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A review by christinecc
The Jade Setter of Janloon by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
4.25
A mystery-filled & thrilling return to Kekon and the world of the Green Bone Saga (made up of "Jade City," "Jade War," and "Jade Legacy").
"The Jade Setter of Janloon" centers on the titular jade setter's business--a small but prestigious artisan shop in a city ruled by magic jade and the powerful clans that control it. The jade setter lives in this world without pledging allegiance to any of the gangs. In theory, his shop is safe from attack. Who would go after a business that calls for a rare, exquisite skill and serves every jade carrier? Who indeed.
This prequel novella is set a few years before the start of "Jade City." Some of our favorite heroes (and villains) grace the page in fantastic, sometimes chilling cameos. That being said, this is actually a great starting place if you're new to the trilogy and want to take a quick detour into the Green Bone universe. It's got the crackling energy of the Jade trilogy tempered at a smaller scale and steeped in a fantastic noir mood. I love that the story explores facets of life outside the two major jade clans, both with and without jade. There's a lot of people who find themselves powerless on the island of Kekon, and author Fonda Lee never shies away from that foundational aspect of her world.
Recommended if you like mysteries in dark alleys and stories that dive right into the grey zone between black & white morality.
Thank you to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for sending me a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Jade Setter of Janloon" centers on the titular jade setter's business--a small but prestigious artisan shop in a city ruled by magic jade and the powerful clans that control it. The jade setter lives in this world without pledging allegiance to any of the gangs. In theory, his shop is safe from attack. Who would go after a business that calls for a rare, exquisite skill and serves every jade carrier? Who indeed.
This prequel novella is set a few years before the start of "Jade City." Some of our favorite heroes (and villains) grace the page in fantastic, sometimes chilling cameos. That being said, this is actually a great starting place if you're new to the trilogy and want to take a quick detour into the Green Bone universe. It's got the crackling energy of the Jade trilogy tempered at a smaller scale and steeped in a fantastic noir mood. I love that the story explores facets of life outside the two major jade clans, both with and without jade. There's a lot of people who find themselves powerless on the island of Kekon, and author Fonda Lee never shies away from that foundational aspect of her world.
Recommended if you like mysteries in dark alleys and stories that dive right into the grey zone between black & white morality.
Thank you to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for sending me a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.