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A review by lissi_k
Jade City - Familie ist Pflicht by Fonda Lee
5.0
This is the first book in a long time that managed to make me feel the way I felt reading fantasy as a child. It has this feel of absoulte immersion into another world to it, while still satisfying the storytelling quality I look for now as an adult.
The worldbuilding is insane - at first it seems very straightforward, but throughout the story the author effortlessly weaves in more and more details that make you realise how deep it actually goes, and how every part of it is inextricably intertwined with the characters and the story at large.
All the characters are three-dimensional, morally grey and very human, and it is so interesting to follow their thoughts and actions. Every action always has far-reaching consequences, nothing exists in a vacuum. Bonus points are the fight scenes, which are remarkably realistic both regarding what happens, and how the characters feel during.
I have read several reviews that it is not well written, which may be because the language is not very flowery. However, it is very evocative and emotional. I found the writing to be very elegant and pretty. (I read it in the German translation though, so maybe I just had an extremely talented translator.)
The worldbuilding is insane - at first it seems very straightforward, but throughout the story the author effortlessly weaves in more and more details that make you realise how deep it actually goes, and how every part of it is inextricably intertwined with the characters and the story at large.
All the characters are three-dimensional, morally grey and very human, and it is so interesting to follow their thoughts and actions. Every action always has far-reaching consequences, nothing exists in a vacuum. Bonus points are the fight scenes, which are remarkably realistic both regarding what happens, and how the characters feel during.
I have read several reviews that it is not well written, which may be because the language is not very flowery. However, it is very evocative and emotional. I found the writing to be very elegant and pretty. (I read it in the German translation though, so maybe I just had an extremely talented translator.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Xenophobia, Murder, Pedophilia, and Sexual content