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fantasynovel's review against another edition
3.0
I mean, look at that cover. Epic. And demons were delivered, as promised. My main issue was that the fights were too easy. Genie plus Quentin working together were ridiculously overpowered. This wouldn't be such an issue if the demons could fight almost as well, but Genie won too easily every time. There was never any tension or feel that Genie and Quentin could lose. I love that this book draws on Chinese mythology, though, since Western canon is super overused, and Own Voices books are great. But maybe next time, the fights could be a little more interesting.
saritaroth's review against another edition
5.0
This book is an amalgamation of Chinese folklore and a young adult romance novel. It is about Genie Lo who meets a cute boy in her class named Quentin Sun. Shortly after they meet, he tells her that he is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, the main character in an ancient Chinese folk tale and that she is his fighting staff, Ruyi Jingu Bang, reincarnated as a human. At first, of course, she is skeptical. But then the two teenagers start being hunted by demons or yaoguai, as they are called. Genie and Quentin find themselves in the fight of their lives in order to rid the world of demons and save humankind. They are helped along the way by certain gods and goddesses, such as Guanyin. But which gods lend assistance and which gods prove to be a hindrance, assisting the demons in the destruction of the world? You must read the book to find out.
Speaking of which, I would highly recommend this book. Not only was I on the edge of my seat, but it made me laugh out loud several times. As a voice, Genie Lo is hilarious. And the combination of Genie and Quentin was magic. At first, I thought this was a standalone book, but after I finished reading the book, I realized that there is a second book entitled, The Iron Will of Genie Lo. It is a good thing too, because not only did the first book end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but it just gives me a chance to read another book by this wonderful author.
Speaking of which, I would highly recommend this book. Not only was I on the edge of my seat, but it made me laugh out loud several times. As a voice, Genie Lo is hilarious. And the combination of Genie and Quentin was magic. At first, I thought this was a standalone book, but after I finished reading the book, I realized that there is a second book entitled, The Iron Will of Genie Lo. It is a good thing too, because not only did the first book end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but it just gives me a chance to read another book by this wonderful author.
nnyomie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
i absolutely loved this book
ohclaire's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars because this book was very fun to read. Like, I don't think I've been this happy reading a book for the first time since middle school. Reminiscent of Percy Jackson etc. but more directly relevant to me (a stressed bay area teen), I loved Genie. :)
lnlee78's review against another edition
5.0
Words can't describe how much I enjoyed this book. Not only was this book a welcome reminder of my childhood watching cartoons about Sun Wukong but it was also so rich with humor, life, and culture in a way that had me grinning and laughing for most of the book. Even though it's a "retelling" of the traditional Chinese myths, it was still so original in the way F.C. Yee decided to adapt the story. I also really loved the more "quiet" (i.e. non-demon slaying lol) aspects of the book, such as Genie's relationships with her friends, parents, etc. It was such a breath of fresh air and I'm sad the book had to end. Easily one of my fave books of this year. Can't wait for the sequel!
lunaballz's review against another edition
5.0
I was surprised to find out this was a debut novel for the author. It was well-written, action-packed, and also hilarious. Also, the characters are are very believable and I can empathize with most of them.
I can't seem to find the words to describe how much I recommend this book, but I really think it's a must-read for any and all fans of fantasy. Genie's strength in the face of her challenges, her relationships with the other characters, and the Chinese folklore combine to make a highly enjoyable read for all ages (there is a tiny bit of swearing though).
I can't seem to find the words to describe how much I recommend this book, but I really think it's a must-read for any and all fans of fantasy. Genie's strength in the face of her challenges, her relationships with the other characters, and the Chinese folklore combine to make a highly enjoyable read for all ages (there is a tiny bit of swearing though).
laflormorada's review against another edition
4.0
Genie Lo is an unusually tall, talented, overachieving high school student at a Bay area high school full of other (not so tall but) equally talented, overachieving students. Her main priorities in life include studying for and acing tests, getting plenty of volunteer service hours and literally crushing it at volleyball. She and her best friend Yunie are on track to attend THE best ivy league colleges in the nation, as long as everything goes to plan... which it will and is, until the new transfer student Quentin Sun suddenly drops into her life. Her initial instinct to come to the aid of the less fortunate (generally with her fists) is soon waylaid by the fact that Quentin is an arrogant, demanding, stalkerish person who believes he is Sun Wukong, the mythological Chinese Monkey King. But when weird things start happening around town, Genie has to decide, is she losing her mind or is she really what Quentin claims, a reincarnated, weapon of demon destruction?
This is honestly one of the strangest, most original books I've ever read, and I really enjoyed the escape! It definitely reads as a bit campy but in a good way. The feel of the story is pretty lighthearted and there's plenty of action to keep things moving. Genie is a strong, likable character who doesn't put up with anyone's BS which is very refreshing. Her type A personality and need to achieve is very believable and will ring true to high school students of today who are fighting to be the best of the best. There is a bit of a slow-developing romance but it doesn't take away from the main storyline of "crushing" demons ;) This is a book that both teen girls and boys will enjoy as there's something for everyone. The inclusion of Chinese mythology ties in well with the fantasy element and gives the book even greater appeal as a diverse read. An easy to read, fun diversion... recommended.