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adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m devastated in the best way and I see more trouble coming and I don’t know if I’m ready for the emotional distress I know the rest of this series will cause me.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
Great crime action drama
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Jade City is one of the most successful urban fantasy series from the last years so, I was very curious to read it and see if it would correspond to all the compliments that has received. And it didn’t disappoint. For me, it was exactly what I expected from it and isn’t satisfying when that happens?
A gangster feud mixed with special powers, complex family dynamics and political intrigue, is a safe recipe for someone who grown up watching Godfather, Goodfellas or The Sopranos like me. Specially if we are talking about a very well written story full of tension, difficult decisions and dramatic moments. And, believe me, there was a lot of that. Between epic fights, emotional breakdowns or mad deadly plans, this book quickly got my full attention.
But, for me, it was the relationships’ complexity that made this story even more compelling. And that is saying a lot because those action scenes are brilliantly executed, if not some of the best I ever read. But there is something intense and tragic around this family that, even if we don’t love them, we can’t stop hope for them to break the tragedy cicle, even if it seems they run to it eagerly.
Now I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book because I feel this time I can’t guess where this story is going. And I will not lie, that is really exciting.
Shae is insufferable in every way possible, Hilo is only mildly better. The plot is incredibly predictable so far, and the magic is almost entirely redundant
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I finished Jade City, but I won’t be continuing the series. Honestly, I found it boring. I kept zoning out of the storyline, especially on audio. The constant perspective changes were jarring; it often took me a few lines to figure out whose head I was in, which broke immersion every time.
The magic system is a great concept, jade as a source of power is intriguing, but it felt like the book leaned too heavily on that one cool idea without doing enough to make the characters come alive. I didn’t believe in them, didn’t root for anyone, and never felt connected to their journeys.
Some readers call this a character-driven book, but I disagree. To me it lacked both compelling character arcs and a strong plot. The story plodded along, and while there were a few well-written action scenes scattered in, they couldn’t carry the weight of an otherwise flat narrative.
It’s clear why this series has fan, the worldbuilding and premise have potential, but for me, it never clicked.
This book comes so highly recommended but reading it feels like homework. The world is incredible and the writing is great, but I am half-way through chapter 24 and the plot still hasn't started. Things happen to characters, but most of the time the characters couldn't care less or there is no long-term plot-building consequences. Seriously. Someone is kidnapped, is cool about it once the initial panic subsides, and then he is returned unharmed. In a gangster fantasy? Nothing moves forward. There is even an assassination attempt that resolves well for all parties. What? I feel like 24 chapters is enough chances.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The ending of this book sets us up nicely for the next and I can’t wait.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes