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Zodiac Rising: The Trials
Elara is the Commander’s daughter who’d rather train with a blade than recite ancient lore. When the goddess Celestra dies mid-ceremony, the heavens force a Elara will wear the Virgo sigil—if she can survive the sanctified trials that follow.
Thrown into a world of ritual invocations, celestial beasts, and the suffocating etiquette of power, she must reconcile everything she carried about family, identity, and duty. Each trial bends her—labyrinths of memory unearth old guilt, libraries of star-knowledge demand intuition over answers, and a final sacrifice tests the seams of her soul. While gods watch from the sidelines and a hooded killer stalks the streets, Elara confronts a brutal leadership can cost love itself.
Packed with ritual, courtly treachery, and the draining, intimate cost of power, this tense, character-driven epic how much of yourself will you surrender to protect the people you love?
Thrown into a world of ritual invocations, celestial beasts, and the suffocating etiquette of power, she must reconcile everything she carried about family, identity, and duty. Each trial bends her—labyrinths of memory unearth old guilt, libraries of star-knowledge demand intuition over answers, and a final sacrifice tests the seams of her soul. While gods watch from the sidelines and a hooded killer stalks the streets, Elara confronts a brutal leadership can cost love itself.
Packed with ritual, courtly treachery, and the draining, intimate cost of power, this tense, character-driven epic how much of yourself will you surrender to protect the people you love?
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2026
What a story, immersive world, very. Human characters who truly seem to feel and react as you would expect a real person to do. The author has created a rich and vast world that has plenty of space for expansion beyond that of the virgo court. (On that note where is book 2) Elara is a magnificent mfc her growth from childish UK controlled disruptive young adult to a fully rounded and strong woman is evident, in the writing each page grants a new insight to her and what makes her tick.
I knew something wasn't right early on something just didn't sit quite right but I still felt the tension rise even knowing something would happen.
I look forward to the next installment and seeing if my other theory is correct.
I knew something wasn't right early on something just didn't sit quite right but I still felt the tension rise even knowing something would happen.
I look forward to the next installment and seeing if my other theory is correct.
July 9, 2026
Five Star Read :) - As we say in the North, this one’s a proper belter!
Bloody hell, what a ride. If you like books that emotionally drop kick you down a flight of stairs and leave you thanking them for it, you're in for a treat. Georgia leans heavily into the chaos here. One minute I wanted to give the main lass a massive hug, and the next I was ready to knock out some fictional characters. I was proper hooked.
The world-building in this is awesome, it really is. She has crafted a rich, complex zodiac court structure that feels sharp, alive, and completely unpredictable. It starts off a bit slow for my tastes, I won't lie, but once it finds its feet, the pace proper flies and there is action round every corner. The storyline is way more intricate than it first lets on and you find yourself getting drawn into it without even noticing that it has got you. The Trials aren't just your standard magical punch-ups or fighting against your competition as the only person she has to conquer is herself. They hit her right where she is vulnerable, in her history, her guilt, and her mind, forcing her to face things she's buried for years.
Elara our main FMC is absolutely awesome. What kept me sane through all the aggressive emotional investment was her sharp tongue and humor, kind of like a ‘if you don’t laugh, you will cry approach’. Even when everything is going completely to sideways, she comes out with the most hilarious quips and one-liners. She's got proper grit and a wit that had me howling and actually forgetting the threat of death that was constantly lurking.
Then you’ve got the dual MMC's keeping the plot interesting, Kael is all dark, divine and brooding with that Scorpio intensity, then Nox who gives off dangerous, unexpected ally vibes but I also felt like you never really knew what his true intentions were?
The tension between them two and the FMC is half the fun because you never quite know who to trust.
The supporting characters from the zodiac court where also brilliant and so well explained that there was no need for a prologue or starter storyline for you to understand them. My absolute favorites were the Gemini Twins.
