Reviews with content warning for Grief - Jade Legacy

Honestly one of the best books I've ever read. The format and the passage of time made this book seem like a standalone epic, and I loved following the characters and their choices throughout.

Content Warnings

maria2001's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.25

Jade legacy & the Green bone Saga :

When I first picked this series up I expected it to be good, but I did not expect it to become one of my favorites. .The "supernatural" concept was pretty simple. Jade gives people who wear it enhanced powers (strength , perception, etc. etc. ).And Kekon (the main country) is inspired by mid 20th century Asia. Capeesh!! - The first book was a foundation and a really good one at that. It laid out the basics about the world and gave the outlines of the main characters and the clans.

.I gave the first book 4 stars just because of how good it was structured , but I have to admit I was underwhelmed.I wanted to be attached to the characters more, I wanted it to be more than just a clever book with well crafted political tactics and savvy characters. Enter Book 2 (Jade War) :) .

this one was anxiety-inducing in the best way.I've never had my heart palpitate this much over a book before, but as soon as I started this one ( I was in a reading slump btw ) I could not put it down..Every thing that was planted in B1 blooms and unfolds in B2. from the world to the stakes, and of course the most beautiful of all the characters <3 .The Kaul family has cemented their place in my heart and I'll keep them there for a while (especially Shae and Anden uwu , I love the rest but yes I have favourites ) ..I already have a full review on B2 so I'll move on to B3(Jade Legacy )

Jade Legacy :

"look at where you are , look at where you started . The fact that you're alive is miracle . Just stay alive, that would be enough " this line from Hamilton kept playing in my head as I read this book :') ..I haven't mentioned that all of the titles have been perfectly fitting so far , you get exactly what you're told on the cover. therefore, B3 is heavily inspired by the theme of what we want to leave behind for the next generation and how we will raise them based on our experiences and how will the next generation react and grow to the world we built for them, as well as the outside world..I'd say the first 40% of this book were basically dealing with all the consequences that B2 left us with and the other 60% is to wrap up everything because Fonda Lee wasn't going to leave ANY plot point loose . She really said "I'm going to create a perfect story" and DID IT !!..Now when I say the last 60% was tying loose ends I'm not by any means down playing it's intensity . Although it's not the anxiety roller-coaster that B2 was , B3 was a tear fiesta :') .The new generation comes bearing their own baggage and things to prove to the world and it was one of the most realistic depictions of how we try to make our parents proud while trying to be our own selves. I cannot fully describe the complicated and intense personal and familial dynamics in this book in just a few sentences , I can only say *chef's kiss*..

This book also is the one where the politics-savvy shines through the most. we are dealing with things in Kekon (the main country) ,while trying to deflect foreign threats and all that jazz. "I realized there are only two types of people in the world. It's not Green Bones and non-Green Bones . It's those who have power and those who don't […] If the clans stop defending the meaning of jade , then others will take that power from us. They'll amplify all the worst parts and leave non of the good."

.With that quote I seal this review but I'm in no way done talking about this trilogy ,This deserves it's own podcast or long YouTube video . But for now let's leave it as it is :).

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brianareads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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2treads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Lee knows exactly what she wants to bring to the table with this finale, her characters keep going through challenges, learning, and growing through every triumph and defeat.

So many choices have come home to roost for the Kauls, still under siege by their wily and determined enemy, with familial dynamics that have changed and become strained; new avenues opening up, and a brewing unrest against Green Bones.

The stage widens to include a new generation that wants to exist beyond the rigidity of 'the Green Bone way', that wishes for the clans and all they stand for to disappear, and to integrate jade into new and innovative ways to benefit society.

What was the highlight for me is the way Lee uses generational change and intergenerational interplay to show the divergent schools of thought and maturation happening in the younger generations. How they are choosing different paths than was planned or expected in their own effort to find and be true to their developing, independent identities.

What disappointed me was the lack of Abukei character representation and explanation. Their story is one that would have further brought Kekon to life.

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