Purchase to Support Our Program

“Once, 12 families, each empowered by a sign of the zodiac, protected China. But in 1860, several of their magical fountainheads were stolen, stripping them of their power, and many of the Descendants were slain, the survivors cursed and transformed into immortal supernatural creatures. …The worldbuilding of this ambitious, complicated, and wide-ranging fantasy adventure…weaves together supernatural politics, teen drama, and a fusion of Western and Chinese mythologies to deliver an intriguing series start with great potential.”

– Publishers Weekly

Zodiac Rising (Descendants of the Zodiac #1)

Written by Katie Zhao
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

At a secret Manhattan boarding school, the Descendants of the Chinese zodiac have hidden away since the source of their magic—the twelve zodiac statues—was vandalized and lost to time. Thus, a curse befell the Descendants, and they’ve lived as creatures of darkness . . . until now.

When the lost statues suddenly resurface and a powerful classmate is found dead, all signs point to foul play from the fae. The Descendants finally have the chance to take back what’s rightfully theirs and break the curse. But to pull off this deadly heist, they must assemble an elite crew:

THE VAMPIRE: After a century of burning hunger, Evangeline is out for blood.

THE SHAPE-SHIFTER: Nicholas yearns to restore justice to his people—and make peace with his past.

THE MORTAL: Alice seeks the truth of her mysterious heritage, and this mission may be the key.

THE WEREWOLF: Tristan will do anything to break free from the monstrous wolf inside.

Only these four have the power to save the Descendants, but the wrath of the fae waits at every turn. One wrong move and the fate of their kind will come crashing down. . . .

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN: 9780593646410
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.