A review by valsometimesreads
Jade City by Fonda Lee

adventurous mysterious 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? Yes

3.75

ANDEN AND SHAE THEY COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU

I think this book has very carefully constructed characterization and worldbuilding - EVERYTHING was thought out and I thought her exploration on economic and political systems was so good! Jade is also such a unique concept as well as an “urban” fantasy thats Asian inspired 

That being said the exposition in this book was a lot sometimes…it really made it hard for me to care especially in the first half of the book.
Lan’s death however was extremely shocking and devastating; SO well executed!!
I think the jade magic system, while unique, is not as well defined and surprisingly was kinda forgettable in terms of the actual mechanics?

Overall I’m invested enough in the characters to keep reading but felt underwhelmed in comparison to the massive hype