Title: Jade City
Author: Fonda Lee
Series: The Green Bone Saga, #1
Pages: 498
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: November 7th 2017
“Magical jade—mined, traded, stolen, and killed for—is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. For centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their abilities and defend the island from foreign invasion.
Now the war is over and a new generation of Kauls vies for control of Kekon’s bustling capital city. They care about nothing but protecting their own, cornering the jade market, and defending the districts under their protection. Ancient tradition has little place in this rapidly changing nation.
When a powerful new drug emerges that lets anyone—even foreigners—wield jade, the simmering tension between the Kauls and the rival Ayt family erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones—from their grandest patriarch to the lowliest motorcycle runner on the streets—and of Kekon itself.
Jade City begins an epic tale of family, honor, and those who live and die by the ancient laws of jade and blood.”
“Politics moved slowly and blades moved fast.”
- World Building – Lee’s world is unique and intricate, combining magical elements in a more modern setting. The Janloon city is at the heart of the island of Kekon, where generations have mined for Jade which gives Kekonese people enhanced abilities. Clans have waged war, thrived during peaceful times, and endured many political coups. The Kaul family has ruled the No Peak Clan for generations.
- Lan – As the eldest, Lan always knew he would be Pillar. The Kaul legacy weighs heavy on his shoulders. He knows that as a political leader, he cannot please everyone. There are those who think he is too soft and those who think his loyalty to his more reckless brother will cost the clan their standing in Kekon.
- Hilo – Hilo is not an easy character to like. His actions are often impetuous, reactive to the situation in front of him rather than taking into account what the long-term consequences. Still, he is incredibly loyal, and not bogged down by his family’s personal prejudices.
- Shae – At one time, Shae wanted to be an intricate player in No Peak clan, but she never felt that the men in power recognized everything she was capable of. She spent years away from Kekon, seeing what the world has to offer outside of her home country and while she loves her family, she doesn’t want to be pulled into their world again.
- Anden – I have such a soft spot for this teen. He’s been training for years to join the clan, but every step of the way he’s had to deal with people whispering about his heritage. Even within the Kaul family, there are those who pity him and no matter how promising he is, who he was born to has greatly affected how he sees himself.
- Siblings dynamics – The novel focuses on the Kaul family. The eldest son, Lan is currently Pillar, their leader, his brother Hilo is Horn, the head of armed forces, Shae, their sister, who chose a different path than being an active figure in the family. There is also Anden, who was adopted into the family years ago. I could talk hours about the different dynamics between the Kaul siblings and their young cousin Anden. I loved how complicated these relationships were because it also functioned to flush out who they were individually. Lan and Hilo are very different but have been running the clan for years, they have each other’s backs, but know they will never be what the other is. While Lan and Shae have a more amicable relationship due to Lan’s caring nature, Shae and Hilo grew up more like rivals. I loved that their interactions are just as much a result of who they were as children as much as who they are as adults. Siblings sometimes they bring out the worst parts of you and adulthood doesn’t necessarily resolve conflicts you had as children.
Nothing to note.
Fonda Lee’s Jade City strikes that perfect balance of being both an action-packed and politically charged fantasy. Her characters are dynamic, the plot is fast-moving and gripping with gut-punching twists that will have you racing toward to end.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5)
A Kernel of Nonsense 