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Jade War

(The Green Bone Saga #2)

Fonda Lee (Goodreads Author)

4.46 · Rating details · 4,197 ratings · 857 reviews

In Jade War, the sequel to the World Fantasy Award-winning novel Jade City, the Kaul siblings battle rival clans for honor and control over an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.

On the island of Kekon, the Kaul family is locked in a violent feud for control of the capital city and the supply of magical jade that endows trained Green Bone warriors with supernatural powers th ...more

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Hardcover, 590 pages

Published July 23rd 2019 by Orbit

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· 4,197 ratings · 857 reviews

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Jul 13, 2019 Petrik rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Asian-inspired, Urban, & Gangster fantasy fans

Shelves: favorites, arcs-and-review-copies

I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleo

ARC provided by the publisher—Orbit—in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely amazing; Jade War was a brilliantly compelling sequel filled with skillfully-written characterizations and tension-packed action scenes.

I buddy read this novel with four other readers of different ethnicities—TS, Emma, Jenia, and Nils—living in different parts of the world and all of us pretty much agreed that we were both in love with a ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 chai ♡ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: lgbtq-mm-side, adult, lgbtq-rep-side, trope-villains-but-make-them-sexy, adult-sff, own-voices, poc-rep, 2019-releases

I thought books were for enjoyment, not emotional trauma

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Nov 29, 2020 Joel Rochester rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2020, five-stars, favourites

FONDA LEE, YOU DO NOT GET TO PLAY WITH MY FEELINGS RIGHT AT THE END LIKE THAT
but wow, you really did that, huh

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Jan 28, 2021 Marzuqa rated it it was amazing

600 pages of being blown away by this breathtaking installment in a phenomenal series. This was everything I hoped it to be and more. Fonda Lee is such an incredible story writer. The plot building and story line were so intelligent and enthralling. It’s no lighthearted read though, it’ll play with your heart and might leave you in shambles.

This was definitely more political than book 1. Power struggle continues between two rival clans over control of magical jade. But this time, there’re threat ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Emma rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasybookreview

Sixteen months have passed since the violent and tragic events of Jade City and the No Peak Clan are far from safe. But it’s not just the Clans at war. The outside world wants in. Jade is a commodity right at the top of everybody’s list and they’re willing to pay for it, in bundles of cash or oceans of blood. Trying to prevent foreign governments, criminal gangs, smugglers, street thugs and everyone in between from taking what doesn’t belong to them makes for interesting alliances, underhand pol Sixteen months have passed since the violent and tragic events of Jade City and the No Peak Clan are far from safe. But it’s not just the Clans at war. The outside world wants in. Jade is a commodity right at the top of everybody’s list and they’re willing to pay for it, in bundles of cash or oceans of blood. Trying to prevent foreign governments, criminal gangs, smugglers, street thugs and everyone in between from taking what doesn’t belong to them makes for interesting alliances, underhand politics, and more than a little bloodshed. No Peak can’t do it alone, but there’s only one other Clan who can help… And it doesn’t take years of Green Bone training to work out that inviting a snake like Ayt Mada in to your home means that you’re going to get bit. There are hard choices to be made. But the Kaul family will do what they must to protect each other, their jade, and their Clan. The stakes are nothing short of their lives.

It’s no understatement to say that Fonda Lee has improved on the first book in every way. While this is most evident in the characterisations, it applies equally to the world-building and plot. Everything is more vibrant, better realised. This feels like a whole new world. Accordingly, while Jade City offered some notion of what was outside of Kekon, this time the stage is truly international. And just like it says in the title, this is a WAR. One that will determine not only the future of the Clans, but Kekon and its place in the world heirarchy. It’s all about power and the deadly games people play to get it, or keep hold of it. The knives are out and nobody is safe.

Yet what gives this book an extra something is that it doesn’t lose sight of how all this political and military bargaining affects real people. From the plight of refugees created by proxy wars and used as bargain chips, to the trickle down persecution of Kekonese immigrants in Espenia, this is real life recreated. Proof, if needed, that Fonda Lee knows not only her world, but ours. Her characters show that in spades. Whatever you might want them to be, they are nothing more or less than themselves. Love them or loathe them, the author always gives us enough to understand them. To the eternal dismay of my buddy readers, I still don’t like Hilo. But I get him. And I can see how skilfully the author creates a reader's emotional investment in my own reaction to Anden, who I genuinely adore. The exploration of his sexuality, of what it means to be himself within his family, or as part of a Kekonese community in Janloon or Espenia is so relatable, so perfectly done that it actually made me somewhat aggrieved when I had to read other POVs. His role as something of an oppositional or questioning force allows a multifaceted exploration of the morality of the ideas and actions of the Kaul family and the Green Bone way of life. It rips away the glamour to reveal what’s hidden beneath- the suffering and loss and scrabbling in the dirt as life bleeds away…

For me, these improvements created something which I hardly felt in the first book: genuine tension. The last 20-30% of Jade War is all out, full-on, page turning fun. It’s made of bold choices, danger, and death. There’s blood and magic, surprises and satisfaction. Best of all, there are more than a few scenes that make you hold your breath, moments that could change the game for some of the players. Or end it. And if that’s not enough, there’s Bero. Ah, Bero. An annoyingly lucky character, and an increasing favourite, is turning into something close to comedy gold. He’s a nobody, a failure, a mistake, but he’s always right there at the turning points of the story. Even if Anden wins my favourite character award, it’s Bero who raises a smile as I wonder what trouble he’s going to get himself into next. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he ends up the Pillar of the reunited Clans…. Who the hell knows?? Whatever happens, we know he’ll do it badly and with a serious attitude to boot. I can’t wait.

At its heart Jade War is about the choices people make. It’s about personal morality and what happens when that clashes with the bonds of family and loyalty, it’s about acting under pressure and doing what needs to be done, it’s about trying to find the ‘right’ way forward even knowing there will be consequences. And trust me, there are.

ARC via Netgalley ...more

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Feb 11, 2020 James Tivendale rated it really liked it

Shelves: freecopy, fantasy

I received a review copy of Jade War in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Fonda Lee and Orbit Books for the opportunity.

Jade War continues the brilliantly addictive and engaging oriental urban fantasy gangster narrative that started with Jade City. The novel is a mixture of the finest elements seen in crime cinema such as the family loyalty and honour from Copolla’s The Godfather and the political unrest and uncomfortable moments of To’s Election series. Intertwine that with s I received a review copy of Jade War in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Fonda Lee and Orbit Books for the opportunity.

Jade War continues the brilliantly addictive and engaging oriental urban fantasy gangster narrative that started with Jade City. The novel is a mixture of the finest elements seen in crime cinema such as the family loyalty and honour from Copolla’s The Godfather and the political unrest and uncomfortable moments of To’s Election series. Intertwine that with some John Woo inspired bullet ballet and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-esque wire-fu and readers are in for an incredible experience.

“The men begged for their captors to kill them, but the Jo Sun clan handed the criminals over to No Peak as a sign of allegiance and good will to the Kaul family. They were not alone in their thinking; the other minor Green Bone Clans, the Janloon city police, and even the Mountain clan assisted or got out of the way – there was nothing to be gained from opposing Kaul Hilo’s rampage.”

In Jade War, we mostly follow the point of view perspectives of important members of the No Peak clan. The Pillar Hilo, his sister the Weather Man Shae, their cousin Anden who moves abroad to study, and Hilo’s wife the stone-eye Wen. Hilo is still my favourite character. The thirty-something leader of one of Janloon’s most powerful clans who is cunning, intelligent, sometimes intense, occasionally ruthless but completely family-focused. He’s changed from his days running the streets for the clan but he still shows elements of his merciless and stone-hearted former self when he has to. The other standout character here is Wen. It’s been a while since I completed Jade City but I can’t remember her being anywhere near as important and influential as she presents herself here. The characters are my favourite aspect of Jade War, especially when considering how some members of the ensemble have changed dramatically over the space of a couple of years.

Jade City was predominantly about the Clan War but this time there is also a war of nations, involving many countries such as Kekon, Espenia, Ygutan and Oortokon. With that going on in the background there is also the issue of all the nations wanting Jade – a powerful stone that gives the holder phenomenal powers – in some capacity which has led to a black market for the sought after gems. In addition, there is political turmoil, individuals that are only out for themselves and an uncertain and potentially insubstantial clan truce. There really is a lot going on here in Lee’s created world, It’s complex, impressive and engaging. It’s not all dark and drab action throughout. There are some lighter, lovely moments. These are mostly when dealing with scenes of family closeness and the romantic relationships that a couple of characters have. This entry also includes an LGBT storyline.

