Scan barcode
A review by moonlit_dewdrops
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
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??