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A review by thelonelycastle
Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee
5.0
A finale of epic proportions. There are so many amazing things I could say about this book and the series as a whole. It made me tear up, made me laugh, and it made me so excited to read more. This was an amazing end to this wonderful saga and I will think about it for the rest of time.
Fonda Lee is genuinely one of the greatest fantasy writers I've ever read, particularly in political fantasy. This world is so realistic and answers questions you never would have even thought to ask. The care that Lee puts into not only the characters and their conflicts, but the actual geopolitical realities of this world is astounding. The world of The Green Bone Saga is real. Every country and city is distinct, and I love how this novel examines how Kekonese immigrants all have different ways of living and perceptions of jade; the way each Kaul family member interacts with these conflicts is so realistic.
I also obviously have to mention the importance of Lan in this novel. In many novels, grief and the lives of the dead don't have that much impact on the story. Characters may be a little sad about someone's death, they may occasionally feel grief at times of struggle, but these dead characters barely hold weight. Meanwhile, Lan is actively present throughout the entirety of this book, even when he's not mentioned. He is in every difficult decision Anden makes, his personally shines through Niko, and his impact on the events of this story cannot be understated. Lan is not left in Jade City, and I greatly appreciate the nuance Lee brings to his character and the representations of grief all throughout the series.
All of this said, I consider The Green Bone Saga to be one of the greatest fantasy series' I've ever read, and would highly recommend it to anyone. Please read this series!!
Fonda Lee is genuinely one of the greatest fantasy writers I've ever read, particularly in political fantasy. This world is so realistic and answers questions you never would have even thought to ask. The care that Lee puts into not only the characters and their conflicts, but the actual geopolitical realities of this world is astounding. The world of The Green Bone Saga is real. Every country and city is distinct, and I love how this novel examines how Kekonese immigrants all have different ways of living and perceptions of jade; the way each Kaul family member interacts with these conflicts is so realistic.
I also obviously have to mention the importance of Lan in this novel. In many novels, grief and the lives of the dead don't have that much impact on the story. Characters may be a little sad about someone's death, they may occasionally feel grief at times of struggle, but these dead characters barely hold weight. Meanwhile, Lan is actively present throughout the entirety of this book, even when he's not mentioned. He is in every difficult decision Anden makes, his personally shines through Niko, and his impact on the events of this story cannot be understated. Lan is not left in Jade City, and I greatly appreciate the nuance Lee brings to his character and the representations of grief all throughout the series.
All of this said, I consider The Green Bone Saga to be one of the greatest fantasy series' I've ever read, and would highly recommend it to anyone. Please read this series!!