cover of new york times best seller Zodiac
Cover design by Vanessa Han

Zodiac

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain . . .

The ZODIAC Quartet is a YA SFF series set in a universe of planetary systems--or Houses--inspired by the astrological signs. When the Guardian of the forgotten Thirteenth House--Ophiuchus--seeks revenge upon the Zodiac that betrayed him, the young new Guardian of House Cancer, Rho, must unite the divided worlds of her solar system before darkness swallows them all.

Zodiaque Cover from Michel Lafon french edition
Michel Lafon, France

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 Cancrian 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?

Zodiaque Cover from Michel Lafon french edition
Piper Verlag, Germany

Reviews

With a stellar cast, fascinating mythology, and unexpected twists and turns, ZODIAC is a must read. I am a fan!

— Morgan Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series

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.

— Booklist

Russell’s narrative mixes intrigue, romance, and adventure, and a constant underlying tension drives Rho and her allies from one planet to the next.

— Publishers Weekly

The worldbuilding is a science fiction delight, with tons of details about space and science
Recommend this to sci-fi and adventure lovers. It has a bit of something for everyone.

— VOYA

A sci-fi refreshing for both its nondystopian plot and fallible heroine.

— Kirkus

A thrilling YA fantasy for astrology lovers and sci-fi fans alike.

— Teen Vogue
Zodiaque Cover from Michel Lafon french edition
Del Nuevo Extremo, South America

Press

  1. cover of book 2 of the zodiac series wandering star
  2. Purple, silver, & black book cover of Black Moon featuring the Pisces, Aquarius, & Scorpio Zodiac signs.
  3. Pink book cover with Leo & Libra Zodiac signs.
  4. Hope Nation cover with USA colors and list of author contributors.
  5. book cover with girl moon and organic extensions from her hair
  6. The Cazadora cover, featuring a girl, Manu, being split in two by her inner wolf. Manu's hair grows into wild foliage, all set against a bloodred background.