By the time I reached the ending I didn't want to stop, it was just pure betrayal, revelations, and total emotional carnage left me desperate for the next book immediately. It is a completely unique, addictive, and brilliant 5-star masterpiece. Get it read!
Bloody hell, what a ride. If you like books that emotionally drop kick you down a flight of stairs and leave you thanking them for it, you're in for a treat. Georgia leans heavily into the chaos here. One minute I wanted to give the main lass a massive hug, and the next I was ready to knock out some fictional characters. I was proper hooked.
The world-building in this is awesome, it really is. She has crafted a rich, complex zodiac court structure that feels sharp, alive, and completely unpredictable. It starts off a bit slow for my tastes, I won't lie, but once it finds its feet, the pace proper flies and there is action round every corner. The storyline is way more intricate than it first lets on and you find yourself getting drawn into it without even noticing that it has got you. The Trials aren't just your standard magical punch-ups or fighting against your competition as the only person she has to conquer is herself. They hit her right where she is vulnerable, in her history, her guilt, and her mind, forcing her to face things she's buried for years.
Elara our main FMC is absolutely awesome. What kept me sane through all the aggressive emotional investment was her sharp tongue and humor, kind of like a ‘if you don’t laugh, you will cry approach’. Even when everything is going completely to sideways, she comes out with the most hilarious quips and one-liners. She's got proper grit and a wit that had me howling and actually forgetting the threat of death that was constantly lurking.
Then you’ve got the dual MMC's keeping the plot interesting, Kael is all dark, divine and brooding with that Scorpio intensity, then Nox who gives off dangerous, unexpected ally vibes but I also felt like you never really knew what his true intentions were?
The tension between them two and the FMC is half the fun because you never quite know who to trust.
The supporting characters from the zodiac court where also brilliant and so well explained that there was no need for a prologue or starter storyline for you to understand them. My absolute favorites were the Gemini Twins.
By the time I reached the ending I didn't want to stop, it was just pure betrayal, revelations, and total emotional carnage left me desperate for the next book immediately. It is a completely unique, addictive, and brilliant 5-star masterpiece. Get it read!
May 4, 2026
all the feels
If a book can make you want to fight fictional people and hug the main character in the same chapter, it’s doing something right and Zodiac Rising by Georgia Snelgrove absolutely leans into that chaos.
There are books you read… and then there are books that emotionally body slam you down a flight of stairs and somehow you thank them for it.
Zodiac Rising is the latter.
From the start, the story hooks you with this pulse of tension that never really lets go. The world feels sharp, alive, and just unpredictable enough that you never get comfortable and honestly? That’s part of the addiction. Every twist felt like a betrayal, every quiet moment like the calm before another emotional storm.
And the characters??
Oh, I had opinions.
Some of them I would protect with my life. Others? I was actively manifesting their downfall. Like not even subtle about it. I wanted karma to show up immediately with receipts. The emotional investment this book forces on you is borderline aggressive.
But here’s the thing:
I cared. Deeply.
That connection is what makes this story hit so hard. You’re not just reading about the adventure you’re in it. The stakes feel real, the emotions feel earned, and when things go wrong (and oh, they do), it hurts in a way that lingers.
This book runs on adrenaline and emotional chaos in the best way possible. It leaves you desperate for more not in a casual “that was good” way, but in a “I need the next book immediately or I will spiral” kind of way.
If a book can make you want to fight fictional people and hug the main character in the same chapter, it’s doing something right and Zodiac Rising by Georgia Snelgrove absolutely leans into that chaos.
There are books you read… and then there are books that emotionally body slam you down a flight of stairs and somehow you thank them for it.
Zodiac Rising is the latter.
From the start, the story hooks you with this pulse of tension that never really lets go. The world feels sharp, alive, and just unpredictable enough that you never get comfortable and honestly? That’s part of the addiction. Every twist felt like a betrayal, every quiet moment like the calm before another emotional storm.
And the characters??
Oh, I had opinions.
Some of them I would protect with my life. Others? I was actively manifesting their downfall. Like not even subtle about it. I wanted karma to show up immediately with receipts. The emotional investment this book forces on you is borderline aggressive.
