In a paranormal literary landscape rapidly filling with vampires, zombies and shapechangers of varying sizes, descriptions and fur lengths, Vicki Pettersson’s Sign of the Zodiac Series is a refreshing breath of air for readers. Leaping paranormal writing conventions in a single bound, Ms. Pettersson reminds us why we so loved our Saturday morning cartoons and comics as kids, and why we still love to witness the clash of Good versus Evil, and the struggle to Make a Difference. She is bringing superheroes into the more tradition literary realms; and with her knack for setting a scene and drawing images with words, we don’t need the illustrations and word bubbles to enjoy these (capeless) crusaders.

Currently, there are five Sign of the Zodiac Series books gracing bookshelves, Kindles, Nooks and various other digital readers.

• The Scent of Shadows
• The Taste of Night
• The Touch of Twilight
• City of Souls
• Cheat the Grave

As the first GSB Speaking of Series feature, we’ll be presenting our review of the series in two parts; and we’ll be interviewing the writer behind the crossbow, Vicki Pettersson, too. She was born and raised in Las Vegas, and her intimate knowledge as a local really adds a lot to the realism of the story.

This week, we’re looking at the first three books in the series, Scent, Taste and Touch. We’ll also be trying very hard not to reveal any spoilers, as the motivation for this new regular feature comes from our desire to share the top picks in series you may have missed, new and old. However, we’ll be giving you honest opinions, as well. This is not a “rubber stamp” mill of “attaboys!” We hope that if you have more to add about a series – comments, opinions or questions – you’ll post them in the comments section after each new article is published.

The initial trilogy introduces the reader to a Las Vegas not too different from our own. Behind the glittering smiles and games of chance lives a world of Light and Shadow, where superheroes and supervillains battle for the soul of Sin City. The Scent of Shadows, the first book in the series, sets forth the mythology and introduces you to this world of shifting light and shadow, in a very savvy, compelling fashion. When first we meet Joanna Archer, she’s on the blind date from Hell. Literally. She knows nothing of her lineage, nor the prophesy that will soon steer her fate, and the fates of those she loves, down a twisting, treacherous path. Ms. Pettersson outlines the basics, but lets us learn about her world as Joanna does; allowing the reader to really go along for the ride, instead of simply filling in the blanks while the lead character moves predictably through the plot points.

I admit to some doubt when first I picked up Scent. I wasn’t entirely sure that basing a series mythos on astrology would translate well into a fully developed storyline. It also wasn’t clear, from the product blurb on the back of the book, that this would be a story of superheroes, not your run of the mill demonic nasties and paranormal heroines with too much cleavage and not enough character development. Ironically, there was even a nod to those who came before; the bobbleheaded “witchy types”, as Joanna finds herself donning the most unlikely of disguises – a spoiled, Barbie doll blonde heiress. Getting in touch with her inner débutante proves to be almost as challenging as coming up to speed with the super powers and responsibilities she receives on her 25th birthday. To add spice to that situation, she also must face some seriously staggering “Daddy issues.” Joanna is the product of Light and Shadow, and as such may be the prophesied Kairos, in addition to being the Archer in the Zodiac Troop 175 of Las Vegas .

When she was 16, Joanna Archer was brutally assaulted and left to die in the Nevada desert. By rights, she should be dead. Now a photographer by day, she prowls a different Las Vegas after sunset – a grim, secret Sin City where Light battles Shadow – seeking answers to whom or what she really is . . . and revenge for the horrors she was forced to endure.But the nightmare is just beginning – for the demons are hunting Joanna, and the powerful shadows want her for their own . . .

The supporting cast – from the other members of her troop, to the villains, to the kids at the comic store – are well drawn and fully realized. One major strength of the book lies with Ms. Pettersson’s ability to make the reader care not only about her leading lady, but the other signs, too.

The story in the first book is dense – not in the way the poor kid in the pointy cap in the corner is dense – but in the way a really amazing hero sandwich is dense with all the best ingredients, almost too much to take in, but oh so fulfilling when you find yourself at the end, licking your fingers and already contemplating the next one. Ms. Pettersson has a lot of plot to get across; an intricate, layered mythos to illustrate and an impressive cast of characters to introduce. Nothing about the first book is cookie cutter. The pace clips along, and doesn’t give you time to get bored with the world building that is always necessary in a first book of (hopefully) long series. In addition to drawing significantly from the zodiac, she blends other elements into her story, from some unlikely sources, such as Tibetan mythology and comic book stylings. In particular, I enjoyed the addition of certain mortals to the world mythology in the series. The stories of each troop, in each town large enough to support the need for troops, is told through the Zodiac Manuals. Otherwise known as comic books. Yes indeed, in this world, if you don’t read your comics, you could lose your life, the battle and maybe even the war.

By the end of the first book, I was incredibly thankful that I had the next one right on hand, because I literally ended Scent and dove right into The Taste of Night. The Scent of Shadows is everything a first book should be, from beginning to end. If I was going to give it a grade, I’d have to tack on some extra credit, because this one gets an incredibly solid A+ from me.

