zhara
BOOK 1 OF GUARDIANS OF DAWN
chaos reigns
love flames
magic flickers
They say that when the world is out of balance, the Guardians of Dawn are reborn.
Jin Zhara’s life was already full with appeasing her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her magic secret from those who would kill her for it. But when a mysterious plague starts transforming magicians into monsters, Zhara joins a secret magical liberation society called the Guardians of Dawn, and her life becomes entwined with an easily flustered young man named Han, who has secrets of his own.
Magicians go missing, abominations emerge, and Zhara’s powers are growing beyond her control. A demon has awoken in the Morning Realms, and Zhara must find the elemental warrior within before the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.
Guardian of Fire…there you are...
Filled with adventure, romance, and a delightful cast of characters, Guardians of Dawn: Zhara is the start of a richly imagined fantasy series that will leave you breathless for more!
“A treasure of a book that combines spellbinding fantasy with wit, charm, and a heartwarming romance. Nods to beloved fairy tales and fandoms blend seamlessly with demon possession and dark magic, creating a read that is both joyful and riveting. I can’t wait to see what other surprises this series has in store!”
“★ Magic, monsters, and mayhem keep the pages turning in this Asian-inspired fantasy. Equally tender and awkward, the romance is highly relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. . .This heartwarming, heartbreaking start to a series will leave readers aching for more.”
“While this volume serves as Zhara’s origin story, there is no shortage of well-rounded friendships and world-ending disasters to keep readers on the hook for future installments.”
“With strong East Asian influences and themes in the worldbuilding, this magic-filled story will hook readers with its endearing lead; they will finish this volume and beg for the sequel . . . An engaging fantasy set in an original magical world.”
“The languorous pacing of the narrative, which unfolds via Zhara and Han’s alternating perspectives, allows for expansive worldbuilding in this East Asian–inspired historical fantasy adventure.”
PRAISE
“Guardians of Dawn: Zhara is the kind of fantasy that first made me a reader. Tender and bewitching, joyous and thoroughly transporting. Zhara and Han are not just protagonists you root for, but characters you feel you’ve known your whole life. S. Jae-Jones weaves a spell on every page.”
—ROSHANI CHOKSHI, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves"There is something warm and nostalgic about this story that reminds me of my childhood—lush worldbuilding, a charismatic cast, and an epic adventure with all the romance of classic fantasy. This is the kind of book you curl up with in a good armchair, with a favorite blanket and a big mug of tea."
—MARIE LU, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stars And Smoke“Jae-Jones takes on Cinderella with magic and style, breathing new life into all the best parts of the story. An outstanding spin on a well-loved classic.”
—E.K. JOHNSTON #1 New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Queen's Shadow"S. Jae-Jones has successfully captured the magic that infused the animes of my childhood with life and depth and breathed it into this gorgeous Young Adult Fantasy! Both Han and Zhara jump off the page to grip at your heart. In a world so complexly built that one could visit, if only they dared. A beautifully crafted story that will set your soul soaring and heart racing!"
—KAT CHO, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a K-Prom"Jae-Jones has done it again! Guardians of Dawn: Zhara is a new entry into the fantasy pantheon I've been waiting for. Every reader can find something to love in this first installment of a sure to be monumental and vastly important series. I cannot wait to read more!”
—KOSOKO JACKSON, author of Yesterday Is History
where to buy
EBOOKS
AUDIOBOOKS
foreign & translations
United Kingdom: Titan Books
Spain: Ediciones Urano
France: Bayard
Russia: AST
Ukraine: Vivat
Germany: arsEditions
editions
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US/CAN HARDCOVER
Cover art © Sija Hong.
Cover design © Kerri Resnick. -
BARNES & NOBLE EDITION
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ILLUMICRATE EDITION
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BOOKISH EDITION
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SPANISH EDITION
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GERMAN EDITION