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The Infinity Courts #2
The Genesis Wars
Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends.
It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone.
On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails.
Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.
It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone.
On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails.
Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
About the author
Akemi Dawn Bowman
15 books1,373 followersAkemi Dawn Bowman is a critically-acclaimed author who writes across genres. Her novels have received multiple accolades and award nominations, and her debut novel, STARFISH, was a William C. Morris Award Finalist. She has a BA in social sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and currently lives in Scotland with her family. She overthinks everything, including this bio. You can find Akemi on Instagram @AkemiDawnBowman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 6, 2022
after how the first book ended, this sequel is exactly what i thought it would be - filler.
its just the natural progression of how the storyline is going - it just needs that follow up book for more world-building and character development. nothing really major happens plot-wise, its more of a recovery book after the intense ending of the previous. which is fine. i wish it had more twists and turns and excitement (everything i loved about the first book), but i gets why this sequel is the way it is.
the writing is still really good and im still loving being in the world of infinity. although this installment definitely has a “lesser stakes” feel, its still very much engaging and a great set-up for the next book!
↠ 3.5 stars
its just the natural progression of how the storyline is going - it just needs that follow up book for more world-building and character development. nothing really major happens plot-wise, its more of a recovery book after the intense ending of the previous. which is fine. i wish it had more twists and turns and excitement (everything i loved about the first book), but i gets why this sequel is the way it is.
the writing is still really good and im still loving being in the world of infinity. although this installment definitely has a “lesser stakes” feel, its still very much engaging and a great set-up for the next book!
↠ 3.5 stars
Want to read
July 1, 20217/1/21 UPDATE: MY GOD I JUST NOTICED WE GOT A COVER AND SYNOPSIS?!??! its so beautiful im losing my mind, nami coming back to me!
4/27/21: just finished infinity courts and im still in shock, emotionally traumatized. 2022 come sooner i need this in my hands right now💔
4/27/21: just finished infinity courts and im still in shock, emotionally traumatized. 2022 come sooner i need this in my hands right now💔
Want to read
March 5, 2022update: ARC HAS BEEN SECURED BESTIES
*excitement excitement*
*ARC sent by the publisher -Simon & Schuster- for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
*excitement excitement*
*ARC sent by the publisher -Simon & Schuster- for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Want to read
September 3, 2021I cannot emphasize enough just how badly my heart shattered after the plot twist of book one. thus, I no longer trust Bowman with my heart, but here we are, waiting in pain for book #2.
May 2, 2022
~3.5 stars~
Wow! I was not under the impression that this book is a trilogy, though. I kept reading thinking why everything is going to shit again until I reached the ending, and here goes another cliffhanger. NICE! 😃
What left me alittle sour: The beginning of the book is slow to get moving with Nami focused on training and trying to recruit the borderlands to her cause without any success. Once she moves on, the book really picks up, and the last jalf is action packed and fast.
Overall, I enjoyed The Genesis Wars! Readers will not be bored because things move quickly as Nami navigates the problems that come her way. There are a lot of major twists (especially at the end) in this adventure. Here goes another year for finale. 💪
Wow! I was not under the impression that this book is a trilogy, though. I kept reading thinking why everything is going to shit again until I reached the ending, and here goes another cliffhanger. NICE! 😃
What left me alittle sour: The beginning of the book is slow to get moving with Nami focused on training and trying to recruit the borderlands to her cause without any success. Once she moves on, the book really picks up, and the last jalf is action packed and fast.
Overall, I enjoyed The Genesis Wars! Readers will not be bored because things move quickly as Nami navigates the problems that come her way. There are a lot of major twists (especially at the end) in this adventure. Here goes another year for finale. 💪
April 25, 2022
Um, what the hell just happened? I am currently in a state of shock. I feel like I've been hit by a train, brought back to life, and hit by a train again. Because there wasn't one plot-twist and the end. There were two.
And now I have to WAIT?
And now I have to WAIT?
April 19, 2022
OH MY GOD THE ENDING?!?!
THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE, I JUST NEED MORE ANSWERS ADFURUT74SWYG
THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE, I JUST NEED MORE ANSWERS ADFURUT74SWYG
April 19, 2022
4.5*
Ah, we're back with another fabulous installment in the Infinity Courts series! There is so much excitement and character development in this book that I don't even know where to start! Okay, I'll start with my one minor qualm so I can get to the good stuff: sometimes I didn't quite remember all the things the author seemed to think I'd remember from the first book. But that is just as likely my fault, so there's that. I had a few "wait who/what/where now?" moments, but aside from that, was totally invested.
Nami has changed so much during her time in the quasi-afterlife, and you can immediately see the toll this world has taken on her. It's hard to witness, really, but also incredibly honest and realistic. Now, she's trying to save all of humanity, and especially, her sister. Nami refuses to concede and allow humankind to basically have their minds wiped for eternity, which frankly, is fair. Even if that means that she won't survive.
Basically, the book is so full of excitement that I didn't want to stop reading. And then, just when I thought things couldn't get any more exciting, the author outdoes herself with an incredible climax and a bonkers ending that had me begging for more. Honestly, a great sequel with absolutely no middle-book syndrome whatsoever.
Bottom Line: Desperately require Book 3, especially after a completely bananas ending.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Ah, we're back with another fabulous installment in the Infinity Courts series! There is so much excitement and character development in this book that I don't even know where to start! Okay, I'll start with my one minor qualm so I can get to the good stuff: sometimes I didn't quite remember all the things the author seemed to think I'd remember from the first book. But that is just as likely my fault, so there's that. I had a few "wait who/what/where now?" moments, but aside from that, was totally invested.
