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A review by fauna_n_fiction
Jade City by Fonda Lee
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Forgive me while I go off about this amazing book. This is the first time I've had more than "it good" to say about something I love.
Let's start with my favourite character: Kaul Lan-jen. As the oldest sibling and the Pillar of No Peak Clan, I ADORED how intricate and genuinely authentic and complex this character was. Every move was calculated and thought through; and even when it was a difficult action to take, he took it for the good of the clan! Let the gods recognise him.
All the characters in this book were superbly written. Each character was so real and complex. There was such an authenticity about each doubt and decision.
This story was set in a very effective setting where events and characters made it clear that the consequences were real and the stakes were high. When a character is in trouble, you are worried for their life. You are worried for the consequences for the clan.
This book was a beautifully complex exploration of addiction and how it effects your, your decisions, your life and those around you. So many different interactions with jade could be linked to real life addiction and it was done beautifully.
The only con: Doru. Enough said.
I have heard that many people stan Ayt Mada and think the Kaul children are leaning on their lineage and are not at Ayt's level. I think this was done on purpose. I read this with the knowledge that it's a series and believe we'll see more of Ayt in following books, so I loved the introduction we had of her here. And I think the Kaul's obligation to their "blood right" and responsibilities.
Let's start with my favourite character: Kaul Lan-jen. As the oldest sibling and the Pillar of No Peak Clan, I ADORED how intricate and genuinely authentic and complex this character was. Every move was calculated and thought through; and even when it was a difficult action to take, he took it for the good of the clan! Let the gods recognise him.
All the characters in this book were superbly written. Each character was so real and complex. There was such an authenticity about each doubt and decision.
This story was set in a very effective setting where events and characters made it clear that the consequences were real and the stakes were high. When a character is in trouble, you are worried for their life. You are worried for the consequences for the clan.
This book was a beautifully complex exploration of addiction and how it effects your, your decisions, your life and those around you. So many different interactions with jade could be linked to real life addiction and it was done beautifully.
The only con: Doru. Enough said.
I have heard that many people stan Ayt Mada and think the Kaul children are leaning on their lineage and are not at Ayt's level. I think this was done on purpose. I read this with the knowledge that it's a series and believe we'll see more of Ayt in following books, so I loved the introduction we had of her here. And I think the Kaul's obligation to their "blood right" and responsibilities.