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lareads36's review against another edition
2.75
Jade War by Fonda Lee
Part 2 in the Green Bone Saga
3⭐
This is a popular trilogy and it's technically considered fantasy because there is a magic element of Jade as well as all fictional countries, languages, people. And that is the end of the fantasy. Overall a mid tier book, I won't finish the series. While I like the running clans, I was not invested in the main characters at all.
For those who like low fantasy, magical realism, higher elements of fiction instead of fantasy, this is the series for you. For me it was lacking the level of escapism I look for in science fiction fantasy genres. Strong writing carried the book.
In the technical sense, this is a fantasy book, but it is more so a post-world war Asian based fiction that takes a dive into mob. Families Aunt the production selling and usage of a magical stone called Jade. If you like criminal drama, family mobster at the time of the early 1900s technology, this is a great book. Think Yakuza clash with Peaky Blinders.
I really like how well she's capturing the familial duties, the careful precipice at which this samurai-like culture meets modern Japan.
She loves the word Frisson like SJM loves the word predatory. Just kidding, no one like a word as much as SJM loves predatory.
Part 2 in the Green Bone Saga
3⭐
This is a popular trilogy and it's technically considered fantasy because there is a magic element of Jade as well as all fictional countries, languages, people. And that is the end of the fantasy. Overall a mid tier book, I won't finish the series. While I like the running clans, I was not invested in the main characters at all.
For those who like low fantasy, magical realism, higher elements of fiction instead of fantasy, this is the series for you. For me it was lacking the level of escapism I look for in science fiction fantasy genres. Strong writing carried the book.
In the technical sense, this is a fantasy book, but it is more so a post-world war Asian based fiction that takes a dive into mob. Families Aunt the production selling and usage of a magical stone called Jade. If you like criminal drama, family mobster at the time of the early 1900s technology, this is a great book. Think Yakuza clash with Peaky Blinders.
I really like how well she's capturing the familial duties, the careful precipice at which this samurai-like culture meets modern Japan.
She loves the word Frisson like SJM loves the word predatory. Just kidding, no one like a word as much as SJM loves predatory.
tommo6226's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
lorelrea's review against another edition
4.0
Lee is a genius. I picked this up immediately after Jade City and FLEW through it. The only reason I didn’t rate this higher is because the middle dragged a bit for me. I’m not sure why, just the pacing felt off and it was like nothing was happening for the middle chunk of this book. BUT THEN THE ENDING?!?!
The last book in this series will end me, I’m sure of it.
The last book in this series will end me, I’m sure of it.
dn_'s review against another edition
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ninabest's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.5
sindhuuura's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Not as engaging as the first book for me because it was more focused on politics and strategy, but was still interesting because I love the characters and the politics/strategy was very intelligently thought out. So it's interesting to read how everything plays out, and how the Mountain almost seems one step ahead, or they plan out things in a way that we don't see the no peak clan thinking of. Not really a page-turner but there were parts that had me at the edge of my seat. Was quite slow paced, but still a 4 for me because the story and plot are very good. I'm very intrigued to see how it all ends, but also nervous to see who won't make it out. I'm very emotionally invested in and connected to the characters.
I still love Hilo so damn much.
I still love Hilo so damn much.