Reviews with content warning for Violence - Jade War

I devoured this book in 2 days omg. I loved being back into this world. Naturally, the world is much bigger in book 2 and I didn’t expect anything less of Fonda Lee. New characters are introduced, we get the epic fights scenes, politics, family dynamics from book 1.

I never knew Fonda was going to take the story and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. I had 0 predictions and was emotionally distraught over several part of the book. I shouted in disbelief twice, jaw hung open in several moments, and cried at the last 100 pages 😭

Knocked off 0.25 because of the massive time skips. I need it slapped in the page how much time has passed because I can’t do maths. This book spans over 3 years I believe?

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iloponis's review against another edition

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4.0

so i initially didnt love this bc i dont understand a lot of the political/geographical conflicts and they bored me, but everything came together so wildly in the end that it was worth it

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cbrigs99's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The second installment of Fonda Lees fantasy series hit just as hard as the first. Book two was yet again another masterpiece in world building, character development, and political intricacies. Each book is very heavy on the political building, but you quickly see how each brick fits together as the story progresses. The story will focus on the inner workings of the government and in the next chapter throw in a plot twist that completely shocks you and gets your heart pumping. The last 25% of each book has been full of twists and action, and I can’t put them down after the 50% mark. The Kaul family meets the definition of a morally gray family, yet you find yourself rooting for them and understanding each of their decisions. I loved seeing Hilo’s role as a father and Wen’s badass character development, along with Anden finally finding his stride in the Jade disciplines. Shae is arguably my favorite character, and Lee reinforces her grit and quality of character with this second book. I am both excited and terrified to start Jade Legacy. These characters are going to stick with me for awhile.

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dani794's review against another edition

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4.5

“Jade is the lifeblood of our nation. It is both a blessing and a curse.”

The women SERVED in this book hell yes.
The world building was even better in this one and I loved seeing Andy in a whole new country and seeing all the cultural differences!

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jenmtnbike's review against another edition

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adventurous tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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rubybastille's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The dense, intricate plot and exciting action scenes kept me going when characters made one terrible difficult choice after another. This book felt even more like a Godfather AU than the first book, with huge stakes both international and deeply personal.

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velorum's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This got dark QUICK.

“My grandfather taught me that if a friend asks for your forgiveness, you should always give it […] He also taught me that if you have to give it again, that they weren’t a friend to begin with.”

Lee really ups the ante in this installment: shifty morals, blow after detrimental blow for the Kaul clan, added geopolitical intrigue, and you can’t have a universe this expansive without betrayal! These people are horribly conniving and BAD, and I am just beside myself by how much I’ve grown to care for them!

Again, I need the next one.

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