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A review by queer_bookwyrm
Jade City by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: Violence, blood, death, self harm mention, suicide mention, sexual content, gun violence
Jade City by Fonda Lee is book one in the Green Bone Saga. This was a modern wuxia gangster story that was sort of like an Asian inspired The Godfather. Although, not my typical kind of read, I did enjoy it, despite the slower pace.
We follow four Green Bone siblings in the Kaul family in the No Peak clan in Kekon. Lan, the oldest and the Pillar of the clan is reasonable, savvy, and respected; Hilo, the second brother is the clan's Horn in charge of the military arm of things and is brash, charismatic, and quick to anger; Shae, the youngest sister who has just returned from foreign schooling and is struggling with her identity since trying to distance herself from clan business; and Anden, the young adopted half-Kekonese son attending an academy for aspiring Green Bones.
The No Peak clan has been living in a time of peace since the Many Nations war ended, but when the rival clan the Mountain starts trying to gain more power, No Peak must use their Jade and show their power. Each of the siblings wages their own inner battles along with the very real battles happening in the streets.
This book had some of the most excellent world-building and culture building I've ever read. In just under 500 pages, Lee has created an entire fleshed out culture, belief system, and magic system all focused on Kekon's natural resource: Jade. In this world Jade gives power to anyone holding it, increasing their speed, strength, perception, along with other supernatural abilities. Jade doesn't come without its cost, however. Green Bones must train for years before they can tolerate carrying Jade without succumbing to fever and going mad. The structure of the clans were so complex! They had such a rigid system around politeness and civility.
This was a great story about family, power, and business with a dash of fantasy. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not. I think I'll have to be in the right mood to read the next one. Glad I picked this up though!
Jade City by Fonda Lee is book one in the Green Bone Saga. This was a modern wuxia gangster story that was sort of like an Asian inspired The Godfather. Although, not my typical kind of read, I did enjoy it, despite the slower pace.
We follow four Green Bone siblings in the Kaul family in the No Peak clan in Kekon. Lan, the oldest and the Pillar of the clan is reasonable, savvy, and respected; Hilo, the second brother is the clan's Horn in charge of the military arm of things and is brash, charismatic, and quick to anger; Shae, the youngest sister who has just returned from foreign schooling and is struggling with her identity since trying to distance herself from clan business; and Anden, the young adopted half-Kekonese son attending an academy for aspiring Green Bones.
The No Peak clan has been living in a time of peace since the Many Nations war ended, but when the rival clan the Mountain starts trying to gain more power, No Peak must use their Jade and show their power. Each of the siblings wages their own inner battles along with the very real battles happening in the streets.
This book had some of the most excellent world-building and culture building I've ever read. In just under 500 pages, Lee has created an entire fleshed out culture, belief system, and magic system all focused on Kekon's natural resource: Jade. In this world Jade gives power to anyone holding it, increasing their speed, strength, perception, along with other supernatural abilities. Jade doesn't come without its cost, however. Green Bones must train for years before they can tolerate carrying Jade without succumbing to fever and going mad. The structure of the clans were so complex! They had such a rigid system around politeness and civility.
This was a great story about family, power, and business with a dash of fantasy. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not. I think I'll have to be in the right mood to read the next one. Glad I picked this up though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Self harm and Suicide