"Jade City" by Fonda Lee is a modern-day epic fantasy set in a world where the power of jade grants superhuman abilities to certain individuals, leading to a power struggle between rival clans in the city of Janloon. The story follows the Kaul family of the No Peak clan as they navigate through a world of feuds, politics, and magical intrigue, creating a blend of mafia drama, gangster epics, and wuxia elements in a unique setting reminiscent of Hong Kong. The book offers a mix of intricate world-building, complex characters, intense action sequences, and a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
With its richly developed world, diverse cast of characters, and a compelling blend of mafia elements and magical powers, "Jade City" delivers a captivating story that combines family loyalty, political intrigue, and fantastical elements seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and tradition within the context of a society where jade is not only a source of strength but also a catalyst for conflicts and alliances, creating a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and resilience in a world where magic and modernity coexist.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Jade City contains content warnings for violence, drug use, and themes of betrayal and familial conflict.
From The Publisher:
In this World Fantasy Award-winning novel of magic and kungfu, four siblings battle rival clans for honor and power in an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.
*Named one of TIME's Top 100 Fantasy Book Of All Time
* World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, winner
* Aurora Award for Best Novel, winner
* Nebula Award for Best Novel, nominee
* Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, finalist
Jade is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. It has been mined, traded, stolen, and killed for - and for centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their magical 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 - and of Kekon itself.
Praise for Jade City:
"An epic drama reminiscent of the best classic Hong Kong gangster films but set in a fantasy metropolis so gritty and well-imagined that you'll forget you're reading a book." -Ken Liu, Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-winning author
"A beautifully realized setting, a great cast of characters, and dramatic action scenes. What a fun, gripping read!" -Ann Leckie, Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author
"An instantly absorbing tale of blood, honor, family and magic, spiced with unexpectedly tender character beats." -NPR
The Green Bone Saga
Jade City
Jade War
Jade Legacy
Ratings (83)
Incredible (14) | |
Loved It (25) | |
Liked It (19) | |
It Was OK (12) | |
Did Not Like (12) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (242):
Read It (82) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (131) | |
Did Not Finish (7) | |
Not Interested (20) |
8 comment(s)
5 ⭐️
I feel like I was due for a 5 star read. This was a beautifully written book that captured me right away. It was everything I was looking for in a new fantasy read. Urban fantasy is an underrated genre.
This was fun and unbelievably tense. I was so invested in each characters story. There were a lot of twists I didn’t see coming that kept me on my toes and had me audibly gasping. I tandem read this between audiobook and ebook.
Each main character is flawed in their own way but still likable. As someone who has never really paid attention to mafia style stories, I am really impressed with the character work and world building. Lee has made a fully immersive world that I cannot wait to read more about.
Excellent book. I tried reading it twice before but it didn't click with me. I guess third time's the charm.
2.5*
****3.5****
Jade City is compared to "The Godfather" and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon".
I have read only "The Godfather" and yes there are similarities.
Jade city is a story of Power play, clan life, traditions and martial arts. A small island, Kekon is a liberated place only because the Green Bones. A clan that can use a magical material Jade. But now after some peaceful years, Green Bones are divided in to "No Peak" and "Mountain" clans. The war of power over Jade, power over territory is on brink.
I found the story engrossing with its family drama and political play. The characters are exceptional. Though at first I was a bit confused on the world building. The words like clans, pillar,horn, jade wielding power etc bought me a medieval era kind of setting, but with telephones/aeroplanes/MBA slightly shook my imagination.
I was like where is this story set ?? It is actually a gangster family saga set in a remote Asian metropolis with a gist of magical element.
I did like the characters, narration, plot and later on the world building too. But I wanted more magic where Jade was a bit more prominent than it is in the book... But a good read and liked it :)
Happy Reading!!!
El padrino en un entorno de ciencia ficcion.
Es un buen libro, pero creo que no estaba demasiado de humor para algo asi. Me ha gustado la construccion del mundo y como lo mezcla bien con avanzar la trama y escenas de accion.
Los personajes son interesantes aunque podrian haber pulido mas a los antagonistas.
Las relaciones estan bien conseguidas, creo que hay poco de malo en el libro.
Eso si, es una historia que requiere acabar la trilogia.
Really enjoying this series so far, Interested to see how the 2nd one helps to tie in and draw me in more!
I was expecting fantasy, this was more of a Mob story.
For a book where any character can die at any moment, it was sure lacking stakes.
What can you read after
Jade City?
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