I’ll be honest: I don’t really believe in astrology. But I do think it’s a lot of fun! When I was thinking of ways to introduce you all to the main characters of my upcoming young adult fantasy novel, The Relic Spell, figuring out their zodiac signs sounded like the most fun idea. So whether you believe in astrology or not, enjoy getting to know my characters!

Thank you to my friend Molly Howard, who knows a lot more about astrology than me, for helping me figure out everyone’s signs!

Orion – Sagittarius

Birthday: December 15

Orion is the protagonist of The Relic Spell and the only real sorcerer left in his hometown of Port Monica, New York after all the magic users disappeared fourteen years ago. He’s seventeen, the oldest of three children, and a lot of family responsibility falls on his shoulders.

His mother has been single ever since his father, also a notorious sorcerer, disappeared, and she’s chronically ill with a mysterious ailment the doctors can’t diagnose. In addition to being a senior in high school, Orion works part-time at Ignom Rare & Used Books, as well as doing magical favors for his classmates in exchange for a small fee.

According to Astrology Zodiac Signs, Sagittarius is curious, energetic, and open-minded, with a great taste for travel, exploration, and learning. They’re extroverted, optimistic, enthusiastic, and willing to do anything to achieve their goals. As a fire sign, Sagittarius needs to experience the world as much as possible and has a great sense of humor.

Orion is a big nerd when it comes to magic. He loves the theory, the nitty-gritty, the trivia, the speculation, the puzzle. Since his family doesn’t have much money, he’s never had the chance to travel, other than visiting his Abuela Claudia in New York City. But he sates his thirst for exploration through his study of magic, his love of books, and his obsession with anime and video games.

Max – Libra

Birthday: October 3

Max has been Orion’s best friend since the pair were in kindergarten. Trained since middle school to fight demons, Max now works alongside Orion to get rid of any demonic threats that arise in Port Monica. Max also volunteers for the campaign of the only mayoral candidate who’s challenging Alfred Livingston, Port Monica’s mayor for the last fourteen years.

Again according to Astrology Zodiac Signs, Libras are peaceful, fair, and hate being alone; they do best with a partner who complements them. They seek justice, balance, and equality in everything they do. As an air sign, Libras love to debate and think about the big questions.

Max has a strong sense of right and wrong and tends to see the world in black and white. He and Orion make a great team because they balance each other out: while Orion mostly focuses on the details, Max sees the big picture. Meanwhile, Briar, Max’s girlfriend, brings out his hidden potential, encouraging him to be more politically engaged and vocal about his opinions.

Briar – Cancer

Birthday: June 30

Briar and Max met the summer before the events of The Relic Spell and since then they’ve been inseparable. Briar is an evocator, a magic user with the ability to channel demon energy—like the energy in her blood. She’s part demon; her mother is half-demon, which has spelled trouble for Briar her whole life. Briar is quiet, smart, and kind, and everyone seems to love her.

Everyone, of course, except Orion.

Astrology Zodiac Signs says Cancers are deeply intuitive, sentimental, and challenging to get to know. They’re loyal, empathetic, and attached to the people they keep close. Cancer is a water sign, which means that they’re guided by emotion and their heart. They’re quick to help others and avoid conflict. Family and home are deeply important to them.

Like Orion, Briar has had to grow up quickly, with the responsibilities of her home falling on her from an early age. She’s often the voice of reason when Max and Orion’s wild ideas get out of hand. She sees and understands a lot more than she lets on.

Elsa – Leo

Birthday: August 7

Elsa is a fierce and mysterious warrior who comes to Orion’s rescue. She doesn’t talk about her past, but she definitely knows how to kill demons, and her strength and agility suggest she’s not quite human.

According to Astrology Zodiac Signs, Leos are dramatic, creative, self-confident, dominant and extremely difficult to resist, able to achieve anything they want to in any area of life they commit to. They can tend to forget others’ needs in their quest for personal gain or status. As a fire sign, Leos are warmhearted and in love with life.

Elsa can be reckless, unwittingly putting others in danger, and often lets herself be ruled by her heart rather than her head. Events in her past have shattered her natural self-confidence, but she’s tough and single-minded in her desire to achieve her goals.

Julian – Aquarius

Birthday: January 26

Julian approaches Orion with a warning: don’t get involved. Julian is a sorcerer like Orion—maybe even more powerful than him—but refuses to answer questions or accept help. Where did Julian come from and what’s with all the secrecy? Can Orion gain Julian’s trust?

Astrology Zodiac Signs says that Aquarius tends to be shy and quiet. They are deep thinkers who are able to see both sides of most issues, which makes them great problem-solvers. They need time alone to recharge their energy. As an air sign, Aquarius sees the world as full of possibility and needs constant mental stimulation. They can come off as cold or insensitive, but it’s just a defense mechanism against premature intimacy. They need to learn to trust others and express their emotions in a healthy way.

What’s your zodiac sign? Tag me on social media and let me know!

The Relic Spell (The Phyrian War Chronicles #1)

Magic rolls through Orion Tamura’s history classroom like a tidal wave of golden light that only he can see. The spell is deadly, and Orion has no idea who cast it or what they want.

Answers are scarce—all of Port Monica’s sorcerers vanished fourteen years before, including Orion’s father. Armed with his limited knowledge of magic, Orion is the only one left in the city who is strong enough to investigate the origins of the spell.

But the city’s leaders will stop at nothing to censor and sabotage anyone who gets close to the truth. Invisible otherworlders watch every move Orion and his friends make, and a mysterious sorcerer who knows the answers haunts Orion’s dreams.

Pre-order The Relic Spell now from these retailers!

Pre-Order Giveaway!

From now until supplies run out, everyone who pre-orders The Relic Spell (or requests it at their local library) will receive a free gift! Just email me at contact@jimenainovaro.com with:

• Your proof of purchase/library request (a screenshot, email receipt, etc.)

• Your shipping address (US only—sorry, international friends!)

• Which gift you would prefer: a custom tote bag or a custom journal! (If one runs out before the other, I’ll let you know).