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A review by cortanasreadingnook
Blood Jade by Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. This doesn’t affect my thoughts in any way.
I genuinely liked the concept of Phoenix Hoard as a trilogy. It is a nod to Japanese and Chinese diaspora, it involves elements of Asian folklore, intricate clan politics, and thrilling, action-filled storytelling. However, I believe my time with this series is done, because though I had fun with certain parts, I had trouble with the lengthy, significantly slowed down the pacing of the book so I skimmed through many parts. I would still recommend this because almost all of Asia finally got featured in a fantasy book, which is no small feat, given that East Asia normally gets highlighted. But instead, the writers were able to incorporate a few characters from SEA, South Asia, and more. The story mostly emphasizes power play and plot has gotten significantly thicker with no clear villain in sight, which I find interesting.
As an Asian myself, I have a clear understanding and respect for Emiko’s responsibilities as not only the former Butcher, but as the now Sentinel of San Francisco. I could also see myself in the way she navigates her life and duties. SHE IS VERY RELATABLE.
I understand other readers’ excitement for this book, but its best part is that a lot of eldest daughters and achievers of the family would empathize with her character because she is folklore’s mirrorball on steroids with an obsession for KitKats. I also think that Emiko has a very colorful personality and her comebacks at most were hilarious.
I genuinely liked the concept of Phoenix Hoard as a trilogy. It is a nod to Japanese and Chinese diaspora, it involves elements of Asian folklore, intricate clan politics, and thrilling, action-filled storytelling. However, I believe my time with this series is done, because though I had fun with certain parts, I had trouble with the lengthy, significantly slowed down the pacing of the book so I skimmed through many parts. I would still recommend this because almost all of Asia finally got featured in a fantasy book, which is no small feat, given that East Asia normally gets highlighted. But instead, the writers were able to incorporate a few characters from SEA, South Asia, and more. The story mostly emphasizes power play and plot has gotten significantly thicker with no clear villain in sight, which I find interesting.
As an Asian myself, I have a clear understanding and respect for Emiko’s responsibilities as not only the former Butcher, but as the now Sentinel of San Francisco. I could also see myself in the way she navigates her life and duties. SHE IS VERY RELATABLE.
I understand other readers’ excitement for this book, but its best part is that a lot of eldest daughters and achievers of the family would empathize with her character because she is folklore’s mirrorball on steroids with an obsession for KitKats. I also think that Emiko has a very colorful personality and her comebacks at most were hilarious.