A review by giulay
Jade City by Fonda Lee

adventurous dark fast-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? Yes

4.0

"Under the eyes of all the gods in Heaven, I pledge this. On my honor, my life, and my jade."
 
TW: violence, blood, gore, mentions of suicide, mentions of rape, self-harm, racism, mentions of child sexual abuse
 
This feels like the end of an era.
No, for real. I’ve started reading Jade City May 1st 2021 – yes, you can read it again. Yes, you’ve read that correctly.
This book has been in my mind and on my nightstand for eight (8) months – what an obscene and shameful amount of time…
It is time to turn a new leaf.
 
But please, if you have to take something from this Rather Random Review™️ let it be this: the time it took me to go through this novel does not, and I repeat does not, mirror my enjoyment of the book, my love for the characters and the setting, and my absolute and unquestionable interest in the plot.
 
Because, sure, it might have taken me eight (8) months, but whenever my mind allowed me to read a bit, I remembered all the action and plot-twists and characters and political intrigue that previously happened. And that is no small feat as Jade City was a beautifully action-packed, intriguing and fast-paced read.
 
If you know my reading tastes, you know I do love me political intrigue, backstabbing, morally ambiguous characters and discussions around religion/faith. Needless to say, Jade City offered me this and much, much more.
 
I will not waste your time with a long and winded Rather Random Review™️. The amazing readers on Goodreads have done a far better job that I ever will explaining this book, so if you are curious and want a more in-depth review and summary, I’d suggest go read a couple of said reviews.
Also, because I feel as if I’m late to the party. I mean… it did take me eight (8) months to finish this book.
 
But believe me when I said this: Jade City deserves every single hyped review it got.
You’ve heard about this book. Everybody and their mother have heard about this book. You know the plot. Everybody and their mother know the plot.
And indeed, for a good reason!
 
Mafia, clans, war, family bonds, gruesome action, religion, drugs, incredible atmosphere, powers given by jade, complex, unique and three-dimensional characters (Hilo, I love you. Enough said) and fascinating lure.
 
This is a very simple and short list to give you an idea about what this book can offer you.
It can give you a whole entire world to lose yourself into.
 
It was nothing short of amazing. It set the basis for what I am sure will be an epic story.
Jade City is a great and stunning beginning to a series that I cannot wait to continue!
…in a while though, because I’ve been staring at this cover for way too long: these past eight (8) months have been rough

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