Guardians of Dawn: Ami (Guardians of Dawn, #2)

AMI is a captivating YA fantasy. This is the second book in the Guardians of Dawn series, combining the story of a new guardian with that from the first book. As such, this does work best read in order. The story is told from alternating perspectives of Ami and Zhara. Ami is caring for her mentally ill father in a town where she is forced to beg for help while he rants about the end of the world and seems to forget who she is. When he is caught stealing a branch from a sacred tree, he is sentenced to exile - a punishment that would mean death in his current state. Ami intervenes, and instead, she is given work from the Beast, who typically carries out the sentences imposed on those who break the law.

The sacred tree is dying, and they need someone who can translate The Language of Flowers to see if they can find a way to stop it. Luckily, Ami is willing to take the case. However, at the same time, a mysterious illness that brings people back from the dead is increasing, and the cases are getting closer to home.

What I loved: This was a really fast-paced and smooth read that kept the pages turning. It was easy to get caught up in the story and begin moving through it quickly, propelled by the mystery and what is to come. There is a bit of romance and plenty of action-adventure to really pull the reader into the story and move it along. Characters from the first book get their own sections until they are intertwined with Ami's story, bringing it all together smoothly.

Ami is a compelling character whose life circumstances have really held her back. She cares deeply for her father, even though he sometimes does not know who she is and can get himself into messes. She is very devoted, even though her life would be much smoother without him. Her father spouts a lot of prophecy that others brush off, even when it seems to be intertwined with the current happenings. Themes around poverty, the way people take advantage of those less fortunate, the power of kindness, and mental illness are all really strong as the story builds.

The mystery really kept me hooked, wondering what they would learn about the illness of the undead and the cause of decay for the tree and other plants. In addition, Ami's power that she has hidden for so long becomes more necessary, and the limits and use of this are particularly interesting to see revealed as the story continues.

Final verdict: AMI is a consuming YA fantasy that continues the story of the GUARDIANS OF DAWN with a fantastic new character and plenty of mystery/action. I am excited to see how this series will continue!