The 13th Sign
What would happen if there were 13 signs in the zodiac? Jalen finds out when she breaks the lock on an old book and suddenly becomes the thirteenth sign, Ophiuchus—the snake. With the aid of her best friend and her older brother, Jalen must outwit morphing creatures called “Keepers” who throw obstacles in her way as she races to save her nana from dying and to learn whether her father left or was lost. To do so, she must survive the brutal challenges of each of the 12 signs (reminiscent of the 12 labors of Hercules) to avoid altering humanity, creating personality shifts, or causing such supernatural occurrences as an attack by an army of Cancer crabs or the fierce charging of Aries the ram. The swiftly paced plot will please readers used to Hunger Games–style action. Kids into astrology and horoscopes will hang on every chapter, especially when they find out that the concept of Ophiuchus exists and is used in some cultural beliefs. Grades 5-8. --Julie Cummins