Day: December 13, 2021

Population Zero was a thinker of a short story. Several worlds with out the life of people are explained. Be those reasons ranging from a lack of sunlight to pandemic, each world is described in outstanding, and slightly horrifying, detail about how life ended or could end and what, if anything, was still lingering and nibbling on the meatless skeleton of human civilization. 

At first, I was not sure what to think of the story. We currently live in a world where people are terrified of one thing or another, be it COVID-19 or some other dreadful issue we are still dealing with as a society, so when the narration of the story aimed in the COVID-19 direction I wanted to just put it down, but I decided to continue to read. I found myself amazingly satisfied with the ending of the tale and I was glad that I kept going.

The book is well written. The worlds described are fascinating in their darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The narration of the story is from a point of view that is painfully relatable in our world these days. I wish I could explain this more without actually ruining the story, however, I strongly suggest everyone pick up this short story for a quick read.

The 13th Zodiac by Lacey Krauch is an entertaining novel of exciting fantasy and political intrigue. Young Liya is apparently doomed from birth as her future is tied closely to the god like Titans that created the world, as well as those of twelve zodiac symbol bearing people. A prophecy has been told and it will eventually be filled. Though how and when it will complete itself is anyone’s guess.

The 13th Zodiac is exciting characters, many of which bear similar personalities to those told of the Zodiac symbols they wear. The characters are realistic for a fantasy setting and entertaining, making it easy to feel for them as they go through their journey.

The world the story takes place in is creatively made. And while I had a few complaints about some very modern sounding aspects, such as the use of jeans, the rest of the modern aspects of the story, such as firearms, are explained in a way that makes sense for the setting. My complaint only stems from teh fact that I read a lot of fantasy and I found myself pulled out of the story a bit when they were mentioned, however I quickly found myself drawn back in by the story itself.

So, is the 13th Zodiac worth reading? Yes, yes, yes! Pick it up if you are looking for an exciting fantastical tale! I know I am looking forward to reading more of Lacey Krauch’s work!