Review: Jade City by Fonda Lee

“…one of the most compelling worlds I’ve read in urban fantasy in a while.”

~ Under the Covers

Recommended Read!

I’ve been so excited about reading this recommendation. It was pitched to me as The Godfather urban fantasy and it certainly delivers on that! So if that sounded interesting to you too, then you’ll love this book!

In this world, jade can grant someone superhuman magical abilities but not everyone reacts the same to jade. Some can become addicted, for some it can be fatal. And there are two crime families that control the distribution of jade, which of course leads to territory disputes, blood feuds, knife duels, assassination attempts. At the core, politics and family along with one of the most compelling worlds I’ve read in urban fantasy in a while.

Fonda Lee’s writing style is superb. This book was subtle where it needed to be, but also quite action packed. I loved the way mystery is mixed into this story. Of course, all good crime syndicates have to deliver on the family drama and I loved that about this story as well.

If I had to pick a favorite character it would be Shae. She wears no jade by choice even though she was trained in The Academy. She wanted to have a career outside of the family business and expectations they had for her. Her struggle with what she wants and her sense of duty and loyalty is palpable in this book and I loved that she’s badass and steps up to the plate when needed. I can’t wait to see her character developed more.

JADE CITY plays out like a movie as you read, it’s immersive and intense. And I can’t wait to see this on the screen come to life as this is being developed into a TV series for Peacock. It’s going to be amazing! If there’s a book that would be perfect on TV, this is it!

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About Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee is the author of the epic urban fantasy Green Bone Saga (beginning with Jade City and continuing in Jade War and the forthcoming Jade Legacy) and the science fiction novels Zeroboxer, Exo and Cross Fire.

Fonda is a winner of the World Fantasy Award, as well as a three-time winner of the Aurora Award (Canada’s national science fiction and fantasy award), and a multiple finalist for the Nebula Award, the Locus Award, and the Oregon Book Award. Her novels have garnered multiple starred reviews, been included on numerous state reading lists, named Junior Library Guild selections, and appeared on Best of Year lists from NPR, Barnes & Noble, Syfy Wire, and others. Jade City has been translated in multiple languages and optioned for television development.

In addition, she has written acclaimed short fiction and comic books for Marvel. She is a frequent speaker and instructor at writing workshops including Viable Paradise and Clarion West.

Fonda is a former corporate strategist and black belt martial artist who loves action movies and  Eggs Benedict. Born and raised in Canada, she currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

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