But here’s the thing:
I cared. Deeply.
That connection is what makes this story hit so hard. You’re not just reading about the adventure you’re in it. The stakes feel real, the emotions feel earned, and when things go wrong (and oh, they do), it hurts in a way that lingers.
This book runs on adrenaline and emotional chaos in the best way possible. It leaves you desperate for more not in a casual “that was good” way, but in a “I need the next book immediately or I will spiral” kind of way.
June 7, 2026
A fun, unique and easy go to read from author Georgia Snelgrove, this unique zodiac ruler ship style storyline starts off a bit slower for my taste, however the pace and flow pickup quickly making it more my favourite style of pacing. Great World building and Character Development, I could see things from a POV perspective that I would likely have changed, but the overall storyline is pretty much a whole lot more complex than first thought.
A great four-star read and a great book to get readers out of a slump.
A great four-star read and a great book to get readers out of a slump.
April 15, 2026
“A goddess who never questions is far more dangerous than one who does.”
✨ Ascension trials
✨ Chosen one
✨ Zodiac magic
✨ Fast paced with a wild twist
This book drops you straight into celestial pressure, and honestly, it never lets up. Elara being pushed into the Virgo ascension is such a compelling setup, because she’s not the girl raised for divinity. She is the one who would rather hold a blade than a prophecy. Watching Elara navigate a role she never asked for makes every trial feel sharper, more personal, and way more emotional.
“Because you’re a spark in a city full of dry tinder… and everything here is waiting to burn.”
The trials themselves are such a standout. They hit her mind, her history, her guilt, her intuition. Each one forces her to confront pieces of herself she’s spent years burying, and that’s where the story really shines.
“But be wary of those who make it too easy. Influence comes in many forms. And remember, some are already shaping your path.”
Kael and Nox… honestly, the tension is half the fun. Kael is all dark, divine Scorpio intensity, while Nox gives that dangerous, unexpected ally vibe. You never quite know who to trust, and that uncertainty keeps the whole plot humming.
“A true goddess wouldn’t stand there in silence while others debated her fate.”
The zodiac court structure is so rich, too. It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface.
And that ending? Betrayal, revelation, emotional carnage… it’s all there.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Ascension trials
✨ Chosen one
✨ Zodiac magic
✨ Fast paced with a wild twist
This book drops you straight into celestial pressure, and honestly, it never lets up. Elara being pushed into the Virgo ascension is such a compelling setup, because she’s not the girl raised for divinity. She is the one who would rather hold a blade than a prophecy. Watching Elara navigate a role she never asked for makes every trial feel sharper, more personal, and way more emotional.
“Because you’re a spark in a city full of dry tinder… and everything here is waiting to burn.”
The trials themselves are such a standout. They hit her mind, her history, her guilt, her intuition. Each one forces her to confront pieces of herself she’s spent years burying, and that’s where the story really shines.
“But be wary of those who make it too easy. Influence comes in many forms. And remember, some are already shaping your path.”
Kael and Nox… honestly, the tension is half the fun. Kael is all dark, divine Scorpio intensity, while Nox gives that dangerous, unexpected ally vibe. You never quite know who to trust, and that uncertainty keeps the whole plot humming.
“A true goddess wouldn’t stand there in silence while others debated her fate.”
The zodiac court structure is so rich, too. It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface.
And that ending? Betrayal, revelation, emotional carnage… it’s all there.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
April 24, 2026
This book was difficult to put down. I really enjoyed it. The concept is so interesting, and I can’t wait to see what happens. Elara is a well written character, and I enjoyed her POV throughout the book. I really enjoyed how the characters were tied to their astrological signs! Fascinating!
I would highly recommend!
I would highly recommend!
April 21, 2026
Elara was never expecting to be chosen as the next Virgo ascended while watching her first ceremony! She would much rather grab a sword and fight with the people than hide away to protect a prophecy. Because of this, as the book progressed, it was fun to watch Elara navigate the challenges that came with her new role.
