Absolutely love this world - I can't wait for the third book to come out!

Why I loved this book:
- characters are really well developed
- the main character is a great perspective to follow
- great relationships (f/f friendships especially)
- cool battle & fight scenes
- interesting concept, plot and magic system
- fantastic world building, I really feel like I have visited Infinity!
- twists and turns, even the ones I saw coming came in a way I wasn't expecting
- the ending! It was strong and has left me excited to pick up the next one!

One thing I wanted more of was Nix (essentially a magical battle snow leopard) - since he was on the cover I thought he'd be a big part of the story, and he wasn't in the book as much as I wanted. I wish Nami had utilised / hung out with him more!!

There is a bit of a romance in this series but it's not the focus of the story at all (in case you are looking for that!) - although potentially it'll play more of a part in the third book! Let's see!

What an amazing sequel! I was absolutely hooked and really enjoyed the worldbuilding and exploration of the afterlife throughout. The slowburn buildup towards the romance was so well done and oh my god that ending?! Just kill me and revive me when the next book is in my hands.

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of The Genesis Wars! The Infinity Courts was one of my favorite books last year when I read it, so I was the most excited to read this one, and it definitely did not disappoint. If you haven't read either, make sure you go grab both of them today!
The Genesis Wars 4/5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads:
It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone.
On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails.
Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.
Black Mirror meets Marie Lu’s Warcross in Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends in this high-stakes sequel to The Infinity Courts by award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.
Oh man y'all, Nami is such an amazing, badass character. I love how much power she has and how fearless she is, all because she wants to make sure that the afterlife is a safe and free place for not only her friends, but also for her sister whenever she passes. What I wasn't expecting/didn't realize until I read The Genesis Wars was that this series was going to be a trilogy! Here I was reading this book, thinking the story was going to be done by the end of the book and them BAM cliffhanger. Not a huge deal, but make sure you aren't like me. The pacing was also a little interesting- not in a bad way, because I really like Akemi Dawn Bowman's writing style, but because there wasn't a lot of plot driven action for the first third of the book, the second third of the book had a lot of plot and lots of battles, and the final third seemed to be a little more on the let's understand why certain things happened while also setting up plot devices and cliffhangers for book 3. So definitely interesting, but not in a bad way! I also really liked that we got to explore more of Infinity as a world in this book- it's such a cool world in general that I really loved seeing more of it. Overall, I really enjoyed The Genesis Wars and I cannot wait to read book three when it comes out! Make sure you go out and grab this one today!


Link to blog post to be added once post goes live

I'm sorry, what now?! Holy freaking plot twists and killer ending. I really really loved this one and am glad I reread The Infinity Courts beforehand bc I probably would've been lost.

It's hard to review a sequel bc I don't want to give away major spoilers but also bc of the insane plot twists, I really can't say anything. Big stress 😅

Anyway, I liked this one a whole lot better than the first. It felt more engaging and is packed to the brim with excitement and activity. I really appreciate the character development in Nami and this could easily be a favorite if not for the 100% unnecessary romance thrown in near the end. I just can't. I actually had to pause and take a breath when it was announced because I was supremely annoyed. No one has time for romance when you're fighting for your life (even though your dead) and the lives of those you love! Come on!! I expected better 😂

Romance aside, I'm here for this and can't believe I have to wait for the final book. I can truly say I have not a single clue where this book is going and what's gonna happen.

While Genesis Wars still has a similar plot to the first book, Genesis Wars was faster-paced. It was exciting to dive back into Infinity. There is much more action here while in the prior novel it was about strategy and Nami coming to terms with a new world. The version of Nami we get here is someone wracked with guilt and hardened by her past decisions. Additionally, she is no longer a reluctant participant. This was a welcomed change. While she retains her passion to save the people she cares about, anger fuels her decision-making. She’s less empathetic than she used to be, and she has clearly chosen a side. This Nami is more resolute and has a confidence that was missing in the prior book.

The Infinity Courts reimagines the afterlife to be more Terminator-esque than the traditional heaven and hell. It is also a combination of Alice in Wonderland and Hunger Games. When people die, they end up in Infinity. Artificial intelligence (AI) now reign this human-created afterlife. It’s an extremely interesting premise, but I didn’t understand how AI arrived in the afterlife. I struggled with this throughout the first book and Genesis Wars also does not explain it either. This is something I would love to have cleared up.

I recommend the trilogy to fans of The Hunger Games and The Terminator. While it is set in the afterlife, it nearly feels more like a post-apocalyptic world than it does life after death. If you're not a fan of cliffhangers, wait until it is closer to the publication of the next book before reading it. Trust me. You will want to pick it up as soon as you finish Genesis Wars.

A thrilling sequel to The Infinity Courts that follows Name as she continues her journey in the afterlife. Though it was heavily centered on Nami's repetitive thoughts of making the afterlife a better and safer place for her little sister, these hints seem to come in handy toward the cliffhanger at the end. Can't wait for Book 3!

Ah, we're back with another fabulous installment in the Infinity Courts series! There is so much excitement and character development in this book that I don't even know where to start! Okay, I'll start with my one minor qualm so I can get to the good stuff: sometimes I didn't quite remember all the things the author seemed to think I'd remember from the first book. But that is just as likely my fault, so there's that. I had a few "wait who/what/where now?" moments, but aside from that, was totally invested.

Nami has changed so much during her time in the quasi-afterlife, and you can immediately see the toll this world has taken on her. It's hard to witness, really, but also incredibly honest and realistic. Now, she's trying to save all of humanity, and especially, her sister. Nami refuses to concede and allow humankind to basically have their minds wiped for eternity, which frankly, is fair. Even if that means that she won't survive.

Basically, the book is so full of excitement that I didn't want to stop reading. And then, just when I thought things couldn't get any more exciting, the author outdoes herself with an incredible climax and a bonkers ending that had me begging for more. Honestly, a great sequel with absolutely no middle-book syndrome whatsoever.

Bottom Line: Desperately require Book 3, especially after a completely bananas ending.

It was only 10 months ago when Nami faced Ophelia and the princes. The result was the loss of her friends and Nami finding the Borderlands by following the stars. While she tries to warn the people in the Borderlands about Ophelia’s extensive reach, Nami faces resistance. Feeling helpless that no one is willing to help the humans who were trapped in the Four Courts, the only thing she can do is try her best. Riddled with guilt and the determination to save the humans, Nami ventures into War.

Finding Genesis and allies within was a surprise to Nami. But something is weird with the leader of Genesis. His motives and actions don’t fully encompass the welfare of all humans. Despite that, they have provided Nami a sanctuary after leaving the Borderlands. Nami reunites with friends in The Genesis Wars, but nothing is easy. Nami learns that her mind is stronger than she expected and that she could use it to her advantage.

Throughout the whole book, Nami strives to do her best. Her parents and her sister, Mei, were consistently in her thoughts. They motivated her to make the Afterlife a better place so that Mei wouldn’t be afraid, wouldn’t suffer through a war, and has a refuge after death. Nami surpassed her limitations and discovered more of her abilities.

Never would Nami anticipate any changes between her and Caelan. After his betrayal and the revelation that he had been posing as Gil, Nami refused to be swayed by anything Caelan said or done. As one of the four Princes and the son of Ophelia, how can Nami believe him any longer? However, when things took a turn, Nami wonders if what she knew before was the truth.

The ending blew me away. I was wondering when the character would make an appearance and how Nami would react. I knew it was coming, but Akemi Dawn Bowman insisted on it being a cliffhanger. To everyone who has read The Genesis Wars, let’s hang out on this cliff together until next year when the finale is released.

While I love the concept of this series, I was on the fence about continuing with it while reading the first book. Until I hit that mind-blowing cliffhanger of an ending. This second book was exactly the same for me.

The Genesis Wars picks up ten months after the ending of The Infinity Courts. Nami is still reeling from Prince Caelan’s betrayal, and the people she considers her family in the afterlife are missing. She’s full of guilt and blames herself. She’s spent this time undergoing intense training in hopes of becoming strong enough to rescue them. The first quarter of this book moved slowly for me. Nami talks a lot about training, her family, and her need to find them – but it’s just talk for quite a while and no action.

