Y’all. This book. Y’all. It’s been a few days and I’m still shaken. Listen, if you thought this looked cool – you’re wrong. It’s cooler. The coolest. It gives Antarctica a run for its money (aside from the, you know, global warming crisis… Moving on.) I’m giving you a fair warning that this review will be nothing but yelling with a lot of repetitive amazing’s and holy sh*t’s.

Genie Lo’s priorities are to get good grades, excel at everything, and get into the best college that’s the farthest from home. But she soon finds them shifting with the arrival of one transfer student, Quentin Sun. Demons begin attacking her home town and Quentin assures her she’s the only one powerful enough to stop them. Relying on his guidance, Genie will have to struggle with more than just school work.

Quite a lot of people on my timeline began talking and reading this book recently that it piqued my interest. I do love mythology, but don’t know a lot about Chinese mythology in particular, so this book seemed perfect for easing into that. I was really hoping to like it, since it’s such a new concept for me and also because everyone who’s been reading it has sung nothing but praises, yet I didn’t expect this. I utterly LOVED Genie Lo so much I ended up reading it in one sitting. It completely blew me away.

There’s so much quality humour in this book. I don’t remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud so heartily. Genie is an absolute delight of a narrator, her voice is profoundly hilarious. Aside from the humour, the writing style is insanely engaging – it draws you in instantly. I loved the setting and the lore and mythology and how we, along with Genie, are eased into this uncharted territory rather than just sprung into it. Combine that with the giggles and you have the most enjoyable read ever.

Let’s talk about Genie for a second. First off, what a character, what a girl. She straight up takes no sh*t from anyone or anything. I would not want to be on this girl’s bad side (not only because she’s such a badass, but also she’s just that person I would kill to be friends with.) This girl can really do it all, I swear. Genie’s a tall girl with a lot of pent up anger, but she’s also a girl with so much love for her closest people. I aspire to her when I grow up (even though I’m older than her, but that’s just a technicality.)

Quentin is bizarre in the best possible way. His introduction scene? The most iconic. I love this guy so much. From the novel’s synopsis you’d expect him to be the typical paranormal YA mysterious male character, but hooo boy, that couldn’t be farther than the truth. He’s not even TRYING to be mysterious. This boy’s about as subtle as a bulldozer. Quentin is also an incredibly three-dimensional character, whose layers peel off as the novel progresses and you get to see practically all sides of him. He and Genie are so incredibly well matched.

Speaking of well matched, the romance is, granted less than I would’ve liked but so, so good! Call me old fashioned, but I love dorks in love. But it takes time to develop a good love story, and this is more than a fantastic start to one. It’s built on trust and good partnership and it’s not just about two teens in a YA book making out just for the sake of a romantic plot. There’s substance there. It’s amazing.

Overall, I very highly recommend this book (if you couldn’t tell). Genie Lo is easily one of the best new releases this year. I advise you to get yourself to reading as soon as you can – you don’t want to miss out on this one!

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is everything I needed! It's hilarious, fast-paced, and filled with unique and unforgettable characters! The romance was unexpectedly swoonworthy! This is definitely one of my favorite reads this 2017! I highly recommend it!

If you look at the rating of this book on Goodreads it will give you a good indication of what this book does to people. So many people seem to instantly love this book. As did I. Like I do not even remember words because I loved it so much.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo focuses on Genie Lo, who else. She discovers that the Monkey King from Chinese folktale actually exists, along with a bunch of Gods and demons. And about herself, that in a previous life she wasn’t quite so human. The setting, a city in the Bay area, with our main character in high school, it is on the stereotypical side. And throughout the book it touches on multiple typical Young Adult things.

However the voice of Genie Lo throughout this book is epic. She’s funny, in your face and not afraid to tell a guy off when they are being condescending. This made this book step away from the typical young adult urban fantasy for me and made it grow into an epic tale of Genie Lo. I love good humor in a book and Genie left no moment go to waste to crack a smile on my face. Yet in no way does it take away from some of the serious bits in the novel too. Honestly it has been a while where I have read a young adult book where applications to college are a big thing. While I live in a country where this isn’t a thing, in America it is a big thing and so it is good to see it come back like that.

Another aspect that I enjoyed about this book is that most of our characters are Chinese. As mentioned we get to know some of the Chinese folktale or mythology. But also a bit of culture here and there. The friendships that Genie had, with Yunie for instance, was so great and strong. Quentin was a great dork addition really. Also I love how in the background her parents problems weren’t resolved. Not because I disliked them but because that is just realistic. And very recognizable for plenty of people.

Plot wise this book takes a little bit before the actual mythology parts gets entered but for the most part the book is fast paced and engaging. For me, the plot took a backseat to the humor and the characters who were so much more important in this book than the plot. Even so I think it stands well on its own. And did that ending suggest a possible next book? Because honestly, F.C. Yee, you cannot end it there. I will wonder forever.

So often YA books with this kind of premise (Chinese Demon hunting) would be exclusively set towards boys. We would have a male main character and it would be oh so very manly and maybe there would be a woman but she would exclusively be a ‘hot chick’ who requires all of the rescuing.

I’m so happy to say this isn’t the case in this instance. What is also most joyous is that the female protagonist is ridiculously cool and not a cliché or a waste of space in any way shape or form! Hurrah!

This is kind of like if Percy Jackson met Buffy met Chinese folklore. Now if that hasn’t tempted you I don’t know what will.

I loved the plot of this book, the drawing together of typical teenage issues while also attempting to save the world was that classic combination that made shows like Buffy really work. I’ll confess I know next to nothing about Chinese folklore so it could have all been completely made up but now I’m inspired to do some research.

This is a great example of bringing the ancient world or folklore into a modern setting and making it work. The two are at odds only when the author wants them to be and at all other times they meld quite seamlessly together.

I’m really hoping this book will be a series of adventures because I am by no means done with Genie Lo as a character. Perhaps not as many books as Percy Jackson because they are starting to get a bit old (am I right?) but I could do with maybe a trilogy or maybe five books in a series?

Suffice to say this book was a sheer delight from start to finish. I’ve knocked off one star just because I felt like some of the dialogue was a little bit stilted or gratuitous, I’m a ‘show don’t tell’ kind of reader so having a character spell something out to me in dialogue just feels a little bit pointless. Other than that, I can’t personally fault this book. I’m excited to see where this story and this author goes in the future.

My rating: 4/5 stars

By the way, I received a digital advanced review copy of this title from the publisher (ABRAMS Kids) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A super funny action-adventure that involves Chinese Folklore, centering around the very modern, teenaged Genie Lo.

Usually, I like to start off my reviews with the things I didn’t like, but when it comes to The Epic Crush of Genie Lo…I have nothing bad to say, because I absolutely loved this book!

–The Characters–
First, let’s talk about our MC, Genie Lo. I think that Genie will go down as one of my favorite heroines ever! She initially played the role of the stereotypical Asian teen, being the model student, and model daughter. But then, with the arrival of Quentin Sun, she’s suddenly thrust into a world in which Chinese Folklore is real, and something she just happens to play a major part of. But she’s still a teenage girl. So, cynicism and snark abound in her interactions with Quentin, which really had me cracking up at times. I really loved how she does grow more comfortable in her own way as the book goes on, and though there’s no mention of a book 2 on Goodreads (as of the last time I’d checked, that is), I really look forward to more Genie!

Now, for Quentin Sun, I won’t say much when it comes to exactly who he is, because you’ll just have to read to find out. But he’s so endearing, interesting, as well as super-funny, though his funniness stems more from his having to combat Genie’s snakiness. Again, I just loved their interactions together!!

–The Plot–
What an exciting, fantastical story! I know zilch when it comes to Chinese folklore, but the things that were introduced to me in this book were definitely super interesting! Genie’s strength, and the things she has to fight against really make for an even more exciting read!

–The setting–
It seems fitting that this book would take place in San Francisco, considering it is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America, and the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia (I took this bit of info from Wikipedia, so hopefully it’s right, ha ha!). So, being that a lot of Chinese live in these parts, it’s the perfect place for Chinese monsters, and the like, to blend in, thus, the perfect setting for this fabulous book!

I think I’ve established by now, how much I absolutely loved this book, so obviously I will gladly recommend this book!!!

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo was, simply put, one of the best books in 2017. I had heard a lot about this book, so I decided to see if the hype was worth it. And it was! 100% definitely worth the hype.

Genie Lo is a Chinese-American girl who's only focused on one thing: getting into a good college. Then Quentin Sun walks into her class and changes her life. He tells her that all the people and demons from Chinese folklore are real. And they have to fight the demons together because she has a secret power that she never knew about. So, you know, Genie reacts like any rational person would.

She punches him.

I'm paraphrasing, of course, but that's pretty much the gist of the book. Genie is a tall, angry girl, and I love her so much. She just wants to live her life, and Quentin has to come ruin it. It's understandable why she reacts the way she does throughout the book. I totally related to Genie (although I'm not a tol :/), especially with her focus on school.