In similar fashion to Jade City before it, Jade War is strikingly original in its composition and presentation. It’s beautifully written with exceptional characters and a phenomenal storyline. There are intense set-pieces and action scenes such as shootouts and duels. There are some extremely emotional and tragic moments. Certain individuals may be hugging their children in one scene, then executing someone gangland-style in the next, and then crying about the death of a close friend a few scenes later. Jade War will take you through a complete plethora of emotions like only the best books do. The ending of this novel wraps all up nicely but leaves us with a few questions and doubts about the mental state of one of the main players.

Jade War is just as good as the first entry in The Green Bone Saga but I have a feeling that Lee is saving the best for the finale and that she’s going to end this trilogy with an almighty bang. I can’t wait. ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Hamad rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019-reads, from-the-publisher, arcs, paperbacks

This review and other non-spoilery reviews can be found @The Book Prescription

Actual rating: 4.5 Stars

“The clan was not just people and jade and money. It was an idea, a legacy that connected the pats with the present and the future. The family’s strength was a promise.”

🌟 Disclaimer: I received a finished proof of Jade War in exchange for an honest review and my participation in a blog tour.

🌟 Often times we as readers hear about the middle book syndrome and we have all experienced the sec ...more

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Jul 13, 2019 TS Chan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, arc-review-copy

ARC provided by the publisher—Orbit—in exchange for an honest review.

Jade War is a magnificent sequel that brilliantly showcases the immense potential of urban fantasy, without resorting to typical mythological elements.

The author mentioned in the acknowledgements about the "seemingly impossible task of following up the biggest, most ambitious novel" she's ever written with "an even bigger and more ambitious novel". If that's the case, Fonda Lee has then achieved the seemingly impossible as th ...more

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Feb 26, 2018 Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: top-priority-2021

I regularly wake up in the dead of night thinking about how this book is probably gonna destroy me in the best way possible, so I guess all's good 🤷‍♀️ ...more

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Jul 03, 2019 CW (The Quiet Pond) ✨ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019, 2019-favourites, diverse-shelf, has-poc-rep, all-time-favourites, forever-in-my-heart, has-lgbtqa-rep, arc, urban-fantasy, year-of-the-asian-reading-2019

Many of you may know that Jade City is my favourite book of all time. And not just ‘one of my favourite books’ – Jade City is the favourite book. And now I find myself in the strange and unexpected position of finding a new favourite book of all time. I have loved Jade City so passionately for years that I never gave thought to the possibility that it would be dethroned so soon. It’s not often you read a book where the second book, the middle book of a trilogy no less, is undoubtedly better than ...more

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Sep 16, 2019 C.G. Drews added it

Shelves: adult, epic-fantasy, read-2019

I'm still so in awe of the depth and detail that's gone into this series. It kind of floors me and I respect Fonda Lee so much. 😍I will say I preferred Jade City as it felt more emotional, plus there were street fights and more sibling bickering (I just! I like!) and I felt connected. Jade War was politics heavy which, while intense and clever, left me emotionally uninvolved. I adore the Kauls though and Auden is cemented as my favourite character. Hilo disappointed me (he's really rather sexist ...more

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Aug 11, 2019 Justine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-read, favourites-2019

A fantastic follow up to the extremely impressive Jade City.

Jade War keeps to the same standard of excellence set by its predecessor with complicated yet precise storytelling, deep worldbuilding, and fully realised characters. There were moments of shock and surprise, and given what Lee showed she was willing to do in Jade City, many turns in the story where I really wasn't sure what the outcome would be.

Yet again Lee shows that she is a writer to be reckoned with; one who improves upon her pre ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Deborah Obida rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, urban-fantasy, favorite-books

“Belief is the first step toward making your dreams come true,”

Jade War is a great addition to this series, it is even better than Jade City and I thought that was a great book, I lack words to say how much I love this book, it exceeded all the expectations I have.

The events here took place a year and some months after book one. The synopsis says it all, but if you haven't read it, here's a summary.

