2nd read update: to absolutely no one’s surprise, i still loved it. The JL parallels… unmatched.

If you like politically intriguing urban fantasy that centers around morally questionable characters with complicated pre-established relationships that find themselves in the middle of inter-clan conflict but still sticks together in the end because they are family… this is the book for you. [ends run-on sentence]

Additional note: I think it's an underrated topic but the way subtle dynamics in the Hong Kong and Asian cultures play into the different scenes was so well-done that I think if you aren't familiar with Asian cultures and their cultural/family dynamics, you wouldn't get it. But if you do, you will really appreciate it.

“If heart alone could win the war, we’d already be victorious.”

*thinks about the quote*
*slams hands on the table*
*thinks about the quote again*
*sobs*

my mind is reeling.

I was shocked at how easy it was to feel invested in these complex, calculating, and at times violent, characters but still possess so much heart for the people and things they love (no matter what kind of complicated relationship it may be)

Fonda Lee took her time in the beginning building the politics, character dynamics, and world-building in this multi-POV story but it balances its characters and plot so well that it never felt like it was dense or dragging. It was like we were slowly learning how the political dynamics works as the details unfolded at the start and I just have to say that it was nothing short of clever.

The fact that FL is both a black-belt martial artist and former corporate strategist SHOWS in the writing and details she put into the book.

“In general, however, people were uncomfortable around misfortune and reluctant to admit to their own.”

I find it very rare for a cast of characters to be so well-balanced in writing, page-time, and character development that you feel like you’re watching an extended version of a movie and that you could be an extra unseen member actually in story and following around the characters…. especially in stories centered around a family that already have pre-established relationships prior to the start of the story. But Fonda Lee found that balance and kept it going all throughout.

Jade City mainly follows four central characters: Kaul Lan, Kaul Hilo, Kaul Shae, and Anden Emery. Four siblings of the Kaul family that can’t be any more different but are all so uniquely intriguing. I don’t think I can give justice for my love of the sibling/family relationships and dynamics…. so all I will say is:

i am ATTACHED.
i am INVESTED.
i am HERE FOR IT.

“Screw you, Hilo,” she snapped. “I can kill my ex-boyfriends myself.”

ah yes… golden sibling dynamics right there.


If you want intensity and action, it doesn’t fall short either. It’s action-packed without forgetting the complex characters dynamics to back up the intensity and vivid imagery to keep you on your toes and feel like you never want to let these characters go.

“Drama and reminisce of classic Hong Kong ganster films” really is the vibe of what you’re getting if all of that was set in a fantasy metropolis that’s both gritty and vividly written. The world-building was subtle but effective and so cleverly written. Especially for a book that really isn’t that long, I was surprised at how much subtleties and nuance FL was able to weave in a dynamic plot that revolves around power, family, and all the technical in-betweens that comes with actually ruling a clan.

Themes revolve around family/brotherhood, power, and prejudice in a society. While showing perspectives from the top of the social ladder to those at the bottom, and everything in between.

“People were people. The power of jade didn’t make them better or closer to godliness; it just made them more powerful”

The addition of Jade as the main fantasy element that this world revolves on was the perfect cherry on top. It almost felt like the Jade just made them a little more super human and made the fight scenes/perceptions make a lot more sense even though I consider it as more of a soft magic system. Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely still a violent and brutal book with graphic imagery and arguably cruel characters so just keep that in mind.

It truly has everything you want in a fantasy action novel from character dynamics that sweep you up to Jade-enhanced fight scenes that leave you gasping. My mind felt so alive. I absolutely loved the fact that we still see them bond over both trivial things like having dinner to major power-changing dynamics like you know… planning a siege.

“Nothing good's coming, when the dogs start disappearing from the streets.”

You know the plot is well-written when you realize that the twist and turns that happen have been building up to it the whole time but you are still shocked that it even happened at all. The fact that this book had me grieving over characters i’ve never even met should say something in itself. I truly felt like I cared about every minor character as much as Hilo did. Even the enmity between the two clans never felt short of perfectly paced that even though we don’t see them decided on the details, nothing ever felt like it didn’t make sense.

To be honest, this might be a new favorite of mine. It's really high up there.

↣ Highly recommended if you enjoy brutal, action-packed urban fantasy that have intensity levels turned on high at almost every chapter and perfectly balanced character-driven and plot-driven stories. Especially, if you like morally questionable characters full of scheming and betrayal that still leaves you wanting to always cheer them on. ↢

the things people do for power…. I have been shaken to my core.

Now, excuse me because I need to find a Kaul family that I can get myself adopted into, Anden Emery style.

// buddy read with mah friend

— 5.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Addiction (allegory), Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Overdose, Self-harm (mentioned), Sexual abuse of minor, Sexual content, Suicide (mentioned), Violence (graphic)