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The Zodiac #2

The Horn of Taurus

No good deed goes unpunished
Especially when you work for Lucifer


Siding with a runway demon might not have been Ezekial Sunstone's smartest move.

After failing in his first mission for Lucifer, he never thought the Council would give him a second chance.

After what they did to Aries, he never wanted to have another chance.

Disappointing friends, family, and Hell's rulers makes his life difficult enough. Living as Hell’s only demon without magic is just a cruel fate.

When the Council calls on him to steal a powerful artifact, Ezekial finds himself teaming with his best friend and his worst nightmare.

Betrayed by those he trusted most, Ezekial has lost faith in demonhood. Can this new opportunity rectify all past wrongs, or will it make him wish he was born an angel?

There is only one way to find out.

Fail Lucifer once, shame on you. Fail Him twice and you might never get a chance to fail Him again.


The Zodiac series is what you get when you mix Jim Butcher and Christopher Moore. Fans of Terry Mancour and Lindsay Buroker will the light ride dealing with the souls of the world.


The Horn of Taurus is the second book in The Zodiac series. The first book, Bitter Aries, will be released in July 2020. Book 3, The Gemini Paradox, will be available for pre-order in September 2020.

Paperback

Published July 4, 2020

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About the author

Paul Sating

44 books70 followers
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Paul Sating is a fantasy author and podcaster who spends most of his time traveling the Pacific Northwest in search of elusive monsters everyone claims aren't real.

The creator of the Audio Fiction podcast, Paul began adapting many of those scripts to novel form and published his first three books in 2018. He is now fooling around with his first love--dark fantasy. He writes epic, urban, and even litrpg (a trust jack of all trades and master of none).

He stays grounded by rooting for bad soccer teams, traveling around his beautiful corner of the world, and spending every moment he can with the three people who don't let him think too highly of himself--his wife and daughters.

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5 stars
48 (44%)
4 stars
37 (34%)
3 stars
16 (14%)
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5 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
2,203 reviews855 followers
September 29, 2020
Ezekial, his friend Bilba and the ever so annoying Ralrek are back for another adventure!

Six months after the events of the first book, Zeke had time (and time and even more time) to improve his Creed skills while practicing either alone or with Bilba. He's not quite there yet but he's getting better.

The time has come for him to move out of his parents' house so he manages (barely) to find a job in an old bookstore with a kind but mysterious old lady who's definitely hiding some secrets of her own.

A month into it, business is going well but then the Council gives him another mission out of the blue. The trio has to go to the 8th Circle to retrieve the Horn of Taurus. At least their mentor is better this time around.

This book played with my emotions more than the previous one. I'm specifically thinking of Bilba's mother, that awful woman. I just wanted to give Bilba a great big hug and tell him everything's gonna be okay.

And Marijon? Jokes on me because I thought the bookstore girl was going to be important...but then Marijon showed up. I still haven't warmed up to her, especially after that ending.

I don't mind that we didn't see a lot of Taurus until close to the ending because he was nothing like sweet Arias. We're better off.

I'm happy we saw more of Seraph, she's cool.

Zeke is getting more mature as time goes by, and he'll change even more in the next book because of what he had to do. And because of what we learned about Creed. SPEAKING OF, I WANT MORE.

This story was every bit as entertaining as the first, I have high hopes for the other books.

And so on I go, to the next in the series.

*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
5 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
In this new book, Zeke and his gang reunite for a new mission from the Council: to steal a horn from the rich and powerful demon Taurus. They travel to the 8th Circle of Hell, accompanied by a new mentor (Seraph). They also get acquainted with Marijon, an interesting inhabitant of the 8th. Finding the horn is an adventure that will test the loyalties of the team. The book also gives more details about the Creed and its power but leaves Zeke (and the readers!) with many unanswered questions. 

The good thing about this book is that you will want to read the next one. The bad thing about this book is that you'll have to wait about a month to see what happens next in this series. 
Profile Image for Goth Gone Grey.
1,191 reviews47 followers
August 2, 2020
Strong follow-up to the first.

