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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
There was so much going on with the world that was confusing, therefore the plot was not as fun to follow as it should have been. Interesting though
I don't really know all of my feelings on this book... the premise of this world is such a cool one but I just wasn't a huge fan of how it was executed I guess. The love triangle thing is just so overdone... especially in this case where one of them is so much older than she is. Idk. I wanted to like this book and the cover is gorgeous but... I just didn't. I don't think it needed to be so long and I probably won't be reading anymore of the series. I wanted so much more out of this book. 2.5 stars from me.
This is an amazing book with well thought out characters and a plot that hooks you from the first page. While it is a little fast paced, you have to remember that this book is out of this world because it is a fantasy. But the best part, for me personally, is the mention that girls actually wear bras! Who knew?! I would totally recommend this to anyone looking for a fun adventure with a little bit of illegal romance, because who says that getting in trouble for having sex isn't romantic? 4/5 stars because it was so fast paced, and because there are some grammar mistakes. Overall, very amazing and I would, and am going to, read it again.
wow that ending! this book was just everything i hoped for in a sci-fi book,the story was just beautiful ,the writing was beautiful as well not a fan of love triangles unless they're done right and this one was done right i am finding my self loving her with both guys so idk how that is going to play out especially with how this book ended but i don't think hes dead i have hope he's still alive,if there is no body then the dead aren't really dead lol oh man so glad i have the second book in my hands already so i can start on it asap
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!
I may not have liked this book as much as I could have because of how long it took me to read because of school, but I felt like I was lacking the wanting to continue reading. The setting of this book is amazing and very well built, but I never really understand the conflicts in the book. I felt like the main character, Rho, was a little too closed, and she seemed like a fighter when actually, she spent half the book doing nothing, and being told that what she was doing wasn't right. Also, my favorite character, died. Which I don't believe.
Here is my spoiler free video review of Zodiac. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ZMTIHO7LQ
I was given a copy of this book from Penguin's First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
The first 80 pages of this book was a struggle. It wasn't bad, I just couldn't get into it. I was having to force myself to continue to read it up to that point. ...and then the story took off.
And oh how it took off! I could not put the book down until my eyes were watering past exhaustion. I had meant to read a chapter or two, and ended up reading all but the last 40ish pages. (I'd have finished it too, if my eyes would have stopped being difficult and let me continue reading!)
It took a while for me to form any attachments to Rho, although I can't say I really did. As a main character, she felt more like a filler in the story for a while.
Then there was Hysan and Mathias... and, although what happened there bothered me a bit, I think that it was handled well and believable. Even if it wasn't how I would have envisioned it.
Lastly, GAH! Because ALL THE DRAMA! I wish I could go into the story and punch this one guy in the face. And I'm not even taking about the main villain either. Think of this character as Umbridge in comparison to Lord Voldemort. Even though Voldemort was the main villain, everyone totally hated Umbridge more. That's how I felt about this specific character.
Despite the slow start, I really enjoyed this story and I'm glad I picked it as my first read of 2015.
4/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/zodiac-by-romina-russell
The first 80 pages of this book was a struggle. It wasn't bad, I just couldn't get into it. I was having to force myself to continue to read it up to that point. ...and then the story took off.
And oh how it took off! I could not put the book down until my eyes were watering past exhaustion. I had meant to read a chapter or two, and ended up reading all but the last 40ish pages. (I'd have finished it too, if my eyes would have stopped being difficult and let me continue reading!)
It took a while for me to form any attachments to Rho, although I can't say I really did. As a main character, she felt more like a filler in the story for a while.
Then there was Hysan and Mathias... and, although what happened there bothered me a bit, I think that it was handled well and believable. Even if it wasn't how I would have envisioned it.
Lastly, GAH! Because ALL THE DRAMA! I wish I could go into the story and punch this one guy in the face. And I'm not even taking about the main villain either. Think of this character as Umbridge in comparison to Lord Voldemort. Even though Voldemort was the main villain, everyone totally hated Umbridge more. That's how I felt about this specific character.
Despite the slow start, I really enjoyed this story and I'm glad I picked it as my first read of 2015.
4/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/zodiac-by-romina-russell