The clans signed a treaty to end the clan war going on, other countries wants jade for themsel “Belief is the first step toward making your dreams come true,”

Jade War is a great addition to this series, it is even better than Jade City and I thought that was a great book, I lack words to say how much I love this book, it exceeded all the expectations I have.

The events here took place a year and some months after book one. The synopsis says it all, but if you haven't read it, here's a summary.

The clans signed a treaty to end the clan war going on, other countries wants jade for themselves to arm their armies, their neighbouring countries are warring each other and the Espenians have picked a side. The clans have to work together to make sure that the winning country don't attempt to take over theirs.

The main theme in this book is family, I love the way the author depicted the Kaul and Maiks, they are not only loyal to each other they also love each other, there is also romance in this, the fight scenes were well depicted, I love it.

The world building is exceptional, this is an urban fantasy but the only thing that makes it somewhat contemporary is technology, apart from technology everything else including the countries are made up, though they mirror our world. The magic system is amazing, Jade is like a gemstone, it's gotten only in Janloon and only the natives of that country can use it, when you wear the jade either as a jewelry or studded to the skin, it gives the wearer super strength, makes them fast, they can deflect both people and objects among other things.

The characters in this series are awesome, the author did a good job, it's been a while since I read about characters with such depth and personality. No two characters are the same and none is the clone of another. This series is written in third person multiple POV of the Kaul family and Bero that I still loathe.

Hilo has now adapted to the Pillar role, he was struggling in book one but now he is better and no longer wants to solve all the Horn's problems, he also listens to Shae. Despite the above, he is still violent and will kill anyone who threatens his family. I love that he didn't really change, he just evolved.

Shae is the best weatherman ever, she knows her job and does it well, she has made lots of business opportunities that will generate money for the clan.

Anden is now in Espenian, it took time but he later adapted, even abroad he met some green bones and had found a way to help the clan.

Wen is the best, her relationship with Shae is what I love most in this book, if not for her efforts, the clan won't have reached the level they are in now. Her openness and willingness to help the clan is deeply admirable.

The Maik brothers have more page space in this book, I got to know them better. Kehn has a POV in this book, he is so calm, loyal and hardworking. ...more

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Sep 19, 2019 ChopinFC rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, series

Jade War was an absolute home run, as the narrative surpasses the first book in almost every respect!

After following some intuition, and much curiosity from GR friends that recommended 'Jade City', I really enjoyed the 'urban-fantasy' , 'asian-gangster' inspired setting of the first book. At its end, so many threads were left bare and hanging, that I had to immediately get into Jade War.

Jade War was stunning in conception, characterization, world building and magic system!!!

It's fucking amazin ...more

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Apr 23, 2019 Sarah Gailey rated it it was amazing

I don't usually write reviews but I have to. You guys. YOU GUYS.

THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE.

Fonda Lee shouldn't have been able to write a better book than Jade City because that isn't technically possible, but then somehow, incredibly: she DID??? This book is tense and lush and beautiful and violent and it completely wrecked me. I couldn't stop reading it. It features the best fight scene in the series so far, a fight scene that I had to read standing up because I was so adrenalized by it. The chara ...more

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Aug 08, 2020 Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, series-caught-up, audiobooks

4.5 Stars
This has easily become one of my new favourite fantasy series. It just feels so different than the classic fantasy narratives I am use to reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, but I loved the sequel even more. I have become more attached to the characters in this one. I love that they are all complex and morally grey, often making controversial decisions. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book when it is released.

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Aug 04, 2019 Allison Hurd rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, fem-author, authors-of-color

Argh. I was so excited for this. The first was pitch perfect for me--an endearing mash up of mobsters, wuxia magic, gang wars and family drama. This felt more like a bunch of summaries from different points of view, a series of short stories that...don't really ever live up to the title.

CONTENT WARNING: (no actual spoilers, just a list of topics) (view spoiler)

Things to love:

-Shae, Wen, Cory, ...more

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Oct 15, 2020 hillary ☾ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, high-fantasy

4.5 stars

It took me a while to really fall for these characters, but now I have definitely reached the ‘I require therapy after reading this’ stage.
I am made of pain. Nobody touch me.

Will I survive an entire year without the sequel? This book upped the stakes and I expect bad things to happen in the future. I was really afraid I would not recover from this book because people say reading Jade War is pure suffering...but is it really? Is it? I’m sure as hell this was nothing, this author has more 4.5 stars

It took me a while to really fall for these characters, but now I have definitely reached the ‘I require therapy after reading this’ stage.
I am made of pain. Nobody touch me.

