I will share my review after St. Martin's Press does the following:
1. Address and denounce the Islamophobia/racism from their employee.
2. Offer tangible steps for how they’re going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.
3. Address how, moving forward, they will support and protect their Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab readers, influencers, and authors in addition to their BIPOC readers, influencers, and authors.

Very rarely does an author leave me speechless and Jae-Jones continues to do such in the next installment of the Guardians series. I love that we see new characters and new sides to characters from book one. This story is so magical and brings me so much childhood nostalgia

I think I might like this one even more than Zhara and that's saying a lot because I adored Zhara. The Sailor Moon vibes are so strong. It's fantastic!

I loved the characters and their interactions so much. The battles sequences are amazing and there's even more body horror! Yay! (And also? Ew!)

I need book 3 yesterday.

I really loved Zhara by S Jae-Jones. Unfortunately, Ami did not live up to the expectations that were had for book 2 of the series. Ami, the main character of this book, seemed to be way too timid and very immature. Sure, this is a YA book, but it felt a bit much that this character was that closed minded and timid. The romantic relationship between Zhara and Han also seemed a bit forced. The possibility of Han being asexual seemed to come out left field and didn't feel like a natural progression for the storyline, or the characters.

I did enjoy the continuation of the Guardians of Dawn story. It built upon the foundation laid in book 1 with more lore and world building. Though Ami may not have been "it" for me, does not mean I will not continue the series. I look forward to see the reveal of the next Guardian, and where the journey leads all the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

I will be posting to Instagram, Goodreads, and Storygraph.

Appreciate the inclusivity of characters, but for some reason this book wasn't as impactful as the first. I think Zhara was a stronger character, and almost overshadowed Ami even though it was her book. I would continue the series because the overall storyline (and other reincarnated guardians) have me intrigued!

Guardians of Dawn: Ami is the second book in the series. You definitely need to read the first book for some of the storyline to make sense. This book is full of a lot of characters and world building too for it to almost feel like it could be a standalone book. The storyline is interesting enough as well as the characters.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Representation: Non-binary (Some readers feel like Ami is neurodiverse—she didn't skew that way for me, but I can see how that works for others.)

GUARDIANS OF DAWN: AMI is book 2 in the series. You must read these in order for them to make sense.

In this book, it's a little more serious than the first, but the guardians are still gathering for a battle. There is still a large confrontation in this one, but I can feel that the ultimate war is still on the horizon.

There are no more "good-looking giggles" in this book, but Han also doesn't have a POV, and I missed him. I had a hard time getting into this book, and I think it's because I needed to review the highlights from the first novel when this one starts with Ami, whose view point is new. This left me feeling a little lost.

The undead (zombies) are a big part of this novel. So if that's your itch, you'll get to scratch it. I was very interested in the little mother plant and what would happen to it. (That's my love of a cozy coming out.)

I didn't love this one as much as the first—something of second-book-syndrome that I frequently experience. I also felt like the first was a retelling of Cinderella, while this one is rooted in "classic" Asian fantasy with Sailor Moon vibes—I just wanted to know more so I could read up on it to feel more connected to the story.

If you loved Zhara's book, you're going to want to pick up this one. I enjoyed this book and feel like most young readers will get absorbed in the world problems and romances. (I'm slightly rounding up.)

Happy reading!

This second in the series nearly reads well enough to be a stand-alone. The multiple points of view was intriguing for sure.

The second in the Guardians of Dawn series picks up right where the first left off once again following the intensely fun mashup of Sailor Moon, western fairy tales, and East Asian mythology. The Beauty and the Beast parallels really only come to play at the very beginning, quickly giving way to exploring the worldbuilding of the Guardians and their demonic counterparts as the rot we started to see in Zhara comes to the forefront. Now that both we as readers and Zhara and crew know more about the balance between magicians and demons, between ki and anti-ki, we get to dig further into the mythology of the world and get to the heart of just who the Sunburst Warrior is and what the Star of Radiance is. As mor of the prophecy gets revealed and we start to see how the different regions have interpreted the myths, just what we're building toward starts to take shape too.