Nami has changed so much during her time in the quasi-afterlife, and you can immediately see the toll this world has taken on her. It's hard to witness, really, but also incredibly honest and realistic. Now, she's trying to save all of humanity, and especially, her sister. Nami refuses to concede and allow humankind to basically have their minds wiped for eternity, which frankly, is fair. Even if that means that she won't survive.
Basically, the book is so full of excitement that I didn't want to stop reading. And then, just when I thought things couldn't get any more exciting, the author outdoes herself with an incredible climax and a bonkers ending that had me begging for more. Honestly, a great sequel with absolutely no middle-book syndrome whatsoever.
Bottom Line: Desperately require Book 3, especially after a completely bananas ending.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
August 10, 2022
3⭐
Was this very predictable and did I hate the main character: yess. Did I only read this for the main love intrest:yess.
Nami is def exhausting to read about bc she makes tons of stupid decisions that don't make any sense. The book gets extremely repetitive about loving people without ever showing why Nami loves these people but you just need to know what will happen next.
Was this very predictable and did I hate the main character: yess. Did I only read this for the main love intrest:yess.
Nami is def exhausting to read about bc she makes tons of stupid decisions that don't make any sense. The book gets extremely repetitive about loving people without ever showing why Nami loves these people but you just need to know what will happen next.
Want to read
June 28, 2021update 6/27/2021: OMG OMG OMG GUYS WE HAVE A COVER AND A SYNOPSISSSS!!!! to whom do i need to sell my soul to for this book???
April 19, 2022
It was only 10 months ago when Nami faced Ophelia and the princes. The result was the loss of her friends and Nami finding the Borderlands by following the stars. While she tries to warn the people in the Borderlands about Ophelia’s extensive reach, Nami faces resistance. Feeling helpless that no one is willing to help the humans who were trapped in the Four Courts, the only thing she can do is try her best. Riddled with guilt and the determination to save the humans, Nami ventures into War.
Finding Genesis and allies within was a surprise to Nami. But something is weird with the leader of Genesis. His motives and actions don’t fully encompass the welfare of all humans. Despite that, they have provided Nami a sanctuary after leaving the Borderlands. Nami reunites with friends in The Genesis Wars, but nothing is easy. Nami learns that her mind is stronger than she expected and that she could use it to her advantage.
Throughout the whole book, Nami strives to do her best. Her parents and her sister, Mei, were consistently in her thoughts. They motivated her to make the Afterlife a better place so that Mei wouldn’t be afraid, wouldn’t suffer through a war, and has a refuge after death. Nami surpassed her limitations and discovered more of her abilities.
Never would Nami anticipate any changes between her and Caelan. After his betrayal and the revelation that he had been posing as Gil, Nami refused to be swayed by anything Caelan said or done. As one of the four Princes and the son of Ophelia, how can Nami believe him any longer? However, when things took a turn, Nami wonders if what she knew before was the truth.
The ending blew me away. I was wondering when the character would make an appearance and how Nami would react. I knew it was coming, but Akemi Dawn Bowman insisted on it being a cliffhanger. To everyone who has read The Genesis Wars, let’s hang out on this cliff together until next year when the finale is released.
Finding Genesis and allies within was a surprise to Nami. But something is weird with the leader of Genesis. His motives and actions don’t fully encompass the welfare of all humans. Despite that, they have provided Nami a sanctuary after leaving the Borderlands. Nami reunites with friends in The Genesis Wars, but nothing is easy. Nami learns that her mind is stronger than she expected and that she could use it to her advantage.
Throughout the whole book, Nami strives to do her best. Her parents and her sister, Mei, were consistently in her thoughts. They motivated her to make the Afterlife a better place so that Mei wouldn’t be afraid, wouldn’t suffer through a war, and has a refuge after death. Nami surpassed her limitations and discovered more of her abilities.
Never would Nami anticipate any changes between her and Caelan. After his betrayal and the revelation that he had been posing as Gil, Nami refused to be swayed by anything Caelan said or done. As one of the four Princes and the son of Ophelia, how can Nami believe him any longer? However, when things took a turn, Nami wonders if what she knew before was the truth.
The ending blew me away. I was wondering when the character would make an appearance and how Nami would react. I knew it was coming, but Akemi Dawn Bowman insisted on it being a cliffhanger. To everyone who has read The Genesis Wars, let’s hang out on this cliff together until next year when the finale is released.
May 8, 2022
This was my most anticipated book of the year. The story started off very, very slowly but once the action started I was invested. As usual, the writing and world building is phenomenal. Also as usual, sequels don't live up to their predecessors. I definitely would have been more satisfied with a complete resolution but the ending leaves much to be wanted. The world created is fantastic and the series would benefit from novellas in the perspectives of other characters. So many possibilities for continuing Infinity!
May 22, 2022
With the cliffhanger left by the first book, I was excited to read this one, hoping the series would be a duology. It is not, but that’s not what does this title in. There are 3 things that bring this book down.
One, the book starts off with a fight scene with a person the reader hasn’t yet to meet. Mind you, the first book ended with Nami on her way to safety. This feels like waking up in a car going a hundred miles per hour with no clue who’s driving, let alone the destination. More scenes like this occur where characters are suddenly (to the reader) inserted without any introduction. Explanations of who they are and their relationship to Nami come across as afterthoughts, as if the reader is supposed to already know them even though the author knows we’ve never met. It’s like there was another book in between the first and second, but there isn’t. Things move along like oil skimming water, and as the reader, you’re not allowed to delve deeper. Because of this, the additional characters come across as paper thin, and disposable.
