Scan barcode
A review by pavi_fictionalworm
Zodiac by Romina Russell
5.0
For a detailed version of this review, click on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Very rarely do we come across authors that have this beautiful ability of creating a new world apart from our own. Queen Rowling did it. Sir Tolkien did it. Mr. George Martin did it. And, now Romina Russell is well on her way on achieving it.
This debut novel focuses on a world where the astrological signs aren’t just signs but planets in a universe known as Zodiac. Every planet(or sign) has strengths that are supposed to be contributing to the betterment of the universe. Residents of each planet are defined by the characteristics of each sign. Ms. Russell has taken the wonderful abstract thought of astrology and turned into a physical concept with the help of science fiction and formed a world that is as real to me as this world is.
The story starts with an introduction to Rhoma Grace and her world, her family and friends. Rho is a Cancerian who left her home, not just to learn but to escape her own memories. I got to see her as an average student, her creativity and potential shackled by the traditional educational system.
We see her go through a traumatic experience that no one, let alone a 16 year old ever should. We see her chosen for a position that most have centuries to learn about!
Rho is given the charge as the Guardian of the House of Cancer (but do her advisors belive in her? Sadly, not until it’s too late!), a task she accepts because she believes in the right of things. A scary encounter with Ochus leads her to embark on a cross-planetary journey to convince other Guardians of the threat.
Who accompanies on this perilous journey? I am so glad that you asked! :P
Here’s where the two delicious hot arm candies come in – Lodester Mathias, her protector and advisor and Hysan Dax, the secret Guardian of the House of Libra (These men make me drool nd go into orgasmic states, not even kidding!). These two couldn’t be further opposites of each other. Where Mathias is straight and narrow, Hysan is mischevious and fun. Where Hysan is bought up in secrets and is able to lie easily (not for personal gain. He is a good boy, really!), Mathias hates being underhanded and lying. But the one thing they both have in common, their respect and affection for Rho.
Rho though has a tough future ahead, because now that she has understood Ochus plan, she knows her way forward and that way can only be achieved by uniting all the signs of Zodiac. She has now found her purpose, and boy will it be difficult, but I have a feeling that she will survive and come on top.
"The stars picked you Rho. Humans - in their infinte injustice - have wronged you, but you will find your rightful place again. Your light shines too brightly not to be a beacon for others."
This book though has been one of the most enjoyable ones I have read in a while. It has mixed the science fiction with the fantastical in such a way that the concoction is not only a delicious to taste but is full of fun and adventures along the way! (Holy Moses, what is going on with my metaphors O.o)
The writing in itself, was tasteful and absolutely engaging. Ms. Russell debuts with a novel that will be loved across generations, if not for the adventure, then for the wonderfully unique plot!
Very rarely do we come across authors that have this beautiful ability of creating a new world apart from our own. Queen Rowling did it. Sir Tolkien did it. Mr. George Martin did it. And, now Romina Russell is well on her way on achieving it.
This debut novel focuses on a world where the astrological signs aren’t just signs but planets in a universe known as Zodiac. Every planet(or sign) has strengths that are supposed to be contributing to the betterment of the universe. Residents of each planet are defined by the characteristics of each sign. Ms. Russell has taken the wonderful abstract thought of astrology and turned into a physical concept with the help of science fiction and formed a world that is as real to me as this world is.
The story starts with an introduction to Rhoma Grace and her world, her family and friends. Rho is a Cancerian who left her home, not just to learn but to escape her own memories. I got to see her as an average student, her creativity and potential shackled by the traditional educational system.
We see her go through a traumatic experience that no one, let alone a 16 year old ever should. We see her chosen for a position that most have centuries to learn about!
Rho is given the charge as the Guardian of the House of Cancer (but do her advisors belive in her? Sadly, not until it’s too late!), a task she accepts because she believes in the right of things. A scary encounter with Ochus leads her to embark on a cross-planetary journey to convince other Guardians of the threat.
Who accompanies on this perilous journey? I am so glad that you asked! :P
Here’s where the two delicious hot arm candies come in – Lodester Mathias, her protector and advisor and Hysan Dax, the secret Guardian of the House of Libra (These men make me drool nd go into orgasmic states, not even kidding!). These two couldn’t be further opposites of each other. Where Mathias is straight and narrow, Hysan is mischevious and fun. Where Hysan is bought up in secrets and is able to lie easily (not for personal gain. He is a good boy, really!), Mathias hates being underhanded and lying. But the one thing they both have in common, their respect and affection for Rho.
Rho though has a tough future ahead, because now that she has understood Ochus plan, she knows her way forward and that way can only be achieved by uniting all the signs of Zodiac. She has now found her purpose, and boy will it be difficult, but I have a feeling that she will survive and come on top.
"The stars picked you Rho. Humans - in their infinte injustice - have wronged you, but you will find your rightful place again. Your light shines too brightly not to be a beacon for others."
This book though has been one of the most enjoyable ones I have read in a while. It has mixed the science fiction with the fantastical in such a way that the concoction is not only a delicious to taste but is full of fun and adventures along the way! (Holy Moses, what is going on with my metaphors O.o)
The writing in itself, was tasteful and absolutely engaging. Ms. Russell debuts with a novel that will be loved across generations, if not for the adventure, then for the wonderfully unique plot!