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The Zodiac #3
The Gemini Paradox
Who needs luck when 'bad' is the only kind you have?
The only demon without magic is no longer the sole badge of dishonor Ezekial Sunstone wears. He can also add the title of Hell's only murderer to the list.
If working for Lucifer has taught him one thing, it's that solace can be found in the bottom of the bottle. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a side-order of chicken wings. At least his magical-yet-mysterious halberd hasn't deserted him.
Ezekial finds himself scouring the Circles of Hell for a missing demon named Gemini after Lucifer's Council suspects angels of doing the unthinkable. The more he untangles webs of deceit, the more political games ensnare him.
Robbed of really good drinking time, he must discover if Gemini is alive or dead. Before he can do that, he has to deal with an angel-shaped problem that promises to change his life for eternity.
Do good deeds really go unpunished?
The Zodiac series is what you get when you mix Jim Butcher and Christopher Moore. Fans of Terry Mancour and Lindsay Buroker will enjoy this playful ride into the world of souls.
The Gemini Paradox is the third book in The Zodiac series. The first book, Bitter Aries, releases in July 2020. Book 2, The Horn of Taurus, will release in August 2020. Book 4, Cancer's Curse, will release in October 2020.
The only demon without magic is no longer the sole badge of dishonor Ezekial Sunstone wears. He can also add the title of Hell's only murderer to the list.
If working for Lucifer has taught him one thing, it's that solace can be found in the bottom of the bottle. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a side-order of chicken wings. At least his magical-yet-mysterious halberd hasn't deserted him.
Ezekial finds himself scouring the Circles of Hell for a missing demon named Gemini after Lucifer's Council suspects angels of doing the unthinkable. The more he untangles webs of deceit, the more political games ensnare him.
Robbed of really good drinking time, he must discover if Gemini is alive or dead. Before he can do that, he has to deal with an angel-shaped problem that promises to change his life for eternity.
Do good deeds really go unpunished?
The Zodiac series is what you get when you mix Jim Butcher and Christopher Moore. Fans of Terry Mancour and Lindsay Buroker will enjoy this playful ride into the world of souls.
The Gemini Paradox is the third book in The Zodiac series. The first book, Bitter Aries, releases in July 2020. Book 2, The Horn of Taurus, will release in August 2020. Book 4, Cancer's Curse, will release in October 2020.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
26 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Paul Sating
44 books71 followersJoin Paul's newsletter and get three free stories: https://www.paulsating.com/free-books
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.
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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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 27, 2021
A month after the events of The Horn of Taurus, Ezekial and Ralrek are working together on some smaller missions for the Council and Bilba is away on "personal business".
Zeke is seeking comfort at the bottom of a bottle after the one thing he did that he wasn't supposed to do. He's missing Bilba and is no closer to Ralrek on a friendly level but they make a good team regardless.
Their next menthor is Apophis, who gives them a bigger mission to find a missing operative Gemini. Their first destination is the Second Circle where they meet Cassie, someone who seems to know Gemini and can help them find him. This leads them to Germany, the Overworld country.
Bringing Gemini back was one thing, but what transpired after...that was the really exciting bit.
At the beginning I thought that this book was going to be less interesting than the former two and boy, was I wrong.
It seemed like your classic mission, go there fetch that, nothing more to it. But then the Council turned on our boys and let me tell you - I WAS FURIOUS. I don't stand for injustice in general and this really made my blood boil. I thought the torture would never end.
The Gemini and Cassie storyline was very sweet even though it wasn't all it seemed. I'm proud of Gemini for not breaking.
Zeke though, it's a bit sad how he keeps liking the wrong women.
Ralrek got some major development in this book. Maybe, just maybe, he's not the biggest jerk anymore.
I have to mention this again, how amazing the second half of the book was, really. It blew me away (pun intended). I think I stopped breathing several times until the intense action finished (only for it to start all over again).
AND THE ENDING??? THE CRYPTIC MESSAGES THROUGHOUT??? WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME??? I NEED TO KNOW.
Only one more book left until 2021 :(
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Zeke is seeking comfort at the bottom of a bottle after the one thing he did that he wasn't supposed to do. He's missing Bilba and is no closer to Ralrek on a friendly level but they make a good team regardless.
