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horse_in_the_library's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
Suffers a little bit from being the middle of the trilogy and gets bogged down by uninteresting details sometimes but still phenomenal and a really cool exploration of diasporic communities told through a fantasy lens as well as a great continuation of the story from the first book.
dufremde's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.5
help, this series is consuming my brain. expanding on the familial and clan clashes within Kekon that made the first book feel so vibrant, Jade War delivered the same heart-thumping intensity on a bigger scale, bringing international forces into the conflict and introducing new allies and enemies. the escalating tensions between Kekon and other countries was intensified by the clan war, and vice versa, and the political machinations kept me not only hooked on the plot but also invested in the major characters' storylines.
because the second book covers a longer timespan, the characters themselves undergo a lot of changes, both subtly (Hilo growing into the responsibilities and the burdens of being the Pillar, Anden discovering his own joys and purpose in life) and through major events (Shae and others, no spoilers), and the book depicted those developments in a way that felt organic. the series doesn't pull punches to spare anyone, but the trauma and tragedy feel believable for the characters and the world they inhabit, and that's what keeps the overall story impactful and compelling. I also deeply appreciate the role that Bero continues to play; his fortunes ebbing and flowing like a trick of the gods, but he remains so stubbornly human and flawed throughout all of it.
because the second book covers a longer timespan, the characters themselves undergo a lot of changes, both subtly (Hilo growing into the responsibilities and the burdens of being the Pillar, Anden discovering his own joys and purpose in life) and through major events (Shae and others, no spoilers), and the book depicted those developments in a way that felt organic. the series doesn't pull punches to spare anyone, but the trauma and tragedy feel believable for the characters and the world they inhabit, and that's what keeps the overall story impactful and compelling. I also deeply appreciate the role that Bero continues to play; his fortunes ebbing and flowing like a trick of the gods, but he remains so stubbornly human and flawed throughout all of it.
wwandy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marippe's review against another edition
4.75
“Jade is the lifeblood of our nation. It is both a blessing and a curse.”
The women SERVED in this book hell yes.
The world building was even better in this one and I loved seeing Andy in a whole new country and seeing all the cultural differences!
The women SERVED in this book hell yes.
The world building was even better in this one and I loved seeing Andy in a whole new country and seeing all the cultural differences!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Abortion, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
celennia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
capgambit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
marlijn's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
unrealpunk's review against another edition
4.0
There were a few times when stakes were built up only for the resolution to be a bit underwhelming or too convenient. I get that's part of Bero's bit, but it's not just him. The courage the author showed by killing off Lan in book one hasn't carried forth. This second volume is a bit too precious with the characters, but there are definitely still a few shocks along the way. Overall if you enjoyed Jade City you'll likely enjoy Jade War as well.