I loved the author’s previous series, but unfortunately this novel just got lost in immaturity for me.

The characters were difficult to connect to and so much of the dialogue felt forced. I was hoping to be able to recommend to my students who enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles, but I’ll have to keep looking.

Zhara is a fantasy book that is marketed as Cinder meets Sailor Moon. Jin Zhara has to hide her identity as a magician in their world where magic is forbidden and all who are found to be magicians are executed. Without anyone to guide her, Zhara is left to only hide her glowing hands with no idea what powers she possesses nor how to control them. With an encounter with a mysterious but handsome boy, Han, Zhara finds herself whisked away into the secret society or magicians and daring to dream for the very first time. However, when magicians start turning into monsters, Zhara and Han, along with the others, are forced to face this plague before it takes everyone they love away from them.

Firstly, I loved the worldbuilding of this book. I think it's incredible that the author is able to take inspiration from real places and historical events and turn them into a detailed fictional realm. There are also some really wonderful and beautiful quotes in there as well. The characters were also really fun, but they lacked a cohesion that made it harder for me to follow along. I felt like I could not understand them on a deeper level, but perhaps the character building will come along just fine in the rest of the series. I also found a lot of the description very repetitive, so I just could not immerse myself in the story because of that. I can see why this book is labelled as Cinder meets Sailor Moon, but it just does not feel like the Sailor Moon that I know.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for sending me an e-copy of this book for an honest review!

🦇 Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ She had always imagined her magic as a steady flame within her, and the world around her as her kitchen. Elements were ingredients to be played with, like dough beneath her fingers. Zhara held her breath and concentrated, applying her magic to the mixture in her hands like heat to a pot of water. ❞

❓ #QOTD What was your favorite cartoon growing up? ❓

🦇 Magic is forbidden by punishment of death throughout the Morning Realms, after corrupted magicians turned into abominations and razed the earth 20 years ago. Jin Zhara must hide her magic—that is, until a strange run-in with a blushing boy named Han leads her to the magical liberation organization the Guardians of Dawn. As new members of the Guardians, Zhara and Han work together to restore harmony to the world, even as chaos begins to reign.

💜 S. Jae-Jones is proof that books are their own sort of magic. She's spun together the familiar threads of Sailor Moon, Cinder of The Lunar Chronicles, Avatar the Last Airbender, and cultural mythology to produce Guardians of the Dawn. The story's mythology takes little time to grasp before you're thrown into the adventure alongside Zhara and Han, who (for lack of a better word) are adorable together. The book touches lightly on more intense themes: familial obligation, grief, identity, to name a few. The secondary characters (namely, Xu, Han's genderfluid best friend, Yulana, and Jiyi) offer far more than support; they're an absolute delight.

🦇 Unfortunately, the writing comes off as a little juvenile at times (namely with 'The Good-Looking Giggles' and Han's himbo-esque nature), so I would place this at the younger end of YA. Perhaps more frustrating was the naiveté and ignorance of both Zhara and Han. My brain was piecing together clues not revealed until 10 chapters ahead, and not because of the dual POV or omniscient narration (the reveals for Yulana, Sajah, and even the Chancellor were set up a little too well). The worldbuilding, while gorgeous, is a little basic (which is why it's so easy to dive into, making that a double-edged sword). While a cute, mythology-based tale, I really think this story (and possible series), has a lot more potential.

🦇 Recommended to anyone looking for a bit of nostalgia through a magical retelling. The entire time I was reading it, I got HARD Cinder and Sailor Moon vibes. It wasn't until after I started writing my review that I noticed both were mentioned in the story synopsis. There's a hint of Avatar the Last Airbender in there, too!

✨ The Vibes ✨
👠 Cinderella Retelling
🐱 Animal Sidekicks
💫 YA Fantasy Fiction
🔥 Elemental Magic
📚 Book Loving MC
🏮 Culture-Infused Mythology
🌈 Queer and Disability Rep

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks @sjaejones #GuardiansofDawnZhara

This book was a nightmare from start to finish, and if it wasn’t an ARC, I probably would have DNFed after the first chapter.

The writing voice was too juvenile for YA—and it would have been better suited for a MG or a chapter book. No teenager calls something the “good-looking giggles,” nor do most teenage girls giggle every. single. time. they see an attractive man. Also, at one point the love interests says, “Yah, I worked hard these thighs,” and I don’t know what that means but I do know that it made me set the book down and wonder what my life had come to that I was reading this book.