Their next menthor is Apophis, who gives them a bigger mission to find a missing operative Gemini. Their first destination is the Second Circle where they meet Cassie, someone who seems to know Gemini and can help them find him. This leads them to Germany, the Overworld country.
Bringing Gemini back was one thing, but what transpired after...that was the really exciting bit.
At the beginning I thought that this book was going to be less interesting than the former two and boy, was I wrong.
It seemed like your classic mission, go there fetch that, nothing more to it. But then the Council turned on our boys and let me tell you - I WAS FURIOUS. I don't stand for injustice in general and this really made my blood boil. I thought the torture would never end.
The Gemini and Cassie storyline was very sweet even though it wasn't all it seemed. I'm proud of Gemini for not breaking.
Zeke though, it's a bit sad how he keeps liking the wrong women.
Ralrek got some major development in this book. Maybe, just maybe, he's not the biggest jerk anymore.
I have to mention this again, how amazing the second half of the book was, really. It blew me away (pun intended). I think I stopped breathing several times until the intense action finished (only for it to start all over again).
AND THE ENDING??? THE CRYPTIC MESSAGES THROUGHOUT??? WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME??? I NEED TO KNOW.
Only one more book left until 2021 :(
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 19, 2024
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. The more Zeke finds himself being used by Hell's Council, the more Zeke is pulled into a layered world of secrets and lies that remain buried. This time Zeke is tasked with finding a demon called Gemini is still alive. Zeke has to face what he's already done if he can live up to the council's request of being their bounty hunter; but the cost of these missions cuts deeper than Zeke would like. Things are getting murky and Zeke is at a crossroads of a lot of power... just how much he can change things remain to be seen. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2020
World and tension building
This series started feeling a bit light, satire of living in Hell, flipping Earth expressions to match the Underworld. Bless instead of damn for a curse, ice being an incredible part of the Overworld, and more.
As the books progress, things are getting darker and more real for Ezekiel. He's primarily parted ways with his parents, works for the Council but doesn't trust them - and isn't shy about sharing that. New allegiances are formed, new powers found, and Zeke (we're three books in and even Ralrek can get away with that now, I'm calling him Zeke) gains strength while losing himself in a bottle. As usual, he's smitten by a woman, wields Creed to devastating success, and steps onto the edge of a figurative cliff to finish the book.
All of this makes me wish the series was completed, to be able to binge on a holiday weekend and emerge into the real world blurry eyed at the conclusion. Bless it, not yet. Patience is an annoying virtue.
An example of the writing, filled with internal monologues and sly turns of phrase:
"Apopis raised an eyebrow, stretching the left side tattoos into a comical semblance of ancient characters. Wondering what demon lacked the good judgment to not tattoo their face, I promised myself to one day get him drunk and fill in the stupid design with a marker when he was passed out."
This series started feeling a bit light, satire of living in Hell, flipping Earth expressions to match the Underworld. Bless instead of damn for a curse, ice being an incredible part of the Overworld, and more.
As the books progress, things are getting darker and more real for Ezekiel. He's primarily parted ways with his parents, works for the Council but doesn't trust them - and isn't shy about sharing that. New allegiances are formed, new powers found, and Zeke (we're three books in and even Ralrek can get away with that now, I'm calling him Zeke) gains strength while losing himself in a bottle. As usual, he's smitten by a woman, wields Creed to devastating success, and steps onto the edge of a figurative cliff to finish the book.
All of this makes me wish the series was completed, to be able to binge on a holiday weekend and emerge into the real world blurry eyed at the conclusion. Bless it, not yet. Patience is an annoying virtue.
An example of the writing, filled with internal monologues and sly turns of phrase:
"Apopis raised an eyebrow, stretching the left side tattoos into a comical semblance of ancient characters. Wondering what demon lacked the good judgment to not tattoo their face, I promised myself to one day get him drunk and fill in the stupid design with a marker when he was passed out."
January 14, 2021
I am thankful that these novels are coming out monthly because I find that I need my fix. Totally binge worthy series.
