Book Review: Jade City by Fonda Lee
Title: Jade City by Fonda Lee
Publisher: Orbit
Rating: 5/5 stars
Synopsis:
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.
Book Review:
I cannot believe it's taken me so long to pick up Jade City. I have heard seriously nothing but amazing things thus far and I am a little mad that I am only now starting with the series! This is an Urban Fantasy book filled with political intrigue and the kind of intensity that keeps you glued to the page from the very beginning. I loved learning about the clans and different clan positions. The setting and characters are so well fleshed out, making it easy for me to visualise everything!
What I liked most about the book is the writing. I am not exaggerating when I say that every single word in this book has purpose! This book is 500+ pages long and you quite literally gobble up every single sentence and page. There are no filler moments for filling in the gaps and every new character introduction and scene contributed to the overall world building and story. I am so amazed by how FULL this book is. It's brimming with so much action and intrigue and goodness. I love the family dynamic and how emphasised the family roots are within the clan. I love the huge no telling, all showing writing that makes the story so enigmatic in a very dark and sensual way. I love the characters - the good and the bad - and how the author portrays their different sides to make them tangible! There was nothing remotely aesthetic about the book, and yet it is vibrant and dark and gritty all at once. Thanks to Fonda Lee's electrifying writing, she makes it very easy for you to visualise everything with heightened senses.
Jade City is a simply magnetic, all-rounder of a book. Every word and page were a joy to read. The characters, the writing, the story, and the pacing - I simply could not get enough of them. I wanted to slow down and savor this book so bad but I could not stop reading it! I hear that the second and third books are EVEN better, and i simply cannot wait to start them. I just know that I will love them just as much, even more!
