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moonlit_dewdrops's review against another edition
4.0
After reading this book, I definitely don't regret pre-ordering her latest book 'Darker by Four'.
I love Ahn and Altan so much. I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine trope and Altan is the ultimate grumpy prince. Also reluctant allies to lovers trope! <3 The author really wasn't kidding when she said this had Zutara vibes bc come on, Altan having an eyepatch and being an exiled prince and wanted to reclaim his birthright definitely screams Zuko.
I really liked how Ahn and Altan were both well-written characters with their own personalities, motives and journies and having the alternating POVs definitely helped me to see more of it.
However, I do wish the romance was a bit more fleshed out with a more clear buildup to it. It wasn't super unclear though- We had the characters slowly opening up to one another, especially Altan who really only trusted his Shifu and Tang Wei and was hyper-focused on getting revenge and reclaiming his throne. I liked how Ahn was the only one who was able to take his mind off this goal but it also feels like a trope that is used a lot in other books.
As for the side characters, Tang Wei is definitely one of my favorite characters in this book. I really wished we got to see more of her, even if the story was meant to be focused on Ahn and Altan.
Favorite quote:
"You two should stop going after each other's throats and start focusing on each other's lips instead."
PLEASE I FCKING LOVE HER!
Same with Lingxi, Leiye and Tai Shun! But I have to love the queer rep regardless!
ALSO WTF OMG What was that ending?? Please tell me there is a book 2!! IT CANNNOT JUST END LIKE THAT??
I love Ahn and Altan so much. I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine trope and Altan is the ultimate grumpy prince. Also reluctant allies to lovers trope! <3 The author really wasn't kidding when she said this had Zutara vibes bc come on, Altan having an eyepatch and being an exiled prince and wanted to reclaim his birthright definitely screams Zuko.
I really liked how Ahn and Altan were both well-written characters with their own personalities, motives and journies and having the alternating POVs definitely helped me to see more of it.
However, I do wish the romance was a bit more fleshed out with a more clear buildup to it. It wasn't super unclear though- We had the characters slowly opening up to one another, especially Altan who really only trusted his Shifu and Tang Wei and was hyper-focused on getting revenge and reclaiming his throne. I liked how Ahn was the only one who was able to take his mind off this goal but it also feels like a trope that is used a lot in other books.
As for the side characters, Tang Wei is definitely one of my favorite characters in this book. I really wished we got to see more of her, even if the story was meant to be focused on Ahn and Altan.
Favorite quote:
"You two should stop going after each other's throats and start focusing on each other's lips instead."
PLEASE I FCKING LOVE HER!
Same with Lingxi, Leiye and Tai Shun! But I have to love the queer rep regardless!
ALSO WTF OMG What was that ending?? Please tell me there is a book 2!! IT CANNNOT JUST END LIKE THAT??
fishky's review
3.0
I liked it fine, but it became a slog like 75% of the way through. Here's why: I realized I did not care at all about any of the characters.
Fun for a while, good use of tropes, Henk would say it would make a good anime. We got evil firebending priests, Leslies, scheming MILFS, prophecies, bad guys telling people they are their real dads, hallucinations, Hamlet vibes, characters just barely missing each other before their stories merge, orphans with mysterious pendants, wise old men, kind old ladies, men realizing that revenge is complicated, Enemies to Lovers, etc. But something was missing, like when you're all set for some midnight junk food and all you have is goddamn doughnut Klondike bars.
I think the last was part of the problem-- I didn't see the chemistry between the romantic leads. Or the secondary romance. I found the friendship between the hapless emperor and the FL to be the most compelling, and they got very little screen time together. When you have this many tropes bundled up, for me, the plot becomes pretty inconsequential-- and what makes or breaks the story is just character interactions. Sort of like when we saw The Force Awakens and Seth clapped every time we got a good meeting of our new and old characters or there was a well-done reprisal, which, Seth, if you're reading this, wtf stop reading spoilers! But also I finally get why you did that, even though no one else in the theater did.
Anyway. Generous 3 stars. Clear set up for book 2. Pass.
Fun for a while, good use of tropes, Henk would say it would make a good anime. We got evil firebending priests, Leslies, scheming MILFS, prophecies, bad guys telling people they are their real dads, hallucinations, Hamlet vibes, characters just barely missing each other before their stories merge, orphans with mysterious pendants, wise old men, kind old ladies, men realizing that revenge is complicated, Enemies to Lovers, etc. But something was missing, like when you're all set for some midnight junk food and all you have is goddamn doughnut Klondike bars.
I think the last was part of the problem-- I didn't see the chemistry between the romantic leads. Or the secondary romance. I found the friendship between the hapless emperor and the FL to be the most compelling, and they got very little screen time together. When you have this many tropes bundled up, for me, the plot becomes pretty inconsequential-- and what makes or breaks the story is just character interactions. Sort of like when we saw The Force Awakens and Seth clapped every time we got a good meeting of our new and old characters or there was a well-done reprisal, which, Seth, if you're reading this, wtf stop reading spoilers! But also I finally get why you did that, even though no one else in the theater did.