Where the first book introduces us to the world and the characters, Taste presents a battle royale between Joanna and her arch nemesis. As with the first book, the imagery is vivid and detailed. This comes more into play, however, in the fight scenes. Just like her heroine, Ms. Pettersson doesn’t pull punches, and the brutality displayed by Joaquin, one of the Shadow Signs and the focus of Joanna’s rage, is gripping and at times, disturbing. I come from the school of thought that preaches that not all fiction and entertainment should be comfortable. I am not a fan of gratuitous violence or sex in most things; however, when used appropriately, and written well, I have no objections even if the scenes make me writhe in my seat, from disgust or desire. Good storytelling should make us feel.

By bringing us into Joaquin’s lair, Ms. Pettersson moves the story along at a break neck speed, while also giving readers a very clear insight into Joanna’s heart. Jo suffered mightily at the hands of this man in her youth, and he’s been her own personal “boogey man” ever since. And, while I admit that the idea of facing down a childhood terror, to either grow or shrivel up and blow away, is not a new theme, it doens’t feel “played out” in Taste. We also learn more about Master Comics – the store owned by Zane, the mortal charged with channeling the visions of the troops’ actions, and telling the stories via comic books. Other mortal children, Changelings, hang out at the comic shop, along with Carl, who illustrates the Las Vegas stories for Zane. These mortals can play pivotal roles in the machinations of the star signs; often with a significant cost attached.

The second book also provides more background about Joanna’s parents, and Jo’s on again/off again romance with Ben Traina. Although it feels almost like teasing; you get just enough to make you want more, without nailing anything concrete down for the most part. For those details, you must wait for the third book, The Touch of Twilight.

Equal parts Light and Shadow, Joanna Archer must fulfill a destiny she never wanted. Once a photographer and heiress to a casino fortune, she is now dedicated to the cause of good . . . but susceptible to the seductions of evil.

A deadly virus is descending on Las Vegas—a terrifying plague unleashed by the powerful overlord of Zodiac’s dark side: Joanna’s father. Chaos and panic grip Sin City as agents of Light fall prey to the terrifying epidemic. Death reigns supreme—and Joanna stands at dead center of an epic and terrible war long foretold, the last hope of a damned world.

But first she must somehow conquer the malevolence that grows all around her . . . and within.

Touch is an enjoyable romp; however, there were points when my over-riding desire was to shake Jo by the shoulders. Much of the third story deals with her unresolved feelings for her lost love, Ben, and her intense attraction to her troop’s Aries, Hunter. I was glad to learn a bit more about Hunter; he’s a complex, fully realized human, while being a great superhero at the same time. Actually, that’s one of the ruling strengths if this series; the ability to draw such clearly human emotions and reactions from these superheroes and villains. It was clear early on that having superpowers often just underscores how hard it is to be a human, be yourself, and still respect and properly use these powers. Touch brings the issues of self worth and recognition to the forefront.

On the surface she’s a sexy, sophisticated socialite, at home among the beautiful people of the Las Vegas upper crust. But Joanna Archer inhabits another world: a place ordinary humans cannot see . . . a dangerous dimension where an eternal battle rages between the agents of Light and Shadow. And Joanna is both.

Stalked by an enigmatic doppelganger from a preternatural realm, Joanna can feel the Light failing—which is propelling her toward a terrifying confrontation with the ultimate master of evil, the dark lord of Shadow: her father.

Vegas is all about winning big . . . or losing everything. To save her friends, her future, her worlds, Joanna Archer must gamble it all by fully embracing the darkness inside her.

As I said, I did feel the urge to just tell Jo to “get over it,” and focus on the important stuff, instead. A great deal of this entry into the series dealt with Jo’s struggle to try to preserve the romance she once had with her lover, Ben, and protect him from the manipulations and machinations of a twisted Shadow Sign, who took delight in corrupting someone from the inside out, soul first. In spite of this, I’d still give the third book a solid B. The last couple chapters, alone, are worth the price of admission. You get a “big battle” that has everything it should – high stakes, melodramatic dialog, secrets revealed while others come to light to tease you in future books, and a great setting. Also, Touch wrapped a lot up nicely, giving the series that classic “trilogy triumphed” feeling, while leaving us with enough hanging from cliffs to make sure we’ll come back for rounds four and five.

All in all, for the first three books, I can (and will) recommend the series to anyone who enjoys paranormal stories – dark fantasy with a superhero spice for additional bite. I’m really looking forward to jumping into City of Souls, next. Ms. Pettersson has added this Aries to her collection of loyal fans.

For more information about the series and Vicki Pettersson, check out the Eos/HarperCollins site. You can even sign up for the Author Tracker service Eos provides on their site, so you’ll be updated with news, announcements, contest, etc. And last, but by no means least, you can sign up for Ms. Pettersson’s newsletter. And of course, come back to GSB.

In case you’re a little rusty on your astrology, here’s a handy chart for reference. As The Archer, Joanna is a Sagittarius.