As with many series, this volume has similarities to the first. An unlikely trio of demons sent on a quest, supervised by a senior Council member. Ezekiel (I don't know him well enough to call him Zeke) wields Creed, a strong enough weapon to be a character as well.

The story style is often of the stranger in a strange land, ready to do his task but still somewhat befuddled by why he, the only demon who can't cast spells, is chosen. An example of the writing:

"My lack of celebrity extended all the way to my parent's home. But, if there was anywhere in the nine Circles where a celebrity expected to not be treated like one, I imagined it would be in their home, around their family. Especially around their family because that was what families did; they kept demons grounded. Otherwise, they would think they could fly."

Some of the novelty aspects of the first book are now just part of the world, leaving the reader to focus on the story instead. It's solid, wrapping up this segment satisfactorily while still leaving unanswered questions for the rest of the series.

I received a copy for review purposes.
Profile Image for aub.downtherabbithole.
130 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2020
I received an eBook copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sating picked up momentum in The Zodiac series. The Horn of Taurus was even better than his first.

Zeke and his friends find themselves in another Council - led adventure, this time to the Eighth Circle of the Underworld. During their mission to retrieve a powerful artifact from Taurus himself, Zeke and Bilba learn a lot about themselves and who they want to be.

Zeke really comes into his own in the sequel. He learns courage and patience. It's refreshing to see a character learn from their mistakes so quickly while still learning the ropes of adulthood. I enjoyed Zeke's interactions with councilwoman Seraph and his I'm-over-it attitude toward Rarek. His ever-growing knowledge of the Underworld is fascinating as the reader learns with him. Sating continues his world building through the circles of hell and the layers of magic that comes with casting and ancient items. Add the drama of politics and you got yourself an in depth fantasy series that keeps getting better and better.

I am excited for Zeke's next adventure in The Gemini Paradox and to find out more about Creed and the council's secrets.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,811 reviews141 followers
September 4, 2020
Life has not been great for Zeke (having acquired authorial blessing to call him that, I must insist upon making use of this privilege) lately, and the last thing he wants is to be shipped off on another mission with a highly questionable chance of success by the Council. The destination this time: The 8th Circle of Hell, a distinctly unpleasant environment, where Zeke and gang are sent to retrieve a powerful artifact - and as one might expect when dealing with the Council, failure is not an option.

I really enjoyed the series opener and never say no to a good heist story, so picking this up was pretty much a no-brainer. The second book in this thus far highly entertaining series expands on its excellent worldbuilding, letting the reader explore more facets of the Underworld and the daily lives of its inhabitants. We see familiar characters develop and get to know more about their backgrounds while also being introduced to intriguing new additions to the cast that I hope to meet again in future books. Especially Marijon, bless her mercenary little heart! A great character that added a new dimension to the three guys' dynamic.
Humour, action, lots of unanswered questions - the perfect mix to ensure I'll be coming back for more!

*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
28 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2020
I liked Bitter Aries so much, I picked up The Horn of Taurus immediately afterwards. Because it is entirely set in the Underworld, the reader doesn't get the visitor's eye view of our world as we did in Book 1. However, we learn more about Ezekiel's world, including the different Circles of Hell, the range of demons' Abilities, his and his friends' families and back stories.

You can enjoy this book on a number of levels - for the heist adventure at its core, as a rumination about class distinctions and the political games of those in power, because of the strong friendship of Ezekiel and Basra. The characters are maturing and questioning authority, as they should in a solid YA novel. I look forward to the next in The Zodiac Series by Paul Sating.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dana.
204 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2020
Horn of Taurus

Ezekiel Sunstone’s newest adventure was even more thrilling than the predecessor. We meet some interesting new characters and get reacquainted with some old ones as we follow Ezekiel on his latest quest. As always, things are more than they seem, and while some questions are answered, even more are brought up!

Zeke (since this is our second adventure together, I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him Zeke) is becoming more confident as he continues to learn to wield Creed. He still holds serious reservations about the motives of the council, and this seems wise as their motives are as murky as the deepest pit of the Underworld. Politicians, whether on earth or in the Underworld, are pretty much all the same, aren’t they?