Anyway. Generous 3 stars. Clear set up for book 2. Pass.
alexandergrantwriter's review
5.0
Wow. What an absolutely fantastic debut!
For background, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book’s release since about last September and it did not disappoint!
June created an incredibly beautiful world with lush worldbuilding, interesting mythology, and fantastic characters that really brought the world to life!
The plot was great and it never dragged or was boring, even during the lulls in the action! I loved the play on the chosen one trope and it felt very classic fantasy without feeling overdone which I really enjoyed!
As for the characters…. They were the absolute highlight of the book for me! I adored all of them and the main six were so well-written and so lovable!!! I honestly don’t know if I can pick a favorite as each had their own special little sayings and attitudes that made me like them but if I hadddd to choose, I think Tai Shun might barely edge the others out!
If you want a fast-paced, well-crafted fantasy that’s easy to get into and easy to fall in love with, definitely give this one a chance!! I loved it and will forever sing it’s praises!!!
CW- fantasy violence and gore, and some language
****Update 7/12/2022 - Upon reread, I can safely say this book is one of my forever faves and I loved it just as much the second time around!!! Tai Shun is still my favorite character and this story is just so comforting and fun to me!!***
For background, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book’s release since about last September and it did not disappoint!
June created an incredibly beautiful world with lush worldbuilding, interesting mythology, and fantastic characters that really brought the world to life!
The plot was great and it never dragged or was boring, even during the lulls in the action! I loved the play on the chosen one trope and it felt very classic fantasy without feeling overdone which I really enjoyed!
As for the characters…. They were the absolute highlight of the book for me! I adored all of them and the main six were so well-written and so lovable!!! I honestly don’t know if I can pick a favorite as each had their own special little sayings and attitudes that made me like them but if I hadddd to choose, I think Tai Shun might barely edge the others out!
If you want a fast-paced, well-crafted fantasy that’s easy to get into and easy to fall in love with, definitely give this one a chance!! I loved it and will forever sing it’s praises!!!
CW- fantasy violence and gore, and some language
****Update 7/12/2022 - Upon reread, I can safely say this book is one of my forever faves and I loved it just as much the second time around!!! Tai Shun is still my favorite character and this story is just so comforting and fun to me!!***
alyssakate24's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
annamickreads's review
4.0
I was EXTREMELY worried about Ama/grandmother the ENTIRE time
...but on a more serious note, this was a fun and definitely very lush fantasy and I'm glad I finally got to read it after having it for like half a year on my TBR!!
"Jade Fire Gold" follows Prince Jin, who goes by Altan after a political coup sent him and his mother from the palace, only to have his mother murdered in front of him. Thankfully, Atlan has found safety with a sect of magic-users known as Tiensai, who are hunted after by priests loyal to the current regime.
Ahn, the other protagonist, is a lost daughter herself — the daughter of the current war minister, with the power known as the Life Stealer. An ancient fairytale dictates the only the Life Stealer can wield a legendary blade, but that while the blade brings light, its twin brings only darkness. The current political regime seeks the power of the swords and the Life Stealer to further its conquest and empire.
Altan has made it his life's mission to seek revenge against the palace for the death of his family and for attempting to find and harness the Life Stealer's power. His sights have always been set on killing the Life Stealer, but when he meets her in person, this task seems easier said than done.
I really enjoyed the story and it definitely moved at a fast pace, so you really have to be paying attention to keep up with what's happening and the dual POVs. Leiye to me feels like perhaps a delightful nod to "Blue Spirit" Zuko and I love Ahn's journey coming into her own with her awesome power (splitting a whole ship in half?? Okay!)
...but on a more serious note, this was a fun and definitely very lush fantasy and I'm glad I finally got to read it after having it for like half a year on my TBR!!
"Jade Fire Gold" follows Prince Jin, who goes by Altan after a political coup sent him and his mother from the palace, only to have his mother murdered in front of him. Thankfully, Atlan has found safety with a sect of magic-users known as Tiensai, who are hunted after by priests loyal to the current regime.
Ahn, the other protagonist, is a lost daughter herself — the daughter of the current war minister, with the power known as the Life Stealer. An ancient fairytale dictates the only the Life Stealer can wield a legendary blade, but that while the blade brings light, its twin brings only darkness. The current political regime seeks the power of the swords and the Life Stealer to further its conquest and empire.
Altan has made it his life's mission to seek revenge against the palace for the death of his family and for attempting to find and harness the Life Stealer's power. His sights have always been set on killing the Life Stealer, but when he meets her in person, this task seems easier said than done.
I really enjoyed the story and it definitely moved at a fast pace, so you really have to be paying attention to keep up with what's happening and the dual POVs. Leiye to me feels like perhaps a delightful nod to "Blue Spirit" Zuko and I love Ahn's journey coming into her own with her awesome power (splitting a whole ship in half?? Okay!)
ramblingdaydreams's review against another edition
DNF at 52%
This book is a waste of good world building and decent writing. I really tried to push through it, but I just couldn't; the characters were far too bland and uninteresting to me. Ahn, especially, was so annoying. I hated having to read her chapters so much, she was just getting on my nerves constantly. Altan was okay, just really boring. The only characters I liked were Leiye and Tai Shun, both of whom I didn't even get to see that much (given the fact that I have only read half of the book) — which says a lot.
