by F. C. Yee
To be published on August 8, 2017 by Amulet
Source: ARC from BookExpo 2017
Synopsis adapted from Goodreads: 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.
My Review of The Epic Crush of Genie Lo:
My favorite thing about The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is how hilariously funny it was. Genie’s a smart, snarky Bay Area high school sophomore suddenly faced with a dangerous alternate reality of that she’s not sure she wants to – or has time to – be part of. (Of course, she doesn’t have any choice!)
Her commentary on everything, from school to her parents to her new reality as a demon slayer, had me laughing the whole way through.
I’m not at all familiar with Chinese folklore but loved learning more about it and was happy to have a change from the usual Western mythology/cosmology. And I loved that The Epic Crush of Genie Lo reminded me a lot of early Buffy the Vampire Slayer – the snark, the high school setting, the demons.
There was not really any romance in this, and I think some of the personal relationships could have been developed a little more. The ending suggests that there could be more books to come, so hopefully there will be time for all that.
Definitely recommend if you love funny, action-packed stories!
I am not familiar with Chinese Folklore either but this sounds like a good one. I love reading books that make me laugh! Great review!
Me either, but I learned a lot – and laughed a lot!
You pretty much had me wanting to read this as soon as I saw the comparison to Buffy the Vampire Slayer – I love that show! I’m also curious about the Chinese folklore – that’s awesome that the book includes it. I’m a little bummed that it has no romance, though. Great review, Jen! 🙂
Lauren @ Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf
Yay – you and I and Sam need to talk Buffy one day. I’m obsessed with that show and I think Genie has a lot of the humor and the demon fighting we know and love…
I read another review that claimed it had romance, but I only remember some banter.
Need some humour in my life right now. This sounds like fun!
Yeah, I can’t think of a time I DON’T need humor!
I love the sound of this one and I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews for it. I’m really excited about this one because everyone has been saying how funny it is! Glad to see that you enjoyed it! Great review!
It’s not my typical type of book but I am a huge Buffy fan. I tend to like this kind of thing on the screen more than the page. But it was really fun!
I love how unique this one sounds – and the fact that there’s humor combined with the fantasy elements. 🙂 Sounds like a lot of fun!
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I love a book that can make me laugh!
This is one of my must reads. When I visit the co-blogger in Oct, I am taking this back with me. You have me even more excited with a Buffy comparison. Yippee!
Lol since we are often reading twins, not surprised you are a Buffy fan…
This is entirely new to me and it sounds great, plus I really like that cover! Thanks for putting this one on my radar.
I hope you try it!
I know next to nothing about Chinese folklore too, so I would be learning as I read this one. But I am glad you could enjoy it so much and learn a bit from it too! I like the idea of it being so humorous and entertaining to read.
Hope you try it! And let me know what you think!