Zodiac by Romina Russell

The book synopsis

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?

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821306-zodiac

 

My Opinion

3.5/5 stars according to Goodreads ratings.

I liked the book and the idea behind it. The action happens in space. Each zodiac sign has its own planet/planets, culture, and technology. In other words, the zodiac houses are unique including the people who live in them. For me, this was the most interesting aspect of the book because people so different had to work and cooperate with each other.
The author does a good job describing the world. At times, I was a little bit confuse about the planets and the houses and their organization in space. That might be just me. Everything gets clear because in the following book in the series there is a map. So, no major worries there. Since this a world-building-first-book in a series, it had a slow pace sometimes.
The main character, Rho, rushed making decisions, especially with THE BOY/S and with the bigger threat. I admire that she understood her role as the protector of Cancer but she was just focused on one thing. She did not stopped and analyzed thoroughly. That is why I cannot wait to read the next book and to see her development.
The two love interest are also complex characters. The romance is not overwhelming and the love triangle is not - for the lack of a better term - annoying.
The book also combines science with spirituality (the inner energy of the mind) which was another unique aspect.
I recommend this for those who love space and science fiction.
This book deserves more credit than it gets.

Original review on: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1309804930

Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to none (kissing mostly)
Violence: moderate (attacks on large groups of people but not graphic)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild to moderate (some drug use)