Rising Sign

by Jared R. Lopatin

The first novel in the Star Child Trilogy, RISING SIGN heralds the birth of the Star Child, the only one who can protect the universe from a deadly threat. On a seemingly ordinary day in Philadelphia, an unwelcome visitor awakens Tim Dalis to the Star Child's world, a world of astrological power. As decreed by prophecy, he is one of the twelve guardians of the Child.Now, as time ticks down to the fated birth, he has to find other guardians, locate and protect the Star Child, and avoid a powerful enemy who seeks to destroy any chance of success. No horoscope could have told him this was going to happen!

Genres: Astrology

282 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2009

About the author

Jared R. Lopatin grew up in Philadelphia with great dreams of becoming a veterinarian or muppeteer. Naturally, he ended up performing on a stage for years. His debut novel, RISING SIGN, was started while he was backstage between scenes. Following a similarly warped trajectory, he now works in Deaf education as a high school teacher.

The STAR CHILD TRILOGY is now complete and two standalone novels, LET's PLAY IT BY EAR and THE OUTERLANDS have joined the trilogy on his shelf.

Visit his website for forthcoming books and ongoing short stories!

Reviews

[Jared Lopatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's SO not fair for me to review this book.

[Jaden Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who loves horoscopes, supernaturals, and romance, it was such a joy and pleasure to read “Rising Sign” by Jared R. Lopatin, and I'm sure it will be the same for other readers who come upon this book, whether or not they have the same interests as me. The plot follows Timothy Dalis, a young adult with the talent to charm those around him, as he learns that he is one of the guardians of the Star Child, along with eleven others. They are not born under the twelve Zodiacs, they are the Zodiacs themselves. Despite not knowing each other, Tim and his new companions immediately believe and trust in one another, things we wish to have in reality. There were some doubts along the journey as the past gets in the way of the characters’ relationships, however.

The more I turn the pages, the more I become part of Tim’s world through the vivid descriptions of the settings and actions. This book made me laugh, grin, and irritated more so than any other book I have read. I recommend this book at teens and young adults, for there is minor cursing, and I want to be on the safe side when it comes to the readers. Otherwise, please give “Rising Sign” a chance.

[Tate (booktimewithtate) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on from a random google search "Astrology inspired novels" - and ordered it on a whim. Absolutely loved the read - it was fun seeing "Astro-Chat" weaved into this fantasy novel, and I can't wait to read the next two of the trilogy. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star is because towards the end, it felt a bit rushed and less fleshed out as it was from the beginning, and ended with a "huh?" lol - but then again - trilogy! Book 2 - time to order you.

Fun note : I'm a deaf reader and it was pretty fun to see that the author Jared knows ASL and works/worked at a deaf school!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to being purchasable on Amazon, this book can be purchased directly from the author, signed and with limited edition goodies. I highly recommend getting it directly from the author's website to get all the extras!! http://www.starchildtrilogy.com/purch...

This book is innovative, original, and addictive. The combination of modern setting (modern day, downtown Philadelphia) and astrological fantasy makes for a fun read that is definitely not what you might expect. Jared R. Lopatin may just be the next J.K. Rowling.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book, and managed to read it in about 2 days .. it consumed my lunch, my train ride, and into the wee hours of the night.

Tim's epic saga interweaves beautifully with a blossoming personal connection. Each character, drawn from person, to Sign, to ability is unique and often unexpected. The mix of fantasy and mundane Philadelphian reality is just right.

The author's voice and deft humor are clear throughout.

[Jessica M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of sci-fi books and I only know basic information about some of the horoscope signs, but I still was able to enjoy the story. I was very curious about the talents each sign had and that's what kept me going. Some of the astrology words threw me off but once it was put to real use, I understood the significance these words had in the story. The story was good.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising Sun is a unique book by a local New York indie author. His incredible knowledge of the zodiac adds great depth to the story and main characters, who are very likeable.