August 12, 2020
This latest installment begins with a seemingly run-of-the-mill assignment. Ezekiel is working with his frenemy, Ralrek since Bilba is “out of town” for the time being. And let me digress on the relationship between Zeke and Ralrek for a moment. Sometimes I think that Zeke has a bit of a crush on Ralrek (he’s obsessed with how hot the demon is!), or that Ralrek has a thing for Zeke (is his attitude toward Zeke because he’s attracted, but doesn’t want to be?), or maybe it’s both! Well, I’m rooting for them. Zeke certainly deserves a little happiness. Regardless, working together has made them closer, that’s for sure.
OK, back to business. We meet some new and intriguing characters who really make an impact on Zeke and his future. This turn predictably features a different council member, one who is not a member of Zeke’s fan club. That is about the only thing in this book that’s predictable, however, because the simple assignment turns into much more. SO much more. There were so many unexpected twists and turns, so much pulse-pounding action, that I felt exhausted when I was finished reading.
Yes, questions are answered. Of course, more questions pop-up. Certainly, The Gemini Paradox is the best of the series yet!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Thank you to the author and BookSirens.
OK, back to business. We meet some new and intriguing characters who really make an impact on Zeke and his future. This turn predictably features a different council member, one who is not a member of Zeke’s fan club. That is about the only thing in this book that’s predictable, however, because the simple assignment turns into much more. SO much more. There were so many unexpected twists and turns, so much pulse-pounding action, that I felt exhausted when I was finished reading.
Yes, questions are answered. Of course, more questions pop-up. Certainly, The Gemini Paradox is the best of the series yet!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Thank you to the author and BookSirens.
October 6, 2020
Three books in, this wildly entertaining Urban Fantasy series takes a turn for the darker. Stakes get higher, consequences more severe, the scale more epic. For each answer we get to what's going on in the big picture, another bunch of questions pop up. Things are truly never boring in this world, and are getting more intriguing with each book.
As Zeke is coming to see more and more with each book and each mission assigned to him by the Council, injustice abounds in the Underworld, and as futile as his efforts to do something about it may often seem, he refuses to give up and give in. All he's experienced through the Council's machinations has made him more depressed and more embittered, but also more mature. With Bilba still off attending to his own affairs, there's a distinct change in Zeke and Ralrek's dynamic as they're sent off on missions as a duo. Both Zeke and the reader finally get to glimpse facets of Ralrek's character that go beyond being an arrogant, confrontational asshole. Bilba appears to have gone through some development of his own by the time we meet him again, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing all three of them grow further. Really enjoying the character development in this series - it's taking its time, but that's what makes it feel realistic.
There's a lot going on in this book, and the ending hints at more epic developments to come - can't wait to see what the next book has in store.
P.S.: Zeke and Ralrek's Overworld destination in this one amused me greatly. Inquiring minds want to know - Why Kaiserslautern, of all places? Was it the first thing that came to mind when trying to pick a place more dreary than the Second Circle? (Hey, I'm German, I'm allowed to poke fun at all things German. :P)
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
As Zeke is coming to see more and more with each book and each mission assigned to him by the Council, injustice abounds in the Underworld, and as futile as his efforts to do something about it may often seem, he refuses to give up and give in. All he's experienced through the Council's machinations has made him more depressed and more embittered, but also more mature. With Bilba still off attending to his own affairs, there's a distinct change in Zeke and Ralrek's dynamic as they're sent off on missions as a duo. Both Zeke and the reader finally get to glimpse facets of Ralrek's character that go beyond being an arrogant, confrontational asshole. Bilba appears to have gone through some development of his own by the time we meet him again, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing all three of them grow further. Really enjoying the character development in this series - it's taking its time, but that's what makes it feel realistic.
There's a lot going on in this book, and the ending hints at more epic developments to come - can't wait to see what the next book has in store.
P.S.: Zeke and Ralrek's Overworld destination in this one amused me greatly. Inquiring minds want to know - Why Kaiserslautern, of all places? Was it the first thing that came to mind when trying to pick a place more dreary than the Second Circle? (Hey, I'm German, I'm allowed to poke fun at all things German. :P)
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 6, 2020
Received as an ARC.
