This was a good read, i cam in new to the series, but felt that I understood the world and plot and it held my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to review this eARC.

I was excited to see that my request for this ARC was accepted because I received/read the first book (Zhara) last year in one of my illumicrate boxes and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. The plot is interesting and intriguing, I’ll be excited to continue reading the series as it releases because I especially enjoy the magic system. It’s been very sweet to watch the characters grow and learn to be vulnerable with others. There are aspects of these characters that I have not read about in other books which is refreshing. I love the acceptance between them. Definitely an enjoyable series so far!

This story has me ecstatic since the beginning. It’s so heartbreaking but beautifully written and somehow also hopeful. I can’t wait for the next book already.

tl:dr Better than book one, gimme another

The plot is tighter, the characterization is deeper, the action fiercer. This book is proper third person omniscient, so if you don’t like books with that perspective it’s not for you. We mostly stick with Ami and Zhara, although it can flit around even in one single chapter. I prefer this perspective, but I know some people can be finicky about this.

It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s memorable. It feels much more epic, on a grander scale, then book one centering Zhara. It’s also really funny, and I’m a sucker for humor thrown into dramatic or fantastical takes.

I’m honestly not sure if my getting to read it early and not having to pay for it tipped the scales a bit. It’s definitely an exciting read and was everything I was looking for. Especially while imagining it as an animated movie while I read it, it’s so cinematic. I am fully invested in this series now.

This is the second installment in the rich fantasy of the Guardians of Dawn series by S. Jae-Jones. This one is like Sailor Moon meets Beauty and the Beast, and I am really enjoying it. Though I think more of Avatar the last Airbender. Li Ami has always felt like an outsider and is now in charge of taking care of her mentally ill father. She offers her services up to the castle when her father is caught trespassing. Will she discover who she really is?

I mean first off, look at that beautiful cover!! The story is about finding yourself and finding friends along the way. I am loving all the queer diverse representation throughout these books and the Asian influences. The pacing is still super slow in the beginning, but definitely picks up by the end. I want to keep reading this series!!

Thank you so much, St Martin's Press, Wednesday books and NetGalley, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Li Ami is forced to live in exile, away from her friendships, ordinary magic and her own family, taking care of her ill father in the outermost West. When her father is caught stealing from the sacred ground of a castle, Ami makes a deal with the presiding Beast by offering to help him find a cure against a mysterious blight. In the Morning Realms, in the meantime, signs of magical corruptions are everywhere and Zhara and Han are helped by the Guardian of Dawn, trying to find some answer in a mysterious and lost text about what to do against this growing madness. In order to defeat the new danger, the undead, Zhara needs the Guardian of Wood, able to heal them and with Han she's ready to journey to the Root of the World to save her country and seal the demon portal here. And, maybe, find new allies in the meantime.

Guardians of Dawn: Ami is the brilliant second book of the Guardian of Dawn saga and it's absolutely brilliant, filled with adventure, romance, laughter and finding oneself, in a race against demons, zombies, mysterious powers and friendships.
The story is told by multiple POVs and if in the first book we get to know Zhara with her giggles and her love with Han, now it's Ami's turn, a young, shy and intelligent young woman, who has to recognize her power and embrace her identity in a race against time. Forced to live her family, alone in a different part of the Realms, Ami is a brilliant MC, who is able to feel too much, thinking of herself as "uncanny", "weird" and I loved this characterization, how Ami feels different and alone and, at the same time, she starts a journey into accepting herself and all her parts, meeting people who love her as she is, like the Beast.

I loved how the universe introduced in the first book is expanded, including new allies and enemies, powers and prophecies, demons and so much more and how, while Zhara could make the reader thinks of a Cinderella retelling, here recalls more The Beauty and the Beast meets Sailor Moon, in this brilliant, funny and intriguing sequel.
I can't wait to read more books of this saga!

I am so happy that I was able to read this so soon after reading the first Guardians of Dawn book. I needed more of Zhara and the bangtan brother and Han. I got all of that and so much more. I got to fall in love with Ami and Gaden. I got to experience another new love of a whole different flavor as Gaden and Ami got to know each other. Zhara and Han learn that Han has his own way of wanting to be loved and they grow closer because of it. The emotional growth of everyone in this novel made me so happy.

My favorite of them all was Gaden. They are strong and they are complicated. They’ve been called beast because of their scaring and they’ve spent their life hiding who they really are. I can’t understand how complicated things get with Gaden and Ami and the others, but their whole story, growth, mistakes, and love story are so so good. I love them so much.

The action, tension, and stakes in this novel are even higher. It feels even scarier and there’s so much more mystery and so much more morally grey scenarios that had me so excited while I read them. I was always thinking to myself how they were all going to make it out of their situation alive. Their fight against demons gets incredibly intense. There are so many political and magical issues that arise and the team has to come together and fight to save the realms however they can.

I want to say more, but I can’t without spoiling and this book deserves to be discovered for yourself. All I can say is there is so much goodness in this book. Even in the way things get complicated the truth lies in the kindness and intention of each individual and it made my heart sore multiple times. As soon as you get the chance I recommend picking up this book!

I just couldn't get into this.

I wasn't a big fan of book one, but wanted to give book two a try. I am left feeling the same things I did during book one. The Writing is both immature and mature at the same time. I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be. Younger teens or older teens?

I'm sure this is the book for someone, but not me.

**Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eArc of this title. This in no way changed my opinion of this book**

I read and loved book 1 of this series and honestly, book 2 is even better. I LOVE the new focus character, Ami, as well as many of the topics Jae-Jones tackles in this sequel.

In book 2, we meet Li Ami, who is Prince Han from book 1's cousin and the Guardian of Wood. To harken back to the Sailor Moon comparison, Ami reminds me a lot of Ami/Sailor Mercury (who is my favorite of the sailor scouts), and not just because they share a name. Ami is very smart, bookish and knowledgeable about many of the topics concerning astrology and the guardian mythology, making her invaluable to the team. She is also, however, HEAVILY coded as neurodivergent, making her shy and causing her to misunderstand many social cues (my best guess from the textual cues is she's autistic, but as this is a Fantasy series, she is just described as others frequently misunderstanding her and her them. They lift the "people think I'm odd" phrasing from Disney's Beauty & the Beast, which is the folklore tie-in for this title). I relate to her a lot and I liked her more matter-of-fact characterization over Zhara's over-the-top, somewhat goofy nature (the "good-looking giggles" make another appearance and I have less patience for them a second time).

Additionally, I really liked the "beast" character, who is named Gaden. They are hiding a significant power (that I won't spoil). Additionally, they are trans and nonbinary. The only thing I would express caution for the reader with Gaden is that a relative deadnames them (not maliciously, but out of an attempt to get them to realize their "destiny" [again, due to plot-related spoilers]). If you feel like this would be triggering, I would either skip it or go into it knowing that will happen. Gaden expresses their desire to be seen as themselves instead of what they can be for others or what their power allows them to do for others. Their character arc is largely one of individuality and acceptance. They and the others also have an overarching conversation about consent (what it is, what it isn't, that it can be revoked as easily as it is given, etc.) that I think Jae-Jones did a nice job with.

In relation to representation, it is made explicit that Han is asexual and he has a conversation about that with Zhara. I thought that was also well-handled. I like that Jae-Jones has created a very queer Fantasy series with most of the MCs being somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I am pan and thought she did a nice job with her rep, but I understand others in the community disagree with my take. I think this book did a better job with it than book 1.

The only real issue I have is that BTS becomes a HUGE part of the narrative for the first 30% of the story and it's so unnecessary. The story is wonderful on it's own. It DID NOT need BTS and unfortunately, I'm concerned book 3 is going to heavily feature them, as well, since it's set where they have been sent to. If the author is given feedback between this book and book 3, I would *HIGHLY* suggest limiting their inclusion, as it makes it read like bad fanfic and the story is so well-written when they aren't there. For me, it detracts from the story.

That said, I love the story and the characters. I will absolutely be reading book 3 (although I'm less certain of what the folktale is supposed to be than I was with this one. The hints make me think Snow White or Jack & the Bean Stalk, but it may also just be one I'm unfamiliar with). I would recommend the book despite the BTS inclusion, especially because Ami and Gaden are great characters and I enjoyed their story arc.

4.5/5, rounded to a 5 for Goodreads.

A fantastic sequel that made my Sailor Moon-loving heart squeal with glee! Fantastic worldbuilding, great characters, and just a fun and fascinating story! Highly recommended! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fun read. I think I wasn't exactly the target audience for it any more. But this is the sort of book I wish had been out when I was younger. I really enjoyed it and it felt like a good follow up to Zhara.

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. I just loved getting to enter this world. I just loved getting to meet these characters and see what they are currently getting themselves into. This book was just a really fun read. I just lost myself in this great story and I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I really enjoyed the first installment of this series (GoD: Zahra) back when I was approved for the eARC last year, so I'm excited to dive into this next installment! I definitely am looking forward to more world-building, lore exploration, and of course some good-ol'-fashioned fantasy action. Always happy to see and read AAPI-helmed reads, so I'm certain this one will be a real treat!

This is such a great inclusive series. The characters are diverse and intriguing. The storyline flows and keeps you hooked. Plus there is a little bit of everything, zombies, unicorns, magic, you name it and this book probably has some small bit in it. The plot between book one and two is great and the interconnect seamlessly. I also love how Ami has a bit of a Beauty and the Beast theme.

