Jade City - Fonda Lee

Jade City

By Fonda Lee

  • Release Date: 2017-11-07
  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 347 Ratings

Description

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 Books Of All Time
​* World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, winner


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

Reviews

  • You need patience

    4
    By Alice, from the museum
    I loved this book. It took me a while to get into it because the beginning of the book was very slow. The only qualm I have with the book is the writing. There were things that were explained that did not need to be explained that left me skipping paragraphs out of impatience. The overly-detailed writing provided vivid images in some cases, which I appreciated. The entire book, I felt, is in preparation for you to read the sequel. That being said, the characters were absolutely incredible and real and I loved the Asian-inspired setting. It’s definitely worth it if you’re in the right mood. And I didn’t notice any overused tropes that made me roll my eyes.
  • Great

    5
    By reads43
    I can not wait to start jade war book 2 soon
  • Dynamic and Fun Read

    4
    By imsofiapie
    I really enjoyed this book and it brings a 90s Hong Kong vibe I love. The beginning was kinda slow but still enjoyable, I adored the world building and Lee’s writing style suited the story magnificently, the world building was so good it made me feel like it could be a real world and I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one!!
  • Gangster book

    5
    By Cidrah
    I love how intricate and polish this book is it felt so real I can see myself clearly in this world WHAT AN ADVENTURE
  • SO GOOD !!!

    5
    By breathethroughmusic
    Jade City is incredible! The characters and world created within are unforgettable, and are brought to life by Fonda Lee’s incredible storytelling. It is full of political intrigue, brutality, and an exploration of familial and brotherhood bonds. Do yourself a favor and read this book!