The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac
Joanna Archer, Agent of Light, has survived a violent initiation into the paranormal world lurking behind the seed...
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Sep 06, 2009
Seth
rated it: 
I never knew a series this bad actually had a shark left to jump.
Really. Charlain Harris' quote on the front, to "Read this book at your own risk," was all too relevant.
The first book was bad, but fun enough to try the second. The next two tried to get better. This one has about 15 pages of story, 10 pages of plot, and 400 pages of bad, grade-school-level writing crammed into 350 pages of schlock.
The overall plot here is the same as the last three b More...
Really. Charlain Harris' quote on the front, to "Read this book at your own risk," was all too relevant.
The first book was bad, but fun enough to try the second. The next two tried to get better. This one has about 15 pages of story, 10 pages of plot, and 400 pages of bad, grade-school-level writing crammed into 350 pages of schlock.
The overall plot here is the same as the last three b More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Fangs for the Fantasy
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I am happy to report that this is the first book in this series where I did not come across any GLBT failure. I think Pettersson just decided to go all out with her erasure. As a straight person, I am not in a position to say that the complete erasure was a relief, because it also represents a form of failure that is reoccurring in this genre. Once again, the book takes places in Las Vegas, and there are no people of colour. As a woman of colour, I can say that after watching her treatment o
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Dec 30, 2010
Karissa
rated it:
This is the 4th book in the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. It was my least favorite book in the series so far. Joanna is confused and is running around not accomplishing a whole lot for most of the book.
Joanna broke her changeling in the last book and because of that the Manuals of Light can't be written and the Light agents have lost all their safe zones. Needless to say the Agents of Light are in serious trouble. Warren tells Joanna that she better fix it ASAP and More...
Joanna broke her changeling in the last book and because of that the Manuals of Light can't be written and the Light agents have lost all their safe zones. Needless to say the Agents of Light are in serious trouble. Warren tells Joanna that she better fix it ASAP and More...
Oct 28, 2010
Chibineko
rated it:
While I've liked the first few books in the series, I'll admit... the charm has begun to wane for me. The general idea of the series has been done before, but it had been a while since I'd seen anyone do it with a zodiac spin to it. Unfortunately this book has killed off a lot of the series' charm for me.
As you know, Joanna has caused her changeling harm that can't be healed in the last book. This means no more Manuals of Light for the good guys, which means that the Agents of Light More...
As you know, Joanna has caused her changeling harm that can't be healed in the last book. This means no more Manuals of Light for the good guys, which means that the Agents of Light More...
Sep 19, 2009
Marissa
rated it:
I really should have read the earlier stories in this series before this one. Since I didn't, this book was very confusing at first, and it took some time to gain an understanding of who the main character was, what the Shadow and Light agents were, and all of these other rules that go along with their paranormal world. And I was completely lost when the story started referring to manuals of light/shadow - which turn out to really be comic books, and the agents are really super heroes that have
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Jul 08, 2009
Schnaucl
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 02, 2012
zcb257
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Another great installment! Although not as fab as the last three it did leave me wanting more. I'm always happy to see an author who can keep a relationship interesting, and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm thoroughly intrigued by the twist revealed in City of Souls and can't wait to find out what the hell is going on!
I also loved getting a better picture of what Warren is all about, his slide in the readers eyes is growing, and also thoroughly intriguing! I never much liked th More...
I also loved getting a better picture of what Warren is all about, his slide in the readers eyes is growing, and also thoroughly intriguing! I never much liked th More...
Apr 02, 2011
Scooper
rated it: 
Favorite Lines: “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. Not even the darkest corner of that beautiful soul.” (p. 310)
The only way to fix the waning strengths of the troop of Light is for Joanna to enter an alternate reality in book four of Pettersson’s Sign of the Zodiac series. Nothing that enters Midheaven is ever the same and those who leave always end up missing a piece of themselves. Despite the danger, Jo finds a way into Midheaven in search of Jaden Jacks, the only person to More...
The only way to fix the waning strengths of the troop of Light is for Joanna to enter an alternate reality in book four of Pettersson’s Sign of the Zodiac series. Nothing that enters Midheaven is ever the same and those who leave always end up missing a piece of themselves. Despite the danger, Jo finds a way into Midheaven in search of Jaden Jacks, the only person to More...
Aug 08, 2009
Darcy
rated it:
This series is so different from others that I read and that is what I like about it. Joanna has really gone through a lot so far. Each trial she faces makes her a better person and lets her get to know herself better. This book is no exception. Joanna really has a lot going on. Fixing her changling seems to be the most important, because to do that will help right other things. On her journey to discover what it will take to fix Jasamine she is betrayed by people that are closest to her.
