Zodiac Shadows: Latina Mafia Romance

Warrior Shifter #0.5

by R.C. Luna

Before I became a supernatural, I married the mafia.

Mafia thief. Miami party-girl. Wake up chica, the Zodiac Shadows are coming.

It’s hard to try and get your life together when mysterious, soul-wrenching zodiac shadows start coming to take over your mind.

Why I am I being hunted and stalked by monsters that feast on my fear?

I’m just a girl that pays for college by breaking into safes and picking locks for the Miami Mafia, until I finally get a big job and manage to mess it up. Beaten and bullied by my father who is a mafia outcast, it seems I am following in his footsteps. The mafia is ruthless, it was stupidly dangerous to cross them and I did it twice. The second time was when I married the rising king of a rival gang. Because of my ties to the mafia, I suddenly become territory to fight over. Yet, I don’t belong to anyone and the savage zodiac fire within me knows it.

With my sanity at stake, will I escape my brutal life and learn what the stars have in store for me?

*This is an action-packed slow burn mafia romance prequel to the Gates of the Zodiac series that expands into a steamy paranormal romance with shifters, fated mates, vampires, fae and lots of fantasy. If you like books like Zodiac Academy, Moon Touched (Elizabeth Briggs) and Rejected (Jaymin Eve) you will love this book. 18+ due to sexual content, violence and language.

Genres: Fantasy

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2022

About the author

My passion for books, magic, witchcraft, and mystery comes alive with the sexy, paranormal monsters that line the pages of my books. I also love to play with astrological themes, the phases of the moon, and all kinds of mythology. Writing allows me to take a moment and appreciate the magic that is ever-present in the world.

The Warrior Shifter series is my first book series, and you can get the prequel for FREE and more regular updates from me by signing up to my newsletter here: www.rcluna.com

Reviews

[Corina Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous prequel! This is a page-turner, containing enough hints of mystery and emotional angst to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author has a natural way with dialogue that the characters are authentic and real. I loved it and was well and truly hooked as I eagerly await the release of book 1!

[Naomi Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick 100 page read to get you introduced into what is going on in Sashas life during this time.

She is pretty much navigating life alone after her aunt passed. Her mother hates her , her dad is a drunk who likes to use his hands to talk and her brother is a spoiled brat. The one friend she has moves away and shes trying to navigate what these dreams mean when some parts of the dreams start coming true and marking her in real life .

I can't wait to see whats more to come in the rest of the books.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice introduction into the main character of the series. I am glad I started with this to get to know her and her background.
I like all the little symbolism in the everyday signs she would see and I really was digging the more explicitly obvious-premonitions with her dreams and visions.

I am now ready to officially start the series!

Just like the author warns, this is def urban Latinx romance. It is set in Miami with the urban Latine population that does deal with drugs and other organized crime. (which is my shit :)) Just a heads up if readers dont like the dark urban settings, this will not be for you.

[♡°°Mercedes°°♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 Stars ⭐️

I understand this is the "prequel" to the Zodiac Shadows series but it was a bit slow for me. All the zodiac and astrology aspects became a little confusing. Even Sasha's dreams about gates and flying were a little all over the place for me.

I will say I am intrigued by these shadows and what this is all leading to. I will continue the series since it's not too long.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a thrill read this was. Characters had a lot to offer and the storyline was superb. I was hooked. It was a very well written book

[Terisha Cuebas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a page turner!!! Amazing read, the characters are extremely relatable, and the story line keeps you wanting more. As I ended each chapter, I had to keep reading the next one to find out what happens. I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished the prequel last night! I can tell you that I cried at some scenes. I relate so much to her, it's crazy!! I like this book and I'm determined to finish the series.

HONEST THOUGHTS:

POSITIVE: I like the choice of words, and I like how it's written in a non-traditional way. I like how words that aren't normally used for particular situations are being used. There's a lot of creativity here, and I'm for it. I also have to say I'm obsessed with the author's Tiktok personality, her accent, her persona, and it feels good to read something so raw, and not so professionally enhanced, edited.

Maybe that's odd, but it feels relatable, like I can finally breathe. I like Sasha a lot, and I think she's an amazing girl. I relate a lot to her culturally wise, and family wise, etc. It is descriptive, and not overly descriptive either.

THE HMM:

It was a bit slow to start. However, there's a lot that doesn't make sense. It all feels rushed, and it throws me off how she's at a particular location, and in the next sentence it's already a week later or so. The whole thing with Omar felt so unrealistic. There was no chemistry to begin with, but there was an emotional moment there that angered me, and that's when I cried again.

