Review: Zodiac by Romina Russell

Zodiac (Zodiac #1) by Romina Russell

Publisher: Razorbill

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Goodreads link: (click here)  

What's it about?

Long ago and far away, there were once 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now, there are only 12. So much time has passed that the 13th House has become nothing but a myth, a cautionary tale to some, a song or poem to others. It's taken on other meanings, but nobody believes it actually existed. At least not until Rhoma Grace, a student from House Cancer, reads the stars and has a horrible premonition involving the 13th House. Rhoma knows what she saw, the destruction of the three moons of Cancer and the deaths of thousands of people, but nobody believes her. She's just a student of the Zodiac, and not a very good one since she's unable to use the tools and methods required to read the stars. She simply sees things without knowing where they came from. She does not show her work or use the complicated calculations that most others use. This is why her warning goes ignored. Unfortunately, while Rhoma and her bandmates were about to take the stage for a performance, a huge explosion rocks the skies before they even touch an instrument. Death and devastation are everywhere. Rhoma and her friends are forced to flee with the other survivors. Even their leader, the Guardian of Cancer, is killed in the Chaos. Because of this, the Cancreans must quickly name a new Guardian, and Rhoma is shocked when it is her that is chosen. 

Why her? Rho can't believe what has happened, but if she is to remain true to her House, she knows she must accept this honor. She believes it's because she predicted this tragedy, and now she can convince everyone that the 13th House is behind it all. Her new status should give her the power to go after Ophiuchus, the ancient Guardian of the 13th House. She predicts the destruction of other planets in other Houses, so she has no choice but to go on a quest to warn others of the danger headed their way. Rhoma crosses the galaxy with Hysan Dax, a mysterious (and kind of alluring) envoy from Libra, and Mathias, her guard and guide (who she's had a crush on), to try to save as many lives as she can. 

Her journey takes her through space to breathtaking other worlds, inhabited by strange characters with unique and extraordinary cultures. Rho, Hysan and Mathias must convince all 12 Houses to set their differences aside and come together before Ochus and the 13th House destroy them all. The problem is, not everyone believes Rho. Even those closest to her have doubts. She's going to have to be strong, brave and confident of she's going to succeed, and she can't be afraid to stand up and fight in order to save the Galaxy.  

My Thoughts 

WOO HOO! Zodiac is a totally fun and incredibly creative intergalactic road trip to save the galaxy! The world building is PHENOMENAL. Romina Russell painted gorgeous scenery with her dazzling words. I am humbled by her unconventionally wonderful imagination. There were so many small details that made these planets and people seem completely plausible and real. There was excitement, danger, drama, romance and frienship. Fans of The Fifth Element, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or any sci-fi will enjoy this. If you're interested in the Zodiac or if you are an anime or manga fan, you should check this out as well. The story is intricate and complex and I can safely say that I haven't read anything quite like it before. It's obvious that Romina Russell has a lot of knowledge about the Zodiac and it is so clever how it's all been woven into a really cool sci-fi adventure. Zodiac is fresh and fun and I can't wait for the next book so I can continue my journey through the stars with Rho and company. Plus, I NEED to know what happens next! 

Check out the website for Zodiac (click here). There is a lot of additional information there about the book. There's a glossary, information about each of the Houses and its people and you can even find out your new sign after Ochus and the 13th house enter the Zodiac.

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<3 Michelle