And the mythology! I'm not Chinese, so I didn't know a lot of it, but it's all explained so well. I'm assuming you all know Percy Jackson and the Olympians? Yeah, this book is just as good, and I don't make that comparison lightly. Genie hears and summarizes all the mythology in her own biting tone. Her humor and her witty comebacks made me actually laugh out loud at times. I was smiling throughout the entire book, and I think I highlighted nearly a third of it, which is a lot considering I usually don't highlight anything.

I don't want to spoil anything, so just trust me when I say you need this book, especially if you're a fan of PJO. We need more books like this, with Asian mythology and humor and Asian protagonists. I'm a little sad that I read this as an ARC actually because I cannot wait a full year for the sequel :(. So seriously, pick this book up on August 18th. You won't regret it.

"Genie Lo" was such a fun, kick ass read-thank you!

It’s been a couple of days since I’ve finished this book and I’m STILL NOT OVER IT. Seriously, I have all the love for this book to the moon and beyond. But I told myself I’d finish this review so I can schedule it and spread the love when closer to release date. THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO immediately grasped my attention with its fierce cover and tag. I knew about a Chinese-American girl trying to juggle fighting demons and a supernatural power she never knew she had. That’s all I knew, and I was already excited. When I got a bit more into the book, I fell absolutely in love with its hilarious narrative, Chinese folklore, and refreshing characters. This is the book my Chinese teen heart has been pining for since a young child, and it’s one that really resonated with me.

Genie’s your average, Asian-American student at a competitive prep school, looking to be at the top and go to a prestigious college. Her worries basically revolve around preparing for AP tests, her best friend Yoonie, and making conversation with her mother. But with the arrival of a mysterious classmate, her life pretty much turns upside-down. He comes from a super popular Chinese folklore story that I’ve never seen incorporated in a YA novel – one that I’ve always wished for while growing up. With his arrival also comes demons and goddesses that throw Genie’s Californian town into chaos.

“‘You are the most powerful thing on Earth short of a god. You can do absolutely anything.’”

The story that Quentin comes out of is called Journey to the West, and much of the storyline is summarized in down-to-earth colloquial terms by Genie in the book. While this ancient text originated in China, there are also lots of interpretations from across the East Asia region (fun fact: Goku from Dragonball Z was modeled after the main character). I’ve watched multiple movie versions of it and TV shows – both cartoon and live-action. It’s the kind of story that each Chinese household knows, or at least has heard of. Yee incorporates elements and characters of this story in present-day California, giving it a Riordan-esque feel as mythology melds with reality. I love the fact that it explores such a well-known story in Chinese culture, instead of the heavily popularized Greek and Roman myths that YA books like to use. The exposure of this story not only brings a refreshing take on YA, but also spreads a bit of Chinese culture and traditions. Always a plus!

So after the big reveal and Genie finally gets onboard with the mission she’s given (trust me, she enters with much reservation), her and Quentin embark on an adventure to bring the demons on earth back to hell. Fun stuff… except for the fact that she has to worry about college applications, keeping up her grades, staying on top of her social life, and all the other extracurriculars she has. I loved Genie’s representation as a competitive student, as well as her family life as a Chinese teen. She’s super worried about getting into college and Yee often adds comedic humor on the whole application process in America. The focus on her academics throughout the book was awesome to see and super relatable. There’s also great integration of Chinese culture in the book as well. Genie’s mother loves to keep on appearances and is so, so funny. Pretty much every Chinese Mom ™ with her antics. There’s a great discussion on the pressure Genie puts on herself academically, and a breakdown of common stereotypes for Chinese characters (including the fact that they’re not all quiet/meek, and not all are prodigies in musical instruments).

There’s a romance that goes on in the book and the ship is so. So. Cute. Like, adorkably cute and super subtle. It’s not a large part of the story at all – very light, in fact – but it’s solid and there to stay. Genie’s first response when Quentin first talks to her (in a very awkward and very forward way) is to punch him. She’s a girl after my own heart. She’s extremelyyy suspicious of him at first, but eventually warms up to his hilarious and sometimes strange antics. Genie is also a big believer in science so seeing all the supernatural stuff going around her makes her even more wary. Quentin is just adorkable. Let me just say: HEIGHT DIFFERENFE. Genie is much taller than Quentin and if that’s not cute I’m not sure what you’re looking for. All the other characters – from Genie’s school peers to the gods she gets introduced to – are all just a breath of fresh air with their hilarious antics and dialogue.

“Kissing Quentin was as rough and as confrontational as any of our other interactions, and I loved it.”