Will I survive an entire year without the sequel? This book upped the stakes and I expect bad things to happen in the future. I was really afraid I would not recover from this book because people say reading Jade War is pure suffering...but is it really? Is it? I’m sure as hell this was nothing, this author has more in store and it’s not going to be all sunshine and roses—buT DO SOMETHING TO ANDEN AND I WILL BE VEEEERY MAD.

I’m so amazed by how Fonda Lee managed to make me think this book was about more than just the rivalry between the two families and then at the end tipped everything over and made a fool out of me. How does a single person just go and write something this intricate with infinite roles at play? If I wanted more from Jade City (did I even know what I was asking for? ...NO) I for sure got it here. I love that more countries are involved in this mess, and I love that it spans years. That is so realistic and such a train wreck you can’t recover from.

Don't be scared. It's good you guys, believe me.

Hilo was the character I had most trouble connecting with, but I can say with certainty that this sequel made me really attach to him. He still does his share of shitty things and can seem like a cold character, but I think this book was also his character study (and Anden's, but I will touch on that later). It was difficult for me to understand at length the motivations behind his actions before the first third of this book, but at some point it just clicked with me. It might be that he has some seriously engaging banter with Shae. (view spoiler) I'm again very appreciative of how Fonda Lee was able to show this change in an incredibly realistic way. I almost feel like I'm talking about real people here.
On the other side, I had no issues falling for Anden in Jade City (view spoiler) I just love him so much, okay?? I need all the blankets to protect him from all evils. (view spoiler) I'm very excited for what's to come. Hopefully it's all good things (looking at you, Fonda Lee).

(view spoiler)

I'm so happy I found this series, it's completely different from what I usually read in fantasy and honestly it was much needed. I have been listening to these books on audio and let me tell you, the narrator does a pretty great job. I love that I know how to correctly pronounce things and that every character has a different voice in my head now (though I'm not so happy about having to listen to him reading me explicit sex scenes, but I digress haha). Still, whatever the format, I believe this is a trilogy that people have to absolutely pick up. It's that good. ...more

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Jun 17, 2020 Brenda Waworga rated it it was amazing

"The Clan is my blood, and the Pillar is its master"

OH MY GOODNESS! Fonda Lee did it again! I love "Jade City" so much and I thought there is no way the sequel will be better than the 1st book .. but Fonda Lee surprised me! I love every single page that I read, I love all the political intrigues, family dramas, cultures and I love the most THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT .. that last 200 pages make me sweat, pull my hair and cry .. SO INTENSE!!!

EASY 5 stars read for me! I will pledge my loyalty to ...more

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Sep 13, 2019 Bradley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-shelf, fantasy, urban-fantasy

This book continues the modern equivalent of an Italian (mafia, old world, new world) and Japanese (isolated island with strategic resources) Urban Fantasy. It does it in wonderful style.

Where the first one felt very Godfather with magical Jade stones that can only be used by certain bloodlines except when a special drug is involved, this one picks up the pieces of the clan warfare and scatters them into the new world. Modern warfare takes on a particularly economic cast. Gaining contacts and b ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Jenia rated it it was amazing

I received an ARC of this book from the publishing company Orbit in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is book 2 in the Green Bone Sage, so beware of spoilers for book 1.

Well, in short, I loved it!

Jade War picks up about a year after the events of the last book. While the No Peak Clan and the Mountain Clan are officially at peace, the truce remains exceedingly uneasy. Furthermore, a proxy war is brewing in a neighbouring country, and all the interested powers want jade to support their I received an ARC of this book from the publishing company Orbit in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is book 2 in the Green Bone Sage, so beware of spoilers for book 1.

Well, in short, I loved it!

Jade War picks up about a year after the events of the last book. While the No Peak Clan and the Mountain Clan are officially at peace, the truce remains exceedingly uneasy. Furthermore, a proxy war is brewing in a neighbouring country, and all the interested powers want jade to support their soldiers. Hilo and Shae must deal with pressure from outside and within, from governments and smugglers, from enemies and allies, if they want their clan to survive.

