What can readers expect from The Epic Crush of Genie Lo? You’ll find what we all love in young adult novels; an amazing story with plenty of adventure, family and friendships, and some major swooning!
The blurb:
The struggle to get into a top-tier college consumes sixteen-year-old Genie Lo’s every waking thought. But when her sleepy Bay Area town comes under siege from hell-spawn straight out of Chinese folklore, her priorities are suddenly and forcefully rearranged.
Her only guide to the demonic chaos breaking out around her is Quentin Sun, a beguiling, maddening new transfer student from overseas. Quentin assures Genie she is strong enough to fight these monsters, for she unknowingly harbors an inner power that can level the very gates of Heaven.
Genie will have to dig deep within herself to summon the otherworldly strength that Quentin keeps talking about. But as she does, she finds the secret of her true nature is entwined with his, in a way she could never have imagined.
This book has been gaining so much love and hype around the YA book community, so I was beyond ecstatic when I got sent a review copy! I went into this story hoping to be blown away, and I’m happy to announce that my expectations were met and more.
Our main character, Genie, is introduced to readers as a regular teenage girl trying to maintain good grades. She is determined to leave behind her town and do something great in her life. Just when she thinks her college essays are all she has to worry about, her world turns upside down after meeting the new student, Quentin.
Genie is the best aspect of this book by far and I enjoyed her character so much! F.C. Yee’s writing completely captures the modern teen’s voice, which was refreshing because they all acted their age. Genie is hilarious, snarky, intelligent, and knows her worth. There are plenty of ways the I related to her. I grew up with a somewhat same family dynamic as Genie’s and it was nice to see that authenticity portrayed in the story for me.
I believe everyone will be able to find a piece of themselves in this story, though. All of the characters felt genuine. There was Genie’s best friend, Yunie, and then of course Quentin. He was as great as Genie, and the two of them have such a fun dynamic throughout! Also, their banter was everything. Their amusing arguments had me cracking up! They made an amazing team, balancing one another out in order to slay some demons! All while trying to keep up in school, might I add.
There is a lot of mythology inside of this story. I personally was not familiar with any of it and can’t speak to how well it was portrayed. I have read reviews by Chinese reviewers who absolutely love this book, so I have taken their word for it being written with great representation inside. And the great thing was that even if you aren’t accustomed with the mythology, F.C. Yee does a wonderful job fleshing it all out and explaining it to the readers. I never found myself confused or the wording too info dumpy.
I can not stop gushing about this book and I’m not sure how it’s even a debut? F.C. Yee’s writing is majestic! The fight scenes alone completely popped out of the pages! I felt as if I was killing some demons alongside my friends. And as for the romance aspect of the book, it was never center stage which totally worked for the story. It was slow-burn, super cute, and I ship it.
Overall, I loved The Epic Crush of Genie Lo. I wish I could buy a million copies and hand them out to everyone I see because it was that amazing. Readers will instantly connect with the characters and this world! The mythology mixed with the fighting scenes will have you turning the pages, too! The Epic Crush of Genie Lo will hit stores on August 8th so make sure to pick up your copy then.
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