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windireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jadelange's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
storytimecyrena's review against another edition
Just couldn’t get interested in the plot
linnylot's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
kortnireads's review against another edition
5.0
"The clan is my blood, and the Pillar is its master.
On my honor, my life, and my jade."
Oh man, this book makes me want to bounce around the room.
I have had Jade City on my TBR for a long time, especially considering its been on my Kindle for like two years...but I ended up reading the audiobook (of course) after I DNF'ed a book mid-three hour drive and panicked. I had it favorited on Hoopla so I picked it out quickly to finish out my drive.
I am so glad I picked it. I wish I had picked it up way sooner while simultaneously wishing I take my sweet time to finish the series because I don't want it to end.
Jade City is everything I ever wanted from an urban fantasy setting. The magic is perfectly incorporated into the world and the modernity of the magic's uses blends into an Asian-inspired fantasy. The crime syndicates, politics, and family drama are all extremely compelling and easy to get invested in and are balanced out by the combat and the physical aspects of Jade usage.
Its rare for me to say that I like all the characters in a book, especially when there are multiple POVs, but I really do like all our main characters, flaws and all. Kaul Hilo is of course my favorite, I will defend even his worst decisions (which I am sure are to come). But Lan, Shae, and Anden are all equally flawed yet extremely endearing. The best characters are always the messy ones for me, and all the characters in Jade City are perfectly imperfect.
I think this book is perfect for someone looking to get into fantasy as it is accessible, well-written, and the magic is easily explained, all while taking place in a vibrant setting that isn't too unlike our own!
On my honor, my life, and my jade."
Oh man, this book makes me want to bounce around the room.
I have had Jade City on my TBR for a long time, especially considering its been on my Kindle for like two years...but I ended up reading the audiobook (of course) after I DNF'ed a book mid-three hour drive and panicked. I had it favorited on Hoopla so I picked it out quickly to finish out my drive.
I am so glad I picked it. I wish I had picked it up way sooner while simultaneously wishing I take my sweet time to finish the series because I don't want it to end.
Jade City is everything I ever wanted from an urban fantasy setting. The magic is perfectly incorporated into the world and the modernity of the magic's uses blends into an Asian-inspired fantasy. The crime syndicates, politics, and family drama are all extremely compelling and easy to get invested in and are balanced out by the combat and the physical aspects of Jade usage.
Its rare for me to say that I like all the characters in a book, especially when there are multiple POVs, but I really do like all our main characters, flaws and all. Kaul Hilo is of course my favorite, I will defend even his worst decisions (which I am sure are to come). But Lan, Shae, and Anden are all equally flawed yet extremely endearing. The best characters are always the messy ones for me, and all the characters in Jade City are perfectly imperfect.
I think this book is perfect for someone looking to get into fantasy as it is accessible, well-written, and the magic is easily explained, all while taking place in a vibrant setting that isn't too unlike our own!
cd777's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars!!! I’m really excited to see where this series goes!
valsometimesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
ANDEN AND SHAE THEY COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU
I think this book has very carefully constructed characterization and worldbuilding - EVERYTHING was thought out and I thought her exploration on economic and political systems was so good! Jade is also such a unique concept as well as an “urban” fantasy thats Asian inspired
That being said the exposition in this book was a lot sometimes…it really made it hard for me to care especially in the first half of the book.Lan’s death however was extremely shocking and devastating; SO well executed!! I think the jade magic system, while unique, is not as well defined and surprisingly was kinda forgettable in terms of the actual mechanics?
Overall I’m invested enough in the characters to keep reading but felt underwhelmed in comparison to the massive hype
I think this book has very carefully constructed characterization and worldbuilding - EVERYTHING was thought out and I thought her exploration on economic and political systems was so good! Jade is also such a unique concept as well as an “urban” fantasy thats Asian inspired
That being said the exposition in this book was a lot sometimes…it really made it hard for me to care especially in the first half of the book.
Overall I’m invested enough in the characters to keep reading but felt underwhelmed in comparison to the massive hype
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
I don't read a ton of adult fantasy; however, Jade City is such an interesting start to a fantasy series. It's not a favorite by any means, but I am very invested in what will happen next. Fonda Lee is phenomenal at world building. Every detail from the smallest to the biggest creates an atmosphere that is impossible not to be trapped in for a long time after putting the book down.
I liked getting glimpses at all three of the siblings, because they're all so different but trapped in this mafia like environment. Each of their personalities were distinct. Even the lesser(?) members of the Kaul and Ayt families were intriguing. Lee really captured the mafia/mob at each turn from the violent attacks to the political upheaval. I'm excited to find out what happens next for both families.
I liked getting glimpses at all three of the siblings, because they're all so different but trapped in this mafia like environment. Each of their personalities were distinct. Even the lesser(?) members of the Kaul and Ayt families were intriguing. Lee really captured the mafia/mob at each turn from the violent attacks to the political upheaval. I'm excited to find out what happens next for both families.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, and Addiction
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide, and Homophobia
__milo__'s review against another edition
4.0
I loved the characters so much, they felt so real. I loved lan, his struggle with not wanting to be a violent pillar and his love for his family his death was so shocking to me and it hurt so much. Hilo is such a good character, his infinite loyalty and love for his family made me love him so much despite his flaws. Shae also has a great story and I'm excited to see her fit more into her role as weatherman in the next book. i want anden and hilo to work things out and i want doru to face consequences. I love the clans and how everything is so perfectly thought out
spoopysteve's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0