I know that the author herself has bipolar disorder and has spoken about that previously—so I am very hesitant to critique her. But the disability represented was written outside her lived experience, and I think a sensitivity reader or two could have been beneficial to the story. I am not blind, so I cannot speak to the specific rep. But I will give the facts as unbiased as I can so that other disabled readers can decide whether this book is right for them. In Zhara: Guardians of the Dawn, the main character’s sister is blind and the book upholds the moral model of disability—with the main character’s sister’s blindness being “punishment” for the MC using her magic. Here are a few quotes from the book:

“Why aren’t you answering, my darling? Or are you dumb as well as blind?” (13%)

“Don’t you ever get tired of it all?”
“Of what?” Zhara was almost afraid to ask.
“Of being a good girl.” Her sister’s lip curled. “Of taking care of an invalid.”
“Mimi—”
“No.” Suzhan’s tone was forceful. “That’s my truth. I’m an invalid. And unlike you, I’ve made peace with it.” (61%)

“I’m blind, not stupid.” (77%)

Overall, this book was not for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All views reflected are my own.

Zhara: Guardians of Dawn is the story of Jin Zhara, a girl with magical gifts that she is desperately trying to conceal. Magicians are blamed for the existence of monsters that previously destroyed the land. Zhara must also look out for her sister, who is blind, and cater to the whims of her stepmother that Zhara credits with her survival. When rumors of monsters in the marsh arrive, Zhara meets a mysterious young man named Han. Through him, Zhara learns about the existence of a secret magical group called the Guardians of Dawn. Zhara will have to choose whether to reveal her magical gifts and what she will fight for.

Zhara is a character that is so easy to connect with and feel invested in. I loved how she acknowledged her flaws and took responsibility for things that her magic caused even when she never intended harm. At times some of the dialogue was a little over the top. The world-building/magic system was initially a lot to process. It is very detailed and thoughtful, but also quite complicated. Now that world-building has been established in this book, I’m looking forward to seeing how it is further explored in the sequel.

Han is quite the character, he feels bold and dramatic in the best sense. He definitely eschews the strong and silent type, instead wearing his heart openly on his sleeve. Zhara and Han find themselves in many romantic situations, some of my favorite scenes were the classic forced proximity. I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ rep in a hilarious side character who uses they/them pronouns, which I read as non-binary rep. I loved the inclusion of the Bangtan Boys to the rescue! Readers who enjoyed Sailor Moon, Cinder, and seek books with intense and magical world-building should check this book out!

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

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

The premise sounded very interesting, however, I was unable to get into it. i don't think it's for me, but thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Zhara (Guardians of Dawn, #1) reminded me so much of Cinder, which was one of my favorite books in middle school!

Although I could tell the story was Cinderella-inspired, there were lots of innovative details that prevented it from feeling formulaic. I loved the relationship between Zhara and her younger sister Suzhan; I think it reflected the realities of growing up in an abusive environment that are often glossed over. Instead of being perfect allies or complete opponents, they are forced to betray each other in minor ways while still caring for each other deeply.

Han’s sweetness was also refreshing. Even though he’s conventionally attractive and physically fit like many other male fantasy leads, he’s sheltered and naive, which emphasized the struggles Zhara has endured.

The worldbuilding was also fascinating, though I’ll definitely need the next book to understand it fully. The pacing/plot was less compelling. The exposition dampened the sense of urgency that makes revolutionary stories believable. The climax also didn’t feel super believable; it was over far too fast, and Zhara’s role in it also seemed improbable.

This was so terribly disappointing. Everything about it caught my attention and made me want to read it - from the description, to its reference to Sailor Moon (a connection I felt was sorely misrepresented), to its stunning cover. It didn’t deliver on anything. The writing is clunky - so much telling that is bland and emotionless. The pacing is so tragically slow - I was bored. The characters are the most immature older teens I’ve ever encountered. I mean, “Good-Looking Giggles” … are we serious right now? Like really!? Maybe if they were 8 it might make sense. Nothing hooked me or made me want to keep reading. Idk I hate being so negative but this just isn’t what I felt like was promised. The concepts are so freaking cool and the execution of them is severely lacking in follow through. It definitely needed to go through several more drafts before accomplishing its spectacular potential. I wanted so much to enjoy this and, sadly, I did not. By no means is it my intention to bash the author or their writing (I would still try something new from this author in the future). Don’t let me dissuade you from giving this a chance if you were really looking forward to it. Reading is such a personal experience and I am simply expressing mine.

Wow, this was so goddamn awful.

The writing is so juvenile and immature; this especially contrasts whenever a scene is supposed to be really serious, like when little boys are turning into monsters or someone is being tortured. But then the characters go back to acting like they're eleven-year-olds flirting for the first time acting like they didn't just bare witness to something traumatizing; it is so goddamn painful.

