Overall: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4/5
Review In A Nutshell:  Zenith is an action-packed, epic young adult science fiction novel that follows Androma Racella, also known as the Bloody Baroness. This book was filled with constant adventure and surprise.

“Remember, Xen Pterrans, and never forget, that even the stars can bleed!”

Zenith follows Androma, who is unable to return to her home planet, Arcadius, after being labeled a traitor and sentenced to death. She is finally given the chance to prove herself when Arcadius’ leader, General Cortas, asks her to rescue his son from the prison of an enemy planet (Xen Ptera), and in return, she will no longer be a fugitive. The catch? Not only does Andi have no reason to trust the General, but she also has to work with her ex, Dex, a bounty hunter who she had left for dead after he betrayed her. Meanwhile, the ruler of Xen Ptera, Nor Solis, is plotting revenge against the United Systems, and she will not rest until the galaxy is hers.

The writing in this book is lacking at times, but the setting does stand out. While reading, you are immersed in the world(s). This author duo succeeds in creating so many unique cultures and species, while also hinting at even more to be explored in the next book. From the peaceful planet of Adhira to the destroyed and war-torn rubble that is Xen Ptera, there is something interesting in each world.

The plot is interesting. There is plenty of action and it maintains a good pace, however, there are a lot of minor plot threads to follow and some feel a bit dragged out. This book is long and sometimes it is really noticeable how long it is.

Zenith has a large array of complex characters that it follows. This book is told in multiple third person points of views, and the authors manage to make each character sound completely different from the others.  You watch the story unfold from the eyes of Andi and Dex, as well as Nor, the son of the general, Valen Cortas, Andi’s pilot, Lirana Mette, and Klaren. There are a lot of POVs here, and if that’s something you don’t like, then this may not be that fun for you. There are a lot of morally grey characters, which is something I always enjoy. The main protagonist is called the Bloody Baroness for a reason. She is a murderer, and although she feels bad afterward, she never regrets killing if it means she and those she cares for still get to live. And the villain, Nor, may be ruthless and cruel, but her motives are understandable. Her people are suffering and she wants vengeance.

Pros– interesting world(s) building, intriguing themes
Cons– A lot of characters to keep up with, a little long
Overall- 4/5 stars
Zenith is epic, filled with action, romance, and friendship.

Add to Your Goodreads Shelf
Purchase on Amazon

Note: This review was originally written for my other blog, and had been written months ago. Follow my blog to see new reviews twice a week, and please be patient as I transfer over old posts to the new website!