4.5 stars rounded up.
When I first read Ebony Gate (the first book in this series), I really liked how it embodied the Asian American experience. I was really confused with the lore and history because it was a lot to handle in one book, so I ended up giving it 3 stars.
But I'm very happy to say that Blood Jade exceeded my expectations!
The second book really helped me understand Emiko's world, including her family history and family drama, which really played a lot into her character building. Jiārén lore was expanded upon in an in-depth way so that it was easy to imagine how their magic and history could be integrated in our world.
We also get to know Emiko's character on a personal level. I really liked how the authors focused on Emiko's fears and desires, and how we could see these play out through Emiko's interactions with her friends, family, and the Jiārén world at large.
Several times while reading, I actually wished that this either could've been the first book, or that some scenes from this book could've been integrated into the first book so that I would've understood what was going on and what was really at stake when I read the first arc.
I also loved how this book felt like I was watching a Netflix or Max series. The pacing might come off as slow to other readers, but I actually liked how it felt episodic instead of watching a movie. Every time I picked up the book and put it down after reading a couple of chapters, it felt like I was savoring a TV show instead of binge watching. Both the action scenes and dialogue heavy scenes were well paced and helped the story move along at a natural flow.
I do think the slower pace might be a turnoff for some readers, same with the extensive Jiārén family drama. I also did think a couple of problems were solved too easily (Emiko's blocked meridians and the Crimson Cloud Splitter). But maybe the authors have something in store for the third book that might explain those deus ex machinas.
Thank you to Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle, and NetGalley for the arc! I'm excited to read the next one!
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Reviews with images
For lovers of Jade City!
If you loved Jade City by Fonda Lee and really miss that kind of vibe in your fantasy books - you will find much to love here. Blood Jade delivers even more engaging characters, in my humble opinion, but a little lighter urban fantasy experience.Blood Jade is a stellar follow-up to Ebony Gate. It dives even deeper into the intricate world. The world-building in this installment is nothing short of spectacular, expanding on the themes and family complexities introduced in the first book. Emiko continues to shine as a multifaceted character, balancing her badass exterior with a relatable vulnerability. Love heeeer!!!The plot is dense and gripping, with Emiko drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home. The investigation takes her back to Tokyo, unraveling family secrets and forcing her to confront her past. The stakes are high, with her duties as Sentinel and her personal loyalties colliding in intense and compelling ways.One of the highlights of this book is how it focuses on Emiko’s journey without forcing a romantic subplot. There IS some romance and emotional bonds, but they aren't just shoehorned in. It's a slow burn and the story absolutely comes first, which I adore. This choice allows the story to remain centered on Emiko's growth and the larger narrative. Emiko’s link to those she has feelings for, while present, doesn’t overshadow her own story, and this balance is well-executed. As someone who typically LIKES romance in their stories, this is a tribute to how much I adore the characters. I'm willing to wait and I'm eager to discover how things will shake out.This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. The only downside is that I deeply missed Freddie, but the story is so captivating that it more than makes up for it. This sequel surpasses the original, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.Thanks to the authors for sending me a PR package and to Netgalley/Tor for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
If you loved Jade City by Fonda Lee and really miss that kind of vibe in your fantasy books - you will find much to love here. Blood Jade delivers even more engaging characters, in my humble opinion, but a little lighter urban fantasy experience.
Blood Jade is a stellar follow-up to Ebony Gate. It dives even deeper into the intricate world. The world-building in this installment is nothing short of spectacular, expanding on the themes and family complexities introduced in the first book. Emiko continues to shine as a multifaceted character, balancing her badass exterior with a relatable vulnerability. Love heeeer!!!
The plot is dense and gripping, with Emiko drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home. The investigation takes her back to Tokyo, unraveling family secrets and forcing her to confront her past. The stakes are high, with her duties as Sentinel and her personal loyalties colliding in intense and compelling ways.
One of the highlights of this book is how it focuses on Emiko’s journey without forcing a romantic subplot. There IS some romance and emotional bonds, but they aren't just shoehorned in. It's a slow burn and the story absolutely comes first, which I adore. This choice allows the story to remain centered on Emiko's growth and the larger narrative. Emiko’s link to those she has feelings for, while present, doesn’t overshadow her own story, and this balance is well-executed. As someone who typically LIKES romance in their stories, this is a tribute to how much I adore the characters. I'm willing to wait and I'm eager to discover how things will shake out.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. The only downside is that I deeply missed Freddie, but the story is so captivating that it more than makes up for it. This sequel surpasses the original, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Thanks to the authors for sending me a PR package and to Netgalley/Tor for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
Blood Jade is a stellar follow-up to Ebony Gate. It dives even deeper into the intricate world. The world-building in this installment is nothing short of spectacular, expanding on the themes and family complexities introduced in the first book. Emiko continues to shine as a multifaceted character, balancing her badass exterior with a relatable vulnerability. Love heeeer!!!
The plot is dense and gripping, with Emiko drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home. The investigation takes her back to Tokyo, unraveling family secrets and forcing her to confront her past. The stakes are high, with her duties as Sentinel and her personal loyalties colliding in intense and compelling ways.
One of the highlights of this book is how it focuses on Emiko’s journey without forcing a romantic subplot. There IS some romance and emotional bonds, but they aren't just shoehorned in. It's a slow burn and the story absolutely comes first, which I adore. This choice allows the story to remain centered on Emiko's growth and the larger narrative. Emiko’s link to those she has feelings for, while present, doesn’t overshadow her own story, and this balance is well-executed. As someone who typically LIKES romance in their stories, this is a tribute to how much I adore the characters. I'm willing to wait and I'm eager to discover how things will shake out.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. The only downside is that I deeply missed Freddie, but the story is so captivating that it more than makes up for it. This sequel surpasses the original, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Thanks to the authors for sending me a PR package and to Netgalley/Tor for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
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Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Great Book that continues to build its lore & characters
Reviewed in Australia on August 4, 2024