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A review by teadregon
Jade City by Fonda Lee
5.0
“Pray to Jenshu, but be like Baijen.”
Jade City is a novel unlike what I’ve read in recent memory. At a cursory glance, the urban fantasy setting of the jade-laced island of Kekon was an interesting magic/power system and the conflict between clan wars pumped me up for the action ensuing with each turn of the page. What I didn’t expect as much, was to get so attached to the characters, both those I adored and those I despised. Without a doubt, a solid 5★ for me.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the characters by far. Everyone felt proactive, rather than reactive, when it came to their desires. Honestly, I think it would be safe to say that the novel is driven by character decisions, which lead to exciting consequences and actions between the two clans: No Peak and the Mountain. Although I would love to have seen more from the major Mountain players, their efforts did not simply blend in with the setting.
Speaking of the setting, the city of Janloon was so immersive, which is surprising in a book that seems so character-driven. Lee did amazing at contrasting a world (or should I say island) in which everything felt grounded: cultural and social actions had historical meaning, that while not integral to the plot, made clear that the major actors grew up in Kekon, specifically in Green Bone culture.
I could go on and on about the plot but at that point, you might as well read the book! The plot is easy to grasp but the intricacies of all the aspects Lee conveyed made it feel much more than that. I thoroughly enjoyed the more political sides of the clan, just as much as I did the physical action sides!
“Politics moved slowly and blades moved fast.”
To conclude, I am thoroughly excited to continue into the second installment and see what No Peak and the Mountain does next in the city!
Jade City is a novel unlike what I’ve read in recent memory. At a cursory glance, the urban fantasy setting of the jade-laced island of Kekon was an interesting magic/power system and the conflict between clan wars pumped me up for the action ensuing with each turn of the page. What I didn’t expect as much, was to get so attached to the characters, both those I adored and those I despised. Without a doubt, a solid 5★ for me.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the characters by far. Everyone felt proactive, rather than reactive, when it came to their desires. Honestly, I think it would be safe to say that the novel is driven by character decisions, which lead to exciting consequences and actions between the two clans: No Peak and the Mountain. Although I would love to have seen more from the major Mountain players, their efforts did not simply blend in with the setting.
Speaking of the setting, the city of Janloon was so immersive, which is surprising in a book that seems so character-driven. Lee did amazing at contrasting a world (or should I say island) in which everything felt grounded: cultural and social actions had historical meaning, that while not integral to the plot, made clear that the major actors grew up in Kekon, specifically in Green Bone culture.
I could go on and on about the plot but at that point, you might as well read the book! The plot is easy to grasp but the intricacies of all the aspects Lee conveyed made it feel much more than that. I thoroughly enjoyed the more political sides of the clan, just as much as I did the physical action sides!
“Politics moved slowly and blades moved fast.”
To conclude, I am thoroughly excited to continue into the second installment and see what No Peak and the Mountain does next in the city!