Martial Arts, Mafia, and Family: A Gripping Fantasy You Won’t Put Down
Jade City is a brilliant modern fantasy that follows the clash between two mafia-style warrior clans in the city of Janloon, a contemporary urban landscape reminiscent of Hong Kong, but electrified with magic — because underneath their nation-island lies the supernatural mineral jade, which gives its holders incredibly strength, speed, and perception. The characters are phenomenally written; even the minor personalities are distinct, flawed, and complex. Just when you make up your mind about someone, the story turns and you find yourself feeling something entirely new. At the heart of the novel are the three Kaul siblings, heirs to one of Janloon’s most powerful clans. There is Lan, the level-headed politician, Hilo, the hot-blooded warrior, and Shae, the rebellious outsider, and though they each seem set in their roles, the three siblings become far more than they could have dreamed. This is a story of honor, family, loyalty, and greed, better than any blockbuster film.
Jade City doesn’t just tell a story — it builds a world you’ll never want to leave.
More than once, I found myself so immersed in this novel that it usurped my sense of reality and I forgot I was reading at all. It bursts with endless ideas and details, yet somehow never feels rushed or crowded. The political games are cunning and unpredictable, and the family dynamics are deep and real. And then there’s the fantasy element of jade — woven seamlessly into the martial arts and rooted in a rich, spiritual history that feels both sacred and wildly cool. I absolutely delighted in this book. It was fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and so much fun to read. This book is the first in a trilogy, and I can’t wait to finish the rest!