This was engaging and exciting, it has deep themes that I really enjoyed. Pacing was great, this kept my engaged from page 1.

I was over the moon excited to dive into the second installment of the "Guardians of Dawn" series, especially after being enchanted by the first book. 🌙 As a die-hard Sailor Moon fan sporting tattoos of Wicked Lady and the iconic moon herself, the series' nods to my favorite anime were an irresistible pull.

"Ami" by S. Jae-Jones continues the fantastical journey set forth in "Zhara," blending Asian folklore with a dash of Beauty and the Beast charm. 📚 Jae-Jones weaves a spellbinding tale, whisking readers away with her lush descriptions and immersive worldbuilding. While the first book laid the groundwork, "Ami" expands the universe with gusto, introducing captivating new characters like Ami herself.

The sequel brims with fresh allies, formidable foes, and enough magic and mayhem to keep any fantasy lover spellbound. 💫 And let's not forget the delightful blend of Beauty and the Beast meets Sailor Moon vibes that infuse this sequel with brilliance, humor, and intrigue. So, grab your tiara and prepare for another enchanting adventure! 🌟

I was very impatient for this book to be published. I had loved Zhara, but with how it ended, I needed to know more about the characters, the world, the romance, and everything else connected with this world. Surprisingly, I was surprised when the publisher sent me a widget. Why was I surprised? Well, I thought the book would be published next year (and that was my assumption). Then, I was thrilled. I was curious who the Guardian of Wood was. Well, Ami more than answered my questions. But it also raised new ones, which I am sure will be answered in the next book.

Ami is the second book in the Guardian of Dawn series. It cannot be read as a standalone; you need to read book 1 to understand the backstory and events that lead into book 2.

Ami’s main storyline is centered around Li Ami and Jin Zhara. The storyline with Li Ami did make me sad. Ami had to deal with so much (her mentally ill father, her magic, and her feelings of inadequacy). She worked hard to overcome her feelings, tried her hardest to suppress her magic, and cared for and shielded her father. Ami even pleaded to take his punishment (when he stole a branch from the Pilar). By the middle of her plotline, though, I began to see the girl she’d become at the end of the book. She became more assertive and less shy but still suppressed her magic. It wasn’t until the end of the book that her full character emerged, and I loved her.

The plotline with Zhara was interesting. Her travels with the Bangtan brothers and Han (her love interest) were a little more exciting than Ami’s. In this storyline, the zombies were first shown in action, and a possible explanation was given for why they were being created. Yuli (the Guardian of the Wind) did make appearances (Zhara is her BFF), but she was dealing with a whole lot of shit at home.

Ami and Zahara’s storylines merge a little after the middle of the book. I liked the instant connection that they both felt to each other. But I liked the most that Zhara took the time to get to know Ami and her companions. She also doesn’t push Ami past her comfort zone but stresses the importance of their mission (to find and stop the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons, to stop the zombies, and to heal the Pilar).

I did like the LGBTQ+/nuerodivergent rep that the author incorporated into Ami. The book has autistic, lesbian, nonbinary, and asexual characters. The author did a great job of introducing and portraying those characters and the people around them. I felt nothing was forced or fake, and she didn’t play into stereotypes.

The fantasy angle of the book was well written. Ami, Zhara, and Yuli’s powers were enough to keep me reading. But then she added the other fantasy elements, and I was hooked. The whole zombie sub-storyline was interesting, as was how they were created (the explanation is wild). I also absolutely loved the storyline to save the Pilar (and what was eventually revealed). I also was curious about Gaden’s magic and how they used it. It was introduced mid-book and did cause Gaden some issues with Ami (and the rest of the group).

There is a romance angle in Ami. There were two. Zhara and Han’s romance continues in this book. Gaden and Ami’s romance, which made my day when I read it, was pure and sweet, and it was what I wanted to read in a fantasy book. Because of their scars, Gaden didn’t think they were worthy of love. That was until Ami saw beyond the scar to the person underneath.

