In the heart of Manhattan, a secret war is brewing. Ancient Chinese zodiac magic collides with the modern world in Katie Zhao’s electrifying young adult debut, “Zodiac Rising.” As the first installment in the “Descendants of the Zodiac” series, this novel plunges readers into a hidden realm where cursed supernatural beings fight to reclaim their stolen heritage and break free from the shadows.
A Cursed Legacy Awakens
Imagine discovering that your entire existence is built on a lie. That’s the reality facing the Descendants—once-mortal Chinese immigrants transformed into vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures after their sacred zodiac fountainheads were stolen. For over a century, they’ve hidden away at the Earthly Branches Academy, their powers diminished and their true nature a closely guarded secret.
But when the lost statues suddenly resurface and a powerful classmate turns up dead, four unlikely allies must band together for a high-stakes heist that could change everything:
- Evangeline Long: A vampire with a century of pent-up hunger and ambition
- Nicholas Hu: A shapeshifting fox spirit haunted by his past mistakes
- Alice Jiang: A human girl with mysterious abilities and an unknown heritage
- Tristan She: A werewolf desperate to control the beast within
A Delicate Balance of Action and Intrigue
Zhao masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to inhabit the minds of each protagonist. This narrative choice adds depth to the characters and keeps the pacing brisk as we switch between their intertwining storylines. The author excels at building tension, particularly in the latter half of the book as the heist unfolds in real-time.
Strengths:
- Rich world-building that blends Chinese mythology with urban fantasy
- Complex characters with relatable struggles and flaws
- A plot that balances action, mystery, and character development
- Exploration of themes like identity, belonging, and the weight of legacy
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped
- Occasional pacing issues in the first third of the book
- A few plot points rely heavily on convenience or coincidence
A Fresh Take on Familiar Tropes
While “Zodiac Rising” incorporates elements familiar to fans of YA urban fantasy—a hidden magical world, chosen ones, forbidden romance—Katie Zhao injects fresh life into these tropes through her unique cultural lens. The integration of Chinese zodiac lore and the immigrant experience adds depth and relevance to the story.
“The Descendants had spent most of their long lives adhering to the school system, and they were strongest together, after all. Leaving the Academy prematurely was akin to turning one’s back on the other Descendants, which could mean the complete loss of one’s powers.”
This quote encapsulates the tight-knit yet suffocating nature of the Descendants’ world, highlighting the tension between individuality and community that runs throughout the novel.
Character Spotlight: Depth Beyond the Surface
Let’s take a closer look at our main players:
- Evangeline Long: At first glance, she’s the cold, ambitious vampire princess. But Zhao peels back layers to reveal a young woman grappling with the weight of family expectations and her own desires.
- Nicholas Hu: His shapeshifting abilities mirror his internal struggle with identity and redemption. Nicholas’s arc is particularly compelling as he learns to embrace his power rather than fear it.
- Alice Jiang: Our “fish out of water” human protagonist, Alice serves as the reader’s entry point into this world. Her journey of self-discovery drives much of the plot and sets up intriguing questions for future books.
- Tristan She: The brooding werewolf with a heart of gold (sort of). Tristan’s internal conflict between his human side and his bestial nature provides some of the book’s most poignant moments.
A Visual Feast for the Imagination
Zhao’s descriptive prose brings the hidden magical world to life. From the ivy-covered walls of Earthly Branches Academy to the glittering wonders of the Faerie realm, readers will find themselves fully immersed in this vibrant, dangerous universe.
Standout Scenes:
- The tense infiltration of the Underground
- Alice’s dreamlike encounters with the Fae
- The heart-pounding heist during the Midsummer Celebration
Themes That Resonate
Beyond the supernatural thrills, “Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao tackles themes that will resonate with many young readers:
- Identity: Each character grapples with who they are and where they belong.
- Legacy: The weight of family expectations and cultural heritage plays a major role.
- Power: The responsible use of power and the corrupting nature of greed are explored.
- Belonging: The desire to find one’s place in the world is a universal struggle.
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of Cassandra Clare’s “Shadowhunter” series or Rick Riordan’s mythology-inspired adventures will find familiar elements to enjoy here. However, Katie Zhao’s unique cultural perspective and focus on Chinese folklore set “Zodiac Rising” apart from its contemporaries.
For readers of Zhao’s middle-grade “Winnie Zeng” series, this YA debut marks a significant tonal shift. The stakes are higher, the relationships more complex, and the themes more mature.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start to a Magical Series
“Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao is a thrilling blend of mythology, magic, and modern-day struggles. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious world-building, the strong character work and unique premise make for an engaging read.
The Good:
- Unique blend of Chinese mythology and urban fantasy
- Well-developed main characters with compelling arcs
- Exciting action sequences and a tense heist plot
- Rich, immersive world-building
The Not-So-Good:
- Some pacing issues in the early chapters
- A few plot conveniences that stretch believability
- Secondary characters could use more development
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of YA urban fantasy looking for a fresh cultural perspective
- Readers interested in Chinese mythology and folklore
- Anyone who enjoys heist stories with supernatural twists
- Those who appreciate complex character dynamics and found family themes
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Zodiac Descendants?
“Zodiac Rising” sets up several intriguing plot threads for the sequel, “Heirs of Power.” Questions readers will be eager to see answered include:
- What are the true consequences of breaking the Descendants’ curse?
- How will Alice reconcile her newfound Fae heritage with her human life?
- Will the fragile alliance between our main characters hold under pressure?
- What new threats will emerge now that the zodiac statues have been recovered?
In Conclusion: A Series to Watch
Katie Zhao has crafted a captivating world that seamlessly blends ancient magic with modern-day struggles. While “Zodiac Rising” isn’t without its flaws, it lays a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting series. The unique cultural perspective, complex characters, and high-stakes plot make this a standout in the crowded YA fantasy genre.
For readers craving a fresh take on urban fantasy with a hefty dose of Chinese mythology, “Zodiac Rising” is well worth the journey. Just be prepared—once you enter the world of the Zodiac Descendants, you may find it hard to leave.