This definitely feels like a second book in a series, but more than that, an immediate continuation. For all that Ami's name is in the title and we do get to learn quite a bit about her and the Guardian of Wood, it's almost as equally Zhara and Gaden's book. There are so many PoVs, and that some of them mainly dealt with threads from the first book made this feel less like Ami's book and more like just an expansion of Zhara's.

That said, my favorite thing from the first book is perfectly retained here - the sheer joy that radiates off the pages. Despite being an adventure story with demons and undead and the possible end of the world, there's just an unabashed joy that Jae-Jones gets to write this story and tell it, which I can't help but feel endeared to. The characters are at turns goofy and heart-felt, anxious and righteous. Sure at times they feel young, but they are also 16-year-olds thrust into literally legendary roles. There's also a great continuation of representation, which results in some of my favorite conversations in the book that really help make the growing group of Guardians and their allies feel like a family.

I'm super invested now, and I can't wait to see what happens when we turn towards the more political machinations now that the rebel group of the Heralds has been introduced and the assassination of the Warlord - given that epilogue, I'm curious to see if we'll deal with that and Yuli's story or the Guardian of Water next (and what some of those breadcrumbs of a false heir lead to!)

Guardians of Dawn: Ami, returns where the adventurous series left off with Zhara in book one. This latest installment to the series is fun and dynamic, with a Beauty and the Beast twist. I love the inclusion of the Bangtan Boys! Zhara is coming into her power more and understanding how she can change the world around her. Meanwhile, Ami has bigger problems than magic. She is responsible for her father and strikes a deal to save him when he is arrested. I enjoyed the new characters we met in this sequel.

This book is filled with action-packed battles, beautiful prose, and fun characters. I loved when Ami and Zhara finally met and were able to work together with their powers. I also enjoyed the LGBTQ+ rep. Readers who enjoy Sailor Moon and magical adventures should check out this series.

Thank you to S. Jae-Jones, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As I really liked the first book in this series, I was super excited to receive an ark for the second one! I continue to be impressed the way Jae-Jones weaves her world building. I think if you want a packed SFF with fun tropes and a lot of attention to detail, this is a perfect one. I like that it doesn’t go light on worldbuilding and that we really get to see the continued development. I hope this gets the attention it deserves because it’s really well done.

I have been dying to read this book for months and it did not disappoint!! I really enjoyed how the author was able to introduce an entire set of new characters and a different, but still connecting plot without confusing me. Each time I picked up the book, I didn’t want to put it back down!! If you liked the reading Zhara, you’ll definitely enjoy the sequel!

Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones is a thrilling and enchanting sequel filled with action and magic.

I really enjoyed "Guardians of the Dawn: Ami," the second book in this killer YA fantasy series. It’s about Ami, who’s been hiding who she is while taking care of her sick dad. But then she meets this mysterious Beast, and everything flips upside down.

This book is a follow-up to "Zhara,:. Ami is such a cool character—strong, resilient, and super easy to root for. And Galen? Perfect match for her. Their chemistry is great and makes the story even more engaging.

The world-building here is on point. The author creates this vivid, intricate fantasy world that sucks you right in. The friendships, especially between Ami and Zhara, add a lot of depth. And the action scenes? They’re packed with magic, demons, and undead creatures—everything you’d want in a fantasy book.

Ami’s personal journey is really touching. Her struggles with her father’s illness and her own self-discovery add a great emotional layer. You really see her grow throughout the book, and it’s so rewarding. The sprinkle of romance is just right—not too much, just enough to keep things interesting.

There are a few minor hiccups, like some plot points that feel a bit aimless. Sometimes the characters seem a little lost, waiting for the next big event. But honestly, that unpredictability keeps things fresh and engaging.

Overall, "Guardians of the Dawn: Ami" is a fantastic sequel that nails it with action, character development, and magical adventure. If you’re into fantasy worlds with awesome characters and epic battles, you need to dive into this series. Start with "Zhara" and then jump into "Ami" for the full experience. Trust me, you won’t regret it—I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!

