A review by ellenelly
Jade City by Fonda Lee

adventurous emotional tense medium-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

4.5

honestly, the best fantasy book i have read in a long while. (probably will be one of the best fantasy trilogies i've ever read)

at first i was a little scared to start a new fantasy series but i am so glad i got through the fear and started it! i was instantly hooked. it’s an asian inspired urban fantasy, so of course, i was going to enjoy the book. 

the magic system is so unique, and the world building is phenomenal! it didn’t feel info-dumpy at all, and the lore was so interesting to read about. learning about kekon, its culture, and its people felt so natural; all the information was so easily digestible. the characters were fleshed out so well and i found myself loving them so easily (except, you know,,, for the select few - but that’s understandable, iykyk).i love the dynamic of the kaul siblings and just hilo in general (also lan,,, ily <3333). no matter how minor the character, fonda lee finds a way for you to just kNOW the character; that’s how well she writes everyone. and don’t get me started on the prose; oh the prose!!! wonderfully written; the writing grips you when it wants to, makes you feel things, and connects you to the story in ways you cannot even imagine a book can do. 

gangs, war, drugs, family, honor , a pinch of romance (if you blink, you’ll miss it - but its still endearing), great characters, great plot, great world building, well written, well paced, likE WHAT MORE CAN YOU WANT FROM A FANTASTIC BOOK 

ok i’m going to read the next books now, bye 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings