JADE CITY
S**A
The Godfather of Fantasy
Product: Received in good condition, did not expect to get this as it was not available in India yet. Got it at around 500.Review:1st book in the epic fantasy trilogy TheGreenBoneSaga. Followed by Jade War and the final book, Jade Legacy, comes out in 2021.This is pretty much the Godfather of Fantasy. Mafia/Clan wars setting with a martial art mixed magical system. What’s there not to like?!Set in a world where jade is extremely powerful, and the Green Bone clans are the only ones that have the ability to wield its power. The two largest and most powerful of them, are the No Peak and Mountain clans and we follow the Kaul family, head of the No Peak clan. Tension erupts between the clans which soon turns to open violence on the streets and above all, there is a new dangerous drug in town that can give anyone the ability to wield the power of jade.This might not be everybody’s cup of tea, so let me just tell you what you will get.✨Asian inspired urban setting✨Hard magic system (reminded me a lot of Mistborn) where the powers are derived from jade and with dangerous consequences.✨Very deep world building. The culture, lore, the history of the clan, all were done so sharply, that I felt completely immersed and invested in this world.✨A family drama. We see the story through 4 siblings. (we need more of these)✨Characters are strongly developed, fleshed out and layered. The women are independent, intelligent and absolutely fearless and badass.✨Great action sequence.✨A lot of politics. It is quite understandable how a powerful and rare element like jade can affect the economy. But these details, might, get a little boring at times.✨Chapters keep getting more intense. I was chanting ‘Don’t do something stupid, don’t die’ almost throughout the second half. Keeps you on the edge.✨Beautifully written prose.So ya, pick this up, if you are looking for your next politically driven epic fantasy series.
A**R
Intriguing.
Godfather meets oriental philosophy and Japanese tradition. Highly recommended for fantasy fans or otherwise. Well crafted characters. Riveting story and most of all the world building is top notch. Janloon comes alive.
C**H
The BEST Urban Fantasy
If you like fantasy books, gangs and gansters, badass characters, and a compelling story, this is for you.It is essentially a gang war story based in Hong Kong with fantasy elements. I typically read more regular fantasy books like The Wheel of Time, Stormlight Archives, Malice, etc. This being an urban fantasy was a very different reading experience, but I assure you that Fonda Lee leaves no stone unturned.The story is phenomenal, the characters are great, this book is just a heartwrenching rollercoaster ride.I have also read the sequel Jade War, and it was my favourite book I read in 2020. Jade Legacy, the finale to this trilogy is now my most anticipated book for 2021.Highly recommended. Hilo Stan forever.
K**K
Ok
Came damaged
K**S
Action packed with characters that will win your heart or kill you in no particular order.
“The clan is my blood, and the Pillar is its master.On my honor, my life, and my jade.”SUMMARY: Jade City takes you to the city of Janloon where Jade holds the power. Jade helps them to improve their senses better. But with power comes price and if you are not careful, Jade will lead you to life of madness.The city of Janloon is divided between two clans: No Peak Clan and the Mountain Clan. Both of them are minutes away from a full fledged war. The two clans are constantly trying to capture more area in their territory. But at the same time, along with other royals and political powers, the two clans form an alliance to mine the Jade and supervise the supply of Jade and at the same time make sure that no one who doesn't deserve Jade get their hand on the Jade.As we move ahead, we focus on the No Peak Territory. Under the limelight of his grandfather's victories, Lan despite being the Pillar, isn't really one. All his decisions are inevitability compared or rather over-shadowed by his grand father. People constantly doubt if Lan is really capable to lead the Clan. And if that isn't enough, he is constantly pulled in the two opposite tug of war between his Weather Man and his Horn. While the former prefers the traditional approach and take the submissive route as much as possible, the latter is quick to action and bold. But as we move ahead, we realise how much efforts Lan usually takes to maintain the peace and when the inevitable box of secrets & betrayals are unleashed, Lan has no choice but to take decisions that are best for the Clan.The Horn of the No Peak Clan. Hilo. He is known for his rash actions. And sometimes because of his actions, his emotions are hidden. But at every step of the way, the only thing Hilo wants is to make sure that his clan is what remains. That No Peak Clan is what remains. And so despite what others think of him or what they think that he can do, Hilo rises. Whatever is set onto him, he rises even if it is something he is keen on doing.The third Kaul sibling made it clear what she wants and what she doesn't. And so, trying to leave the family shadows isn't easy. But she slowly does it. But when tragedy strikes on the family, she proves once again, blood is thicker than water. And so she becomes the person everyone knew she would and steps in and fills the role, leaving everyone in awe.And while the clans are busy clashing, the discrepancy in the Jade supply comes into light.But when the Mountain Clan manages to outdo The No Peak's every move and only death seems the option. What will the Horn do. And will the No Peak survive against the Mountain Clan.“The gods were often cruel, everyone knew that.”MY THOUGHTS: Jade City by Fonda Lee has been in my radar for a while now. Years, I can say. But drowned in the list of books, my masters degree and the fact that back then I would binge read all the series, Jade City was put off. But when Jade Legacy released, I knew it was time. And after months of waiting for physical copies of my books, I finally got them. And believe me, If you knew the waiting period or how long it took, you would count it as a victory too. So, back to this review. Jade City by Fonda Lee is amazing, a masterpiece. Everything- the urban setting, the fights, the characters, the cults, the Jade. EVERY THING IS AMAZING.What is the masterstroke or the point that I loved the most is that it is character based. The plot is amazing and everything but the fact that we get a chance to witness the three or four depending on how you see Kaul siblings closely was just beautiful. I love characters and while this is just the first book of the trilogy, I am convinced that I am going to get more of the Kaul siblings and my heart is just so full.The magic system or the Jade Power as we put it. This is something different than what I am used to reading. Most of them generally have division based on their ancestors or something else. But when we have Jade over here enhancing their power, it was something new and I loved it. I