zodiac Decor
July 4 – The Hardcover Lover
July 4 – Wandering Bark Books – Spotlight
July 5 – The Eater of Books!
July 5 – Teacher of YA
July 6 – The Hermit Librarian – Review & Zodiac Playlist
July 6 – Swoony Boys Podcast – Review & Book Look
July 7 – Mundie Moms
July 8 – Quirky and Peculiar – Spotlight
Week Three:
July 10 – A Perfection Called Books – Cancer Mood Board
July 10 – The Biblio Life – Spotlight
July 10 – The Book Vortex – Spotlight
July 11 – Fly Leaf Chronicles – Review
July 11 – The Book Nut – Reading Habits By Your Zodiac
July 12 – Resch Reads and Reviews – Zodiac Inspired Makeup Look
July 13 – Four Violet
July 13 – Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile – Zodiac Inspired Snacks
July 14 – Novel Novice – Styled By Books
July 14 – The Blonde Bookworm
July 15 – The Book’s Buzz – Zodiac & Galaxy Nail Art
Twitter Chat: July 16th @ 8PM EST Hosted by Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
The many twists and turns in Zodiac will leave readers wishing for more. Sometimes you find a book that's predicable, but that is not the case with Zodiac! I was shocked and surprised multiple times while reading. It's truly a unique novel, and it's perfectly executed. Readers who like space operas or science fiction will want to get their hands on a copy of Zodiac as quickly as they can!
Add a Little Stardust to Your Life
I don't know about you, but I was obsessed with the heavens way before I read Zodiac. I remember asking for a telescope for Christmas, researching constellations and Gallieo, and just staring at the night sky as a kid. Naturally, stars and galaxies have become something I still love. So... are you ready to add a little stellar patterns to your life?
Manicures and Pedicures
Something that a lot of my readers might not know about me is that I love looking for new nail art. A while ago, I saw some pictures on Instagram of galaxy-inspired nails, and I've wanted to try my hand at it ever since. While I'm not the most patient person, one of these days, I plan on trying a manicure inspired by these:
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| Maggie's Manicures |
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More Beauty |
Tech Accessories
Okay... You've busted me! Pretty much all my devices have some kind of a space theme to them. My iPhone and iPad wallpapers are of galaxies. My MacBook's keyboard skin is a purple explosion of stars, and my iPad's case is full of stars and nebulas!
Below are some of my favorites:
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| TheSkinDudes |
Planner Accessories
If you read my Erin Condren Planner Review, you'll know that I'm also into paper planners and stationery. My friend Jen makes beautiful kits for the Erin Condren Life Planner, and I'm in love with them. She even added this kit one day after we were chatting about space and stars.
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| Galaxy Kit for the Erin Condren Life Planner Vertical Layout (It also fits in the Happy Planner) |
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| Galaxy Kit for the Erin Condren Life Planner Horizontal Layout |
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| Simply Gilded Galaxy Collection Washi Tape |
Home Decor
The Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win either one (1) grand prize set of Romina Russell’s Zodiac Series in paperback, including Zodiac, Wandering Star, and Black Moon (32.97) or to be one (1) of five (5) second place winners to receive a copy of Zodiac by Romina Russell (ARV: $10.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on June 26th, 2017 and 12:00 AM on July 17, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about July 21, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on June 26th, 2017 and 12:00 AM on July 17, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about July 21, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Follow the Tour
Week One:
June 26 – Paper Trail YA – Spotlight
June 26 – Live Love Read – Spotlight & Zodiac Magnets
June 26 – Novel Knight – Spotlight
June 27 – The Book Lounge
June 28 – YA and Wine – Review & Wine
June 29 – Life Within The Pages – Review
June 29 – In Wonderland – Book Look
June 30 – The Book Talk – Spotlight
June 30 – The Heart of a Book Blogger – Mood Board
Week Two:
July 3 – Picture Books to YA – Review & Zodiac Decor
July 4 – The Hardcover Lover
July 4 – Wandering Bark Books – Spotlight
July 5 – The Eater of Books!
July 5 – Teacher of YA
July 6 – The Hermit Librarian – Review & Zodiac Playlist
July 6 – Swoony Boys Podcast – Review & Book Look
July 7 – Mundie Moms
July 8 – Quirky and Peculiar – Spotlight
Week Three:
July 10 – A Perfection Called Books – Cancer Mood Board
July 10 – The Biblio Life – Spotlight
July 10 – The Book Vortex – Spotlight
July 11 – Fly Leaf Chronicles – Review
July 11 – The Book Nut – Reading Habits By Your Zodiac
July 12 – Resch Reads and Reviews – Zodiac Inspired Makeup Look
July 13 – Four Violet
July 13 – Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile – Zodiac Inspired Snacks
July 14 – Novel Novice – Styled By Books
July 14 – The Blonde Bookworm
July 15 – The Book’s Buzz – Zodiac & Galaxy Nail Art
Twitter Chat: July 16th @ 8PM EST Hosted by Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
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