If you are expecting the usual light-hearted jaunt through various circles of hell, with our heroes chasing after wayward demons and inevitably bumbling their way to victory, think again; this is a darker kind of monster. This is almost a half-step back to Paul’s darker story days, (not a bad thing) and this story is like a mirror held up to show the horrors of our current societal ‘hell on earth’.
This book had me guessing most of the way through due to the preconceptions I had from the book's title. I kept expecting the second character to pop out of the woodwork at any moment, or we had a slight twist on the mythology and the twin I had been expecting was hidden in plain sight in the form of Zeke’s latest crush. I’m slightly miffed that the mythical stories weren’t utilised a little, but also happy where the story went, and the implications associated with this path for the remainder of the story.
A great story, even with its somber note, that sets the reader up for the bigger picture of the series, and I for one am looking forward to it.
If you are expecting the usual light-hearted jaunt through various circles of hell, with our heroes chasing after wayward demons and inevitably bumbling their way to victory, think again; this is a darker kind of monster. This is almost a half-step back to Paul’s darker story days, (not a bad thing) and this story is like a mirror held up to show the horrors of our current societal ‘hell on earth’.
This book had me guessing most of the way through due to the preconceptions I had from the book's title. I kept expecting the second character to pop out of the woodwork at any moment, or we had a slight twist on the mythology and the twin I had been expecting was hidden in plain sight in the form of Zeke’s latest crush. I’m slightly miffed that the mythical stories weren’t utilised a little, but also happy where the story went, and the implications associated with this path for the remainder of the story.
A great story, even with its somber note, that sets the reader up for the bigger picture of the series, and I for one am looking forward to it.
September 12, 2020
Wow! If the Zodiac books were about a boy wizard, The Gemini Paradox would be equivalent to The Prisoner of Azkaban. Paul Sating continues to develop Ezekial's world view and add nuance to Ralrek's character in this installment. There's a balance between the soulsearching and action scenes that makes it easy to read. A lot of questions - about good versus evil, who is really in charge of the Underworld, why Zeke has been chosen for/by Creed, demons and angels - are presented to Zeke and to the reader. By ending with more questions than answers, The Gemini Paradox left me eager to read the next book in this series.
I received this e-book for free from BookSirens, and volunteered to offer my honest review.
I received this e-book for free from BookSirens, and volunteered to offer my honest review.
August 27, 2020
I received an eBook copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Zeke yet again gets wrapped up in quest from the council, this time to find Gemini, who may or may not be dead. But everyone that Zeke runs into has a secret and he doesn't know who to trust. He doesn't even know who he, himself, has become since Creed came into the picture.
I'm hooked! Sating just keeps getting better and better, his third being the best yet! I have really enjoyed Zeke's character deveolpment. He's a typical 20 something year old, impulsive and excitable demon. His lack of restraint with the Council is cringe worthy and his unselfish nature is more than attractive. The story itself is quite entrancing: more secrets to unlock with Creed, mysterious cloaked assasins, an unearthly war! There's cliffhangers everywhere! I can't get enough of Sating's Underworld and Zeke's adventures. Bring on Cancer's Curse!
Zeke yet again gets wrapped up in quest from the council, this time to find Gemini, who may or may not be dead. But everyone that Zeke runs into has a secret and he doesn't know who to trust. He doesn't even know who he, himself, has become since Creed came into the picture.
I'm hooked! Sating just keeps getting better and better, his third being the best yet! I have really enjoyed Zeke's character deveolpment. He's a typical 20 something year old, impulsive and excitable demon. His lack of restraint with the Council is cringe worthy and his unselfish nature is more than attractive. The story itself is quite entrancing: more secrets to unlock with Creed, mysterious cloaked assasins, an unearthly war! There's cliffhangers everywhere! I can't get enough of Sating's Underworld and Zeke's adventures. Bring on Cancer's Curse!
August 7, 2020
The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flows easily throughout the pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2020
I think that this series keeps getting better and better with every book. I found the characters to be well written and the story line kept me engaged. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 11, 2020
I cannot even begin to describe how I am totally enthralled by this series! I just finished the third installment and I’m just amazed - I keep expecting to find something to complain about, to validate the normal 3rd book expectation of something boring but NOPE - not happening. Instead it just keeps getting better and better.
