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A review by knockoutbooks
Jade City by Fonda Lee
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? No
5.0
Five-star read! I enjoyed every part of this book.
Summary
Jade City centers around the Kaul family, which sits at the head of the No Peak clan on the Hong Kong inspired island of Kekon.
Kekon is ruled by two clans, similar to mafia families, that worked together to take back their country from the colonizing Shotarians a generation before this book begins. The Mountain and No Peak have always tolerated each other, but tension mounts after the death of the head of The Mountain and the hostile take over of its’ new leader, called a Pillar, Ayt Mada.
The Kaul family consists of the former Pillar Kaul Sen, his successor Kaul Lan, the clan Horn or the leader of their military force Kaul Hilo, their sister Kaul Shae and their adopted youngest brother/cousin Emery Anden.
These two clans begin a war over the control of the country’s jade supply, a stone thought to be given to the Kekonese by the gods, that grants them abilities far beyond that of mortal people.
Thoughts
Despite the brutal nature of a mafia based story, I really fell in love with the Kaul family and the No Peak clan. This book was so well paced and balanced between character defining moments, political maneuvers and action scenes that reminded me of classic Chinese mafia films.
There really was no “low point” in this book. Each moment built on the one before so seamlessly that I completely devoured this and couldn’t put it down.
The ending tied things up with the Kauls very nicely, while still setting the stage for the next book and next set of challenges for No Peak.
Looking forward to reading Jade War soon!
Summary
Jade City centers around the Kaul family, which sits at the head of the No Peak clan on the Hong Kong inspired island of Kekon.
Kekon is ruled by two clans, similar to mafia families, that worked together to take back their country from the colonizing Shotarians a generation before this book begins. The Mountain and No Peak have always tolerated each other, but tension mounts after the death of the head of The Mountain and the hostile take over of its’ new leader, called a Pillar, Ayt Mada.
The Kaul family consists of the former Pillar Kaul Sen, his successor Kaul Lan, the clan Horn or the leader of their military force Kaul Hilo, their sister Kaul Shae and their adopted youngest brother/cousin Emery Anden.
These two clans begin a war over the control of the country’s jade supply, a stone thought to be given to the Kekonese by the gods, that grants them abilities far beyond that of mortal people.
Thoughts
Despite the brutal nature of a mafia based story, I really fell in love with the Kaul family and the No Peak clan. This book was so well paced and balanced between character defining moments, political maneuvers and action scenes that reminded me of classic Chinese mafia films.
There really was no “low point” in this book. Each moment built on the one before so seamlessly that I completely devoured this and couldn’t put it down.
The ending tied things up with the Kauls very nicely, while still setting the stage for the next book and next set of challenges for No Peak.
Looking forward to reading Jade War soon!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence