Reviews

From the moment I heard about Of Jade and Dragons in 2023, I knew I needed to read it. Immediately. I eagerly reached out to the author, Amber Chen, who kindly sent me an advanced reader’s copy, and the rest is history! (It also felt like a perfect coincidence that its release day, June 18, is my birthday. This book was simply calling to me!)

Thank you again, Amber and Penguin Teen, for providing me with an advanced copy and allowing me to experience this story as soon as possible!

Before I get ahead of myself, I need to take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover, designed by Kelly Chong (@afterblossom_art). This cover only added to my excitement. Kelly has created some of my all-time favorite covers, including those for Daughter of the Moon Goddess, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Fathomfolk, and Hurricane Wars. And this one does not disappoint!

Okay, let’s get into it.

Eighteen-year-old Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father. But when her father is killed by a masked assassin, her life turns upside down. Disguised as a man (Mulan vibes, anyone?), Ying joins the prestigious Engineers Guild to uncover her father’s secret past. Joining the Guild has always been her dream, so this is more than just a quest for revenge—though Ying never forgets her main goal. As the story unfolds, Ying’s mission turns into a fight for survival, with a touch of complicated romance woven in. Yeah, there’s a lot going on here.

If you’re looking for a thrilling YA fantasy with Mulan vibes and a hint of Legend of Korra, then Amber Chen’s debut, Of Jade and Dragons, is a must-read. Chen crafts a captivating world with a unique blend of fantasy and industrial elements—imagine airships and incredible inventions alongside a society with strict traditions. Fantasy inspired by Chinese legend is one of my favorite subgenres, and while this book doesn’t quite fit the typical fantasy mold (spoiler alert: the ‘dragons’ might surprise you), the silkpunk vibes were right up my alley!

I also really like Ying! She’s smart, resourceful, and determined to find justice for her father. I loved following her journey of self-discovery and perseverance in a world that underestimates her.

Chen’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, with a fast pace that kept me glued to the pages for hours. I’ll be honest; I finished this book in a single day. While the writing style leans towards simplicity, the story and characters really shine through. The conclusion leaves plenty of unanswered questions, making me very eager for the sequel. (Unfortunately, reading this book early means I’ll have to wait even longer for the second one.)

This is a fantastic debut YA fantasy novel by Amber Chen, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA fantasy with strong heroines and intricate worlds. Although the writing is on the simpler side and there were a few predictable moments, these are minor points compared to how much I enjoyed reading it overall. 4.5 stars!