Actual rating: 4.5 ⭐️

I really love the world of the Guardians of Dawn and the friendship that develops between the Guardians and their companions. This has some really great world building with seeing different cultures and belief systems. I also loved the Bangtan Brothers and the role they play in searching for the documents they need. Ami is such a great character, and I loved her coming into her own strength and recognizing she’s enough as she is. Gaden is another favorite character and their history and journey is one of my favorite elements of this book. I’m so excited to see what’s going to happen next with Yuli and cannot wait for the Guardian of Water to be introduced!

3.5⭐⭐⭐

This was a wonderful book! I loved Ami as a character, her complicated feelings about being her father's caretaker, and the relationship she develops with Gaden. I loved seeing the main characters, Zhara and Han, from the previous book come together and be involved in this second installment. I'm not a fan of zombies so that kind of hindered my enjoyment, and I didn't really care for what was going on with the rebellion, but I will say that all the new characters and plot pieces fit in well with the overall story.

While I loved the first book a bit more, I enjoyed seeing this second book expand the world and add a bit of complexity to the political atmosphere, mixing it with a fantastical villain, the rebellion, and other opposing human parties that we'll get to see later in Yuli's book.

I'm excited to see how the story will continue in the third book!

[Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!]

This was a fun sequel to this fantasy series! I loved how the plot developed and the characters in this novel! The characters of Ami felt a bit one dimensional to me and I struggled connecting with her at times. This was a solid read that I definitely recommend giving a try!

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

A satisfying second installment in the Guardians of Dawn series! This book starts right where Zhara ended. Zhara, Han and the Bangtan Brothers are headed west to help save the world from the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons. We meet two new main characters, Ami and Beast, and we are able to get their points of view as well.

Li Ami has always been a bit of an outsider. She is considered the odd and eccentric daughter of a former imperial magician. She has devoted her life to books, as they are easier to read than people and as a caretaker to her mentally ill father. When he is arrested, she turns to the mysterious Beast in the castle, who needs someone to translate a forbidden magical text and help them to cure the land from blight.

I liked Li Ami’s growth as a character and how she began to accept herself, and to find someone who cared for her just the way she is.

When Li Ami, Beast, and Zhara and her friend’s stories intertwine, they must work together to seal the demon portal and save the Morning Realms.

I definitely recommend this sequel and can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book!

I'm glad to have continued on with this series. It has some interesting world building and I feel like I've gotten to know the characters a bit better in this one. There wasn't as much of the cheesiness in this installment as the first book. There were times that I wished the foreshadowing wasn't as heavy as it was, but overall I rather enjoyed this. I will likely continue on with the series. Readers that enjoy fantasy, mythology and a bit of horror (of the zombie variety) will likely enjoy this series.

"Guardians of Dawn: Ami" by S. Jae-Jones is a captivating continuation of the Guardians of Dawn series, delving deeper into a richly imagined fantasy world filled with magic, adventure, and complex characters. This sequel follows Li Ami, an exile tasked with caring for her mentally ill father while grappling with her own burgeoning powers as the Guardian of Wood.

The story begins with Ami's struggles in the outermost West of the Morning Realms, where she is isolated from her friends and family. Her father's erratic behavior hints at a dire prophecy, and when he is arrested for theft, Ami finds herself entwined in a dangerous quest. She must collaborate with the enigmatic Beast to uncover a cure for a mysterious blight threatening their land's harvest. Meanwhile, Jin Zhara, the Guardian of Fire from the previous installment, faces her own challenges as she realizes that her magic is insufficient against the rising tide of undead and the looming threat of the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to seal a demon portal and restore balance to their world.

Ami is a well-crafted protagonist whose journey from isolation to empowerment resonates deeply. Her relationship with her father adds emotional depth, exploring themes of love and acceptance. Zhara's character also evolves significantly; she matures into a strong leader while navigating her responsibilities as a Guardian. The dynamics between these characters are engaging, showcasing their growth and the importance of friendship in overcoming adversity.