have to admit the setting seemed a little incomplete? Or maybe I have to wait to read the other two books to fully appreciate them.The cold war between the Mountain Clan and the No Peak Clan was brilliant and when that changed into a full fledged war. ooo. Amazing. The strategies used. the planning. Gont was amazing in what he did. And Hilo. OH HILO. You stupid, devious, amazing man. His arc was commendable. Needless to say, I am convinced the next books are going be a blast for his character. Every minute detail was so meticulously planned. The betrayals, the deaths, the political aspects, the family loyalty. The need to rise and become the person that you didn't want to be but you knew you had to. And more than that the way politics pull you regardless of what you want. Jade City showed once again that in war how no one is sparred. Be it common people, leader or children.What was really splendid was the fact that Jade City has many fighting scenes and the scenes were easy to visualize, which sometimes is not the case. This proves again how talented writer and fighter Fonda Lee is. I loved how there were females who rose to power, who knew exactly what they wanted and when it was not given to them, they took it by whatever means. It was refreshing to read strong characters in an Asian inspired Fantasy world.Needless to say, I am so excited to read Jade War. I wanted to read it as soon as I finished Jade City but I knew I wanted to write this review before reading Jade City. What resulted was, months of delay in writing this review and thus reading Jade War also took a step back. Not anymore. As soon as I finish my current read, Jade War it is.I'd recommend Jade City to anyone who would like to read as Asian inspired Fantasy which has beautiful character arcs and amazing story line.“Was it possible, Lan wondered, to be both a strong leader and a compassionate person, or were those two things opposing forces, pushing each other away?”
D**.
Excelente história, edição não é das melhores
A história é realmente maravilhosa, te prende demais. Infelizmente a edição não e mto legal. As páginas são finas e ruins, vai pra frágil.
A**S
De lo mejor que he leído
Este libro no tiene nada que ver con la fantasía convencional. La narrativa es hermosa y los personajes son INCREIBLES. Lo amo lo amo lo amo.
R**R
Mafia family like story with an Orient feel.
Jade City if the first book in The Green Bones trilogy, whose last book is being released later this month. I think the best way to really explain this book is a kung-fu-ish mafia story. It is the family saga of the No-Peak clan, as the reigns have just been given to the next generation. They will all have to find their place in this world where the holders of jade wield power and magic. There is also danger on the horizon as a rival clan tries to destroy them and take over all of the No-Peak territory.A friend of mine that I'd done a lot of reading with over the years loved this book when it first came out and just on her recommendation I bought it right away, but set it aside for other reads. It is a hefty book at over 550 pages, but it is such a good read those pages flew by as I got to know the important members of the No-Peak clan and the challenges that await them. Family is everything in this book. There is so much talk of duty and honor and the training required to hold an wield the mystical jade and the properties it gives the wielder. The history to the story is large and the traditions of the Green Bones really add to the martial arts or kung-fu feel of the story.The plot is really good and I was surprised in more than one place by the twists in the story. Lan, the oldest brother is the Pillar, leader of the clan, heart of the family and whatever he says goes. He is the calm and level headed leader of the No-Peak clan. Hilo is the temper driven and emotional Horn, or general, of the clan. He is the muscle and law for the No-Peak clan dealing out justice as needed. His job is not easy and he can be a brutal person when needed to protect the clan. But, his loyalty to family and clan is fierce.“The clan is my blood, and the Pillar is its master.On my honor, my life, and my jade.”Shae is the disgraced sister, just coming back into the family fold. She made some decisions that went against her family at one time but she will now be in a position to make amends for that as the Weatherman, master financier and spy master of sorts. Other characters with PoVs include; Anden a boy adopted into the main family trying to prove his worth, Wen the woman Hilo loves, and last a kid with Jade lust on his mind willing to do almost anything to get some of it for himself.“Expectations are a funny thing,” Wen said. “When you’re born with them, you resent them, fight against them. When you’ve never been given any, you feel the lack of them your whole life.”The Mountain Clan is also under new management and the Pillar of that clan wants to unite all the Green Bone clans by entreaty or by force. No-Peak will not yield and so a battle of both wits and brute strength is about to happen at the two clans go to war against each other. If No-Peak is to survive they will have to be both stronger, more cunning and possibly pray for a little luck to see then through this new battle.There is a lot that actually happens in the story but so much of it is really driven by the characters and their loyalty, honor and traditions. Being a Green Bone is a coveted thing, however it comes with so many extra challenges and dangers that as you read through the story you wonder if it is really worth it. I grew to love the characters of the story; they were done so well they felt so real to me. All are flawed, with their own internal struggles and in that they become more real. This is one of the best subtle Urban Fantasies I've read in a long time. It had a good story, great characters and wonderful worldbuilding. The pacing is good and while it takes a little time to get acquainted with everyone each character PoV added so much more depth to the story they were all needed.Honestly, I'm relieved I waited until the trilogy was about to be complete, as I'd hate to have to wait any time between these books.Narration:Andrew Kishino is a new to me narrator. He is a really good fit for this book as he brought an Asian/Orient feel to the story. He did great with both the male and female characters along with all the various PoVs. I think he made the book even better as he was able to bring the feeling of the culture of the book to life. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
R**8
Most Excellent, Indeed!
I’d never read the author before & bought this based on an online review. I’m pleased to say it was an excellent experience.It’s sort of martial artistry meets mafia meets some small amounts of Fantasy (although, the fantasy part is very limited, indeed).All in all, great story line, good characters and easy to keep with what’s going on. I’m the authors newest greatest fan!
R**O
Bom
Série mt boa
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