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Book Review: “Jade City” by Fonda Lee

A modern fantasy world, which is still steeped in ancient customs and endures the trauma of brutal wars. Gangster intrigues and battles.

Book Review: “Jade City”

  • Author: Fonda Lee
  • Series: The Green Bone Saga #1
  • Format: 540 pages, Paperback
  • Published: June 26, 2018 by Orbit
  • ISB: 9780316440882 (ISBN10: 0316440884)
  • ASIN: 0316440884
  • Language: English
jade city by fonda lee cover

Plot of “Jade City”

In the megalopolis of Janlun on the island of Kekon, a unique resource is mined that grants supernatural gifts to those who master it. And those who fail are cruelly destroyed. There are wonderful historical references to gold rush stories.

The world-building is brilliant. The politics are well organized, the hierarchy is clearly explained, and although you’re overwhelmed with all the information at the beginning, you’re quickly in the “movie” because the plot is like watching it on tape. Fonda Lee immediately throws you into the streets of the city.

The jade drives the island’s economy, and several clans are banking on the power it bestows.

We follow the story from the perspective of the Kaul family, one of the main clans controlling the priceless stone. Prepared from an early age for what awaits them in their inheritance, Lan, Hilo, Shen and Anden are challenged in a game for power over the “green treasure”. Beautifully crafted characters in all the right places, with well-built conflicts within themselves. It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered characters I follow with so much interest and affection.

The plot revolves around the struggle for supremacy and control in the city between the two great clans, the No Peak (Kaul) and the Mountain, and the jade they mine. Of course, it’s not difficult to predict the direction in which events between the rivals will develop. But it’s difficult to predict the actions of the Kaul family. Moreover, each of them will have to face their greatest inner fear. Some will fall, some will return, some will have to give up what they do best for the sake of duty. Everyone will emerge changed.

My opinion on “Jade City”

Fonda Lee moves boldly in the genre mill – fantasy. He builds a beautiful fictional world with appropriate politics that don’t overwhelm the audience, and characters he wouldn’t dream of touching. It’s not just a story about gangster fights and magical gems, but also about the complicated relationships within a family whose path is strictly predetermined. Social and psychological pressure, overcoming oneself, overcoming betrayal, infidelity and lies. And devotion to blood and honor even beyond death.

For me, this was one of the best hits of the genre this year. I already want to wait for the next installment.

JADE CITY is a gripping Godfather-esque saga of intergenerational blood feuds, vicious politics, magic, and kungfu.

The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It’s the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.

The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion–but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.

When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself.

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