The bright and youthful voice of Katharine Chin brings a lighthearted manga-style energy to ZHARA, the first in a new series by S. Jae-Jones. Although magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms, this story focuses on Jin Zhara and her discovery of the Guardians of Dawn, a secret organization seeking to liberate magicians from hiding. Chin's vocal variations provide enough individuation in the characters to keep the listener engaged and following the plot. Strong female characters, interesting new magical elements, and creative world-building show off the work of the author of WINTERSONG. The story is enhanced by Chin's talented narration. C.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

06/12/2023

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. (Aug.)

"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

"There is something warm and nostalgic about this story that reminds me of my childhood—lush worldbuilding, a charismatic cast, and an epic adventure with all the romance of classic fantasy. This is the kind of book you curl up with in a good armchair, with a favorite blanket and a big mug of tea." —Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stars And Smoke

"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

"Perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer’s 'The Lunar Chronicles,' this heartwarming, heartbreaking start to a series will leave readers aching for more." - School Library Journal, starred review

"This high fantasy series launch will leave you eager for the next book." - The Boston Globe

"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." - Kirkus

"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." - Booklist

"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" - Publishers Weekly

★ 08/01/2023

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

2023-06-21
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)