*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Guardians of Dawn: Ami, in exchange for a fair and honest review*
A great foundation was set in the first installment of Guardians of Dawn with Zhara's story. Ami's story takes right off from where Zhara's left off. This series has all the components to make it great: solid world-building, great character development, romance, mystery, magic, and zombies! The second volume of Guardians of Dawn takes itself a bit more seriously than the first but still not too much so. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and how they merged into the fold.
I will confess that what I had considered naivete in the first book was my misunderstanding of the cultural differences. I am ashamed to admit my lack of education and utter ignorance of Western civilization, lore, and culture. This led to several parts that were lost on me. However, I sincerely appreciate the background and edification I received. Sidenote: I know NOTHING about Sailor Moon or how these books relate. I feel like this leaves me at a disadvantage in making necessary connections. Or maybe it is an advantage to go in with a clean slate.
I was unaware that this was supposed to be a Beauty & the Beast retelling until reading reviews afterward. I am a little disappointed in myself for not making the connection with such an obvious indicator as "Beast". I mean, duh! Not to mention the overuse of how beautiful Ami was. Seems quite apparent in hindsight.
I liked the casual inclusion of LGBQT. I was pleased with how it was included as an important part of the story without having to be a focal point.
My main criticism would be the predictability. There were several parts that I saw coming from a mile away. There were also parts that kind of droned on a little. For the most part, it was packed with action and adventure but a few moments went on a little longer than necessary.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has comprehensive world-building that leads to easy imagery. The characters are well-developed and likable. There is romance, intrigue, magic, and mystery. I look forward to the next installment.

I enjoyed the journey aspect and the diverse cast of characters in this one. I liked the worldbuilding as well. The writing could be dramatic at times, which I found fun and works with this kind of story (fantasy adventure).
The book/series has elements from fairytales and Sailor Moon, which I find an interesting combo. In this book, it draws inspiration from Beauty and the Beast.
I did find some plot points to be a bit confusing at times (as in I had to go back to see if I missed something), but the story was alright overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found the first installment of this series fairly weak but loved this one! I feel that it really delivered on the premise - and for me, the characters and their relationships were much more impactful this time around. A really strong entry, and one that has me excited for more from this world!

After reading and really enjoying Zhara, I was super excited to be able to read Ami!

I loved returning to the great storytelling of the magical world of the Guardians and getting to meet new characters (Beast and Ami) and following previous ones (Zhara and Han).

One of the aspects of Ami that I enjoyed most was the allusions to fairytales that showed up especially in this book, entwined with the folklore at the center of the story.

While the plot felt a bit too fast for me at certain points, I’m still super invested in this series and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

After loving the intricate, Korean-inspired worldbuilding of Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Guardians of Dawn: Ami. While the romance in Zhara's book was not my favorite, I found myself quickly swept up by the Beauty and the Beast-inspired romance between quiet, bookish Ami and the scarred Beast, Gaden. I loved the neurodivergent rep with Ami, whose autism and magic powers went hand in hand in making her feel othered by the world -- but also became a source of strength as the book went on. Seeing Ami come into her own was one of my favorite parts in the book, and I lived for her chapters. I also loved the nonbinary rep with Gaden. Even though the romance is subtle, they're swoonworthy and charming -- exactly what I love in a romantic lead!

When it swung back around to Zhara's chapters, I found myself a little less invested, until she met up with Ami. Seeing characters from the previous book make cameos (like my favorite sapphic princess, Yulana) was the highlight of my Zhara sections, and I loved when the Guardians got together and the book really delivered on its Sailor Moon promise. Anyway...if you loved Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, I think you'll love the sequel, because it's more of everything in the first book and a slightly darker tone. More magic, more romance, more intricate worldbuilding and tangled politics. I think this series is developing beautifully. Guardians of Dawn may just be my next favorite YA high fantasy series! I am beyond excited to see where Ami, Zhara, and Yuli go next and I loved the little teaser in the epilogue.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books, and S. Jae-Jones for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Guardians of Dawn: Ami

I was very fortunate to ARC read this book, having just finished her first of the series - Zhara. In this instalment we see a continuation of the world in the first book - a world of magic, demons and elemental guardians. This book introduces Ami. Ami always felt like an outsider, socially awkward, and always looking for more knowledge. Now a refugee, caring for her father, who is slowly losing his mind, she comes across Gaden (a.k.a Beast). He offers her an opportunity to translate further texts that would give insight into the sickness and rot spreading in the kingdom. We also see the continuation of Zhara and Han’s story as they journey to find Ami (Hans cousin) and her father. Overall from the first to this book, I feel the authors writing has matured. I found the pace of this story a lot better. Also seeing more of the undead and monster angle was nice. I am still blown away by the creativity and imagination. Also fantastic representation with LGBT characters and representations of different kinds of love and intimacy (but no spice!). Asian fantasy - beauty and the beast - Sailor moon twist of a tale.