The trials had to be my favorite part of this entire book. Just as Elara learned a little more with each one, so did we! Each trial of the five forces Elara to confront a part of herself that she may not be comfortable with. These are not trials in the traditional sense where she would be fighting another person. These are much deeper. I will say, without giving anything away...the fifth trial ruined me!!
As Elara moves through these challenges, we meet two MMCs, Kael and Nox. Kael is the Scorpio Ascended and he fits the role! He is dark and intense, bringing the tension to the table when it comes to Elara. Nox on the other hand is the dark dangerous type. From the start of his introduction I knew I would love him. It may have something to do with the shadows.
As far as the world building goes, I loved it! The concept of having 12 realms, one for each Zodiac was so unique. I also loved the magic system or gifts that each character had. There were a few times that I felt the pacing was slightly off. It would feel rushed or as if there was a time gap that was skipped, etc. However, the story was so good that I kept turning those pages. I felt immersed in this story from the first chapter. The author pulls you in and then emotionally destroys you but in a way that you are begging for more as you hang from the cliff she left you on! You got it...the cliffhanger in this book is wild. I cannot wait for book 2!
The trials had to be my favorite part of this entire book. Just as Elara learned a little more with each one, so did we! Each trial of the five forces Elara to confront a part of herself that she may not be comfortable with. These are not trials in the traditional sense where she would be fighting another person. These are much deeper. I will say, without giving anything away...the fifth trial ruined me!!
As Elara moves through these challenges, we meet two MMCs, Kael and Nox. Kael is the Scorpio Ascended and he fits the role! He is dark and intense, bringing the tension to the table when it comes to Elara. Nox on the other hand is the dark dangerous type. From the start of his introduction I knew I would love him. It may have something to do with the shadows.
As far as the world building goes, I loved it! The concept of having 12 realms, one for each Zodiac was so unique. I also loved the magic system or gifts that each character had. There were a few times that I felt the pacing was slightly off. It would feel rushed or as if there was a time gap that was skipped, etc. However, the story was so good that I kept turning those pages. I felt immersed in this story from the first chapter. The author pulls you in and then emotionally destroys you but in a way that you are begging for more as you hang from the cliff she left you on! You got it...the cliffhanger in this book is wild. I cannot wait for book 2!
April 11, 2026
3.5⭐️
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I loved the way the book was set with the courts being the signs of the zodiac and split into 4 different signs. Earth, Fire, Earth and Water. I also loved that each Court had a God or Goddess.
I also loved the magic, the way it was portrayed, how it developed and was accessed plus how each God or Goddess had their own creature.
And of course we love not only one shadow daddy but two! Well in my view anyway. I loved the Gemini Twins (myself being a Gemini and love all things strange) I honestly cant wait to learn more about them!
Despite everything I loved, I fet some of the story passed too quickly or there were gaps I wasn't sure were supposed to be there. Like how the conversation between Nox and Elara about who they both are were was never mentioned again after he saw the necklace
I would have loved of it took Elara longer to access her magic, seeing as she is new to the role and felt it came probably a little too quickly and easily. Many might disagree and this is just my feel of the book.
Oh and we can't forget the massive amazing twist at the end! Freaking loved it!
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I loved the way the book was set with the courts being the signs of the zodiac and split into 4 different signs. Earth, Fire, Earth and Water. I also loved that each Court had a God or Goddess.
I also loved the magic, the way it was portrayed, how it developed and was accessed plus how each God or Goddess had their own creature.
And of course we love not only one shadow daddy but two! Well in my view anyway. I loved the Gemini Twins (myself being a Gemini and love all things strange) I honestly cant wait to learn more about them!
Despite everything I loved, I fet some of the story passed too quickly or there were gaps I wasn't sure were supposed to be there. Like how the conversation between Nox and Elara about who they both are were was never mentioned again after he saw the necklace
I would have loved of it took Elara longer to access her magic, seeing as she is new to the role and felt it came probably a little too quickly and easily. Many might disagree and this is just my feel of the book.