Elio---I like him, but then I don't. I feel like more background there was needed, but I also understand that it was the prequel. It all seemed weird, and the kiss, (a well written section by the way) it just felt odd, and random.

There are also some spelling mistakes there, and normally it drives me away, but overall, the story overweighs it. I'm already on chapter 4 on the official first book, so we'll see! :)


I started this book June 23,2025. I'm trying to read the full set. It's a little slow, but I am genuinely in love with the author's writing style. I love her Tiktok personality, and it's how I found out about it. It isn't my typical genre either.

So far, I'm on chapter 11 (prequel) and I have found a huge liking for Sasha, and I like Elio so much. I already cried at what I think will happen. I HATE Sasha's dad with a passion.

I like the pacing, though a little long, but it's fine. I'm intrigued, and I'm excited to keep on reading. It's descriptive, and I think there's a typo in there, and a sentence that was put in wrong, but maybe it's on purpose. Regardless, it doesn't change my opinion about the author, her writing style, her mind. I love this book ALREADY. So that's a good sign.

I love to read, but I can also get distracted easily, and I'm wanting to read until the end. It's interesting, and honestly, when I'm reading, I'm deeply involved. ♥

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this prequel as the author shared it in a FB book group I am in and I really liked the whole premise of this series. This sequel hints at some of the paranormal powers that the FMC will hopefully develop in this series, but this book mostly focused on her life before the series truly begins.

Sasha's life's not great. At 18, she is struggling to pay for her college tuition, her parents are not the best especially with her dad being an outcast from the mafia and now a violent drunk, a brother who seems to be given everything he wants, including Sasha's own things. However she does have a couple of close friends, who make everything that much better. When she messes up on a job, things turn even worse for her though!

She makes a couple of rash, hasty decisions which have some unpleasant consequences to say the least! And now Sasha has to learn to deal with them as well as with the Shadow that keeps appearing in her nightmares!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it definitely whet my appetite for what I hope to come next in this series. Although Sasha was an inexperienced and immature character at first, she definitely grew up a lot with everything that happened to her and I can't wait to see how she grows and develops even more now!

[Leah_&_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has everything!
It's a dark fantasy romance. The FMC is Latina and is looking for her shaman so she can complete her transformation into a jaguar (nagual). If she doesn't, she'll stay in her jaguar form for the rest of her life. This series will keep you in suspense and it will tell you about the journey of Sasha to find her shaman (which won't be easy). It's a slow burn, but it keeps you wanting to know more. Inside the series, you'll find topics related to horoscopes, the moon, the sun; you'll also see vampires, the mafia, magic, fated mates, found family, and more. You'll also see a little spice 🤭. I recommend this series if you're looking for something related to the zodiac.

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the Warrior Shifter series and the main character is eighteen year old Sasha, who lives with her parents and brother Ale (Alejandro) in Miami. Her father used to be part of the local Miami Mafia until something went sideways and he was made an outcast, and her mother spends all her time off her head. Sasha is trying to get through college, seeing it as the only way for her to escape her family life and make something of herself. Her best friends Nikki and Elio are her only relief, but also bad examples. The girls like to party and resort to shoplifting to get outfits and accessories. Elio is an upcoming king of the Miami Mafia, and has given her some small jobs so she can make money, then move out! Until her mother steals her stash of funds and gives it to her younger brother. She is back at the start and pushes Elio to get her a bigger job, breaking into a safe like her father used to, but she fails a simple trust test!
During all of this, she has been haunted by zodiac shadow dreams, with a strange shadow mist that seems to be coming for her. Now she also sees a man by a zodiac gate and packs of jaguars. She seems to be swallowed by fire sometimes, other times able to shoot fire from her hands, or fly above everything. But some of her dreams have turned into nightmares, where she is chained to the floor and unable to fly away to escape, some where the fire burns her up. Her friend Nikki’s mum, Ms Gabriel, is attuned to tarot and dreams, like her Tia Lily, and helps her to understand her dreams and to clear her chakras, so she is more open to using her own abilities. Sasha has insights of precognition, able to dream of things to come. She made a mistake on the job with Elio, then she made another by marrying Omar, who is from the cartel and the mafia’s rival. Omar asked her to marry him, but soon seems to turn out like her father and she is then living in a world of fear rather than love. She has this fire inside her that seems to come out in times of high emotions, but how real is it? She needs to escape the mistakes of her past and the life she is heading towards, to learn what the stars actually have planned for her, however hard it may be. I received an ARC copy of this book and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
3 ½ - 4 star

[Brooke Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ rounded up. Okay so I ate this book up. I was very interested as the author marketed it as a jaguar shifter series and said it is very Latina steeped in Puerto Rican culture and mythology.

