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A review by bffbookclubkate
Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
As soon as I heard this described as a Mulan reimagining I was so in! I also really enjoy an academic setting, so seeing Ying figure out life in the guild was my favorite part.
Unfortunately, the plotting in this felt a bit unsure of itself. I was mostly sold on the silkpunk fantasy elements (although I thought we could’ve gone more in depth on the political conflict and history) but I was definitely not sold on the romantic elements. The romance felt stiff and lacked that tense, yearning quality that I look for. Overall, it felt like we were skimming over things that should’ve been more important and then over-explaining things that weren’t.
The ending was action-packed, but it didn’t make me feel excited to read book 2.
Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Unfortunately, the plotting in this felt a bit unsure of itself. I was mostly sold on the silkpunk fantasy elements (although I thought we could’ve gone more in depth on the political conflict and history) but I was definitely not sold on the romantic elements. The romance felt stiff and lacked that tense, yearning quality that I look for. Overall, it felt like we were skimming over things that should’ve been more important and then over-explaining things that weren’t.
The ending was action-packed, but it didn’t make me feel excited to read book 2.
Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review!