For Fans of:
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Guardians of Dawn: Ami follows a young, subservient, scrivener named Ami. Ami is clever and well-educated, but her father's fragile mental state has forced them away from their home and to beg on the street. Luckily, she is soon recruited by the "The Beast," a sweet young man who serves as one of the king's assistants, to help him read through inscrutable documents. But their progress is soon interrupted by a plague of demonic possession. Zhara and the gang soon unite with Ami and decide to fight back against the dark forces descending on the land.

This book includes:
- LGBT characters
- neurodiverse protagnist
- disability representation
- ensemble cast with multiple POVs
- monsters, zombies, and demonic possessions
- secret magic
- cults
- arranged marriage

I enjoyed the dynamic between Ami and the Beast, and I liked watching them interact with Zhara and the gang. Unfortunately, I could not get myself to get into the story and decided to DNF. However, I imagine most fans of book 1 will love this sequel as the series continues to have strong writing.

I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, S. Jae-Jones, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

How many times will a gorgeous cover draw me only for me to realize this is not the first book in a series?
Not to fear, this wasn't an issue for me this time. Funnily enough, Zhara was a book I'd circled at the bookstore for several trips before making the purchase. And when I made the connection that I owned and could read it first...the puzzle pieces fit. While I probably could've picked this up ans caught in quick enough, definitely read the other beauty is well.
I think the covers match the beauty and fantasy of story within. Love love love.

💛🩵 Guardians of Dawn: Ami ARC Review 🩵💛

Thank you so much to S Jae-Jones and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Guardians of the Dawn: Ami is a YA fantasy and book two in the Guardians of the Dawn series. Throughout her whole life, Ami has had to hide who she is. Her father is unwell and requires her full attention - she has no time to focus on anything else. But when her path crosses with the mysterious Beast, her life changes in ways she never imagined

This was a fantastic read and a great follow up to Zhara, the first book in this series. Ami was a wonderful character and I really enjoyed her strength. I loved Galen and their story too - they were a wonderful character and perfect match for Ami! I really love this world and that the characters from Zhara were so involved in this story!

Overall this was a five star read! I love this world and the characters! I can’t wait for the next book! This book did have a romantic subplot with YA levels of spice, so overall one flame for spice

If you’re a fan of YA fantasy with strong characters, beautiful world building and Eastern Asian mythology, then absolutely pick up this series! As this is a continuation of the story started on Zhara, I absolutely recommend reading these books in order.

This is a fun, fantasy world that once I got going, I didn't want to stop. I ended up reading this in a day, which goes to show that it kept me captivated! I enjoyed meeting the cast of characters, and they all had their pros. I am looking forward to reading more about them (time to pick up the first book I missed!), and the new characters I get to meet in the next book!

Note: While I read this book without having read the first in the series, I do not feel like I missed enough to be confused about what was happening. However, it did take me a little bit to understand the world the characters are in, and what the purpose and plot were. I think if I had read the first book prior to this, I would rate this book higher.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the eARC, these opinions are my own. I must admit I haven’t read the first book so I jumped into it with this one. While there were some things that took some understanding overall it was pretty easy to step into it. Though if you have the time I would recommend reading the first book. The book is full of adventure and action as well as whimsy humor and joy! A bit of darkness and intrigue around mysterious elements and from what I can tell continued growth from the first one! Characters are well written and the story has a lot of depth to it! I enjoyed Ami’s journey and I love the concept of the Guardians powers! Definitely worth checking out but read the first book if you can!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an E-Arc of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

While I did enjoy the world building and the characters, it did take me a while to finally get into this book. It started off slow and think the constant switching of POV’s was a bit confusing for me and threw me off just a bit. Seeing Zhara in this was fun and I loved Gaden and Ami a lot and hope to see more of them going forward in this series.

I am excited to see where the rest of this series is going to go. I did enjoy this book for the most part and it has intrigued me. Also, this cover is stunning.

I plan to buy this book when it releases to go with book 1 (Zhara) that is already on my shelf!

3.5 stars!