There are honestly not enough words to describe how much I love this book. You’ll definitely find more gushing on my Twitter and the Be On The Lookout post. Either way, my love for this book goes to the heavens and beyond. It’s the book of my childhood heart, the book that has a place in my soul. From Genie and her refreshing friends and adventure, the addition of Chinese folklore, and the heightened focus on academics as well as demonic peril all make THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO an unforgettable book. Anyone who says otherwise can fight me.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is one of my favorite books this year. It's right there on top of the list and you all should definitely have it on your radar, because if not, you're so doing it wrong.

If you're into Chinese folklore, demons and action but also a slice of college applications and schoolwork, Genie Lo is so right for you! It has humor and an amazing storyline. The characters had all these layers that you think you have them all figured out but they always had something beneath that!

Also the build-up for the ship in this book is so well done. I was already rooting for Quentin and Genie to be together since he first appeared and told her she was his. The dynamic and banter between these two is my favorite to be honest. They have become one couple I will always recommend and root for in the next book for sure. I want my demon slaying duo to succeed in life and in love and to be happy forever.

Can't wait for this to become NYT Bestseller because it deserves it times a million. This is the kind of story I wish I could see more in book community.

I have all the love for this book and it may be my newest favorite for June. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is narrated with humor, based on Chinese folklore, and has an amazing balance between the ordinary and the unreal. What more is there to love?

One of the most amazing things about this book, and there are plenty, is the mixture of Chinese Folklore and this YA setting. As someone not as well versed as they’d like to be, this was like having an intense story time session and then watching the events play out. While the synopsis doesn’t reveal too much, this story takes the folklore to a new level, one that I think is incredibly nuanced and extremely special.

Genie Lo has to be one of my spirit characters, except she is really tall. I have never felt like I resonated so much with a character until Genie and that, in and of itself, is so precious to me. She is nerdy, goal driven, and humorous. Her narration style keeps you flipping pages as she is both honest, clever, and sassy. One hundred percent who I wanted my high school self to be and about, probably, sixty percent of who I was.

Speaking of characters, I enjoyed all of them. Everyone from Quentin, to her best friend, to her parents. They each had something that defined them as a person, not just a plot twist. Whether it be an annoying sense of humor, a violin hobby, or their backstory, it was each a fabulous piece of their backstory and personality. Quentin especially grew on me, and the others I loved from the very beginning.

Yee balances the mundane and the supernatural fabulously, even mixing them when you’d least expect it. There’s meeting with college prep advisors and goddesses all in one day. At the same time as having problems with her best friend, Genie also is having problems figuring out how she can harness this inner strength she has to fight. Neither side feels incomplete, instead they work together and only become stronger because of their synergy. The struggles she undergoes range from inviting a boy over to dinner, to figuring out how we simultaneously fight for the future of the world, while not endangering those we love (a typical superhero problem).

Basically you need to read this so we can talk about it, because there are so many other aspects, nuanced plot details, or little realizations of Genie’s that I need to talk about. There’s something in this book for everyone: some comedic situations with dinner faux pas, action filled fights against hostile spiritual entities, tender moments between parents and children, and a smidge of well-earned romance. Do yourself a favor and read this, you will not regret it.

This book was so, so good! So much fun and snark and humour and I can't recommend it enough!

This is one of my favorite books of 2017. Genie Lo is snarky, self-conscious about her height, and also the reincarnation of a character from Chinese mythology. Her infuriating yet gorgeous crush holds the key to her developing her powers, and together, the two of them must defeat the hundred demons that escaped from Hell just to hunt them down.

A setting ripe with characters straight from Chinese folklore, The Epic Crush of Genie Lo blends unfamiliar elements with the familiar trope of a character discovering that she has powers in a normally mundane setting. A fast paced read, I only wish some moments had been slowed down so I could enjoy the action more. A good start for a new author, I think that many readers will enjoy Epic Crush's urban fantasy vibe.

A full review can be found on [a cup of tea and an armful of books] closer to this book's release date!

This fantasy-adventure novel takes place in the Bay Area, featuring a Chinese-American teenager who discovers she's the human reincarnation of Ruyi Jingu Bang (the magical staff wielded by the immortal monkey Sun Wukong). Genie and Quentin (the current ... form? of the Sun Monkey) team up, albeit reluctantly on her part, to fight off the one hundred or so demons that are attacking the Bay Area. The Chinese folklore was a nice twist, but there were parts of the book that felt too rushed or completely ignored. For instance, in one scene Genie has to leave her best friend's concert recital in order to fight off the bad guys. While the author briefly explores Genie's guilt, he quickly jumps to several weeks in the future. This happened several times, and was a bit jarring for the reader. The last quarter of the book also felt incredibly rushed, and the acceleration of Genie and Quentin's relationship felt a bit weird.