There are a few twists in Ami that raised my eyebrows. The first is the confession of Ami’s father while he was in his right mind. That confession explains a lot about the Guardians and what Ami had to keep her power hidden. The second was about Gaden, and that caught me by surprise. I was not expecting Gaden’s true identity to be what it was. I also wasn’t expecting (even though, in hindsight, it did make sense) Gaden’s utter lack of caring about their true identity. There is a twist about the portal and the Pilar and Gaden’s connection to both.

I had mixed feelings about the end of Ami. On one hand, I was pleased with how everything turned out for this book. I liked that the Guardians (with Yuli being there in spirit, literally) were able to resolve the issue of the zombies and how they were being created. But on the other hand, I really wanted Yuli to be there in person. I was also very curious about the Guardian of Water because that epilogue wasn’t enough.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and S. Jae-Jones for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Ami. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

This was book two in the guardians of Dawn series. I had to read the first book before I could read this ARC and I’m so glad I stumbled across this author. This story is so good! She did A fantastic job with Book one so I was very excited to start reading book 2! This book did not disappoint! Ami’s story was so good and you get to hear from your favorite characters from Book one as well. There was a twist there at the end I didn’t see coming good job! I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the series!

I read the first book and absolutely loved it so when I saw this one I knew I needed to request it IMMEDIATELY. If you loved the spellbinding magic and fierce battles in the first book of the Guardians of Dawn series, brace yourself for the next thrilling installment: "Guardians of Dawn: Ami." This time, we dive into the life of Li Ami, an exile caring for her troubled father whose prophetic ramblings hint at looming doom. When her father is imprisoned, Ami must prove her worth by tackling a mysterious blight, drawing her into a dangerous quest alongside the fiery Guardian of Fire, Jin Zhara. The stakes? Only the fate of the Morning Realms as they face a rising undead threat and the dark power of the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons. The lush world-building, intense romance, and high-stakes adventure will keep you glued to the pages. Don’t miss out on this heart-pounding continuation that masterfully blends magic, mythology, and a race against time.

**Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC**

When Chaos overruns Order,and balance must be restored, the Guardians of Dawn are Reborn.
Ami has always been seen as odd, her magic aside, she finds comfort in plants and languages. People on the other hand are an entirely different matter. When her father gets himself in a heap of trouble, Ami must do what she can to protect him, even if that means trusting a "Beast". Gaden, the "Beast" of Kalantze has many secrets they would rather kept hidden, but unforeseen events make it necessary for them to seek Ami's knowledge of language in exchange for sparing her father. Meanwhile, Zhara and Han are on the search for Ami and her father, in order to get what knowledge they may have in order for the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons to be defeated. Along the way they face abominations, undead, and forces unknown.

****4.75****In my opinion this was a really strong second book. While you are getting perspective from Ami in this book, you do still get continuation of Zhara's, from where her book left off, as well. Also, love how the author was able to wrap up the subplot for this book, while still adding to the overarching series plot. Appreciate the nods that have been made to classic fairytales in each book so far(Zhara-Cinderella, Ami- Beauty and the Beast). Has great LGBTQ+ rep. If you are looking for a fast-paced YA fantasy series, with elements of action, adventure, animal friends, found family, magic, and a little sprinkle of romance, then I highly recommend picking up the Guardians Of Dawn series by S. Jae Jones.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

A great sequel that lived that liv d up to the potential of the first one.

Thank you Netgalley for the E-Arc.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Disclaimer: I have not read any of the other books in this series or by this author so that might be why it was hard for me to get into this book.

I enjoyed the concept and the characters a lot. But I felt like this book read really young at times and then felt very complicated at the same time.

It took me a really long time to get into this book and there were so many characters it became confusing. Also there were numerous times where I didn't know that the POV had changed right away.

2.75 star read for me.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. all opinions are my own.

I will post my full review once SMP address the insensitive comments of their employee.

2.5 rounded up.

First off, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I listened to Zhara at the end of 2023 and felt it was a bit on the younger side of YA, so I didn’t go into this one expecting it to blow my mind. Ami to me, started off strong and I thought I was going to be pleasantly surprised, but now I’m not sure. It def feels like it’s suffering from second book syndrome to me.

Ami herself is a really interesting character and I really loved her dynamic with the others. I also really like the introduction of Gaden and the diversity brought with them. I’m excited to see both of the these characters while I’m still deciding whether or not to read the next one, which I’m assuming will be titled Yuli.

