In terms of excitement and social themes, this is every bit as strong as Epic Crush; the characters are still delightful; the mythology gets fascinating expansions. There are satisfying twists I predicted due to fantastic foreshadowing and build-up, as well as shocking twists I didn't predict but found equally enjoyable.

But. With everything else going on, I felt as though the relationships — particularly Genie and Quentin's — were kind of perfunctory. They hit most of the right notes, and some insightful key points were delivered, but I just wasn't totally sold on it. Also, I love personal growth and epiphanies, but there were a few too many mini-monologues expounding on Life Lessons for my taste.

Still a solid sequel, though! Even if 

cheesy ending is cheesy as all heck

.

content warnings:

major character death(s), blood, violence, underage drinking

rep: 

Chinese-American MC & family, Chinese love interest, Asian-American best friend, Chinese & Chinese-American secondary & minor characters

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CONVERSION: 12.4 / 15 = 4.5 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 7 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 9 / 10
Setting: 10 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 5 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 5 / 5
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 4 / 5