Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, Rho is surprised when she is named the House's new leader. Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus, the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend, has returned to exact his revenge.
Book 1 in the breathtaking sci-fi space saga inspired by astrology that will stun fans of the Illuminae Files and Starbound series.
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 Cancrian 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.
"ZODIAC is a thrilling YA fantasy for astrology lovers and sci-fi fans alike... You'll want to learn even more about your own sign after this one.” —
Teen Vogue"With a stellar cast, fascinating mythology, and unexpected twists and turns,
ZODIAC is a must read. I am a fan!" —Morgan Rhodes,
New York Times bestselling author of the
Falling Kingdoms series
"Russell's debut novel is rich with details of a society that is equal parts hard science and free-flowing faith, making it a great read for fans of both epic fantasy and sf. Fans of the immersive world of
Zodiac will be happy to know that this is just the first in a series." —
Booklist "Russell's narrative mixes intrigue, romance, and adventure, and a constant underlying tension drives Rho and her allies from one planet to the next." —
Publishers Weekly"The worldbuilding is a science fiction delight, with tons of details about space and science...Recommend this to sci-fi and adventure lovers. It has a bit of something for everyone." —
VOYA"A sci-fi refreshing for both its nondystopian plot and fallible heroine." —
Kirkus