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tessa_talks_books's review against another edition
3.5
Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen is a captivating example of the silkpunk genre, a unique blend of fantasy and technology that is sure to intrigue readers. And it's reminiscent of the Mulan story's rich world-building and engaging plot. This novel held my attention from start to finish, offering a fresh and intriguing take on these genres.
The main characters in 'Of Jade and Dragons' are developed exquisitely, and their interactions are not just intriguing, but also deeply human, fostering a strong sense of connection with the reader. The main character, Ying, is stubborn and champions what is right even when it's a hard choice. Her interactions with Ye-Yang felt authentic and grew over time, which I found particularly engaging. Ye-Yang is a decent, almost bland male lead, but his individuality shines as the story progresses, making the reader feel a strong sense of connection and investment in their journey. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they navigate their complex world.
While the story was engaging overall, it started too slowly for my tastes, and I struggled with unfamiliar Chinese terms dating back to the Qing dynasty. They were unknown to me, and I didn't find them described enough so my reading could flow smoothly. This might resonate with readers who prefer a faster pace and are unfamiliar with Chinese history and culture. However, knowing these aspects beforehand will help you better appreciate the story's unique setting and cultural references, preparing you for a more immersive reading experience.
The main characters in 'Of Jade and Dragons' are developed exquisitely, and their interactions are not just intriguing, but also deeply human, fostering a strong sense of connection with the reader. The main character, Ying, is stubborn and champions what is right even when it's a hard choice. Her interactions with Ye-Yang felt authentic and grew over time, which I found particularly engaging. Ye-Yang is a decent, almost bland male lead, but his individuality shines as the story progresses, making the reader feel a strong sense of connection and investment in their journey. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they navigate their complex world.
While the story was engaging overall, it started too slowly for my tastes, and I struggled with unfamiliar Chinese terms dating back to the Qing dynasty. They were unknown to me, and I didn't find them described enough so my reading could flow smoothly. This might resonate with readers who prefer a faster pace and are unfamiliar with Chinese history and culture. However, knowing these aspects beforehand will help you better appreciate the story's unique setting and cultural references, preparing you for a more immersive reading experience.
haylee_reads's review against another edition
Unfortunately I just can’t seem to get into this one. I loved the idea and I love silkpunk fantasy, but I am really struggling with the pacing and writing. The dialogue is coming across very stilted and it felt really predictable. I am really bummed because I was so excited for this book! I just don’t want to get into a reading slump.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
jillrounds's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
theweatherwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? N/A
3.5
csmall73's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Famous last words. What harm could there be in reading a book?
I love that Ying is not letting things go or just acquiesce to her fathers fears. She needs to go and explore, experience for herself. A truly scientific woman. Never just accept always test always strive to be better.
The writing was easy to follow and get pulled into the story. The steampunk atmosphere created is intriguing and challenges your mind to create the story described. I look forward to seeing more of Ying. It was a little bit of struggle with the names and titles pronunciation.
bookgirlangie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
A delightfully easy to read book with airships, chimeras, a mysterious murder and a guild full on intriguing secrets. I flew through the pages quicker than expected and found myself lost in its world. Ying is quite the enchanting girl and Yang I found myself constantly curious about. I continued to puzzle over all that happened in the past with her father and guild and found myself amazingly surprised.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
welcometomynirvana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
pemdas97's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
buhdumbitch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
3.0
susyispnk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this book.
You're going to like this book if you are a fan of Mulan and the idea of going against what is "expected" from a person in society. This book is a good representation of doing something for your own values instead of just following what others say you should do.
The main characters are well written and intriguing with their interactions. The main female character, Ying, is stubborn but has a good sense of loyalty and what is right on a larger scale. Her interactions with the main male character, Ye-Yang, were a bit bland in my opinion but I liked the fact that she was not immediately in love with him just because of his pretty face or social rank. Ye-Yang, is a decent main male character, he felt a bit boring and even confusing at first because he was not showing as many quirks until after maybe half of the book.
The story did not take on an interesting enough plot until about 40% of the book, when the main idea was being planted and the conflict was kind of obvious. I think the plot was good enough to keep the desire to read ahead but it just started so slow that I almost did not finish it. I am glad I did finish it though, but I think it will be just fine as a standalone since I don't see how it can add anything else to the story that would make me want to keep reading it.
Overall, the story was good and the characters were well planned and introduced. The book itself could have left some stuff out to make it a bit easier to get into the main conflict, but the overall idea of the main character's purpose was well addressed. I liked the book enough to finish it.
You're going to like this book if you are a fan of Mulan and the idea of going against what is "expected" from a person in society. This book is a good representation of doing something for your own values instead of just following what others say you should do.
The main characters are well written and intriguing with their interactions. The main female character, Ying, is stubborn but has a good sense of loyalty and what is right on a larger scale. Her interactions with the main male character, Ye-Yang, were a bit bland in my opinion but I liked the fact that she was not immediately in love with him just because of his pretty face or social rank. Ye-Yang, is a decent main male character, he felt a bit boring and even confusing at first because he was not showing as many quirks until after maybe half of the book.
The story did not take on an interesting enough plot until about 40% of the book, when the main idea was being planted and the conflict was kind of obvious. I think the plot was good enough to keep the desire to read ahead but it just started so slow that I almost did not finish it. I am glad I did finish it though, but I think it will be just fine as a standalone since I don't see how it can add anything else to the story that would make me want to keep reading it.
Overall, the story was good and the characters were well planned and introduced. The book itself could have left some stuff out to make it a bit easier to get into the main conflict, but the overall idea of the main character's purpose was well addressed. I liked the book enough to finish it.