New character, Marijon, was one tough succubus, and you’re left wondering right up to the climax just where her loyalties are. A few other new characters are introduced, and they bring their own mystery to the party.

Horn of Taurus felt more emotional than the previous book as it delves into Bilba’s feelings regarding his mother’s abandonment. The world-building in this series is impressive, especially down to some seemingly innocuous details. The pacing was pretty intense at times and while there’s still the requisite snark, it’s a bit more serious than the previous book.

I’m left with so many questions. What are the true motives of the Council? What does Ezekiel’s non-Ability Ability fully entail? What does being “the one” mean? What is Creed’s relationship to Zeke about? I can’t wait to find out.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and the author.
5,452 reviews32 followers
July 30, 2020
The story line and character work were good. This book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a great addition to the series and I was entertained from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Louis Jackson.
12 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2020
After enjoying the first of its kind ‘Bitter Aries’, a couple of months ago, I was more than happy to get my teeth into the second book of the Zodiac series, ‘The Horn of Taurus’, and wow it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Here we see Ezekiel and the gang doing the bidding of Lucifer’s Council once again, this time to stop a certain demon from becoming far too big for his breeches in the eighth circle of Hell.

The story of Ezekiel and Creed becomes deeper and richer in this story. It also leaves us with more questions than answers as to the purpose of the most powerless demon in the history of the Underworld, and possibly the most powerful weapon of all creation, something I look forward to unraveling.

If you haven't yet taken the time to enjoy Paul Sating’s Zodiac series, then I suggest you let your fingers wander over to snap up the first book as well!
Profile Image for Frances.
332 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2020
Zeke is a demon with a Conscience he thinks he is a nobody but somehow he is stronger and faster than everyone. He lives in a world that you are not supposed to question your betters but he does and he doesn’t liked being used by the Council but he doesn’t really have a choice. I am curious how him and his friends will change over the the next few books

I received a free copy of this book
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,387 reviews17 followers
July 22, 2020
The Horn of Taurus is a great addition to this highly fascinating world. This newest adventure draws Zeke deeper into the Council's machinations and left me with questions I cannot wait to get the answers to. Book three cannot come soon enough.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
279 reviews12 followers
August 14, 2020
Overall I really enjoyed reading this, the characters were great as was the plot itself. I'm really enjoying the series and look forward to more in the series and author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,330 reviews40 followers
July 7, 2020
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Life for Zeke after his and his companions journey to the surface world and deal with Aries has been altered... yet also not at all. For some in the Underworld, Zeke has become a celebrity while others still see as a reject; the Council sees him as a pawn they wield to their desire. His next mission has him and his allies heading deeper into the Underworld, confronting Taurus and taking back a powerful horn. With reckless bravery, a powerful weapon from Aries himself that Zeke will find useful; the journey will have Zeke discovering secrets he didn't want to know, wanting nothing more than just to be himself and not a pawn. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Melissa.
43 reviews
November 1, 2020
This is turning into a pretty great series. In The Horn of Taurus we find Zeke dealing with the fall out of Bitter Aries. It isn't as if hasn't been humiliated before in his life but this takes it to another level.
Under house arrest and sentenced unjustly, Zeke's back to his only friend Bilba infrequently visiting. No one else will even speak to him especially his father. He spends his time trying to learn more about Creed but it's a slow process.
Finally, the council comes to force him into another mission. At least Seraph is the one handling this one. They just have to retrieve the Horn of Taurus from the most powerful demon in the eighth and not die.

The world building continues and adds depth to the story. Zeke does grow in this book. It is fascinating to watch the characters evolve. We get a closer look into the familial ties of both Zeke and Bilba as well as their desperation to be loved. There are some very real depictions of the emotional consequences of what he did in that mission. The writer does a great job of bringing their struggles and heartbreak to light. It pulls you in. I empathized with them greatly.

