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A review by banxehe
Jade War by Fonda Lee
5.0
The only reason this book took so long for me to finish (despite being a hefty almost 600 pages, yum) is because I didn't want it to end knowing the final book isn't out yet, but I couldn't stay away. Fonda Lee has mastered the art of tugging at heart strings. I cried twice while reading this, and I hadn't cried all year. Ugh. I love its vivid characterization of characters that act impulsively human.
The author does not hold your hand through worldbuilding, instead opting to push you into a lake. I can appreciate that. Though some of the political intricacies were lost on me since I don't have a very good memory (esp. with such a huge cast, in the beginning there is an almost 3-page long list of characters which became very helpful), with explanations coming from different parties and their respective points of view, I could grasp both the situation, their motivations and how they are influenced by things like racism, classism and imperialism.
Jade War fully fleshes out its reality, depicting a changing world that almost gives us nostalgia for the small scope of the first book wherein Kekon almost exists in a vacuum. This time, we see it for what it is, a dignified (but morally grey and in a sense sheltered) island amidst exploitative international powers.
I fear for the next installment (and I hope it is even lengthier.)
The author does not hold your hand through worldbuilding, instead opting to push you into a lake. I can appreciate that. Though some of the political intricacies were lost on me since I don't have a very good memory (esp. with such a huge cast, in the beginning there is an almost 3-page long list of characters which became very helpful), with explanations coming from different parties and their respective points of view, I could grasp both the situation, their motivations and how they are influenced by things like racism, classism and imperialism.
Jade War fully fleshes out its reality, depicting a changing world that almost gives us nostalgia for the small scope of the first book wherein Kekon almost exists in a vacuum. This time, we see it for what it is, a dignified (but morally grey and in a sense sheltered) island amidst exploitative international powers.
I fear for the next installment (and I hope it is even lengthier.)