Romina Russell is a Los Angeles based author who originally hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a teen, Romina landed her first writing gig—College She Wrote, a weekly Sunday column for the Miami Herald that was later picked up for national syndication—and she hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not working on the ZODIAC series, Romina can be found producing movie trailers, taking photographs, or daydreaming about buying a new drum set. She is a graduate of Harvard College and a Virgo to the core.
If I hadn’t known from a young age that I was a writer, I would have tried to become an astronaut.
Best moment …
Getting the chance to give my grandparents in Argentina a copy of my first published book.
Your special place to write …
Anywhere—where I am physically isn’t as important as where I am mentally.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
An iced latte that’s two parts milk, one part espresso.
Favorite bookshop …
I’ve yet to meet a bookshop I don’t insta-love.
Currently reading …
Winter Falls by Nicole Maggi, another December debut author.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t write…
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Liotti, used to read to us from that book, and through its stories I fell in love with words.
At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain.
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 lifeso 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 citizensincluding its beloved GuardianRho 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 Ophiuchusthe exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legendhas returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rhoalong with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guardmust 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?
Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs.
Discover more YA books like Zodiac, by Romina Russell, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Young Adult Books and be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.
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Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.
Latest published book …
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