I loved learning about the zodiac and how it related to Sasha’s story. She is a lonely girl who seems to be overtaken by these dark shadows that come to her dream life. Everyone has left her and all she has are these dreams and an abusive husband. In this story she makes bad and good choices that lead to both outcomes. I was always waiting to see what would happen next and it captured my interest very well.

I would’ve like to see more world building and perhaps more explanation as to why she was having these dreams. I do realize though that she was confused as to why she was having them so we probably were supposed to be as well.

I hope she stays away from Omar and that she finds some good friends. Maybe shifter friends?? And more people like Nikki’s mom!

I’m glad I took a chance on an up and coming author and I think it’s a great read.

[Yasmeen Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel was a great read and really gave us an introduction to Sasha and her character’s background. I really enjoyed learning about her and I am rooting for her. It is well written at a pace that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.

My favorite person in her life is Nikki’s mom! I personally relate to her because I sell insurance and love tarot and all things spirituality. I loved how Nikki’s mom helped Sasha grow and understand herself during the prequel and I can’t wait to see how Sasha evolves in the upcoming books.

Least favorite people are Sasha’s mom and dad. They give me an ever softer spot for Sasha because it makes her even more relatable. I know the difficult family dynamic will only make her stronger and it written in a way that makes me hopeful for Sasha and I can’t wait to see how she grows in the future novels.

All of this to say - the prequel is a great read that gets you excited to jump into the first book of the series!

[Mari Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This is For You
When others throw dirt on your name.
When you are lost in the darkness, with no candles to light the way.
When reality hits you in the face, and you don't know if you'll be ok.
Remember, you never needed a savior. Because you were there to save yourself, time and again.
Let them watch as the flowers grow where they thought you fell. And because you are a goddess, you fed and grew from the pain.
Never shrink so they can shine.
Never make yourself small for their sake.
Be that badass bitch no matter what you have to face.”

This was my first read in this series and I wonder if it’s the type of prequel that’s better read after you have a better feel for the character and world? The time-jumps left me un-anchored in the story which was maybe the point? This prequel is the first in a romantasy series with a Boricua main character. This is the first series I’ve run across with that premise. I’m looking forward to delving into this world more in the next book.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid foundation to learn about Sasha. It all seemed rushed, though, like her relationship with Omar. I am intrigued about the magical realm here, as it seems to mix a lot of different cultures magics and mysticism.
im pushing into the first book of the series, hoping that getting into the main meat of the story helps pull me in more.

likes:
-Elio (dont hate me, I just think he's going to be good for Sasha at some point)
-Nikki's mom. she gave Sasha an opening to her spiritual awakening.
- The Jaguar. no need for more comments

dislikes:
-Sasha's dad, brother, mother, and probably everyone in her family except her Tia. 🤷🏻‍♀️
-Omar. I think we saw that coming from a mile away.
-A little bit Sasha. She makes dumb decisions over and over again. I hope this isn't a theme throughout the books. 🤞🏼

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic prequel!
RC Luna has done a wonderful job setting up the world, and getting us prepared for the story that lies ahead. We’ve got some backstory into Sasha and the beginnings of her powers.
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While some may think the zodiac is confusing; it’s really not - the author focuses on just Sasha’s which is simple just like anyone else’s. As we dig deeper into the next books I’m confident more will be explained. I love the mystery behind the dreams/nightmares and have a strong suspicion these are foretelling of what’s to come.
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The prequel focus’s on Sasha a girl struggling to get out from the shadow of her failed mafia father and create a life of her own in the same world. She’s tested and put through a gauntlet of trials to see where her loyalty and strength lie. Will she make it out and learn to fly?

[Bloomingdale Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally got into this series because I thought it was a dystopian story. Although it is not, I am not disappointed. This book a quick read to help set the time and get some insight to what to expect from the series. It's sad, frustrating, thrilling and at the same time it's healing. I love that there are elements of self care and self awareness. There are definitely characters that you will hate because they are terrible people haha.

The characters really help move the story along and I feel like I have known them for years. The family dinamic is very real relatable and can be triggering. But I love that this story overall is relatable even though it's totally a fantasy hahaha. I am absolutely here for a strong female character even though you watch her make many mistakes.

I highly recommend this book and I hope you really enjoy it!

