It's low magic, with the only magic element being jade, which gives certain genetically susceptible people magical powers. I am someone who much prefers natural exposition and abhors info dumps, but Lee's writing is so slick and atmospheric that I mostly let it slide.Īdding onto this, the magic in this novel isn't anything too exciting. Info dumping and exposition can be a bit clumsy in this book, and there are frequently many paragraphs where Lee just gives us the lore and information about the magic in the book. Those are the good parts but there are certainly a few flaws. The setting is rich and feels very alive, with some sweet worldbuilding - Jade City reminds me a bit of Republic City from Legend of Korra, with its criminal clans and semi-modern, post-war technology. The plot is tightly paced and while there are moments to breathe and it's not a compact novel, it reads fast and moves with the elegance of a Mercedes Benz (or that Duchessa that Hilo has). The best part of this story to me is that there is so much backstory and subtext that is hinted at but not fully exposed, which keeps you hooked for the next installment. There isn't a single character who is poorly etched, and I especially love Hilo and Anden, and their relationship throughout the story. You aren't always sure who the MC is through the novel and I'd argue it never ends up extremely clear, but all the characters are really well done. As someone who loves family crime dramas, this really hit a nice sweet spot of mixing fantasy and crime (may appeal to Locke Lamorra fans), and I think Fonda Lee does a nice job of blending the tropes from the crime family saga (a cool-headed, responsible son, hotheaded brawler son, and a rebel daughter) and subverting them in delightful ways. Jade City is pretty much a gangster drama set in a 1950s East Asian fantasy city which gives me Hong Kong or Taiwan vibes, especially given the backstory surrounding it. However, there is no perfect novel that is without its flaws and I will absolutely discuss those as well. To cap this off, I'll have to say this was one of my favorite books I've read all year and that is absolutely going to show through this review.

Fonda lee jade city