Additionally, the pace is so fucking slow. I skipped through sections so I could see if I would be confused, but I wasn't! I instantly understood what was going on because of the painfully constant and repetitive introspection building walls on the page. It's like the writing is a dog chasing its own tail, because the plot goes round and round until the third act and ending.

I cringe when I go back to look at my old writing, but reading this gave me hope (And dread).

The characters also suck. The main cast are given these quirks (i.e. Zhara's "Good-Looking Giggles" whenever she dare glances at an attractive person and Han's inability to recognize porn as a 17-year-old teen (I wish I was joking, but I'm not)) in terrible attempt to make them stand out, but it just makes me hate them all the more.

All in all, I had a really bad time reading this. Just a miserable experience, all around.

I will update the review with the link to on our blog closer to publication date.

I'd like to thank the publisher St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was SO excited by the description of this book. Sailor Moon + Cinder? Sign me up!

I think this is a book that has an absolutely amazing premise with a few things keeping it back. ‘Zhara’ offers some interesting world building, but some of the representation in this book bordered on offensive, and some parts of the book felt repetitive, which hindered pacing. I would still love to read the second book, as I think there’s a lot of promise here; it just isn’t completely realized in the first book.

I saw this described as Sailor Moon meets Cinder and was instantly drawn in as I grew up watching Sailor Moon!

The book with a girl that has magical powers that keeps them hidden because if people knew she had power she would be in grave danger.

The book talks about magicians, the secret magical liberation Guardians of Dawn, and the Kestrels, those who think magicians are monsters and should be executed.

While I enjoyed parts of the book for the most part, unfortunately it was very slow paced and repetitive.

I had high hopes for this book, but it didn’t resonate with me like I had hoped from the description.

Initially, again, I was taken by the cover and the part where I was sold that this would have some of the elements of sailor moon. I’m a huge fan of sailor moon after all. However, I’m not really sure if YA is my thing because the past few YAs I’ve engaged with, like this one, hasn’t been that fulfilling. This just wasn’t for me.

Good story! I really liked the characters and the story.lots of adventure and action. It was fun. Definitely want more by this author.

CW: loss of parents

Jin Zhara is an ordinary girl who lives in the kitchen with her stepmother and stepsister after her magician father is executed. Magic is forbidden in Zanhei, and Zhara has a secret to hide. Wonhu Han, the Royal Heir, will do anything to protect his little brother, who is a magician. A chance meeting between the two will bring in a magical society that is keeping magic alive. Monsters start appearing again, but there is only one person who can help. Will Zhara find out who she truly is?

First of all, look at this gorgeous cover!! It's actually what drew me to request this book in the first place. It was described as Sailor Moon meets Cinder, but I think it's more like Cinderella meets Avatar thr Last Airbender. I love all the Asian influences, and that there are nonbinary and queer characters as well. I thought Zhara and Han were so loveable and a lot of their interactions made me laugh. I did think the first half of the book was a bit slow, and Zhara's naivety was a bit frustrating. I still can't wait to read the next one. Please let there be a next one.

Guardians of the Dawn: Zhara was such a fun and intriguing read! I loved the spin on some favorite tropes, the wonderful representation, and the fierce female lead! This is sure to be a favorite of many. Can’t wait to read the next one by S. Jae Jones!

This was an interesting book, despite it not being quite what I expected. The dual protags find themselves swept up in a magical conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, Zhara with her magic she fears, and Han seeking help for his magical younger brother. The worldbuilding was fantastic, there was a lovely blend of Asian themes that worked very well together, and hinted at a very well-thought out setting. The plot itself was straightforward, but I felt like the characters were a bit lacking. Zhara and Han had a very strong introduction, and the opening scenes were very exciting, but as the book progressed it seemed like the characters often stagnated. While I did feel like the story dragged at times, I think this was largely due to the author needing to introduce a lot of concepts for the readers. I look forward to seeing what happens in the sequel!

THIS WAS AMAZING!!! I loved every second of it and it went by way to fast! The characters were all so unique and I miss them all already! I need the next book now!!

While I appreciate the opportunity to read this, unfortunately I was not able to get into this story.

I received an e-arc through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion about the book.


Cinderella retelling with a pensive not an idealistic, happy go lucky girl, but a girl trying to survive and no real aspiration with a "prince charming" who's idealistic and vain and bumbling quarky character. Not the very typical Cinderella retelling. The magic and the world building is a bit much at the beginning but it's a fun story that's different and I can see the sailor moon reference in the blurb. It has romance but unlike her other work which is a romance this is more plot with a hint of romance. The tone of the book comes off to me as younger ya but with a upper ya world building. The characters make sexual innuendos and the violence is pretty minimal. The interaction of characters are fun to read and is dual pov. Overall good story. Hoping the second book is just as fun to read.