Soon the storyline picks up, and several new characters are introduced, all of them wonderful additions and a few excellent allies (especially Kasia and Nix). While the majority of the first book is spent in the court of Victory, most of this book is set in the court of War – which means Prince Caelan’s brother Ettore (who’s quite partial to torture) gets a good amount of page time. He’s a character you love to hate.

The action scenes are tension-filled and easy to visualize, the romance a little angsty, the characters flawed and relatable, and the politics a strategic minefield. A couple of twists are sure to have you picking your jaw off the floor, and the final one ensures I’ll be requesting the next book the second I see it on NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I saw that the sequel to The Infinity Courts was coming out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! The twist at the end of the first book blew me away, and I couldn't wait to start this one. The Genesis Wars by Akemi Dawn Bowman is a high-stakes YA sci-fi novel that continues the story of the first book. The story revolves around Nami, who has just escaped the Four Courts at the end of the first book. Now, she's allying herself with humans in the Borderlands, far away from the dangers of the Four Courts. But what will happen when the fight comes closer to home?

Here is an exciting excerpt from Chapter 1:

"The forest is silent, but I know I'm being hunted.
Frost spreads across my blade, covering the sharpened sea-glass until all that's left is a small patch of muted red. The flicker of a heartbeat. The flame of something desperate to survive.
I rotate the dagger in my hand and push forward through the snow.
The silver birch is heavy on this side of the forest. Not like the forests in Victory, with their spacious clearings and limited places to hide."

Overall, The Genesis Wars is an action-packed YA sci-fi novel that will appeal to fans of Goddess in the Machine or Warcross. One highlight of this book is how much action there is. After the relatively calm, more psychological warfare of the first book, this book contains a lot more physical fighting, and it's very exciting to read. I sped through this book and ended up finishing in a day. If I had to complain about 1 thing, I would say that this book was missing the political intrigue and romance of the first book. But it makes up for it in action scenes. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA books in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!

Middle books in trilogies often have a hard time living up to the dynamic first book, while carrying it on long enough to make you excited for the last book. This book did not have any issues with that. It was exciting, fun, adventurous, and kept me guessing until the last page, AND THAT LAST PAGE! I need the next one immediately!!

In the sequel to 'The Infinity Courts', we return to the afterlife with our favorite stubborn protagonist, Nami Miyamoto. The stakes are high and Nami is determined to save the people she loves!

The last book explored what makes us human. Now that the world for this series has been built, there is more time for action and adventure in the story.

It picks up right where 'The Infinity Courts' left off. Nami has made it out alive and managed to escape from Ophelia. She’s safe (for now) in the Borderlands and she’s spending her time growing her strength and training to fight the Residents. Nami is determined to defeat Ophelia and the Residents this time around and nothing will stop her from saving the people she loves.

I loved Nami’s growth in this book. She’s no longer ignorant of the world of the afterlife and is now aware of what it takes to survive there.

Thanks to the betrayal of Prince Caelen, Nami has trust issues and she finds herself having a hard time opening up to the new people that she meets. It doesn’t help that the people she comes across don’t care enough to fight Ophelia and the Residents like Nami is. They know how strong Ophelia is and they believe it would simply be easier for them to escape to safety while they can instead of starting a war that they most likely cannot win.

Of course, their beliefs don’t stop Nami. She eventually leaves the safety nest with no one by her side in hopes of finally freeing the people she now considers her family.

Being inside Nami’s head this time around was sometimes a lot. She’s dealing with a lot of guilt and grief. She feels guilty for escaping while everyone else was left under Ophelia’s rule. Nami knows what happens to humans who don’t follow Ophelia’s rulings and is having nightmares of how her friends must be being tortured right now. Nami is also grieving for the loss of what she thought was a true companionship until Prince Caelen betrayed her. Now, she doesn’t think she will ever be able to let someone get close to her again.

