#BookReview: Zhara (Guardians of Dawn #1) by S. Jae-Jones

Synopsis: Sailor Moon meets Cinder in Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, the start of a new, richly imagined fantasy series from S. Jae-Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong.

Magic flickers.
Love flames.
Chaos reigns.

Magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms. Magicians are called abomination, and blamed for the plague of monsters that razed the land twenty years before.

Jin Zhara already had enough to worry about—appease her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her own magical gifts under control—without having to deal with rumors of monsters re-emerging in the marsh. But when a chance encounter with an easily flustered young man named Han brings her into contact with a secret magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn, Zhara realizes there may be more to these rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and transforming them into monsters, and the Guardians of Dawn believe a demon is responsible.

In order to restore harmony and bring peace to the world, Zhara must discover the elemental warrior within, lest the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 2 Stars
My Review: In a nutshell this was boring.  I didn't care about any of the characters and the story was meh.  I felt like this was more just going through the motions of being a book but really grabbing anything real.  

Review

"A treasure of a book that combines spellbinding fantasy with wit, charm, and a heartwarming romance. Nods to beloved fairy tales and fandoms blend seamlessly with demon possession and dark magic, creating a read that is both joyful and riveting. I can't wait to see what other surprises this series has in store!" ―Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles 

“Jae-Jones takes on Cinderella with magic and style, breathing new life into all the best parts of the story. An outstanding spin on a well-loved classic.” ―E.K. Johnston #1 New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Queen's Shadow

"S. Jae-Jones has successfully captured the magic that infused the animes of my childhood with life and depth and breathed it into this gorgeous Young Adult Fantasy! Both Han and Zhara jump off the page to grip at your heart. In a world so complexly built that one could visit, if only they dared. A beautifully crafted story that will set your soul soaring and heart racing!" ―Kat Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a K-Prom

"Guardians of Dawn: Zhara is the kind of fantasy that first made me a reader. Tender and bewitching, joyous and thoroughly transporting. Zhara and Han are not just protagonists you root for, but characters you feel you've known your whole life. S. Jae-Jones weaves a spell on every page." ―Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves and Aru Shah

"Jae-Jones has done it again! Guardians of Dawn: Zhara is a new entry into the fantasy pantheon I've been waiting for. Every reader can find something to love in this first installment of a sure to be monumental and vastly important series. I cannot wait to read more! ―Kosoko Jackson, author of Yesterday Is History

--This text refers to the hardcover edition.

About the Author

S. Jae-Jones (called JJ) is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong and Shadowsong. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she now lives on the wrong coast, where she can’t believe she has to deal with winter every year. When not writing, JJ can be found working toward her next black belt degree, building her BTS shrine, or indulging her in her favorite hobby―collecting more hobbies.  --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

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Posted in: 2 Stars, Netgalley, Review, Wednesdays Books, Young Adult