Oh and we can't forget the massive amazing twist at the end! Freaking loved it!
June 3, 2026
Zodiac Rising - The Trials by @georgialsnelgrove_author
Can I first say I now have trust issues and I have no idea whats going to happen in book 2 after that ending!? I'm an ARC reader for book 2 and I am dying to get my hands on it.
I loved the world, the gods and goddesses were so cool. The whole zodiac world I absolutely love. Sucked in with the God of Scorpio, but also N.. (iykyk) Elara was funny, I liked her banter.
4⭐️
Can I first say I now have trust issues and I have no idea whats going to happen in book 2 after that ending!? I'm an ARC reader for book 2 and I am dying to get my hands on it.
I loved the world, the gods and goddesses were so cool. The whole zodiac world I absolutely love. Sucked in with the God of Scorpio, but also N.. (iykyk) Elara was funny, I liked her banter.
4⭐️
April 13, 2026
This story was absolutely a breathe of fresh air! It was empowering as you saw the female lead step into her true capabilities, navigate great challenges, inner turmoil, loss, chaos, deception, and so much more! It was thrilling, raw, and moving - I cannot recommend this book enough and, absolutely, cannot wait to see if this turns into a series! I genuinely hope it does turn into a series, it was that amazing of a story, with beautiful world building, honest character development, and so much more that could possibly happen next!
March 28, 2026
Wow! This is a must read!
I don’t even know where to start with this book!! Seeing the zodiac signs as different gods and goddesses in different courts was really amazing!! I’m a Virgo, so Elara is naturally my favorite character! ‘Knowledge will always be where it is needed, not where it is expected. Call to it and it will come.”and then there was no signature?! I loved the suspense, the world building, the characters and their development! It was so good!!! I love this so much that I literally want to buy a physical copy as a trophy copy!!!! Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR as your next read!!!
I don’t even know where to start with this book!! Seeing the zodiac signs as different gods and goddesses in different courts was really amazing!! I’m a Virgo, so Elara is naturally my favorite character! ‘Knowledge will always be where it is needed, not where it is expected. Call to it and it will come.”and then there was no signature?! I loved the suspense, the world building, the characters and their development! It was so good!!! I love this so much that I literally want to buy a physical copy as a trophy copy!!!! Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR as your next read!!!
March 22, 2026
This debut was everything I wanted in a romantasy! Deadly trials, newfound power, growing confidence and not one, but two morally grey potential love interests (narrowed down to one by the end though)
It was so well written and the story flowed brilliantly. The characters were portrayed effortlessly and attached to their personalities from the get go.
It had me hooked from page 1 and didn't let me go until well after I had finished it.
Thank you, Georgia, for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book!
It was so well written and the story flowed brilliantly. The characters were portrayed effortlessly and attached to their personalities from the get go.
It had me hooked from page 1 and didn't let me go until well after I had finished it.
Thank you, Georgia, for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book!
March 12, 2026
Alara only wanted to be a guardian, do her best to fight and protect. She trained harder and longer then anyone. One night changed all that. Can she still be herself even when so many are trying to make her be something else? There is suspense, humor, mystery, and action in this storytelling with a few twist. The writing very descriptive and is done well.
I love Alara's personality and humor.
I love Alara's personality and humor.
June 9, 2026
Thank you, Georgia L. Snelgrove, for this eARC!
I had a difficult time getting into this book, but once I got past the first few chapters, the storyline really picked up for me, and I had a hard time putting it down. I am a sucker for any book with Zodiac-related themes, and this one checked all my boxes. Gods based on Zodiacs, with each one having a realm based around them, was so interesting to read. I kept wanting to learn more about each realm, and the God Ascended for them as well.
The characters are so well thought out, and I loved each one's respective magical gifts. Reading Elara slowly start to accept the role she did not expect was amazing. I do believe she got her magic a little too quickly, making the pacing of the book seem a little off at times. I wish we got to read about her struggle with it a little bit more.