Second, Nami is still not a likable character. She is still trying to tell people who’ve been living in this land what to do and how they should do it. Her actions come across as annoying and entitled in ways that shouldn’t exist in someone who knows she fighting for the freedom of others and herself.
Finally, the narrator. This book was read like a term paper on parliament. The narrator sounded bored, disinterested, and almost sleepy. Because of this, the book was grating to get through.
All in all, the 2nd book in the series lacked the luster, excitement, and engagement of the first. I’m still on the fence about checking out the next installment, but I do have my DEEP reservations.
One, the book starts off with a fight scene with a person the reader hasn’t yet to meet. Mind you, the first book ended with Nami on her way to safety. This feels like waking up in a car going a hundred miles per hour with no clue who’s driving, let alone the destination. More scenes like this occur where characters are suddenly (to the reader) inserted without any introduction. Explanations of who they are and their relationship to Nami come across as afterthoughts, as if the reader is supposed to already know them even though the author knows we’ve never met. It’s like there was another book in between the first and second, but there isn’t. Things move along like oil skimming water, and as the reader, you’re not allowed to delve deeper. Because of this, the additional characters come across as paper thin, and disposable.
Second, Nami is still not a likable character. She is still trying to tell people who’ve been living in this land what to do and how they should do it. Her actions come across as annoying and entitled in ways that shouldn’t exist in someone who knows she fighting for the freedom of others and herself.
Finally, the narrator. This book was read like a term paper on parliament. The narrator sounded bored, disinterested, and almost sleepy. Because of this, the book was grating to get through.
All in all, the 2nd book in the series lacked the luster, excitement, and engagement of the first. I’m still on the fence about checking out the next installment, but I do have my DEEP reservations.
June 9, 2022
read 5/13/22:
april 2022 has reached us. (or june 2022 cause i never got around to reviewing this ;-;)
but nonetheless, this book was exactly what i waited 11 months to read. it's such a perfect continuation to one of my favorite series of all time. the world-building, the characters, the plot twists??? were all amazing.
just like i wrote in my review of the infinity courts, ophelia is still relatable. which is annoying, as i'm over here trying to hate her, but i can completely sympathize with her and justify every decision she makes. why.
and lastly,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre-release 7/23/21:
WE HAVE A TITLE, COVER, AND RELEASE DATE FOR INFINITY COURTS 2???????
IM DYING INSIDE I NEEDED THIS FOR SO LONG AHHHHHHHH
I NEED APRIL 2022 NOW
*internal fangirling*
💔💔💔
april 2022 has reached us. (or june 2022 cause i never got around to reviewing this ;-;)
but nonetheless, this book was exactly what i waited 11 months to read. it's such a perfect continuation to one of my favorite series of all time. the world-building, the characters, the plot twists??? were all amazing.
just like i wrote in my review of the infinity courts, ophelia is still relatable. which is annoying, as i'm over here trying to hate her, but i can completely sympathize with her and justify every decision she makes. why.
and lastly,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre-release 7/23/21:
WE HAVE A TITLE, COVER, AND RELEASE DATE FOR INFINITY COURTS 2???????
IM DYING INSIDE I NEEDED THIS FOR SO LONG AHHHHHHHH
I NEED APRIL 2022 NOW
*internal fangirling*
💔💔💔
April 18, 2022
While I love the concept of this series, I was on the fence about continuing with it while reading the first book. Until I hit that mind-blowing cliffhanger of an ending. This second book was exactly the same for me.
The Genesis Wars picks up ten months after the ending of The Infinity Courts. Nami is still reeling from Prince Caelan’s betrayal, and the people she considers her family in the afterlife are missing. She’s full of guilt and blames herself. She’s spent this time undergoing intense training in hopes of becoming strong enough to rescue them. The first quarter of this book moved slowly for me. Nami talks a lot about training, her family, and her need to find them – but it’s just talk for quite a while and no action.
Soon the storyline picks up, and several new characters are introduced, all of them wonderful additions and a few excellent allies (especially Kasia and Nix). While the majority of the first book is spent in the court of Victory, most of this book is set in the court of War – which means Prince Caelan’s brother Ettore (who’s quite partial to torture) gets a good amount of page time. He’s a character you love to hate.
The action scenes are tension-filled and easy to visualize, the romance a little angsty, the characters flawed and relatable, and the politics a strategic minefield. A couple of twists are sure to have you picking your jaw off the floor, and the final one ensures I’ll be requesting the next book the second I see it on NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Genesis Wars picks up ten months after the ending of The Infinity Courts. Nami is still reeling from Prince Caelan’s betrayal, and the people she considers her family in the afterlife are missing. She’s full of guilt and blames herself. She’s spent this time undergoing intense training in hopes of becoming strong enough to rescue them. The first quarter of this book moved slowly for me. Nami talks a lot about training, her family, and her need to find them – but it’s just talk for quite a while and no action.
Soon the storyline picks up, and several new characters are introduced, all of them wonderful additions and a few excellent allies (especially Kasia and Nix). While the majority of the first book is spent in the court of Victory, most of this book is set in the court of War – which means Prince Caelan’s brother Ettore (who’s quite partial to torture) gets a good amount of page time. He’s a character you love to hate.
The action scenes are tension-filled and easy to visualize, the romance a little angsty, the characters flawed and relatable, and the politics a strategic minefield. A couple of twists are sure to have you picking your jaw off the floor, and the final one ensures I’ll be requesting the next book the second I see it on NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 6, 2023
InThe Genesis Wars was somewhat lackluster and repetitive, feeling more like a filler book than anything. I did not expect much going into this book, so I can say that I’m not disappointed with this read. The best thing about this book was definitely the large reduction of Nami’s self-righteous behavior that was so prevalent in the first book. She was still annoying, but considerably less so, which I greatly appreciated.
the
darkness
I
become
nothing.
The ending was interesting but it raised some questions for me and further supports a point I will make a bit later - the lack of consistency in Infinity. Mei was ten years old when Nami died and there is apparently no time in Infinity and no way of knowing how much time has passed on Earth. What I don’t understand is why conventional time measurements were used to describe the passing of time in a place that doesn’t have time. And then later, Nami would emphasize the lack of time in Infinity right after saying that it had been ten months since the Colony was last seen.
Rating: 2.5 stars
May 9, 2023
This whole series is now my favourite!
I completed reading it and my mouth is open wide (this book was not supposed to end in that way).
Both books of these series (so far, only 2 ) are awesome Cliffhangers. At starting, it goes boring and slow, then something happens and it gathers your interest. And later when you reach at the last page, you'll be like, Wait, this book.......over..
Nami has been my one of the favourite characters. She takes a number of risks which makes this story more exciting. And her love for her sister, for whom she takes the initiative to fight, I feel connected to it (though I am the youngest).
Caelan's behaviour in this book made me gasp. His behaviour compared from beginning to the end was totally different. And Nami? How can she again trust him that easily.... At the end, when he tries to hide his current condition (which was pathetic) from Nami, it was the last thing I supposed to happen.
I really loved the concept of the four Courts and their princes and that We learn more about them in this part and we get the opportunity to explore all them.
After reading- i'm a fan of it and just can't wait for part 3. I wish to see both Shura and Mei together.
I completed reading it and my mouth is open wide (this book was not supposed to end in that way).
Both books of these series (so far, only 2 ) are awesome Cliffhangers. At starting, it goes boring and slow, then something happens and it gathers your interest. And later when you reach at the last page, you'll be like, Wait, this book.......over..
Nami has been my one of the favourite characters. She takes a number of risks which makes this story more exciting. And her love for her sister, for whom she takes the initiative to fight, I feel connected to it (though I am the youngest).
Caelan's behaviour in this book made me gasp. His behaviour compared from beginning to the end was totally different. And Nami? How can she again trust him that easily.... At the end, when he tries to hide his current condition (which was pathetic) from Nami, it was the last thing I supposed to happen.
I really loved the concept of the four Courts and their princes and that We learn more about them in this part and we get the opportunity to explore all them.
After reading- i'm a fan of it and just can't wait for part 3. I wish to see both Shura and Mei together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
This was one of my most highly anticipated releases for 2022, and my copy took forever to arrive, but it finally did!
This picks up ten months after the events of the last book. There's very little in the way of rehashing or memory jogging, so if you've forgotten things, they'll likely stay forgotten. It starts off slow, but eventually builds and then there's a lot of action and plotting.
There's a lot of new characters and settings in this one, and Nami's changed so much since the last book where she was freshly being introduced into this world. She's a little hardened and burdened by guilt and hate, but her love for her sister keeps her strong and is her guiding light. If possible, she's even more isolated this time around.
That cliff hanger ending could have been so much worse though. I knew what was coming, and there were like ten pages left. If it had ended two chapters earlier, THAT would have been a devastating ending. But it is set up so well for the next book.
This picks up ten months after the events of the last book. There's very little in the way of rehashing or memory jogging, so if you've forgotten things, they'll likely stay forgotten. It starts off slow, but eventually builds and then there's a lot of action and plotting.
There's a lot of new characters and settings in this one, and Nami's changed so much since the last book where she was freshly being introduced into this world. She's a little hardened and burdened by guilt and hate, but her love for her sister keeps her strong and is her guiding light. If possible, she's even more isolated this time around.
That cliff hanger ending could have been so much worse though. I knew what was coming, and there were like ten pages left. If it had ended two chapters earlier, THAT would have been a devastating ending. But it is set up so well for the next book.
May 12, 2022
The Genesis Wars is an incredible sequel to The Infinity Courts. The characters and world continue to develop in interesting ways as our lead Nami navigates the war torn afterlife. There's action, there's shocking twists, there's heart, there's badassery, there's angst, there's a giant blue leopard!
It isn't as perfect as the first book (as most sequels aren't) and it takes a pretty long time for the real plot to happen. It does make up a bit for this in that the time before the real plot is still pretty interesting and almost feels like a novella that sets up the rest of the story. Since I find this flaw so minor and it's made up for, this is still a five star read for me.
It's fast paced and the twists are genuinely excellent. This ends on another cliffhanger that makes one want to scream and I NEED the third book right now!
It isn't as perfect as the first book (as most sequels aren't) and it takes a pretty long time for the real plot to happen. It does make up a bit for this in that the time before the real plot is still pretty interesting and almost feels like a novella that sets up the rest of the story. Since I find this flaw so minor and it's made up for, this is still a five star read for me.
It's fast paced and the twists are genuinely excellent. This ends on another cliffhanger that makes one want to scream and I NEED the third book right now!
September 5, 2022
4.25 stars, same rating as the first book I believe. This started off with action and a quest to save others while further igniting the rebellion, and it rarely let up on the pacing.
I definitely wouldn't say this feels like a filler book at all--but it definitely sets up for the third book in the trilogy. This second book also had twist after twist after twist!
Really curious to see how this all unfolds and ties together in the next book.
I definitely wouldn't say this feels like a filler book at all--but it definitely sets up for the third book in the trilogy. This second book also had twist after twist after twist!