Maybe one day I'll try reading it again, maybe not. I'm not the biggest fan of DNFing books, but I'm obviously not opposed to it.
This book is a waste of good world building and decent writing. I really tried to push through it, but I just couldn't; the characters were far too bland and uninteresting to me. Ahn, especially, was so annoying. I hated having to read her chapters so much, she was just getting on my nerves constantly. Altan was okay, just really boring. The only characters I liked were Leiye and Tai Shun, both of whom I didn't even get to see that much (given the fact that I have only read half of the book) — which says a lot.
Maybe one day I'll try reading it again, maybe not. I'm not the biggest fan of DNFing books, but I'm obviously not opposed to it.
jessicarose's review against another edition
5.0
Jade Fire Gold hooked me from the very first page. I loved the vivid world and the mythology woven through it, the accessible and cinematic writing, and the twists and turns the story took. This is a firm favourite of the year and will definitely be in my top reads of 2021.
‘History is never written by its victims.’
I loved so many things about this book, but my absolute favourite were the characters. They all had really distinct personalities and a backstory that truly shaped them.
We follow the POV of the main characters Ahn and Altan; with 4 major side characters (Leiye, Tang Wei, Tai Shun and Linxi), and several minor side characters.
Occasionally you read a book where the whole cast just ‘fit’ and bounce off each other, this was the case here.
There wasn’t a single relationship dynamic between any of these characters I didn’t enjoy reading. The dialogue was sharp, witty, sarcastic and humorous. It made you feel like you were in on everyone’s inside jokes. I was constantly looking forward to different characters meeting each other throughout the book just so I could see how they’d interact.
Leiye, Tang Wei and Tai Shun are my favourites. I’m a sucker for broody mystery men, badass lesbian assassins and absolute cinnamon rolls, respectively.
I also want to highlight Altan and Tang Wei’s friendship. It’s not often we get a great male/female platonic relationship, and this one was done so well! I loved their back and forth banter and backhanded way of looking out for each other.
The trauma and PTSD representation in this book hit me hard. I feel like it was portrayed really well and the thoughts/emotions just leapt off the page. I loved seeing these character’s develop throughout the story.
“But even in the deepest night, the stars continue to shine.”
I really enjoyed being in this world, it felt nostalgic to me for a reason I can’t quite pinpoint. The descriptions of the palace and festivals in particular were gorgeous- and the food!
The Soul Beast scenes have to be some of the most cinematic I’ve ever read, and they were among my favourite parts of the book.
Jade Fire Gold definitely works as a standalone, but there’s so much more to explore in this world! There are characters I’d love to delve further into, a particular character’s backstory I’m dying to hear about, and after that epilogue… I need to know the fate of what’s to come. I truly hope we get to see a sequel/companion novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
‘History is never written by its victims.’
I loved so many things about this book, but my absolute favourite were the characters. They all had really distinct personalities and a backstory that truly shaped them.
We follow the POV of the main characters Ahn and Altan; with 4 major side characters (Leiye, Tang Wei, Tai Shun and Linxi), and several minor side characters.
Occasionally you read a book where the whole cast just ‘fit’ and bounce off each other, this was the case here.
There wasn’t a single relationship dynamic between any of these characters I didn’t enjoy reading. The dialogue was sharp, witty, sarcastic and humorous. It made you feel like you were in on everyone’s inside jokes. I was constantly looking forward to different characters meeting each other throughout the book just so I could see how they’d interact.
Leiye, Tang Wei and Tai Shun are my favourites. I’m a sucker for broody mystery men, badass lesbian assassins and absolute cinnamon rolls, respectively.
I also want to highlight Altan and Tang Wei’s friendship. It’s not often we get a great male/female platonic relationship, and this one was done so well! I loved their back and forth banter and backhanded way of looking out for each other.
The trauma and PTSD representation in this book hit me hard. I feel like it was portrayed really well and the thoughts/emotions just leapt off the page. I loved seeing these character’s develop throughout the story.
“But even in the deepest night, the stars continue to shine.”
I really enjoyed being in this world, it felt nostalgic to me for a reason I can’t quite pinpoint. The descriptions of the palace and festivals in particular were gorgeous- and the food!
The Soul Beast scenes have to be some of the most cinematic I’ve ever read, and they were among my favourite parts of the book.
Jade Fire Gold definitely works as a standalone, but there’s so much more to explore in this world! There are characters I’d love to delve further into, a particular character’s backstory I’m dying to hear about, and after that epilogue… I need to know the fate of what’s to come. I truly hope we get to see a sequel/companion novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
nerdydreamer107's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
_kenna_bug_'s review against another edition
adventurous
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