Review Detail

FEEDBACK
So this book pretty much takes place right after the events of the first novel. The Jade Emperor has given Genie the task of controlling all of the demons in the Bay Area because she refused to kill them. But when she decides to take the weekend off to go to a college “tour” with Yunie… well things get pretty messy. I am honestly still surprised that this whole book pretty much took place in barely a weekend. It had everything the first book had but more. It was fast paced, funny, and just overall such a delight. Did it rip my heart out at some points (cough cough the end), yes it did. But Yee’s writing is so much fun to read and I devoured this book. I kept finding anytime I could to squeeze in reading because I just didn’t want to stop. While I did the audio for the first book, I physically read the second one (but I know the audio was probably just as amazing as the first book). There were more intense scenes in this book as Yunie, Quentin, and Guanyin have to fight a huge demonic presence threatening not just Earth, but all of the dimensions, including Heaven. One of the reasons why I think I liked this book more was because it really dived deeper into the mythology and introduced new elements that couldn’t have been done in the first book. Also, since Genie has developed more into her powers there were other issues that fit perfect with where Genie was in life. Everything Yee did in this book, once again, was perfect.

Oh, these characters. Genie, again, gives us such an amazing performance. In this first book, Genie was so sure of what she wanted to do with her life but in this book we really get to see her struggling with herself. She isn’t sure what she wants anymore or where life is going to take her but she’s trying to figure it out. And, without being a reincarnated weapon, everyone at that age goes through the same thing. I’m really glad that Yee brought in this element because it made Genie that much relatable. Quentin was his goofy self again but this time we got to see more vulnerable parts of him which I liked. It gave him even more personality and the relationship with Genie was rocky at some points but again, this is what make it feel real. Since more of the mythology was added in this book, Quentin’s old self got to shine through a little also which made for some great scenes. The additional characters were so much fun to read and go on this adventure with.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, The Iron Will of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee was phenomenal. The growing plot with the additional mythology really made this book amazing. I loved the pace that was set and the challenges that was presented before Genie and the gods. Genie’s character even had more development and she will be one of my favorite characters for a long time. The struggles, on Earth and Heaven, that the team had to face really helped build these characters up even more. I’m really hoping that at one point Yee returns and maybe gives us the story of the in between the last chapter and epilogue? This duology is one that I highly recommend for anyone. It was such a fun read and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed