I would like to give this book - which I received as an ARC from Penguin's First to Read program - five stars, but I didn't feel the ending was enough of an ending. It set up the next book in the series nicely, but it didn't feel like it wrapped up anything. In the ultimate fantasy series - Harry Potter - there was a definite singular story in each book. Zodiac covered so much ground that it did a wonderful job of introducing the series but not enough of a conclusion. Reading "This is the End of Book One" made me mad! That said, I will be glad to get back into Rho's world in the rest of the series. So, the Zodiac. First of all, the title itself is very interesting and grabs my attention. I know the Zodiac isn't really anything to go by, but reading a story about the different signs sounds really interesting. Especially since the star protagonist is a Cancer like me!Basically, Rho is a young acolyte who gets thrust into her destiny when an attack on Cancer's moon ends up killing Cancer's Guardian. From there, we follow Rho along with her two companions Mathias and Hysan on their journey to try and unite the other 11 Zodiac Houses against an assailant from the 13th House. Rho was an interesting character. She is a young teenager on the cusp of adulthood who goes from being a young acolyte in school to suddenly being the appointed Guardian protector of her Cancer planet and people. The author did a wonderful job of showing Rho's age and (in)experience in matters of State. It's especially evident when she tries to have the other Zodiac houses unite, but ultimately falls flat in the face of overwhelming fake evidence in a forum. Moreover, you see she's STILL a girl who struggles with falling in love with two boys while trying to save the known galaxy. She's definitely a relatable character and I hope most people who pick up this book will relate to her feelings and emotions.Like I touched on earlier, some of the main problems Rho has is getting people to believe her when she "cries wolf". The antagonist in this book is basically a fictional boogeyman that is the childhood tale. Yet, as the story continues, she's the only one who can actually see the antagonist other than the other Guardian who gets put in a coma after not believing Rho. Another problem Rho encounters throughout the book is balancing her feelings for her Guide, Mathias. She's always had this crush on him since they first met, and then comes along Hysan. A suave acting man who is a little closer to Rho's age than Mathias and can relate closely to Rho's position. Throughout my entire reading, I was angry at Rho's ineptitude regarding political matters. All the time, her Advisors doubted her. Moreover, they usually failed to stop her from embarrassing herself and the Cancrian House. If I had to choose a favorite character, I'd probably pick Mathias. Who can't identify with some degree of unrequited love? He's Rho's guide in regards to her Psy powers and also her closest bodyguard. Moreover, it's the way he quietly cares for her that really speaks to me and it's definitely a tragedy that we won't see more of him in the next 2 books. Although, I'm hoping he'll make a cameo appearance ethereally.My least favorite part of this entire book has to be the scene where Rho is stripped of her title. By this time, she's lost everything: Mathias, Hysan, the Zodiac's collective trust, and her brother. The kangaroo trial was horrible, and in that moment, I too, felt I had lost everything dear to me. I got a headache reading that scene because of how unfair the whole situation was. It didn't help that her own Ambassador voted her out. If there's one thing I would change about this book, it would be Mathias' death. I really wanted to see who Rho would choose between Mathias and Hysan. Looking forward to the next book in this trilogy. I finished this too fast in two sittings.
What do You think about Zodiac (2014)?
YAY for great mail days! Looking forward to reading this one! I hope soon.. EEEK! :D
—nikki
No like for the characters what so ever. Not the book for me.
—xdvx
it was a good book...I strongly advise reading.
—swed
