Author: Michele Khalil
Publisher: Self Published
What is the one thing you look for in a
fantasy series?
The Zodiac Trilogy by Michele Khalil kicks off The
Star Sign Trilogy that explores a fantasy world where the zodiac signs grant 2
special abilities to people born under them. The twelve signs had maintained
balance in their world for centuries, but things take a turn when a thirteenth
sign shows up. Talah had been living on Earth, hidden from the Galaxy, until
one day she comes back to compete in the Trials and join her people. Firas had
spent his whole life training for the Trials to take his true place as the
Soulinus heir, until he is hunted down
for the extra abilities he was born with. Now the leader of a people facing
genocide, he has to outwit a centuries-old society with powers that rival his
own. Thrust into a forgotten civil war neither truly understand, Talah and
Firas must find the balance between tradition and freedom.
The plot of the story is quite imaginative and well told. Michele has taken her time in setting up the premise, explaining in detail about the various zodiac signs and the role they play in the story. The idea of using the star signs as a basis of a fantasy story is quite interesting and sets the tone for a good trilogy. The language used is simple as well as gels well with the idea and the usage of native Arabic words adds to the charm. While the plot initially looks like a cross between The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, it is unique in the way it is planned and executed. The conflict and the tense moments continue to develop and simmer as it builds up to an interesting climax, and the scene was both unexpected as well as well written.
The series is quite character driven, and to
set the plot in the right way, the characters have to be well settled and
Michele does this very well. Be it Firas or Talah, each of them take their own
time to settle into their skins. The idea of a pureblood society is very well
conveyed and through characters such as Firas’s father, the societal divide is
well explained. Another character I loved was Talah’s father and I would love
to see how his character arc plays out in the books ahead. Overall, the
character descriptions are vivid, with details upto the clothes and accessories
making the characters stand out.
Overall, a wonderful start to a trilogy and I am looking forward to reading more about the Galaxy and the Zodiacs. The book scores a 4.5/5 for me.
Get a copy of the book here.
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