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Cover of Zodiac Rising

Zodiac Rising

by Katie Zhao

Book Details

Publisher:Random House
Published:2025-09-09
Pages:433
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

Magic meets dark academia at a New York boarding school that’s hidden from mortal eyes. When a student is killed over priceless treasure, the Descendants of the Zodiac assemble a crew to avenge their classmate's murder and heist back what's rightfully theirs. Perfect for fans of A Deadly Education and Legendborn. β€œA rollicking heist adventure.” β€”AmΓ©lie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night At a secret Manhattan boarding school, the Descendants of the Chi

Our Review

Magic meets dark academia at a secret Manhattan boarding school for the Descendants of the Chinese Zodiac, where a student's murder over priceless treasure kicks off a high-stakes heist adventure. This novel expertly blends supernatural world-building with a gripping mystery, plunging readers into a hidden society where celestial legacies dictate power and alliances. The plot crackles with tension as the assembled crew of zodiac descendants seeks both vengeance and reclamation, creating a propulsive narrative that will hook fans of magical conspiracies and elite, dangerous institutions.

What sets this story apart is its fresh fusion of heist mechanics with a richly drawn magical system based on Chinese zodiac mythology, offering a compelling alternative to Western-centric fantasy settings. Teen readers who devour morally complex characters and intricate plots, particularly those who enjoyed the dark academic vibes of A Deadly Education or the secret societies in Legendborn, will find this world utterly immersive. The result is a thrilling, high-concept page-turner that proves revenge is best served with a meticulously planned magical heist.

Themes

Young Adult Fiction

Subjects

Young Adult Fiction