I think the best word to describe this sequel is bigger. The setting is expanded from one city in Kekon to include multiple other countries. The web of tensions are expanded from between two clans to include up-and-coming rogue jade users, jade smugglers, foreign governments, foreign gangsters, and immigrant communities. And the time period of the book is expanded from months to years. To be completely honest, I was a little overwhelmed at first. But eventually it clicks and when it does — oh wow. The scope just makes it feel so real, with the same messy complications and maneuvering as in our world.

Fortunately, the book is grounded by its strong characters, who are just as fun to follow as all the machinations. It continues to revolve primarily around the core of the No Peak clan: Hilo, Shae, Anden, and Wen. I loved the continued focus on family; the sisters-in-law relationship between Shae and Wen shone especially bright for me. However, what I find most fascinating is how easy it is to accept the clan’s worldview and forget that they are, well, fucking brutal gangsters. (Except for Anden, who’s a sweetheart even when he’s beating up some dude for insulting his honour.) It’s only when they stand in contrast to non-clan-involved characters that they slip from anti-hero to anti-villain. To be honest, if the whole saga ends in tragedy for them, no matter how much I adore them, I’d find it fitting.

For people who loved Jade City for its action, I have to say that Jade War felt a bit calmer in that respect. With the increase of politicking, there’s a corresponding decrease in crazy street brawls. For me though, there were definitely enough badass, brutal fights to quench my desire for blood -- uhh to satisfy me. And even when there’s no violence, there’s always the threat of it, and that keeps tensions high for a lot of the book — especially the last third. I think there was a point that I actually had to stand up and pace for a bit before I could continue!

One last thing I wanted to mention was how much I loved the main new setting outside of Kekon: an immigrant community in Espenia. The culture there is Kekonese-but-not, some parts exactly the same, some parts more traditional than that of the rapidly changing homeland, and some parts integrated Espenian. It’s truly Kekonese-Espenian, a “hyphenated culture”, and I think it’ll ring true for a lot of people who are or have been part of an immigrant community.

Altogether, Jade War is a wonderful book and a wonderful sequel. It retains what made people fall in love with the first book, while also expanding on almost every aspect. If you loved the first one — what’re you waiting for? ...more

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Nov 25, 2020 Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) rated it it was amazing

Join me on YouTube HERE where I discuss 6 reasons why you should read this series!

Well, that is a way to do a sequel!!! Rarely does a sequel outdo its predecessor, but here we are!

I thought the first one was pretty darn good! I am BLOWN AWAY by this one!

Jade War is set just over a year after Jade City. The clans are still at war with each other and there are some international complications now with other countries wanting a part of all this Jade business. Andon is forced to live over in Espeni Join me on YouTube HERE where I discuss 6 reasons why you should read this series!

Well, that is a way to do a sequel!!! Rarely does a sequel outdo its predecessor, but here we are!

I thought the first one was pretty darn good! I am BLOWN AWAY by this one!

Jade War is set just over a year after Jade City. The clans are still at war with each other and there are some international complications now with other countries wanting a part of all this Jade business. Andon is forced to live over in Espenia away from his cousins, and finds himself in trouble there too!
Look, nothing else I say will adequately explain the plot to you unless I spoil it.

Hilo is coming into his own now as the Pillar of the clan. I am liking him a bit more in this one. Although he does one absolutely awful thing which I was so shocked about! I really hope that comes back to bite him! His decisions and actions really show how much he is giving for the clan now. He didn't want to be Pillar, but he has taken it on and is coming into his own.

There was just so much more in this book! More drama, more ROMANCE! More intrigue, more BETRAYAL!!! Everything was written so cleverly, with so many twists and turns! You never knew where things were going to go next. And you NEVER knew who Fonda Lee is going to kill off! So don't get too attached to the characters!

The magic system in the Green Bone Saga is so clever and refreshing. The whole series is based around Jade and how it gives certain people supernatural abilities. It is set in a modern-type world, however, there are no mobile phones or pagers... Overall minimum technology. And I love this. I love that they can't just call each other on the phone or message each other. It adds to the central plot that they become unable to contact each other and it adds to the tension and frustration of the situation.

The book is deeper and richer than Jade City, the characters are so much more developed. The relationships are so much deeper.

Would I recommend Jade War?
Lee has just done such a spectacular job writing these characters and building this intricate, detailed world and I absolutely can't wait for the next one!

I purchased Jade War at my own expense on audio. ...more

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Jul 16, 2019 Nils | nilsreviewsit rated it it was amazing

“We have each other and maybe that’s the one thing our enemies don’t.” Hilo’s aura gave a dark pulse, like an angry sigh, but he didn’t move or open his eyes. Shae slumped back and closed her own eyes. “The clan is my blood and the Pillar is it’s master,” she whispered. “ I have a lot of regrets in life, but those oaths aren’t one of them.”
~
Jade War by Fonda Lee is the second book in the Green Bone saga, and it’s been one of my most anticipated reads since I read and completely gushed over the f ...more

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Mar 06, 2021 Henny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, pretty-covers, trigger-warnings, fantasy, queer-characters, kickass-heroines, underrated-deserve-some-spotlight, best-characters, best-of-2021

Jade War is one of those very rare sequels that's even better than the first book!

The stakes are even higher than in Jade City, the plot always has you on the edge, even in its slower/calmer parts. But just like in Jade City, the characters are outstanding. Without getting into spoilers, there are some great corruption arcs that really make you question your sympathies with some of the characters.

Can't wait for Jade Legacy being published later this year and seeing where the Kaul family ends u ...more

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Oct 18, 2020 Monte Price rated it really liked it

Shelves: yarc-2020

I'm quite conflicted on where I stand with this particular installment. On most levels I had a better experience reading Jade War than I did the first book. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse at Espenia and the world outside of Janloon. I liked getting more of a history lesson, seeing the experience of the Kekonese diaspora. I think that this book really highlights just how masterful Fonda Lee is when it comes to crafting a world. My favorite parts of the book by far were seeing the larger worl I'm quite conflicted on where I stand with this particular installment. On most levels I had a better experience reading Jade War than I did the first book. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse at Espenia and the world outside of Janloon. I liked getting more of a history lesson, seeing the experience of the Kekonese diaspora. I think that this book really highlights just how masterful Fonda Lee is when it comes to crafting a world. My favorite parts of the book by far were seeing the larger world and how that played into the clan affairs.

Where I struggle is kind of the same place I struggled with Jade City, these characters. In the absence of a plot you're forced to care about seeing these characters manuever through clan politics and international relations. Once again I really felt that the characters I wanted to see more of were just, absent. Like Wen? The glimpses we got to spend with her were nice, far more than I what we got from Jade City, but also never enough. Also what happens to the good sis Wen in the third act? That was a personal attack against me. Hilo continued to be as unhinged as ever, there are many things that I could be upset with Hilo for in this book. I think the idea that he would willingly put a target on his cousins head, that's up there with being unforgiveable. Like I guess Anden knows about the target, but like, we aren't gonna sit here and act like family is that important and how Anden can only be useful to you if he wears Jade. I also just didn't like Anden being reduced to being a weapon. I'm also just very over the homophobia of characters in this world. I truly don't care to hear any justification for it, like Lee crafted a world that I'm sure is based in reality but is vibrant separated from it that seeing the homophobia just tossed in to create conflict is by far the laziest aspect of this story.

I'm curious to see where Jade Legacy is going to end. After reading this nebulous second book I've given up any idea that I'll get a truly satisfying conclusion from this series, simply because I don't quite think this is the kind of story that can have one. It's very much the kind of story that will feel as though we're closing the book on this chapter but there is clearly a lot going on in this world and Jade War pulls back the curtain a little so we can get a glimpse of it. ...more

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Aug 13, 2019 Andrew rated it it was amazing

Such a fantastic follow-up.

I really loved Jade City and Jade War didn't disappoint. It's much bigger in scope and it allows the main players from the first book to grow in interesting ways.

I was particularly impressed by how cinematic the action in the first book was and every single fight scene in Jade War is just as gripping. What this book offers more of is the Weather Man's side of the clan. The business dealings, political intrigue and economic plotting are just as thrilling as the duels. I ...more

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Sep 13, 2019 Kaitlin rated it really liked it

This book is a sequel so I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but I have to say I am completely in love with where this gang-inspired asian fantasy series is going. Jade is a commodity and it's the cause of a lot of hate and rivalry. There's a lot of in-fighting and a lot of conflict every time.

In this particular one I enjoyed Shay (sp? I audiobooked), Anden, and the Pillar's wife as their stories fascinated me most and I think the ladies really owned :) The Mountain and No Peak continue ...more

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Sep 15, 2020 Karima chermiti rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, 2020, adult_fiction, fantasy, suspense

1) Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1) : 5 Stars

Fonda Lee has no mercy

Jade City was a phenomenal book and Jade war is even better. I can’t wrap up my mind of how brilliant this sequel is. I’m lost for words.

The clan was not just people and jade and money. It was an idea, a legacy that connected the pats with the present and the future. The family’s strength was a promise

The story was flawless, The execution and the structure were outstanding and the pacing was perfect. I was und ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 mich rated it it was ok

Shelves: will-read-next-one, fantasy, best-family, disappointing, uf-or-paranormal, it-wasn-t-all-bad, zzzzz, slow-start-worth-it, romance-is-meh

Omg I feel like I’m breaking aisho or something right now. 2.5 stars

Look, no spoilers but I’m disappointed. Jade City was one of the small handful of books that I put on my favorites shelf last year. I was expecting to love this.

Too much learning still!

Second book sequels and I have a pretty good relationship. If I liked the first book in a trilogy, odds are that I’ll like the second book.

I mean, what’s not to like? The “hard part” is over right? Learning the multitude of character names, the ...more

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Oct 05, 2019 Beth rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy-by-women, 2010s-sff-by-women, buddy-reads

The scope of the series expands in this volume, both in time and in physical scale. Children are born, the No Peak Clan extends its financial influence into Espenia, and jade smuggling becomes an international trade that No Peak tries to keep under its control, or to repress when interests outside the clan sidestep its influence.

This book took quite some time for me to read. A friend or two even wondered why it was taking so long! It ended up becoming much like a serial or soap opera as I read a The scope of the series expands in this volume, both in time and in physical scale. Children are born, the No Peak Clan extends its financial influence into Espenia, and jade smuggling becomes an international trade that No Peak tries to keep under its control, or to repress when interests outside the clan sidestep its influence.

This book took quite some time for me to read. A friend or two even wondered why it was taking so long! It ended up becoming much like a serial or soap opera as I read along--palatable in short doses, somewhat exhausting beyond that. This slower pace kept on until about the 75% mark, and the rest went much faster.

Many of the riveting, personal-scale conflicts from the first book returned or were given more depth. Shae and Wen had excellent sequences in Jade War, including a couple that hit me to the heart. Anden's time in Espenia was great, too, and introduced some characters who I hope will carry over into the next book. Hilo went through some changes that will absolutely have repercussions later on. Themes of womanhood and familial obligation added weight to the ongoing drama.

Unfortunately, a lot of this volume was also spent setting up global situations and conflicts, and the next generation of Kauls. So many strategy and board meetings! So many babies! While mildly interesting in their own right, the exposition sequences also created a distance between myself and the book. An omniscient point of view isn't bad in itself, but too much detail of this kind can siphon the life out of it. While I'm not an editor who could point to exact chapters or scenes that bogged down Jade War's story, I definitely felt that sluggishness as a reader.

On the whole, this series seems like it will be a dynastic saga, with a new generation of Kauls inheriting the domestic conflicts of its progenitors, while also trying to find its place, survive, and thrive on a global stage. I preferred the more intimate scale of the first book--and the sequences in this book that hearkened back to it--and had only a mild interest in the rest.

There's a lot to like here, but if it had been quite a bit shorter it would have had a greater impact. As is, it had some extraordinarily good moments, though not enough to make me feel it lived up to the promise of Jade City. I'm still looking forward to the last volume, albeit with a lower level of hype-fueled expectation. Three and a half stars, rounded down. ...more

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About Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee

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Fonda Lee is the World Fantasy Award-winning author of the epic Green Bone Saga, beginning with Jade City and continuing in Jade War and Jade Legacy. She is also the author of the acclaimed science fiction novels Zeroboxer, Exo and Cross Fire.

Fonda is 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 ...more

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Quotes from Jade War

“The possibility of death was like the weather—you could make attempts to predict it, but you would likely be wrong, and no one would change their most important plans due to threat of rain.” — 4 likes

“The clan is my blood and the Pillar is its master,” she whispered. “I have a lot of regrets in life, but those oaths aren’t one of them.” — 4 likes

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