The author’s consistency is spot on. He finds just the right time and balance between introducing something new to the story while meshing it seamlessly with the past two books. It’s so refreshing for things to continue to flow so well throughout the first 3 books.
Zeke is being developed as such a complex, relatable, and intelligent character. Ralrek is growing on me (another surprise when I hoped for his demise the past two books). World building is continuing brilliantly and the humor is ever present. I just love the references and use of reverse heaven/hell-inspired terms - so much so I’m reversing them in real life and people think I’m losing it 😂.
I’m on to the next one!!! Mr. Sating - you are totally rocking this series!
I was given an ARC from Booksirens and this is my honest review. I encourage other readers to try this series out - you will not be disappointed!
The author’s consistency is spot on. He finds just the right time and balance between introducing something new to the story while meshing it seamlessly with the past two books. It’s so refreshing for things to continue to flow so well throughout the first 3 books.
Zeke is being developed as such a complex, relatable, and intelligent character. Ralrek is growing on me (another surprise when I hoped for his demise the past two books). World building is continuing brilliantly and the humor is ever present. I just love the references and use of reverse heaven/hell-inspired terms - so much so I’m reversing them in real life and people think I’m losing it 😂.
I’m on to the next one!!! Mr. Sating - you are totally rocking this series!
I was given an ARC from Booksirens and this is my honest review. I encourage other readers to try this series out - you will not be disappointed!
November 25, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. This is the third book in the Zodiac Series. This book offered more questions than answers but it was still great fun to read. It was exciting and well paced. For those that are new to Zeke's adventures this was a pretty good book as a stand alone. However, there are enough references to past events that new readers might want to go back and follow up for further info. This book focused more on Zeke and his relationship with Creed as well as the other demons in his life. Zeke learns who he can trust and who he can't. The events that were leading up to the climax again created more questions but were well worth it. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming and my mouth dropped open and I literally shouted at my ereader - what the heck???!!! But again totally worth it! Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 20, 2020
In the Gemini Paradox, Zeke is once again dealing with the major consequences of his last mission. At least he got paid this time. He's able to get out of his parents house and into his very own apartment. But with Bilba gone for who knows how long, depression and alcohol have become his best friends. Creed is still with him but he's no closer to figuring it out. At least he has a steady paycheck from the jobs he's been doing with Ralrek for the council even if it makes him feel dirty.
The latest mission sends him back to the Overworld, this time to Germany. There's lots of action, danger, and (you guessed it) BETRAYL!!! This kid can't catch a break.
I'm looking forward to Book Four!
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for my honest review.
The latest mission sends him back to the Overworld, this time to Germany. There's lots of action, danger, and (you guessed it) BETRAYL!!! This kid can't catch a break.
I'm looking forward to Book Four!
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2020
I am really enjoying this series Zeke is awesome and I would love to have creed that thing is so cool. I really missed Bilba in this book I hope we find out what he was up to in the next one. I hope we get more of Cassie as well . I definitely recommend this book it’s action packed and funny.
I did receive an early release of this book
I did receive an early release of this book
November 30, 2022
I’m enjoying this series and looking forward to each new book. Continuing the epic story of creation, angels, demons and the humans in between. Lots of mayhem, magic and laughs with Zeke in the circles a of hell- the only demon in history with no magical abilities and the weapon from the one above all, meant for only for Zeke. Recommended.
January 27, 2021
this book adds in all kinds of new storylines. so far the best in series. and it changes from what seems to be a mostly funloving book with little meat to taking on some tougher issues
July 10, 2023
This is my favourite book in the series so far. It has lots of tension, a couple unexpected twists, and some much-needed character development between Zeke and Ralrek.
June 15, 2021
And it keeps on giving. This is such a good series where there is so much attention to the finer details that great a whole world to immerse myself in. It’s a can’t put down kind of read where you eagerly await the next plot twist and you are smiling the whole time because of a very relatable character, despite him being a succubus.
Give me more give me more!
Give me more give me more!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews