This series just keeps getting better and better! Each installment brings in new characters, new intrigue, and new action, and all of it works together to create a fantastically engaging narrative! Another wonderful showing in a wonderful series, and one that's left me so excited for the fourth title that I can hardly wait! Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is fantastic. The world-building is lush and intricate, drawing you into the Morning Realms where every element feels vital to the fabric of the story. Yuli’s journey is compelling, she’s not only struggling with her own insecurities but also confronting the burden of restoring balance to her fractured world. What makes this tale even more exciting is the dynamic between Yuli and Kho, whose rivalry and complicated history add emotional depth and tension to the political games at play. It’s a fresh and exciting start to what promises to be a gripping series.

This book is fantastic! Even though I hadn’t read the first two installments of the Guardians of Dawn series, I was immediately drawn into the intricate world and compelling characters. While I could tell this was part of a larger ongoing story, the writing was so immersive that I still found myself deeply invested in the narrative. That said, I would highly recommend starting from book one to fully grasp the depth of the storyline and character arcs.

The world-building in this book is lush and intricate, bringing the Morning Realms to life with vivid descriptions and a rich history that feels essential to the story. The balance of good versus evil is a major theme, and the way it plays out through elemental warriors and ancient demons makes for an intense and thrilling read.

Yuli’s journey is especially compelling—she’s not just facing external threats but also wrestling with her own insecurities and the enormous burden of restoring balance to a fractured world. The dynamic between Yuli and Kho adds another layer of complexity to the story. Their history is steeped in rivalry and tension, making their interactions unpredictable and emotionally charged. The political intrigue woven throughout the book adds even more depth, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its diversity and inclusion. The cast of characters is vibrant and unique, with each guardian bringing something different to the table. Despite their incredible strength and abilities, they remain deeply human, struggling with personal conflicts that make them feel real and relatable.

At times, I did feel a bit lost due to the multiple POVs and the ongoing nature of the story, but the writing is strong and descriptive, making it easier to follow along. I can only imagine how much more rewarding this book would be for those who have been following the series from the beginning!

Overall, this is an excellent read for fans of Asian-inspired fantasy with high-stakes action, compelling characters, and a richly developed world.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Another great installment in this series! I loved the setup and use of dramatic irony in this one. I also really appreciate that this series is staunchly in the "middle YA" area, rather than upper YA like a lot of titles right now. It's accessible to younger teens, and even middle grade readers looking for something more advanced. I do think this book could have used a couple of lines to refresh my memory---I forgot who Xu was since it has been 2 years since I'd read Zhara. Just a few reminders for older context would have been nice. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this! I love Yuli as a spin on the Sailor Venus character--she's the It Girl, but leans into the athleticism that Minako possesses, rather than the idol/girly girl. I also love that She and Kho mirror Uranus and Neptune. As a long time lover of Sailor Moon, this series means so much to me!