Really curious to see how this all unfolds and ties together in the next book.
January 17, 2023
I NEED BOOK 3 NOW!!!
The Genesis Wars was such a good sequel! I loved seeing Nami's character development and how we got to see more of this world! I'm still in absolute shock at how Akemi Dawn Bowman manages to write such good twists, the ending of this one has me so excited to see where this story goes next! I have so many theories and can't wait to see if I'm right about them!!
I have to admit that as good as this book was, book 1 still has my whole heart. Maybe it's just because this had a bigger focus on Nami and less focus on all the side characters (which I understand considering the direction this story took, but still).
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
The Genesis Wars was such a good sequel! I loved seeing Nami's character development and how we got to see more of this world! I'm still in absolute shock at how Akemi Dawn Bowman manages to write such good twists, the ending of this one has me so excited to see where this story goes next! I have so many theories and can't wait to see if I'm right about them!!
I have to admit that as good as this book was, book 1 still has my whole heart. Maybe it's just because this had a bigger focus on Nami and less focus on all the side characters (which I understand considering the direction this story took, but still).
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
July 12, 2022
That ending!! Yes this was a filler but oh this was a good one! Can’t wait for the last book
May 21, 2022
Do you ever find an author who you really love and who creates incredible castles in your imagination that move you in ways you never thought literature could do? So let's say that author has written 3 of your favorite books of all time and has masterfully woven in themes of loss, identity, love, family, mental health, and culture. You eagerly reach for anything else she has written, fully expecting this latest work to be EVEN BETTER. But it turns out that somehow adding fictional world building has vanquished everything else you loved about the author's writing, and there's very little left to the book but some unpleasant emotions?
There is no one who wants to like this book more than I do, but I'm so disappointed. Book one of this series had a bit of a pacing problem while the main character agonized over which side of the human/artificial intelligence war she was on. Book two starts out as Nami is trying to become stronger so that she can save the friends she lost in book one. For the first 100 pages, she is a burning ball of vengeance and frustration as her new community refuses to act decisively one way or another and eventually disappoints her. Then we're thrown into a world where there is a lot of action but not much happens. Nami is stronger now, but she still doesn't understand what's really going on. Then we live through pages and pages and pages of decapitations, dismemberment, blood, people burning alive, people being stabbed and betrayed, and everyone generally being tortured as much as possible (which is a lot since they can't technically die). There's a fun twist at the end, but it was so hard to read up to that point. Once again, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Nothing is resolved, and I get the feeling that I still don't really understand what's going on.
This book is designed to be a sci-fi adventure. Book one posited the interesting question of what makes someone truly human and wonders if artificial intelligence can have a soul. Book two seems to fall on one side of that debate, but it does so in a very roundabout way that doesn't feel speculative so much as emotional, which doesn't make sense for the sci-fi genre. The book has enough gore and despair that it's hard to think of it as an engaging YA fiction either. What even is this book then?
I hate leaving such a negative review, especially since I respect Akemi Dawn Bowman and love her other books so much. However, reading this book brought me no joy.
There is no one who wants to like this book more than I do, but I'm so disappointed. Book one of this series had a bit of a pacing problem while the main character agonized over which side of the human/artificial intelligence war she was on. Book two starts out as Nami is trying to become stronger so that she can save the friends she lost in book one. For the first 100 pages, she is a burning ball of vengeance and frustration as her new community refuses to act decisively one way or another and eventually disappoints her. Then we're thrown into a world where there is a lot of action but not much happens. Nami is stronger now, but she still doesn't understand what's really going on. Then we live through pages and pages and pages of decapitations, dismemberment, blood, people burning alive, people being stabbed and betrayed, and everyone generally being tortured as much as possible (which is a lot since they can't technically die). There's a fun twist at the end, but it was so hard to read up to that point. Once again, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Nothing is resolved, and I get the feeling that I still don't really understand what's going on.
This book is designed to be a sci-fi adventure. Book one posited the interesting question of what makes someone truly human and wonders if artificial intelligence can have a soul. Book two seems to fall on one side of that debate, but it does so in a very roundabout way that doesn't feel speculative so much as emotional, which doesn't make sense for the sci-fi genre. The book has enough gore and despair that it's hard to think of it as an engaging YA fiction either. What even is this book then?
I hate leaving such a negative review, especially since I respect Akemi Dawn Bowman and love her other books so much. However, reading this book brought me no joy.
May 8, 2022
Idk like don’t get me wrong I think the plot and the key ideas this book is working with are compelling. However, during the story events happen so fast it makes things feel very shallow. Relationships between characters are rushed and don’t quite make sense (Nami & caelen frfr W that).
It’s a fun book to read it’s like crack fan fiction and you just ignore all the parts that don’t quite add up. Like especially the ending ???
It’s a fun book to read it’s like crack fan fiction and you just ignore all the parts that don’t quite add up. Like especially the ending ???
December 8, 2022
✬◦°˚°◦·ᰄ· ·ᰄ· Ⲧ𐌷Ⲉ•ԌⲈᑎⲈⱾĺⱾ•ᙡშՐ ·ᰄ· ·ᰄ·. .◦°˚°◦☆
Nami is recovering after the shocking and painful betrayal. Living among the Clans that inhabit the Borderland, Nami is alienated. She is desperate to recruit the Clans to join her in the fight against the Residents. As she spends time in the peaceful Borderlands, her heart is fractured, and her mind is in a state of unrest. Nami needs closure, and to do so she is desperate to get the revenge that she needs, that she isolates herself from others. Someone in the Clans are framing her for a crime that she is not responsible for, so Nami sets off with an animal named Nix. Infiltrating the capital and attempting to escape War, Nami wants to alleviate her guilt by saving the rebels. Yet she fears interacting with Prince Caelan because their relationship was built on a tangle of lies.
His eye drift to my hand, but his jaw tightens. "You called to me that day in the tunnel. You asked me to get you out. I thought you understood-that if you needed me, I'd be there."
-Prince Caelan to Nami
The Genesis War hit me hard with the endless possibilities and game-changing plot twists. The beginning I found to be disappointing compared to The Infinity Courts. It thrust the reader suddenly into an unexplained setting, with a whole existing world-building construct that felt quite sudden. This choice managed to achieve two things: make the beginning of the book feel sudden, while also making the world feel as though it already exists. I wanted the system that was introduced, like the dynamic between Salt Clan and Bone Clan, to be more explained, and the concept of the Clans to also be more detailed. It also made me feel a lot like the world exists, it added a more rich quality, as though the character knew what was happening and the aspect of Infinity always existed without much explanation.
I felt as though the meetings between Caelan and Nami felt a lot more convenient meeting, like a cameo, and not much information was actually learned. Nami almost felt like an entirely different protagonist, she did lose many aspects of her character that I found to be intriguing and interesting. Though I couldn't blame Nami because she was forced to become more cold, ruthless, and strong to survive in Infinity. Nami ended up being a more independent protagonist. The element of the relationship between the rebels felt as though it had completely dissipated.
I felt as though the first half of the plot seemed to dwindle around hopping from one place to the next until it finally picked a plot point. Then, when the story really started picking up, the action, emotion, and complex themes that dissected humanity had me invested. Nami is unable to sympathize with the Residents after the damaging betrayal that happened in the previous book.
The lesson that Akemi Dawn Bowman shows about how our perception of situations and the world is heavily influenced based on what we were taught and what we have seen is portrayed very well. The juxtaposition between a very emotional story at the core and an action-packed plot created an amazing story. This book ended up still being fantastic nonetheless.
Caelan and Nami had a very interesting character dynamic. Their lingering affection was apparent but greatly scarred from the lies that had divided them. The meaningful and vital conversations they had about their own perception of the Residents and humans were interesting. Although one plot twist was shocking and didn't really seem to match up with a certain character's actions and felt a bit too convenient.
A theme of forgiveness was a part of the story. Nami managed to forgive someone after a lot of pain and felt almost too quick. A lot of the time, the lesson that forgiveness is the answer is constantly presented in books. Nami said in her head that she couldn't trust too quickly, but their relationship seemed to transcend everything they had been through in that scene. Yes, although the character had good intentions, they still manipulated her. I believe that it should have taken more time rather than happening so quickly.
The ending was shocking, and one of those game-changing plot twists!
🌑PLOT
🌕PLOT TWISTS
🌑CHARACTERS
🌑🌕=☑️
Nami is recovering after the shocking and painful betrayal. Living among the Clans that inhabit the Borderland, Nami is alienated. She is desperate to recruit the Clans to join her in the fight against the Residents. As she spends time in the peaceful Borderlands, her heart is fractured, and her mind is in a state of unrest. Nami needs closure, and to do so she is desperate to get the revenge that she needs, that she isolates herself from others. Someone in the Clans are framing her for a crime that she is not responsible for, so Nami sets off with an animal named Nix. Infiltrating the capital and attempting to escape War, Nami wants to alleviate her guilt by saving the rebels. Yet she fears interacting with Prince Caelan because their relationship was built on a tangle of lies.
His eye drift to my hand, but his jaw tightens. "You called to me that day in the tunnel. You asked me to get you out. I thought you understood-that if you needed me, I'd be there."
-Prince Caelan to Nami
The Genesis War hit me hard with the endless possibilities and game-changing plot twists. The beginning I found to be disappointing compared to The Infinity Courts. It thrust the reader suddenly into an unexplained setting, with a whole existing world-building construct that felt quite sudden. This choice managed to achieve two things: make the beginning of the book feel sudden, while also making the world feel as though it already exists. I wanted the system that was introduced, like the dynamic between Salt Clan and Bone Clan, to be more explained, and the concept of the Clans to also be more detailed. It also made me feel a lot like the world exists, it added a more rich quality, as though the character knew what was happening and the aspect of Infinity always existed without much explanation.
I felt as though the meetings between Caelan and Nami felt a lot more convenient meeting, like a cameo, and not much information was actually learned. Nami almost felt like an entirely different protagonist, she did lose many aspects of her character that I found to be intriguing and interesting. Though I couldn't blame Nami because she was forced to become more cold, ruthless, and strong to survive in Infinity. Nami ended up being a more independent protagonist. The element of the relationship between the rebels felt as though it had completely dissipated.
I felt as though the first half of the plot seemed to dwindle around hopping from one place to the next until it finally picked a plot point. Then, when the story really started picking up, the action, emotion, and complex themes that dissected humanity had me invested. Nami is unable to sympathize with the Residents after the damaging betrayal that happened in the previous book.
The lesson that Akemi Dawn Bowman shows about how our perception of situations and the world is heavily influenced based on what we were taught and what we have seen is portrayed very well. The juxtaposition between a very emotional story at the core and an action-packed plot created an amazing story. This book ended up still being fantastic nonetheless.
Caelan and Nami had a very interesting character dynamic. Their lingering affection was apparent but greatly scarred from the lies that had divided them. The meaningful and vital conversations they had about their own perception of the Residents and humans were interesting. Although one plot twist was shocking and didn't really seem to match up with a certain character's actions and felt a bit too convenient.
A theme of forgiveness was a part of the story. Nami managed to forgive someone after a lot of pain and felt almost too quick. A lot of the time, the lesson that forgiveness is the answer is constantly presented in books. Nami said in her head that she couldn't trust too quickly, but their relationship seemed to transcend everything they had been through in that scene. Yes, although the character had good intentions, they still manipulated her. I believe that it should have taken more time rather than happening so quickly.
The ending was shocking, and one of those game-changing plot twists!
🌑PLOT
🌕PLOT TWISTS
🌑CHARACTERS
🌑🌕=☑️
April 14, 2022
In the sequel to The Infinity Courts, we return to the afterlife with our favorite stubborn protagonist, Nami Miyamoto. The stakes are high and Nami is determined to save the people she loves!
The last book explored what makes us human. Now that the world for this series has been built, there is more time for action and adventure in the story.
It picks up right where The Infinity Courts left off. Nami has made it out alive and managed to escape from Ophelia. She’s safe (for now) in the Borderlands and she’s spending her time growing her strength and training to fight the Residents. Nami is determined to defeat Ophelia and the Residents this time around and nothing will stop her from saving the people she loves.
I loved Nami’s growth in this book. She’s no longer ignorant of the world of the afterlife and is now aware of what it takes to survive there.
Thanks to the betrayal of Prince Caelen, Nami has trust issues and she finds herself having a hard time opening up to the new people that she meets. It doesn’t help that the people she comes across don’t care enough to fight Ophelia and the Residents like Nami is. They know how strong Ophelia is and they believe it would simply be easier for them to escape to safety while they can instead of starting a war that they most likely cannot win.
Of course, their beliefs don’t stop Nami. She eventually leaves the safety nest with no one by her side in hopes of finally freeing the people she now considers her family.
Being inside Nami’s head this time around was sometimes a lot. She’s dealing with a lot of guilt and grief. She feels guilty for escaping while everyone else was left under Ophelia’s rule. Nami knows what happens to humans who don’t follow Ophelia’s rulings and is having nightmares of how her friends must be being tortured right now. Nami is also grieving for the loss of what she thought was a true companionship until Prince Caelen betrayed her. Now, she doesn’t think she will ever be able to let someone get close to her again.
There are so many new characters in this book and I loved all of them! There wasn’t a lot of Ophelia this time around which was disappointing, but thankfully Nami and Caelen’s relationship was worth being focused on in this book. I think their relationship, a human and artificial intelligence, can be viewed as this world’s hope. If the two of them can learn to get along then wouldn’t that be proof that the Residents and humans could coexist? This is why I loved the exploration of their complicated relationship so much.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Genesis Wars! Readers will not be bored because things move quickly as Nami navigates the problems that come her way. There are a lot of major twists (especially at the end) in this adventure. Akemi Dawn Bowman still does a great job exploring what makes us human especially with questioning how good and evil coexist in our own world.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or fantasy then I definitely recommend giving this series a try. It’s unique and there are a lot of fun characters, too!
| originally posted on Bookstacked |
The last book explored what makes us human. Now that the world for this series has been built, there is more time for action and adventure in the story.
It picks up right where The Infinity Courts left off. Nami has made it out alive and managed to escape from Ophelia. She’s safe (for now) in the Borderlands and she’s spending her time growing her strength and training to fight the Residents. Nami is determined to defeat Ophelia and the Residents this time around and nothing will stop her from saving the people she loves.
I loved Nami’s growth in this book. She’s no longer ignorant of the world of the afterlife and is now aware of what it takes to survive there.
Thanks to the betrayal of Prince Caelen, Nami has trust issues and she finds herself having a hard time opening up to the new people that she meets. It doesn’t help that the people she comes across don’t care enough to fight Ophelia and the Residents like Nami is. They know how strong Ophelia is and they believe it would simply be easier for them to escape to safety while they can instead of starting a war that they most likely cannot win.
Of course, their beliefs don’t stop Nami. She eventually leaves the safety nest with no one by her side in hopes of finally freeing the people she now considers her family.
Being inside Nami’s head this time around was sometimes a lot. She’s dealing with a lot of guilt and grief. She feels guilty for escaping while everyone else was left under Ophelia’s rule. Nami knows what happens to humans who don’t follow Ophelia’s rulings and is having nightmares of how her friends must be being tortured right now. Nami is also grieving for the loss of what she thought was a true companionship until Prince Caelen betrayed her. Now, she doesn’t think she will ever be able to let someone get close to her again.
There are so many new characters in this book and I loved all of them! There wasn’t a lot of Ophelia this time around which was disappointing, but thankfully Nami and Caelen’s relationship was worth being focused on in this book. I think their relationship, a human and artificial intelligence, can be viewed as this world’s hope. If the two of them can learn to get along then wouldn’t that be proof that the Residents and humans could coexist? This is why I loved the exploration of their complicated relationship so much.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Genesis Wars! Readers will not be bored because things move quickly as Nami navigates the problems that come her way. There are a lot of major twists (especially at the end) in this adventure. Akemi Dawn Bowman still does a great job exploring what makes us human especially with questioning how good and evil coexist in our own world.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or fantasy then I definitely recommend giving this series a try. It’s unique and there are a lot of fun characters, too!
| originally posted on Bookstacked |
April 18, 2022
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
When I saw that the sequel to The Infinity Courts was coming out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! The twist at the end of the first book blew me away, and I couldn't wait to start this one. The Genesis Wars by Akemi Dawn Bowman is a high-stakes YA sci-fi novel that continues the story of the first book. The story revolves around Nami, who has just escaped the Four Courts at the end of the first book. Now, she's allying herself with humans in the Borderlands, far away from the dangers of the Four Courts. But what will happen when the fight comes closer to home?
Here is an exciting excerpt from Chapter 1:
"The forest is silent, but I know I'm being hunted.
Frost spreads across my blade, covering the sharpened sea-glass until all that's left is a small patch of muted red. The flicker of a heartbeat. The flame of something desperate to survive.
I rotate the dagger in my hand and push forward through the snow.
The silver birch is heavy on this side of the forest. Not like the forests in Victory, with their spacious clearings and limited places to hide."
Overall, The Genesis Wars is an action-packed YA sci-fi novel that will appeal to fans of Goddess in the Machine or Warcross. One highlight of this book is how much action there is. After the relatively calm, more psychological warfare of the first book, this book contains a lot more physical fighting, and it's very exciting to read. I sped through this book and ended up finishing in a day. If I had to complain about 1 thing, I would say that this book was missing the political intrigue and romance of the first book. But it makes up for it in action scenes. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA books in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!
When I saw that the sequel to The Infinity Courts was coming out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! The twist at the end of the first book blew me away, and I couldn't wait to start this one. The Genesis Wars by Akemi Dawn Bowman is a high-stakes YA sci-fi novel that continues the story of the first book. The story revolves around Nami, who has just escaped the Four Courts at the end of the first book. Now, she's allying herself with humans in the Borderlands, far away from the dangers of the Four Courts. But what will happen when the fight comes closer to home?
Here is an exciting excerpt from Chapter 1:
"The forest is silent, but I know I'm being hunted.
Frost spreads across my blade, covering the sharpened sea-glass until all that's left is a small patch of muted red. The flicker of a heartbeat. The flame of something desperate to survive.
I rotate the dagger in my hand and push forward through the snow.
The silver birch is heavy on this side of the forest. Not like the forests in Victory, with their spacious clearings and limited places to hide."
Overall, The Genesis Wars is an action-packed YA sci-fi novel that will appeal to fans of Goddess in the Machine or Warcross. One highlight of this book is how much action there is. After the relatively calm, more psychological warfare of the first book, this book contains a lot more physical fighting, and it's very exciting to read. I sped through this book and ended up finishing in a day. If I had to complain about 1 thing, I would say that this book was missing the political intrigue and romance of the first book. But it makes up for it in action scenes. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA books in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!
May 6, 2022
Absolutely love this world - I can't wait for the third book to come out!
Why I loved this book:
- characters are really well developed
- the main character is a great perspective to follow
- great relationships (f/f friendships especially)
- cool battle & fight scenes
- interesting concept, plot and magic system
- fantastic world building, I really feel like I have visited Infinity!
- twists and turns, even the ones I saw coming came in a way I wasn't expecting
- the ending! It was strong and has left me excited to pick up the next one!
One thing I wanted more of was Nix (essentially a magical battle snow leopard) - since he was on the cover I thought he'd be a big part of the story, and he wasn't in the book as much as I wanted. I wish Nami had utilised / hung out with him more!!
There is a bit of a romance in this series but it's not the focus of the story at all (in case you are looking for that!) - although potentially it'll play more of a part in the third book! Let's see!
Why I loved this book:
- characters are really well developed
- the main character is a great perspective to follow
- great relationships (f/f friendships especially)
- cool battle & fight scenes
- interesting concept, plot and magic system
- fantastic world building, I really feel like I have visited Infinity!
- twists and turns, even the ones I saw coming came in a way I wasn't expecting
- the ending! It was strong and has left me excited to pick up the next one!
One thing I wanted more of was Nix (essentially a magical battle snow leopard) - since he was on the cover I thought he'd be a big part of the story, and he wasn't in the book as much as I wanted. I wish Nami had utilised / hung out with him more!!
There is a bit of a romance in this series but it's not the focus of the story at all (in case you are looking for that!) - although potentially it'll play more of a part in the third book! Let's see!
February 24, 2023
3.5/5
Sadly this was another highly anticipated sequel that left me wanting. Infinity Courts was in my top ten of 2021 and earned 4.5/5 from me. It definitely had some Second Book Syndrome going on. I did enjoy jumping back into the world, because it's one of my favorite fictional worlds and is absolutely cinematic! I still enjoyed it while I was reading (the narrator is awesome, too!), it just wasn't as epic as the first book was and that makes me super bummed.
However, THAT ENDING!!! What a doozy of an ending! I can't wait to see how things turn out in the next book!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
March 17, 2023
”But someone once told me that fear stems from the thought of losing what you love most. And I guess once you lose everything, you lose the fear, too”
I cannot express enough how badly I need book 3 to come out from this series 🥹
Genesis Wars sent me for a freakin LOOP y’all. I am obsessed with following Nami’s character arc. We have gotten to see so much change in her not just in Infinity Courts but in Genesis Wars as well. I’m so excited to see what book 3 brings in terms of growth for her.
Once again, I’m blown away by the ending, did not expect this at ALL. There is so much more I want to know and find out but alas I’ll have to be patient and wait for the next installment ����
I cannot express enough how badly I need book 3 to come out from this series 🥹
Genesis Wars sent me for a freakin LOOP y’all. I am obsessed with following Nami’s character arc. We have gotten to see so much change in her not just in Infinity Courts but in Genesis Wars as well. I’m so excited to see what book 3 brings in terms of growth for her.
Once again, I’m blown away by the ending, did not expect this at ALL. There is so much more I want to know and find out but alas I’ll have to be patient and wait for the next installment ����
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