S. Jae-Jones's writing is immersive and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the Morning Realms and its magical elements. The incorporation of Asian cultural influences enriches the narrative, adding authenticity to the characters and their experiences. The pacing is brisk, filled with action and suspense that keeps readers on edge as they follow Ami and Zhara's quest.

Overall, "Guardians of Dawn: Ami" is a strong addition to the series that balances adventure with emotional depth. It leaves readers eager for more as it sets up intriguing possibilities for future installments. Fans of fantasy will appreciate this richly woven tale that explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the fight against darkness. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging young adult fantasy filled with heart and magic.

Unfortunately I had to put this one on pause as I didn't realize how zombie heavy it would be and I really don't do zombies. 3 stars for fairness.

I enjoyed this! I loved the romantic subplot and the found family aspects of this.

I think that the character chemistry was a little off but it was still believable

"Guardians of Dawn: Ami" by S. Jae-Jones is a captivating start to a new fantasy series, blending rich world-building with complex characters and high-stakes intrigue. Set in a world on the brink of war, the novel follows Ami, a fierce and determined young woman who is thrust into a battle she never wanted. As tensions rise between magical factions, Ami must navigate her way through a labyrinth of secrets, alliances, and betrayals. Jae-Jones does an excellent job of creating a complex setting, where the magic system is not only intriguing but also pivotal to the plot. The world feels immersive, with its unique rules and stakes keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

Ami is a strong, relatable protagonist, whose journey from uncertainty to self-discovery is both satisfying and emotional. Her internal struggles, coupled with her loyalty to those she loves, make her a compelling central figure. The relationships she forms throughout the story, particularly with her companions, add depth to her character, making her more than just a typical hero. Her growth is portrayed with nuance, and Jae-Jones skillfully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the cost of war. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, and their connections with Ami drive much of the emotional weight of the narrative.

One of the standout elements of "Guardians of Dawn: Ami" is its intricate pacing. While the book takes its time setting up the world and its conflicts, the tension steadily builds throughout. The plot is filled with twists and turns, which keep the reader on edge, though at times the narrative could benefit from a bit more focus in some of its subplots. The pacing slows in the middle, where certain sections feel like they linger longer than necessary, but these moments are still rich in character development, which helps offset the lag. The action scenes, however, are intense and well-written, providing the necessary balance to the quieter moments.

While "Guardians of Dawn: Ami" is an impressive debut in a series, it is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogue occasionally feels a bit stiff, and there are moments when the world-building could have been deeper. However, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Jae-Jones has created a promising new series with "Guardians of Dawn: Ami", and its mix of magic, political intrigue, and emotional depth will undoubtedly appeal to fans of epic fantasy. This book leaves readers eager to see where Ami's journey will go next, and for that, it earns a solid four stars.

This was as sweet as can be! I loved this just as much as I loved the first book and I am equally looking forward to the next installments. These characters are wholesome and super fun to follow. I loved seeing Ami come together with the group we already know and love from the first book, and I can imagine the series will only continue to go up from here. S. Jae-Jones is a writer I respect, because these are the kinds of YA books that I would have loved to read was I was a teenager myself.

Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones is a continuation of the series, introducing new characters and deepening the magical world that captivated readers in the first book. The story picks up where Zhara left off, following Zhara and her companions as they embark on a quest to find the lost book Song of Order and Chaos, while also weaving in the perspective of Ami, a new guardian who has her own crucial role to play in the unfolding conflict.

Jae-Jones expands on the mythology introduced in the first book, with the inclusion of demonic infections, undead threats, and a mysterious prophecy tied to the Guardians of Dawn. The plot takes a darker turn, which adds weight to the story, but it is balanced by moments of humor and the strong bonds of friendship that remain a core theme. I especially appreciated how the characters' personal journeys tied into the overarching narrative, particularly Ami's growth from an unsure, bookish outsider into a confident hero ready to face her destiny.

The representation of LGBTQ+ characters, including a nonbinary love interest in Gaden, adds depth and diversity to the cast. Their character arc, along with Ami’s, was heartfelt and compelling, and it was refreshing to see their relationship evolve naturally throughout the book.

However, the book wasn’t without its flaws. The magic system, while fascinating, felt inconsistent at times. There were moments when the rules governing the Guardians’ powers, especially the healing abilities of the Guardian of Wood, didn’t always make sense, which pulled me out of the story. Additionally, some plot points—particularly those involving the undead—were confusing and left me with more questions than answers. While the action was exciting, there were a few instances where the pacing felt rushed, and certain events, like the group’s separation during a rockfall, were hard to visualize clearly.

Despite these small issues, Ami: Guardians of Dawn is a great sequel that deepens the lore of the series and builds on the relationships established in the first book. Fans of the series will appreciate the higher stakes, the intricate world-building, and the continued focus on friendship and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. If you enjoyed Zhara, you’ll definitely want to dive into this one!

Guardians of Dawn: Ami is the sequel to Guardians of the Dawn: Zhara. If you're going in expecting the same lightheartedness from Zhara, please temper your expectations as Ami is a much darker story.

I think I enjoyed Ami more than Zhara because of the darker elements, but that being said, the darker elements almost feels like it came out of left field. I felt like in Zhara the author really embraced being a bit silly/cheesy with elements of the story (lol Good Look Giggles) but for whatever reason decided to tone it down for the sequel. Ami tries to be more of a serious book and while its not bad I think makes the book feel not as special as the first.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin/Wednesday Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this ACR Copy!

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so was really excited to pick this one up. I enjoyed the continuation of the story but I had a hard time connecting with the new FMC in this installment. She seemed a bit too quiet and timid and I just had a hard time connecting with her. I always love a really strong FMC and just did not see that in Ami. Gaden's character also fell a little flat and immature for me. I enjoyed it just not quite as much as Zhara, but I will still continue with the series.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and equally enjoyed this book. I love the elements used within the story, and how S. Jae-Jones crafts her world within the story and the characters. Thank you so much Netgalley for an arc of this book. I apologize for the late review.

A good sequel. Quite enjoyable. I liked all the characters and the story was entertaining. Fast paced which kept me engaged

Thank you net gallery for an advanced copy of this book. This is the second story of the guardians of the dawn who have been reborn to save the world, this time from zombies. Some parts of the book are a little cringe but overall, the plot moves along till the next book.

The sequel shifts gears from the playful campiness of its predecessor, opting for a slightly darker and more serious tone—which, in my opinion, is a bit of a letdown? What I loved most about the first book was its slightly over-the-top and silly moments, and I found myself missing that sense of fun. That said, this installment does introduce some really intriguing elements, especially for fans of zombies and necromancy (big fan myself). I feel that necromancy magic is underutilized in fantasy, so I was thrilled by the body horror aspects and, well... the curry horror too, which was pretty quirky.

The diversity in this book is beautifully woven in. It’s refreshing to see such a broad range of identities and orientations, and it adds authenticity to the world and characters. The new characters, especially the "Beast" figure, are interesting. Their struggle with fear, and how it limits their interactions and changes their choices, is one of the most compelling parts of the story.

That said, I desperately needed a summary of the previous book. Without it, I felt lost at the start, and it negatively impacted my experience—seriously, ALL series should include a recap at the beginning! PLEASE, publishers and authors. It is so useful.

Though the book has its high points it also feels a bit too predictable at times. It leans heavily towards the younger adult side, but without the delightful campiness that made the first book so memorable. It’s enjoyable, but for me, it doesn’t quite live up to the fun of the original even if I liked the new characters more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity and complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

I read Zhara back a little over a year ago and remember my overall conclusions being kind of on the meh side. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first installment but found enough I liked to continue this series. In my opinion, Ami is a good deal better than Zhara. I really enjoyed Ami’s POV and Gaden’s inclusion into the story. We got so much more lore and world building in this story and so many gaps were finally filled and I started to connect with the characters. There was also a lot more horror elements that I anticipated and believe it served well for the plot and story development. The ending was decently timed, as I worried it might get a bit rushed. I think the author’s writing has definitely improved and I’m super curious to see where the next book takes us.

Thank you Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I really enjoyed this! I love Ami, and the found family trope.

I found the book atmospheric. I enjoy yhe worls building and magic systems. Just an all around enjoyable read.