I am excited to see where the next book leads.
I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Christine Kempton.
190 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. This was the follow up book to Bitter Aries. Zeke is living out his punishment for his behaviour in the events of what happened to Aries. Zeke gets a job that he finds he actually enjoys when he is again approached by the Council to do another task. Zeke again feels that he has no choice but to comply with what the Council wants. Zeke hopes the payday he receives will help him move out on his own and maybe fix his standing with the Council. Zeke is offered a book by his boss that ends up teaching him more then he ever thought possible. But the book starts to create more questions than it answers. What exactly is going on. Zeke also starts to question why the Council keeps coming him to do these tasks. This is a great second book in this series. I look very forward to continuing on with the adventures of Zeke and his friends.
130 reviews
September 18, 2023
I like the story line but definitely no comparison to Jim butcher. Zero. Jim butcher wouldn't stand around stupid and not help save a life. Just saying. silly minded. This little guy keeps convincing himself his best friend is not a back stabbing cold hard murderer, who goes blood crazy when attacking and killing someone has zero empathy for others and lacks ability to care about human life or right n wrong. He's secretive and conniving. And a real good liar. But silly boy keeps ignoring all the open signs and proven actions. And he's kinda still weak minded. I like him cuz he's super nice but is he supposed he acting this dumb and weak? Writer should give him forward progress.again I really like him cuz I like my hero's to also be good, kind, nice, generous, etc. But keep waiting to see him stand strong.
Profile Image for CanditheBookworm.
407 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2020
So well-written, great storyline, easy to fall in love with characters (especially Zeke) I am absolutely enthralled with this series and devouring the books. Action flows well, dialogue is excellent, and learning more about the characters and their thoughts, dreams, and personalities every installment (bonus the author is very concise and detail oriented - you don’t think aw that’s not logical with their actions!!). On to the next one and looking forward to continuing the journey!!

I received an ARC from the author and Booksirens for free and I am Lea I have an honest review voluntarily!!
Profile Image for Anita Rheinhart.
140 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2021
Good Book. I like that he is starting to understand more about the history, and what he has. I think his free thinking gets him into trouble, but I also think that it is what makes him so different from everyone else. Definite twist at the end, kind of sucks, I wanted her to be good. O well, that is what keeps it interesting. I don't think she is done though. Would be cool for her to pop back up.

I enjoyed reading this, and will get the next one to see how things move forward.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,590 reviews23 followers
March 3, 2021
This series continues to evolve and I think it is even better than the first book! This is fun urban fantasy that has entertaining characters great world building and an entertaining plot. A new Circle of Hell is introduced which I think was a great addition to the plot and I look forward to seeing how everything continues to develop as the series moves forward. I truly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for John McDonnell.
501 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2021
On the fence with this series so far. I like the premise but I'm finding it hard to get suched into the excitment to grab the next book. Still it's decent enough read to fill in time. Hopefully the next will spark a moment.
Profile Image for Jamie Rice.
1,343 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
The horn of Taurus by Paul sating. Such an awesome story. The character development and world building are awesome. But the hook for the next book. OMG! It's like he gets answers but just give us more questions lol. What a great read
42 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2020
Great book well written and captivating character's are great too the Bickering between Zeke and his friends really makes it for me lol
Profile Image for NJ Boyer.
Author 9 books3 followers
January 14, 2021
Bring on more Zeke. This story world has seriously entrapped me. I am enjoying this.
Profile Image for James Learman.
228 reviews
January 22, 2021
good book the first one of the series was a little slow but it definitely set this up to be a better book. an interesting view on hell
702 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2021
Am really enjoying this series. I already have book 3 and will start it tomorrow.
Profile Image for Antonia Hardcastle.
28 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2020
Second book in the series and it definitely got better. Never have I devoured a book so fast and been so eager for the next. It keeps you on your toes and creates a great relationship between the reader and the main character. A perfect balance of humour and seriousness. It’s the kind of series I want to recommend to everybody and their mother!
Profile Image for K.V. Wilson.
Author 9 books85 followers
March 10, 2023
Edit: keep reading because book 3 is the best of the series so far.
Book 2 seemed slower to me than Book 1 in terms of action, and the end felt a bit rushed. But that's not enough to dissuade me from reading the rest of the series. The world-building was really well-done. I enjoyed Zeke's character and Creed's mystery.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews