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A review by johannajournaled
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
YA fantasy novel inspired by Chinese folklore, mythology, xianxia, and wuxia — and has the magic & drama I like to see. Told in dual perspective by teenage MCs with different missions: Ahn just wants to survive and take care of her aging sickly grandmother; Altan is on a mission of vengeance to reclaim what was stolen from him. Their lives intersect and both become part of something much larger.
I admit that it took me a while to get into this one (I had started it a few months ago & then paused it) — which surprised me because I normally like slow-burn world building and plot set-up. However, about halfway through when the story picked up for me and the stakes were raised… I was in it.
What got my attention the most were the slices of life moments where culture is highlighted, e.g. mentions of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chang’e the Moon Goddess and descriptions of food and clothing. Also enjoyed the magic and folklore — powers, deadly priests, mythical swords, mythical creatures. I love intrigue, and the secrets and family drama in this one?! Delivered. 🤩 For the romance fans, there’s a slow-burn one in here & side characters’ sapphic romance.
I didn’t think this novel needed to be as long as it is — there’s a lot of detailed inner dialogue/dialogue and telling that bogged down the story for me. BUT once I got to that halfway point, give-or-take, I couldn’t put the book down. And that ending?! SEQUEL, NOW, PLEASE, THANKS!
East Asian mythology, magic, family drama, friendships, romance, high stakes… shall I continue? If you’re into YA high fantasy & you don’t mind build-up and slow-burns, give this one a shot. (And, excuse me, how gorgeous is this cover, too?!) 🔥
I’m curious to see what was changed in the finished copy. Thank you @EpicReads for the uncorrected ARC.
I admit that it took me a while to get into this one (I had started it a few months ago & then paused it) — which surprised me because I normally like slow-burn world building and plot set-up. However, about halfway through when the story picked up for me and the stakes were raised… I was in it.
What got my attention the most were the slices of life moments where culture is highlighted, e.g. mentions of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chang’e the Moon Goddess and descriptions of food and clothing. Also enjoyed the magic and folklore — powers, deadly priests, mythical swords, mythical creatures. I love intrigue, and the secrets and family drama in this one?! Delivered. 🤩 For the romance fans, there’s a slow-burn one in here & side characters’ sapphic romance.
I didn’t think this novel needed to be as long as it is — there’s a lot of detailed inner dialogue/dialogue and telling that bogged down the story for me. BUT once I got to that halfway point, give-or-take, I couldn’t put the book down. And that ending?! SEQUEL, NOW, PLEASE, THANKS!
East Asian mythology, magic, family drama, friendships, romance, high stakes… shall I continue? If you’re into YA high fantasy & you don’t mind build-up and slow-burns, give this one a shot. (And, excuse me, how gorgeous is this cover, too?!) 🔥
I’m curious to see what was changed in the finished copy. Thank you @EpicReads for the uncorrected ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Violence, Death, and Torture