This was rather long for a children's book, which is neither a good thing or a bad thing, just different. The main reason for this was because the universe was so large and dense that it took a very long time to explain the world in general. However, because the universe was so massive, there are many opportunities for the rest of the series to be even better than the first. My favorite part of the book by far was the characters. George was strong willed but not overbearingly so, Caleb was sweet and mysterious at the same time, and Milak was tiny but sarcastic and witty. These conflicting personalities and backstories was what made me intrigued. I also enjoyed the different elements of mythology or magic throughout the story and those backstories also intrigued me. However, I wished that there was a little more resolution for some of the main issues of the book, such as George's little brother. He was mentioned countless times throughout the story, but there is no resolution for his discovery by the end of the book other than basic information. I do understand that this is a trilogy, and this plot line was most likely drawn out for an even better ending of the last book in the trilogy. This was an awesome book overall, and I would definitely recommend it!

This was rather long for a children's book, which is neither a good thing or a bad thing, just different. The main reason for this was because the universe was so large and dense that it took a very long time to explain the world in general. However, because the universe was so massive, there are many opportunities for the rest of the series to be even better than the first. My favorite part of the book by far was the characters. George was strong willed but not overbearingly so, Caleb was sweet and mysterious at the same time, and Milak was tiny but sarcastic and witty. These conflicting personalities and backstories was what made me intrigued. I also enjoyed the different elements of mythology or magic throughout the story and those backstories also intrigued me. However, I wished that there was a little more resolution for some of the main issues of the book, such as George's little brother. He was mentioned countless times throughout the story, but there is no resolution for his discovery by the end of the book other than basic information. I do understand that this is a trilogy, and this plot line was most likely drawn out for an even better ending of the last book in the trilogy. This was an awesome book overall, and I would definitely recommend it!

A unique read and stashed with some of the most creative world building I've ever encountered, "Zodiac" by Romina Russell is a book you don't want to miss. In the World of the Zodiac, your sign determines where you live, your personality, your looks, and your morals. Rho Grace, your typical 16-year-old who rocks playing the drums, lives on Cancer, a blue planet surrounded by water on all sides. One day, when she and her friends play in a concert, a huge "asteroid" supposedly destroys her home planet. With Cancer's guardian dead, Rho becomes the next Guardian because of her natural ability to "read the stars". But Rho starts seeing visions- visions of the legendary villain Ophicus and visions of a hidden thirteenth house. But as one of the youngest guardians in the galaxy and inexperienced at that, who would ever believe her wild stories? I would rate this book 4/5 stars because even though the plot was brilliant, I still felt that the character building needed some work; especially Rhoma Grace, who felt like an unreal, cliché character. Nonetheless, it is still a hard feat to be able to make a completely different world with different rules, physics, characteristics, etc, and at the same time be able to make the world very relatable to ours. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Patrick has always found it difficult to fit in, but he's never had to fit in with a whole different universe! When 12 year old Patrick Griffith is caught into another world, he must find his way through a new way of reading, government, and different names for everyday objects. In the meantime, while Patrick was transported into a new universe, some objects from other universes end up on Earth as well! As all three universes intertwine, it becomes clear that something is amiss. I personally loved Patrick's character, and he had a certain charm while still being sarcastic/sassy, and he wasn't washed out by the large cast of characters, plot lines, and universes. One criticism I would have is that on the world Patrick was transported too was slightly too different from Earth. I found it hard to follow at some points, and while the length of the book allowed for the necessary world building to occur, it dragged at some points as a result. In specific, when Ith changed the way that words were read, but yet had the same language, I found it slightly hard to believe. Overall, however, I found the world fascinating with intriguing characters and the author was able to balance the various plot lines very well!

Patrick has always found it difficult to fit in, but he's never had to fit in with a whole different universe! When 12 year old Patrick Griffith is caught into another world, he must find his way through a new way of reading, government, and different names for everyday objects. In the meantime, while Patrick was transported into a new universe, some objects from other universes end up on Earth as well! As all three universes intertwine, it becomes clear that something is amiss. I personally loved Patrick's character, and he had a certain charm while still being sarcastic/sassy, and he wasn't washed out by the large cast of characters, plot lines, and universes. One criticism I would have is that on the world Patrick was transported too was slightly too different from Earth. I found it hard to follow at some points, and while the length of the book allowed for the necessary world building to occur, it dragged at some points as a result. In specific, when Ith changed the way that words were read, but yet had the same language, I found it slightly hard to believe. Overall, however, I found the world fascinating with intriguing characters and the author was able to balance the various plot lines very well!