A review by maira_h
Jade City by Fonda Lee

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5 stars ✨

Damn, this was incredible!

For some reason, I thought this was YA, which it obviously was not. (Trigger warnings for violence, depictions of violence, self harm, suicide, drug abuse, addiction)

Yes, this book was action-packed but wow the politics was also top notch, which I didn't expect. The action scenes were written very well. It felt like I was watching an action movie with very well choreographed action sequences. (To be honest, if done well, I could see this book being adapted into a TV series). The politics also played a huge role in establishing how Kekon as a country operates and how these clans can influence what goes on in the country, which was super interesting to read about.

The characters were all very unique individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Each with their own inner conflicts. When I was reading, I didn't find myself connecting to the characters but I was surprised that I was absolutely concerned for them when something particularly bad happened. These characters somehow managed to bury themselves under my skin and into my heart. (Anden, that precious bean. Please protect him at all costs 😌). The deep bond between the Kauls also made my heart ache. 

Thank goodness I already have the second book.

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