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A review by bookishdamzel
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Jade Fire Gold is such a solid standalone fantasy debut!
I really enjoyed the Chinese mythology influence in this book. I'm a sucker for any book with immortal and ancient magic being involved, but I think this one does it well. The themes of revenge, breaking generational cycles, generational trauma, & choosing your own way in life despite what is expected of you are well done too.
I enjoyed the dual-pov of Ahn and Altan, seeing both of their own thoughts, secrets, etc. However, I do think the characters are a bit one noted personality wise (either naive or stubborn, or both), while both are trying to figure out who they are and finding comfort in each other in the process. It's probably my only gripe, outside of pacing. They both tend to stay stubborn and don't show super immense growth. But, I enjoyed their povs enough to enjoy my time reading it. I also love the slow-burn between them and them being oblivious to each other's feelings lol.
Plot & world-building wise, I think the chasing of the mythical weapon that appears to be a myth to everybody, except those that are involved is pretty cool. Again, I just like immortal magic/entities and them dealing with fate, so.. I also enjoyed how queer normative the world was and that the side characters felt like they were actually part of the story instead of just stand ins. I like Altan's backstory of being an exiled prince and Ahn not knowing her past (or who she's connected to).
There wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. Again the characters may seem one-noted at times and the pacing near the end is a bit jarring, like it was in a rush to wrap up would be my only complaints. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a standalone fantasy with Chinese mythology influence & dual-pov.
CW: murder, oppression, childhood trauma, sexual harassment, violence, suicide (i may be missing more but it does have some dark themes in this book)
I really enjoyed the Chinese mythology influence in this book. I'm a sucker for any book with immortal and ancient magic being involved, but I think this one does it well. The themes of revenge, breaking generational cycles, generational trauma, & choosing your own way in life despite what is expected of you are well done too.
I enjoyed the dual-pov of Ahn and Altan, seeing both of their own thoughts, secrets, etc. However, I do think the characters are a bit one noted personality wise (either naive or stubborn, or both), while both are trying to figure out who they are and finding comfort in each other in the process. It's probably my only gripe, outside of pacing. They both tend to stay stubborn and don't show super immense growth. But, I enjoyed their povs enough to enjoy my time reading it. I also love the slow-burn between them and them being oblivious to each other's feelings lol.
Plot & world-building wise, I think the chasing of the mythical weapon that appears to be a myth to everybody, except those that are involved is pretty cool. Again, I just like immortal magic/entities and them dealing with fate, so.. I also enjoyed how queer normative the world was and that the side characters felt like they were actually part of the story instead of just stand ins. I like Altan's backstory of being an exiled prince and Ahn not knowing her past (or who she's connected to).
There wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. Again the characters may seem one-noted at times and the pacing near the end is a bit jarring, like it was in a rush to wrap up would be my only complaints. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a standalone fantasy with Chinese mythology influence & dual-pov.
CW: murder, oppression, childhood trauma, sexual harassment, violence, suicide (i may be missing more but it does have some dark themes in this book)