There are so many new characters in this book and I loved all of them! There wasn’t a lot of Ophelia this time around which was disappointing, but thankfully Nami and Caelen’s relationship was worth being focused on in this book. I think their relationship, a human and artificial intelligence, can be viewed as this world’s hope. If the two of them can learn to get along then wouldn’t that be proof that the Residents and humans could coexist? This is why I loved the exploration of their complicated relationship so much.

Overall, I really enjoyed 'The Genesis Wars'! Readers will not be bored because things move quickly as Nami navigates the problems that come her way. There are a lot of major twists (especially at the end) in this adventure. Akemi Dawn Bowman still does a great job exploring what makes us human especially with questioning how good and evil coexist in our own world.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi or fantasy then I definitely recommend giving this series a try. It’s unique and there are a lot of fun characters, too!

I loved the first book and this one continued it nicely. The way the plot developed was solid and I'm excited for the next book. Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital copy to review.

**3.5 STARS**

Content Warning: Violence, Torture

In the sequel to The Infinity Courts, things get more dire for Nami. Book one left us with a big, shocking plot twist at the end and now Nami has to deal with the outcome of the events that occurred. She is in the Borderlands, trying to train hard enough to fight the Residents and trying to gather allies to help her get her friends. But she is at her wits end – everyone seems to be against her. Nami won’t give up trying to go back to the Courts to find her friends though, even if she has to infiltrate Caelan’s mind to do so.

Nami…what can I say about this girl? She is stubborn, rash, makes so many mistakes but she is fighting to save her friends because she carries guilt for trusting Caelan She blames herself for their capture and she’s heartbroken and angry because he betrayed her. Nami is hardened in book two, she is eaten up with guilt and anger. Her focus is only on saving her friends, and keeping the Borderlands alive so humans have a safe space to go to when they cross over. People like her sister Mei. Nami frustrated me because her plans took precedent over everyone else’s. But as it was reiterated many times in the story – she’s only been there for one lifetime whereas the others, have been fighting for many lifetimes. She’s a baby compared to everyone else there, she has a lot to learn and she does – the hard way.

I enjoyed meeting the characters in the Borderlands and learning about the different tribes. Kasia was a kind friend to Nami – bless her heart and Nix’s. Nami needs a friend and Kasia was gracious enough to extend that friendship to her. Caelan is back and I was wary about him as Nami was but we learn a few things about him that explains his actions in book one.

Once again this book ends in a cliffhanger. This series I will say, has some amazing plot twists and cliffhangers. The writing is wonderful, it just flows so well and the story moved fast. I like how the story tackled issues about leaders and their responsibilities to their people. Also there were questions about a person’s free will and sacrifice. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book!


Why you should read it:
*you read The Infinity Courts and need to find out what happens next after that cliffhanger ending
*it has action, plot twists and a cliffhanger – writing flows so easily
*Nami’s character growth – she suffers through guilt and anger in this sequel, she makes mistakes but she does not stop fighting to find her friends. There is a lot of room to grow for her.

Why you might not want to read it:
*Not into sci-fi/dystopian set in the afterlife

My Thoughts:

This sequel gave us a chance to see Nami struggle with guilt, anger, making mistakes, and being rash with her decisions but sticking steadfast to her goal of finding her friends and keeping the Borderlands alive to help humans find a safe haven. She is challenged at every turn, she trusts no one and has to really keep her wits about her. Her character frustrated me a lot but I understood why she acted out the way she did. The story moves quickly and of course there is a cliffhanger that makes me eager for book three. This is a solid sequel that sets up for book three in a big way.

I love every moment in this book! Nami is as stubborn and reckless as always, but she did what she had to do to protect her loved ones. I understand her frustration and her trust issue because all of those betrayals happened to her.
AND I just love how the story progressed, how the politics clashed, the whole background setting, and how Bowman created relatable characters with flaws and let them make mistakes and keep growing. The friendship and found family was so precious. Kasia and Nix are such gem! Nami's relationship with Caelan tho! Angsty trip here we go and it was sooo good. Here in this book we get to see Caelan's POV (sort of) and ugh I love him so much.
Can't say more to keep this spoiler free but it was such a wonderful book 2 and totally live up to book 1 which I adore! Still have so many questions and AGHHHH that ending!! Can't wait for book 3 OMG :))))