Title: The Epic Crush of Genie Lo (#1)
Author: F.C. Lee
Published by: Amulet Books
Released: 2017
Source: Library
Synopsis: Genie Lo is one among droves of Ivy-hopeful overachievers in her sleepy Bay Area suburb. You know, the type who wins. When she’s not crushing it at volleyball or hitting the books, Genie is typically working on how to crack the elusive Harvard entry code.
But when her hometown comes under siege from hellspawn straight out of Chinese folklore, her priorities are dramatically rearranged. Enter Quentin Sun, a mysterious new kid in class who becomes Genie’s self-appointed guide to battling demons. While Genie knows Quentin only as an attractive transfer student with an oddly formal command of the English language, in another reality he is Sun Wukong, the mythological Monkey King incarnate—right down to the furry tale and penchant for peaches.
Suddenly, acing the SATs is the least of Genie’s worries. The fates of her friends, family, and the entire Bay Area all depend on her summoning an inner power that Quentin assures her is strong enough to level the very gates of Heaven. But every second Genie spends tapping into the secret of her true nature is a second in which the lives of her loved ones hang in the balance. (Synopsis from Goodreads)
My Thoughts: I thought this was fun and fast. It was an all right book that I had a good time reading. My favorite thing about it was learning about Chinese Mythology, discovering legends and monsters I've never heard of before. And all the legends and myths were introduced in a really fun way.
The Epic Crush of Genie Lo reminded me a lot of a Rick Riordan book. It had that style, that feel to it. In my opinion, I think this needed to be a Middle Grade book. It had that fun style to it and the YA add ons really did nothing for me, and nothing for the story.
I wasn't a fan of the romance. I just didn't feel anything for it, any spark or attraction. I would much rather have had Genie and Quentin as friends. A crime fighting duo that doesn't need a romance to keep them connected. They felt more friends, partners than they did as a romantic couple.
I do think the pacing near the end felt a little rushed. I think it needed more time to develop.
This is also a great diverse read, an own voices read, but aspects of it did feel a little Asian stereotype-y to me.
I thought The Epic Crush of Genie Lo was a fun, fast read. I enjoyed it. I'm going to keep my eyes out for the sequel. I really loved being introduced to Chinese Mythology in this context. I'd say give it a read.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Fun, Fast, and Loved the Chinese Mythology
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