In the far-flung future world of Zodiac, people are grouped into tribes named for constellations. Rho, a Cancrian acolyte living at the academy and almost ready for college, misses her family and doesn't want the future that's planned for her. She feels strongly that something terrible is coming, a darkness that will envelop the skies. It turns out her feelings are spot-on attack explodes through her moon and the constellations. Now she must try to make sense not only of her prophetic instincts but also her feelings for an older Cancrian. Following the tragic catastrophe, Rho is pulled into the highest levels of government, and she must learn to navigate her new position without the help of her friends and family. 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.

Rho Grace becomes the leader of House Cancer after she predicts the destruction of her planet. With the help of her childhood crush and a mysterious Libran diplomat, Rho must warn the other Houses that the mythical Thirteenth House has risen again. This thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced space opera will thrill astrology devotees and fans of sci-fi/fantasy mash-ups.

Rhoma Grace is a student from House Cancer whose biggest concern is passing her star reading test so she can move forward from the academy to the university. When she detects a dark mass in her test reading that no one else sees, and then the home planet she was born and raised in is viciously attacked, Rho's priorities quickly shift. She finds herself on a ship heading off to a satellite station, along with Mathias, a Royal Guard of the House that she has had a crush on forever, and a group of friends. After unexpectedly being appointed the new Guardian of her Cancer House and discovering a gift of reading the stars that she is not sure she even wants, Rho realizes that she must set off on her own, through the galaxy and on to the other eleven zodiac houses, to defeat an enemy that literally only she can see. Otherwise, the home she has always known will be obliterated.Zodiac starts off fast paced (Rho's home planet is nearly destroyed just a few pages in) and does not sit still very often. It is great fun to see the astrology signs come to life in characters, such as the Gemini twins, with their eerie devotion to each other, and to read the descriptions of certain populations based on their zodiac signs. The worldbuilding is a science fiction delight, with tons of details about space and science. The terminology that comes along with that can be heavy handed sometimes, but it also adds to the authenticity of the story. Recommend this to sci-fi and adventure lovers. It has a bit of something for everyone.Nina Michael.