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pri_lakshmi's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: War, Drug abuse, Drug use, Cursing, Grief, Death, Violence, Blood, and Gore
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Medical trauma, Dementia, Stalking, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Rape, Racism, and Racial slurs
skatie8's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Murder, and War
bobbyeight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, Sexual content, Gun violence, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Sexual violence
lejones1785's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.25
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Violence, War, Addiction, Blood, Murder, Bullying, Drug use, Gaslighting, Grief, and Death
dreadspawn's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Death, Gore, War, Gun violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Grief, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Body horror
lemonsforyu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Addiction, Drug use, Gun violence, and Murder
lissi_k's review against another edition
5.0
The worldbuilding is insane - at first it seems very straightforward, but throughout the story the author effortlessly weaves in more and more details that make you realise how deep it actually goes, and how every part of it is inextricably intertwined with the characters and the story at large.
All the characters are three-dimensional, morally grey and very human, and it is so interesting to follow their thoughts and actions. Every action always has far-reaching consequences, nothing exists in a vacuum. Bonus points are the fight scenes, which are remarkably realistic both regarding what happens, and how the characters feel during.
I have read several reviews that it is not well written, which may be because the language is not very flowery. However, it is very evocative and emotional. I found the writing to be very elegant and pretty. (I read it in the German translation though, so maybe I just had an extremely talented translator.)
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Xenophobia, Murder, Pedophilia, and Sexual content
moosta2112's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Grief and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Addiction, Suicide, and Drug use
Minor: Pedophilia
knockoutbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Summary
Jade City centers around the Kaul family, which sits at the head of the No Peak clan on the Hong Kong inspired island of Kekon.
Kekon is ruled by two clans, similar to mafia families, that worked together to take back their country from the colonizing Shotarians a generation before this book begins. The Mountain and No Peak have always tolerated each other, but tension mounts after the death of the head of The Mountain and the hostile take over of its’ new leader, called a Pillar, Ayt Mada.
The Kaul family consists of the former Pillar Kaul Sen, his successor Kaul Lan, the clan Horn or the leader of their military force Kaul Hilo, their sister Kaul Shae and their adopted youngest brother/cousin Emery Anden.
These two clans begin a war over the control of the country’s jade supply, a stone thought to be given to the Kekonese by the gods, that grants them abilities far beyond that of mortal people.
Thoughts
Despite the brutal nature of a mafia based story, I really fell in love with the Kaul family and the No Peak clan. This book was so well paced and balanced between character defining moments, political maneuvers and action scenes that reminded me of classic Chinese mafia films.
There really was no “low point” in this book. Each moment built on the one before so seamlessly that I completely devoured this and couldn’t put it down.
The ending tied things up with the Kauls very nicely, while still setting the stage for the next book and next set of challenges for No Peak.
Looking forward to reading Jade War soon!
Moderate: Violence
ashleykhoffman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Drug use and Addiction
Minor: Dementia