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Jul 28, 2009
Tina (Fantastic Book Review)
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This series gets better with each book. Pettersson did a fabulous job with the plot. To say my mouth was left on the floor says it all. As with the other books in this series, City of Souls is action packed and full of suspense that will keep you glued to the pages. This is one of my favorite series. Jo is one of my favorite fictionional characters and what can I say about Hunter... HOT!!
I can't wait to read more of Pettersson's books!
I can't wait to read more of Pettersson's books!
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Jul 05, 2009
Cami
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 05, 2009
Candace
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I had hedged and gone back and forth over reading this book, simply because the previous one, while an enjoyable read, was lacking something. I felt that the resolution of the third book was a bit too simple, and that the main character had gone through so much trial only to become some perfect fighter and resolve all the problems.
This book though...I loved it. It is my favorite out of the series. I made the mistake of reading the short story in Unbound before reading City of Soul More...
This book though...I loved it. It is my favorite out of the series. I made the mistake of reading the short story in Unbound before reading City of Soul More...
Jan 21, 2010
Ellen
rated it:
Don't get me wrong. I like this series. A lot. It's fun reading and sheer escapism. And I will read the fifth book. But as I found myself typing about a different book in a different genre last night, it could have been so much more.
Now, maybe it's me. For example, I kept thinking that Suzanne's wedding preparations at the start of the book would prove to be more significant. Perhaps it will in book five? Or perhaps it was a red herring meant to fool me? Or, maybe it just went nowhe More...
Now, maybe it's me. For example, I kept thinking that Suzanne's wedding preparations at the start of the book would prove to be more significant. Perhaps it will in book five? Or perhaps it was a red herring meant to fool me? Or, maybe it just went nowhe More...
Jul 09, 2010
Sammy
rated it:
A bit darker then the earlier books in the series, Olivia/Joanne finds herself not on the best side of her troop - because of her earlier actions, the troop is loosing power by the day, while the opposing troop gains power just as fast.
As she struggles to find a way to cure her changeling - and thus, fix the problem, sje faces a second battle - in another world, where woman rule it with an iron fist and a soul-sucking attitude.
In the end, she must save the troop at an u More...
As she struggles to find a way to cure her changeling - and thus, fix the problem, sje faces a second battle - in another world, where woman rule it with an iron fist and a soul-sucking attitude.
In the end, she must save the troop at an u More...
Jul 02, 2009
Gypsie
rated it:
Excellent book BUT I did not like the twists nor the end result for the character. I know we will have more books and things will change again but I am mad and sad and I want to go to the next book as soon as possible to get this one out of my head! I love this series and the entire concept and I realize you've got to take the good with the bad, well this book is a must but it is of the bad.
Favorite Quote from the book:
"An authentic woman. Someone who walks More...
Favorite Quote from the book:
"An authentic woman. Someone who walks More...
Mar 04, 2011
Shelley
rated it:
**Review** Joanna broke her changeling in the last book and because of that the Manuals of Light can't be written and the Light agents have lost all their safe zones. Needless to say the Agents of Light are in serious trouble. Warren tells Joanna that she better fix it ASAP and hints that Joanna will find her answers in Midland and that she should find the new tulpa (her doppelganger from the last book).
Although the doppelganger, Skamar, is no longer trying to rip out Joanna's heart More...
Although the doppelganger, Skamar, is no longer trying to rip out Joanna's heart More...
Nov 17, 2010
Danielle
rated it:
The Sign of the Zodiac series is on fire. This series gets better with each book. City of Souls is action packed and full of suspense that will keep you glued to the pages and turning them faster to get to the next part. Never a dull moment.
A war is raging in Las Vegas. Lives are on the line. In this book the lines blur between good and evil, love and hate, and the chances of her escaping are slim to none. When one of the changeling is hurt, now Joanna Archer must save this young girl More...
A war is raging in Las Vegas. Lives are on the line. In this book the lines blur between good and evil, love and hate, and the chances of her escaping are slim to none. When one of the changeling is hurt, now Joanna Archer must save this young girl More...
Oct 03, 2011
Nairabell
rated it:
Joanna Archer has survived a lot during her time as a Light agent, not least of all the attacks of her doppelganger. Now two Tulpas war in the skies above Las Vegas, but the Light is losing power and it's safe zones have been destroyed because of Joanna's actions. She accidentally damaged a changeling and in doing so has blocked the creation of the light manuals, the comic books that fill young minds and strengthen the warriors. But to fix the changeling, Joanna needs to travel alone to the dang
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Jan 23, 2012
Jessica
rated it:
I vaguely remember reading one of the earlier books in this series but I don't remember which book and by the time I picked up this book I barely remembered what I had read previously. Despite not reading 1 - 3, I was able to pick up quickly in this book. It was action-packed, interesting and I really got into the characters and I definitely got invested into the main character. The book left with an interesting twist and I am eager to read further to find out what happens!