[Michele Marrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far this started out good 3.75 stars in my opinion but for the rating purposes up top I gave 4. I was interested from the beginning. I will say it did get a bit confusing at times with all the zodiac talk but it could just be me since I’m not that familiar with that. Sasha seems to be dealing with a lot in life her upbringing her home life is not great. She doesn’t do herself any favors though and gets herself into some trouble and has to figure it out fast. During all of that she keeps having dreams that seem to be trying to tell her something and she can’t quite figure it out. I think there’s a good story here and can’t wait to see how it develops.

[Azyamarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a prequel. I didn’t think it was that bad but I also didn’t think it was great. I like it but I thought it was a little slow and it took me a little to get into it. I do like the fact that you get an idea of how things started prior to reading the first book and I am grateful for that. Grateful that you get some background information into the FMC along with her trials and tribulations. Excited to see what happens in book one of this series because I am a sucker for shifter book series.

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an exciting read. This is a prequel, so I was expecting it to go slow in terms of the paranormal and supernatural elements that I like. But it didn’t even matter because the storyline was so compelling with everything that the main character was going through with her mafia kings. My heart broke for her at the end but at the same time, I admired her strength and the fire in her. There is so much more to this story that I am dying to know! I can’t wait for the series to start.

[Nanishy (Nani) Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started the book I had different expectations. But mostly that was my own confusion on where this book fell in the time line of the series since it was part of the series pack that Kindle sold.

Now I get it.

Now I know Sasha.

Now I can't wait to see her grow because I saw her crumble.

I cannot wait for the next books in this series because I can already tell that there will be lots of development and growth for Sasha.

[Amarilys · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick introduction to our FMC this novela did a good job of establishing Sasha as our main charater and illuminating the challenging upbringing she had. I did feel there were so many powerful moments in this book that did not get the attention they deserved, at times it felt a bit rush and the transitions were not always smooth. I am very invested and cannot wait to read Zodiac Fate and see how Sasha's story unfolds.

[Desiree Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing. Such a fascinating perspective and captivating story. About to jump into zodiac fate, technically book 1 in the series. Sasha, the FMC, goes through so many challenges in such a short time. It kept me invested in what was going to happen next. This is the quickest I've ever read a book. Finished in a few hours. DEFINITELY an indie author you want to support. Can't wait to read more and see what books R.C. Luna will write next. Thank you for such an amazing story.

[Evelyn Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Sasha who is a girl who is living her life peacefully like a typical Miami girl with some superfluous thoughts but that in the course of reading you realize how deep and complex she is. This story brings the wrong decisions she makes during her youth and how she starts a life full of adventures on other planes.

[Adiariz Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I got mad about her decision making? Yes. Was it a page turner? Also yes. Me quede con ganas de saber que le pasa a Sasha? also yess. This was an easy and quick 📚 and being able to learn more about her before getting into the first book is a good idea. I don't know what's waiting on the other side but i am so excited. 🤍

[Ilyana Guinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the backstory of Sasha and how she begins manifesting her spirituality and perhaps maybe magic. Here we get to learn more about her challenges and not only her abusive household but also an abusive relationship. I am definitely intrigued and captivated on how her story will unfold and where this journey is leading towards.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't stellar but it was a quick read. as this was a prequel, it was just laying the stage for later events. It felt lacking in character detail beyond physical attractiveness so a bit more development there would've been nice. My other pet peeve was the typos, which I get but don't love that. That being said I bought the book set so will hopefully get more detail in the next instalment.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this as a fellow Latinx! The story felt like this was a mix of a bunch of stories melted into one. The mafia tie in was interesting but I felt like it took away from the rest of the story.

Update: I see now that this is a prequel so I adjusted the rating. I have purchased the series in hopes that this story smoothes out because I really love the idea behind it!

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into the story. I feel the author maybe has a bit "too much" going on and doesn't take the time to explain things. Chapters are very short, which is nice if you want to feel like you're "speed reading", but she also hurts when it comes to developing a story, developing characters, etc.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet author. It was a bit hard for me to follow the timing of events at first, until I realized I was reading the prequel. Sasha was relatable, including her family dynamics. Growing up in poverty, especially in PR, it felt like a trip down memory lane. I could see myself in Sasha and the decisions I almost took would have led me down a similar path. I’m looking forward to learning more about her powers and will be continuing to read the series.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated that this series has a prequel, introducing us to Sasha! She was relatable , as a Latina myself I felt I understood her so much! Looking forward to this journey with Sasha in the Zodiac Shadow series.