Now for the things I didn’t like. Again I do feel like the writing is a bit young for me and I feel like this one got second book syndrome. But there were a lot of plot holes and points that I felt weren’t expanded upon or corrected bc this book has so much going on in it.

When you’re going to have a big surprise about a character then don’t telegraph it to the point where the big reveal twenty chapters later is a flop. I think the reveal would’ve been better off being kept to Ami alone and the others figuring it out in the next book. Also if there was a way to, again, not telegraph it that’d be cool.

The name of the bad guy in this one was a bit silly, but also a funny use of the anagram trope.

Towards the end I was a bit bewildered that Zhara had so many crystals with her. Like I get she took three or four, but it felt like it was suddenly she had a whole trove and I missed something. She’s not described with having a bag usually.

Then there was the whole “thank you for leading us” when she didn’t really do much other than look to other people for help. She still felt like the silly girl from book one.

Idk maybe it’s just mean of me to think this one needed another round of editing. There were some frantically errors as well, but nothing earth shattering.

Anyway I’m finished this book after a month and it’s late, I might add more later as it comes to me.

This sequel hit HARD. The plot made me go wild with shock and I still think I'm dealing with whiplash. Characters all still had their same personalities, but underwent some changes throughout the length of the book. First of all, the relationship made it through, which is a miracle, and we saw another romance blossom between two wildly different people. S. Jae-Jones went hard on this one, and nothing and no one can tell me otherwise. Though, the book would have been better if we saw less kidnapping and less stereotypical plot points. I'm not saying that the plot was bad, it was great, but just some recommendations for the future when the author writes the third book because the series can't end here. It's too juicy at this point. Would recommend to some select people, but not all book readers. Mostly people who like a good juicy plot with a buttload of fiction. Overall good book.

Li Ami, an estranged figure living on the fringes of society due to her peculiar upbringing, becomes the primary caregiver for her mentally ill father, a former imperial magician.

When her father's actions lead to trouble, she sacrifices herself to a mysterious Beast to save him, uncovering a potential prophecy in the process.

In this enchanting tale, author Jae-Jones masterfully weaves a world where words come alive, drawing readers into a vividly depicted realm. The characters feel like feiends, delving into universal themes that resonate deeply. This compelling narrative not only captivates but also heals, making it a must-read. I eagerly await the next chapter in this series and commend Jae-Jones for her exceptional storytelling. Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to explore this remarkable work

Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones is a wonderful sequel to Zharas story! I really like the unique blend of Korean Fantasy and Elemental Magic. Li Ami is a great character and I absolutely love her personality and love of books! This story reads a tiny bit like a beauty and the beast retelling but with a whole bunch of twists and turns. I enjoyed seeing Jin Zhara again and I think it's so cool how much she's grown with her magic. This book is full of intriguing characters and fantastical magic and I can't wait to see what's next!

First off big thank you to S. Jae-Jones, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for hooking a girl up with an eARC and in return, they’ll be getting an honest review.

Things I enjoyed: Zhara and Han always. They are just so stinking cute. The sass of Sajah reminds me so much of Luna for the OG Sailor Moon and it makes me smile. Overall, the story continues to progress and paces in a way that I expect more action in the next installment. And I’ll definitely be a continued fan / reader.

Things that did not resonate with me: overall Ami as a character felt flat. She just wasn’t compelling and did not feel like a great addition to the Guardians of the Dawn. And I’m not going to sugar coat it, but this book had strong sophomore book syndrome. A bit long and also slower than expected.

Final rating from me is: 3 out of 5 stars.

Final thoughts: do I love the concept and the character of Zhara, heck yes. Am I excited to see how this moves into the next stages of the plot, you can bet your bottom dollar. Did I wish Ami was more exciting and had more character development, yes. Overall, still a great story and I’m going to continue with this one. But I need to see more character development and also the flow needs to be consistent.

Happy to say this book did not suffer middle fantasy book series syndrome. It mostly followed the formula of the first book while continuing to build the lore. I’m liking the political intrigue build up and curious to see how the ending will affect the next book. The book also added characters to the DEI checklist.

Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones is the second book in the Guardians of the Dawn series. As a direct sequel, this book is best read and enjoyed by readers who have already been enchanted by Guardians of the Dawn: Zhara. The tone and pacing is much more consistent in this second installment while maintaining the lovely sailor moon with mechs vibes that the first one was sold to me on. I can not wait to continue the series and will definitely be recommending it at the bookstore where I work.

Huge thank you to both NetGalley and Macmillian Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC to give an honest review.

Ami is the second book in the guardians of the dawn series. It is YA fantasy with good representation and a sprinkle of fairytales.

Compared to the first book this one is consistent in its tone and I loved the scenery described closer to the end of the book. My favorite part was the separate POV's for the first third of the book. It was very well done and set a really good pace. That portion of the book was hard to put down. Once these characters are reunited, I struggled. Especially with the journey portion of this book. It seemed to be a bit all over the place, literally. I think this author is really good at settings and the book may have benefited to having less stops that didn't really add to the story.

I really liked the dynamic of Ami as a character. She seemed to be inspired by blue eyed samurai but definitely had her own distinct personality. I enjoyed her relationship with her father I thought that was done quiet tastefully and really pulled on my heart strings.

I did enjoy this book and plan on continuing the series.

It took a little bit for me to get into Zhara's story, but everything eventually snapped into place for me. But, sadly, that moment never came for this sequel. I just couldn't get into Ami's story, and my interest waned even with Zhara's sections (though there was a really sweet Zhara / Han scene that I absolutely loved).

I think people who loved Zhara will probably love this, but if you struggled a bit to get into Zhara like I did, this one might not be for you. I'm not sure right now if I'll continue the series.

(Thank you to Wednesday Books for the eARC to review.)

I read an eARC of the first book and thought it was okay. It interested me enough to give the second book a read. This book was a slow read for me. Things happened in the story, but it didn't feel like much happened; I didn't feel the importance or urgency within the writing.

There were too many attempts at suspense at the end of chapters in this book. Why did many of the chapters end like this? For example, a character will talk about how something or somewhere feels ominous (or there's a scream from somewhere), obvious danger happens, the chapter ends, and then it's a chapter from a different character's POV. It got irritating.

There were a lot of reiterated details and statements that could've been omitted; it felt like it was trying to reach a word count. Also, different characters used the same few adjectives to describe the same character. For example, on one page, a character used two adjectives for Ami and a bit after that, they used the same two adjectives (but switched around) to describe her. There were also times when characters were described instead of simply using the character's name.

It didn't feel like there was ever any actual danger for the main characters. In terms of manipulating the environment and enchanting weapons, Zhara and Ami didn't seem to have a limit to how much magic they could use or maintain. They weren't worn out from using it.

Most conversations between the characters felt stilted and forced. Some chaos caused by the enemy could've been resolved with the main characters attempting to use their powers to fight them; it didn't make any sense. It only started with two enemies. (I'm talking about the incident when Zhara and Han met Ami for the first time.) They got rid of one enemy and left one to infect other people. More uninfected people rushed into the area, and the main characters fled...?

Near the end of the story, Ami congratulated Zhara for "leading" their team, but nothing even happened. Someone else led them on their journey to the mountains. Zhara only told them to go to the gate someone else found for her.

Compared to the first book, this story described the different regions' locations better. Neither the eARC of the first book nor the eARC of the second book included a map of the world, which would've been helpful, but I saw a print copy of the first book, and there was a map on the inside of the cover.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the story. The writing bogged down the story for me. I decided to finish reading it simply to finish it.

Volume 2 starts with new characters, and with new Guardians to discover. It also continues the journey of the first book exactly where book one stopped. This time they are on the move, meeting more characters and different locations. The tension is higher because apart from abominations they have to deal with a lot of Undead that they don't quite understand how they come to be. They unite forces and search for a way to defeat the Mother villain of demons. The author is careful to remind us of important elements that happened in book one in case it's been a while since we read book 1 or never read. Because this one has a new goal/quest we understand it without having read Book 1.
Sajah is an amazing familiar/mystical
companion. This volume sounded more serious and with lots of action and less cute.
Slow-burn romance with more than one couple now, but still light or even just platonic.