A review by irissel
Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense slow-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

5.0

 This is the first series I've managed to finish in a while and I'm so glad it was this. I loved living in this world for three books. The magic system was fascinating. Magic comes from Jade, but too much Jade can have the effect of a drug overdone and suddenly having access to it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Different people are born with the ability to work up to different Jade tolerances and others are born nonreactive, which means they're immune to its effects but can't use its magic either. Those who can harness Jade's magic are known as green bones. This magic system was a great metaphor for power in general and the risks of reaching for too much. Though the magic system was fascinating, my favorite aspect of this trilogy was definitely the characters. In this world, Jade is controlled by various green bone clans. The two largest clans control most of the capital city and they are often at war with each other. The main characters are the family that leads one of these clans and it was lovely and intense to see the way they interacted with each other with all the politics and dangers that come with being in control of such a powerful resource. My favorite characters were definitely Wen and Anden, but throughout this last book, Hilo really grew on me. I don't think I've ever read such thorough and well-done character development in a story before. He grew so much throughout the story, having started as a rather impulsive and bloodthirsty military leader of the clan. I see myself recommending this series to lovers of fantasy for many years to come.