The world-building is incredible and really draws you into each setting, giving vivid descriptions so that you can clearly picture the setting.
What was that ending though! The absolute betrayal I felt reading the end had me having whiplash, and I am now so worried about what book 2 will contain.
Please give me the next book as soon as possible!
I had a difficult time getting into this book, but once I got past the first few chapters, the storyline really picked up for me, and I had a hard time putting it down. I am a sucker for any book with Zodiac-related themes, and this one checked all my boxes. Gods based on Zodiacs, with each one having a realm based around them, was so interesting to read. I kept wanting to learn more about each realm, and the God Ascended for them as well.
The characters are so well thought out, and I loved each one's respective magical gifts. Reading Elara slowly start to accept the role she did not expect was amazing. I do believe she got her magic a little too quickly, making the pacing of the book seem a little off at times. I wish we got to read about her struggle with it a little bit more.
The world-building is incredible and really draws you into each setting, giving vivid descriptions so that you can clearly picture the setting.
What was that ending though! The absolute betrayal I felt reading the end had me having whiplash, and I am now so worried about what book 2 will contain.
Please give me the next book as soon as possible!
July 18, 2026
This is set in a world ruled by the god/goddesses of the Zodiac, each star sign has thier deity, who each rule thier own court and keep things to a relative albeit shaky level of peace, lead character Elara is the daughter of the military commander of Virgos court, and set to take her place as a guardian of her goddess...
But during the ceremony, the Virgo goddess is murdered, but. Using fhe last of her strength and revealing the deities to be ascended humans they name Elara as their successor
But in ordsr to ascend, Elara must past tests set to her by the remaining gods to see if she is worthy of joining them, the so called "zodiac trials"
Now I liked this for the most part, the magic system is good, the individual deities are well fleshed out with traits related to thier star sign and the actual trials were quite interesting as well with some nice twists.
There was however, pretty strong chosen ones vibes which is a trope I dont tend to gel well with, and Elara managed to unlock/master her given powers a bit too quickly for my liking.
Overall though, it was a enjoyable read(and lovely looking cover 😍)
But during the ceremony, the Virgo goddess is murdered, but. Using fhe last of her strength and revealing the deities to be ascended humans they name Elara as their successor
But in ordsr to ascend, Elara must past tests set to her by the remaining gods to see if she is worthy of joining them, the so called "zodiac trials"
Now I liked this for the most part, the magic system is good, the individual deities are well fleshed out with traits related to thier star sign and the actual trials were quite interesting as well with some nice twists.
There was however, pretty strong chosen ones vibes which is a trope I dont tend to gel well with, and Elara managed to unlock/master her given powers a bit too quickly for my liking.
Overall though, it was a enjoyable read(and lovely looking cover 😍)
June 13, 2026
✨✨✨✨
Zodiac Rising was such a fun and addictive read! I loved the unique astrology-inspired world and how each character’s zodiac sign influenced who they were. Alara is a fantastic protagonist—determined, witty, and easy to root for as she fights to stay true to herself despite the challenges thrown her way. Packed with action, mystery, humor, and a few surprising twists, this book kept me turning the pages. The concept is incredibly intriguing, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
Zodiac Rising was such a fun and addictive read! I loved the unique astrology-inspired world and how each character’s zodiac sign influenced who they were. Alara is a fantastic protagonist—determined, witty, and easy to root for as she fights to stay true to herself despite the challenges thrown her way. Packed with action, mystery, humor, and a few surprising twists, this book kept me turning the pages. The concept is incredibly intriguing, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
June 15, 2026
What a book
I loved this book from the start the characters are amazing the storyline is brilliant and the ending on my god what a cliffhanger I can't wait for book 2😀
I loved this book from the start the characters are amazing the storyline is brilliant and the ending on my god what a cliffhanger I can't wait for book 2😀
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews