Zhara

June 12, 2023
As rumors of reappearing ancient monsters and a coming plague circulate the Morning Realms, a 16-year-old magician and a prince in disguise band together seeking an ancient elemental warrior group to restore order to the land. On top of caring for her blind younger sister and appeasing her cruel and abusive stepmother, Jin Zhara must keep her magical gifts hidden—enchantments have been forbidden ever since magicians purportedly destroyed the kingdom 20 years ago. Whispers of returning abominations—possessed magicians turned into beasts—and a chance encounter with incognito prince Han, 17, thrust Zhara into a treacherous search for the legendary Guardians of Dawn, who believe that a demon is behind the monsters’ appearance. As Zhara uncovers hidden depths to her powers, an arranged marriage, shocking secrets, and a blossoming forbidden romance further complicate the pair’s quest. Some moments of levity and contemporary references occasionally distract from the high stakes, but the languorous pacing of the narrative, which unfolds via Zhara and Han’s alternating perspectives, allows for expansive worldbuilding in this East Asian–inspired historical fantasy adventure, a series launch, by Jae-Jones (the Wintersong duology). Ages 12–up. Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary.

July 15, 2023
Sixteen-year-old Zhara has been hiding her magic from the peacekeepers of Zanhei, the magic-fearing kingdom she lives in, only to find that her powers may offer the only way to save the world. Ever since her father was taken by the Kestrels, the Warlord's peacekeepers, Jin Zhara has lived to serve her cruel stepmother and help care for her sister, who is blind. When her stepmother tells her that abominations have resurfaced and that the Kestrels have started hunting down magicians, Zhara fears for her safety. She tries to keep a low profile, but an unexpected run-in with a handsome stranger who is hiding a secret identity sets off a chain of events that lead her to join the Guardians of Dawn, an underground society working to protect magicians. Through her connections with this resistance group, Zhara comes to realize the extent of both her magical abilities and the dangers she and the Guardians are up against. Over the course of this book, the diverse and interesting characters grow and learn about themselves, their histories, and their relationships to each other. With strong East Asian influences and themes in the worldbuilding, this magic-filled story will hook readers with its endearing lead; they will finish this volume and beg for the sequel. An engaging fantasy set in an original magical world. (language note) (Fantasy. 13-18)

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July 1, 2023
Grades 10-12 Zhara and her younger sister, orphans, are on their own, with their debts piling up and a growing secret between them. They have few options in a world of monsters, until a chance encounter with a stranger leads Zhara, who has magic of her own, to find another choice. Perhaps the Guardians of Dawn, which she's always thought was a fairy tale or a children's song, is a real organization that offers her a chance to fight back. Jae-Jones (Wintersong, 2017) builds a new fantasy world in a story that demonstrates a love for classics like Sailor Moon. Readers will recognize a kindred spirit in Zhara, a fellow bookworm, and enjoy watching her become the Guardian of Fire as she gains the courage to face legendary monsters. While this volume serves as Zhara's origin story, there is no shortage of well-rounded friendships and world-ending disasters to keep readers on the hook for future installments. As the children's song goes, ""Summer, fall, winter, spring, / Guardians rise and justice sings.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 1, 2023

Gr 6 Up-Magicians have been outlawed in the Morning Realms. The punishment? Death. Zhara, a magician herself, has been trying to sneak by and protect her younger sister, who is blind, from her abusive stepmother. Meanwhile, Prince Han is no safer, trying to protect his young magician brother from discovery and find the Guardians of the Dawn, a rebel group that smuggles magicians to safety. When their paths collide, sparks fly. Literally. Zhara will have to reckon with her abilities, past, and, ultimately, her place in the world if she wishes to survive. Magic, monsters, and mayhem keep the pages turning in this Asian-inspired fantasy. Equally tender and awkward, the romance is highly relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. While the characters' complete obliviousness to each other's hidden identities may make readers groan, they're so endearing it isn't a bother. Counter to the characters' humor is their depth. The pressures they feel to protect their family at all costs and desire to carve out happiness for themselves, all while dodging dangers both human and magical, will surely yank on heartstrings. Sprinkled in bits of body horror reminiscent of Chloe Gong's books will keep fans of darker fantasy satisfied. The epilogue teases more expansive, explosive installments to come. VERDICT Perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer's "The Lunar Chronicles," this heartwarming, heartbreaking start to a series will leave readers aching for more.-Elisha Sheffer

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