Magical jade—mined, traded, stolen, and killed for—is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. For centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their 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—from their grandest patriarch to the lowliest motorcycle runner on the streets—and of Kekon itself.

Jade City begins an epic tale of family, honor, and those who live and die by the ancient laws of jade and blood. 

The back of Jade City is quite literally covered in glowing blurbs from various authors in the SFF community. I first heard of Fonda Lee’s book when Nicholas Eames posted something about it on Instagram, and after briefly reading what it was about, I was super intrigued. And Jade City flat-out astonished me…this is one of the most unique & compulsively readable books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading!! 

The story takes place primarily in Janloon, which is almost like a fantasy version of Hong Kong. It concerns the ongoing clan war between two powerful clans: the Mountain clan and the No Peak clan. Basically what it boils down to is like…the most incredibly badass & dramatic gangster movie, with kung fu. And magic. 

Our main characters (for the most part) are members of No Peak, and of the Kaul family. Kaul Lan is the Pillar, the head of the family. His brother, Kaul Hilo is the Horn…kind of the boss of the muscle, so to speak. Their sister, Kaul Shae, has left Janloon to pursue a new life in Espenia…but this being a family crime saga, of course she gets pulled back to Janloon. Meanwhile, their adopted cousin, Anden, is training to become a Green Bone at the Kaul Dushuron Academy.

Now is a good time to mention jade. In this world, jade is not just the most valuable resource available, it provides many of its inhabitants, known as Green Bones, with special powers. A heightened sense of awareness. Increased speed & strength. Basically, the more jade you wear, the stronger you are thought to be…there are consequences to wearing jade however…it’s presented almost as a form of addiction. Jade is typically won by killing an enemy and taking their jade. 

I’m struggling to review this one, as it’s just complex as hell, while not being the least bit confusing (getting the hang of the various titles such as Pillar, Horn, Weatherman, and understanding what each one does took just a little getting used to) I honestly cannot recommend a book more highly than I can Jade City. Beautifully written, incredibly unique world building, a cool & subtle form of magic, and fucking bone-rattling action sequences. Jade City just crackles with energy from the first word to the last…absolutely loved this!! 

Huge thanks to Orbit Books for sending me a copy!!