A review by wordwilderness
Jade City by Fonda Lee

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book got me out of a months-long reading slump so I cannot praise it enough. Jade City is one of the most exciting and immersive books I've ever read. I loved the mix of modern technology, tradition, and magic that made the world come to life. Even more fantastic than the worldbuilding were the characters. Fonda Lee might be my new favorite author for dynamic and interesting characters. Hilo was especially frustrating and loveable. I couldn't decide if I wanted to give him a hug or strangle him.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, War, and Drug use

Moderate: Sexual content

Minor: Self harm, Sexual assault, and Addiction

Elaboration on the drug use content warning:

there's a graphic description of a character dying from overdosing on drugs