Zodiac The Talismans Rising: A Universe Novel

5-Star Readers' Favorite Review"This is a spectacular epic fantasy. Very highly recommended." - Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite"This winning meld of magic, sci-fi, and fantasy grips readers from the start, and Dunphy's skill with worldbuilding keeps them immersed."- The BookLife Prize"Dunphy transports readers to the land of Sheng Xiao through beautiful imagery and creative worldbuilding."- The BookLife PrizeIn Sheng Xiao, zodiac spirits fuel everything-from ancient rituals to cutting-edge tech-until warlord X steals the sacred Yin Scroll from a hidden cenote temple. The ground trembles. An unnatural eclipse swallows the sun. And an old prophecy wakes up hungry: balance light and dark, or watch the world drown in chaos.Empress Jade won't let that happen.With her sharp, shadow-manipulating advisor Cade at her side, she summons the Twelve Zodiac Guardians-young warriors tied to their clans and the spirits that define them.There's Veronica, the Rat clan's quick-witted sharpshooter from Souris's foggy pine forests, where you learn to aim true or go hungry. Alice, the Rabbit clan's genius coder in Coinin's neon-drenched data towers, rewriting spirit-code like it's second nature. And David, the Dragon clan's unshakeable swordsman from Doragon's smoldering volcanic lakes, his blade born in dragonfire-honor-bound, but starting to question what loyalty really costs when everything's on the line.As X's army poisons sacred spirits, razes villages, and hunts the talismans, Jade's team tears across the realm: golden Kusini plains, obsidian Doragon shores, Souris wilds, Listra's jungles, Coinin's glowing core.Ambush after betrayal. Friendships hammered in battle. Rivalries that spark. And a few connections that burn brighter-and more dangerously-than anyone planned.To fix the balance, they'll have to seize the talismans' power... and pay whatever price it demands, before the light goes out for good.A high-stakes YA fantasy adventure blending Chinese zodiac lore and Asian mythology with dazzling tech-magic. Perfect for fans of epic quests, found family, slow-burn tension, and worlds where ancient spirits meet neon futures.