The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee Pages: 336
Published by Amulet Books on August 8, 2017
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, mythology
Source: Paperback ARC from Publisher
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…
I am so so glad I read The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee! Seriously, this book was fresh and exciting and so so much fun. I can’t remember having read anything like this in a while! The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is based on chinese folklore and mythology, which I loved for so many reasons. I love the magic elements of it, I love anything mythology related and I really loved that it was based on the folklore of a country I don’t know much about. Learning about the Monkey King and Buddha, the hundreds of demons, and all the deities was so so interesting. Plus, there were all kinds of twists and turns that I am so not spoiling because I loved them so much!
When Quentin met Genie he knew her right away, but we don’t know how. And how he knew her was nothing I was guessing and I completely LOVED IT! Ok, ok, if you really want to know what I loved about this book right off the bat, check out this spoiler because it truly surprised me. View Spoiler » Genie is just a normal girl, until she finds herself wrapped up in a demon invasion, and it all centers around the arrival of Quentin in her California town. I loved the adventure they embarked on. And I really loved all of the fighting.
The Epic Crush of Genie Lo has tons of action, a nice little budding romance, lots of folklore background and tales and a really really cool story. I couldn’t put this book down. Genie Lo kicks some serious butt! She is awesome. Quentin is cool too but not nearly as awesome as Genie. I loved her because she is such a complex and vivid character. Everything about her personality came to life for me. I need more books because I feel like we have so much more of this world left to explore. And I, for one, want to go on more adventures with Quentin and Genie. In fact, I demand more! I am also hoping for some more romance in the next book. I feel like the stage has been perfectly set and I am so anxious for a sequel!
Bottom Line: The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is an epic story! I really loved this one and I would encourage you to grab a copy and go on this awesome adventure yourself!
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Great review! I agree, this book was such a fun read!
I love everything you mentioned. I am especially interested in seeing how Yee incorporated the folk lore, because I love that sort of stuff. Great review.
She sure looks like a super hero. 🙂
sherry @ fundinmental
I so desperately want to read this book! I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about it.