May 28, 2010
Suspense Magazine
rated it:
Overflowing with razor-sharp wit and lightening speed action, “City of Souls: The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac” takes readers on a journey into the thinly veiled world of the modern day Superhero. Focusing on those beings that quietly stalk the cities to protect us, Pettersson continues to highlight the life of new inductee, Joanna Archer. Joanna and those like her have mastered the ability to hide in plain sight, each living dual lives in order to protect their true identities and superhuman talen
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Jul 15, 2009
Emily
rated it:
This book was off and on for me. I was very satisfied when I finished it, but there are endless alternate dimension sequences which for some reason (like dream sequences) I have no patience for in books. It seems like a step away from the story - I want a well constructed alternate world, and throwing in a place where those rules don't work kind of breaks the spell for me. The ending was pretty good, and I liked the main character more in this book than I've liked her in the rest of the serie
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Jun 12, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
Once again Joanna Archer gets it really rough in this one.Unfortunately Regan is still a threat to those Joanna loves and keeps close.Off with her head please!
Women as villains seem to be much more threatening in novels than men are.Just saying.
I'm really hoping Joanna get's a break in the next one. She goes through so much pain in this series and yet still stays strong which is what I like about her most.
Women as villains seem to be much more threatening in novels than men are.Just saying.
I'm really hoping Joanna get's a break in the next one. She goes through so much pain in this series and yet still stays strong which is what I like about her most.
Jan 16, 2012
John
rated it:
OK - the loose end that I thought was tied up last book was FINALLY (I think LOL) tied up this book. And the twist I was expecting arrived but not exactly how I expected it. Same character, totally different twist.
Not sure I like the ending or not...will probably need the last two books just to make that decision. But it's still a really good series.
Not sure I like the ending or not...will probably need the last two books just to make that decision. But it's still a really good series.
Jul 11, 2011
Didi
rated it:
Wow incredible changes for Joanna in this book, well for everyone really. I was so immersed in what was going on I even chose to read over watching a new episode of TB that’s how good it got. 2 more books to this series and I’m thinking quietly “blank canvas” where will she go from here? Something needs to be done but without giving anything away, how will Joanna do it? Very much looking forward to the next book, excellent read!
Jan 06, 2011
The Flooze (Michelle M.)
rated it:
I applaud Vicki Pettersson for her originality in storytelling and world-building. She's certainly created a series very different from any other I've read so far.
That said, the powers of her characters are rather abstract, and there doesn't seem to be any goal in this fight between good and evil. They seem rather evenly matched most of the time, with neither ever really getting the upper hand, so I have a hard time rooting for our heroine. This installment involves Joanna's search More...
That said, the powers of her characters are rather abstract, and there doesn't seem to be any goal in this fight between good and evil. They seem rather evenly matched most of the time, with neither ever really getting the upper hand, so I have a hard time rooting for our heroine. This installment involves Joanna's search More...
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Mar 28, 2011
Danielle
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I like Vicki Pettersson's books~ it's like reading a comic book novel ~ with pretty well developed superheros and bad guys... Love that the lead is female, strong women dominate her books. But why does the story always devolve into "girl does something stupid for guy she lusts after"?? Interesting plot twists. Would be tough to read if you weren't familiar with the rest of the books in the series...
Jul 28, 2009
Winnie
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 16, 2010
I had left the series for a while and decided to pick it up again and boy was I surprised by Pettersson's writing and characters and how much they have evolved. I had to go out and buy the 5th bood and blazing through that now :)
Jul 15, 2010
Music_lover3
rated it:
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe I waited so long to finish this. This was so beyond good (I skimmed but only a little because I couldn't get through it fast enough, I wanted to find out what happened). And so horribly depressing at times, but hopeful too and so so good! Despite all of the bad stuff that happens in these books and the constant betrayels, I love this series, I just can't help myself. It's got so many layers and contradictions, I am constantly amazed and in awe. So yeah, excellent
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May 15, 2011
Kristina
rated it:
When I decided to stop reading this idiotic series after the third book, I should have kept to that decision. Instead I impulsively bought this book and the next book when I was browsing at Barnes & Noble. I regret that decision. I can't even get thru the first chapter. I just don't care enough about any of the characters, especially Joanna/Olivia Archer, to want to slog thru another one of these books. I don't care about their weird war with the tulpa and the Shadow agents or the convoluted, in
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