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The Jade Chronicles #2
The Jade Talisman
A talisman. A song. A gift that bends time, and alters the course of destiny itself.
It is the year 2762 in the Empire of Khalendar, and AI Masters rule the civilized world, striving to crush all dissent. But they have not yet managed to quell the Jade Rebellion or its leader, Walter Saltanetska. The rebels have sailed beyond the Empire’s borders to the infamous isle of Vei’arash. Their mission is to find animal spirits exiled long ago by the AI Masters, and return them to the mainland. With any luck, the spirits will strengthen the fading magical powers of their allies, the Western Mages, and join the battle against their oppressive rulers.
As the rebels plunge deeper into the jungle, physical laws are upended. The plants and animals of the rainforest are inextricably linked to divine beings. An ancient shaman-god entrusts Walter with the Jade Talisman, an enchanted gemstone that warps the basic rules of time and space.
The Talisman allows Walter to gaze into a mesmerizing labyrinth of future possibilities. But the visions it offers up are troublingly dark, giving Walter insight into the potential fates of himself and his loved ones. This gift proves to be a crushing burden, and Walter desperately longs for an ordinary life. But there is no going back…
The gripping sequel to The Jade Rebellion, The Jade Talisman explores whether nature and spirituality are capable of persevering in a world dominated by the cold logic of artificial intelligence.
It is the year 2762 in the Empire of Khalendar, and AI Masters rule the civilized world, striving to crush all dissent. But they have not yet managed to quell the Jade Rebellion or its leader, Walter Saltanetska. The rebels have sailed beyond the Empire’s borders to the infamous isle of Vei’arash. Their mission is to find animal spirits exiled long ago by the AI Masters, and return them to the mainland. With any luck, the spirits will strengthen the fading magical powers of their allies, the Western Mages, and join the battle against their oppressive rulers.
As the rebels plunge deeper into the jungle, physical laws are upended. The plants and animals of the rainforest are inextricably linked to divine beings. An ancient shaman-god entrusts Walter with the Jade Talisman, an enchanted gemstone that warps the basic rules of time and space.
The Talisman allows Walter to gaze into a mesmerizing labyrinth of future possibilities. But the visions it offers up are troublingly dark, giving Walter insight into the potential fates of himself and his loved ones. This gift proves to be a crushing burden, and Walter desperately longs for an ordinary life. But there is no going back…
The gripping sequel to The Jade Rebellion, The Jade Talisman explores whether nature and spirituality are capable of persevering in a world dominated by the cold logic of artificial intelligence.
209 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2021
33 people want to read
About the author
Alanna Mackenzie
4 books11 followersAlanna Mackenzie was born in Toronto, Ontario and now lives in Vancouver, B.C. She is passionate about social justice, environmental issues, writing, and exploring the ethical questions raised by technology and artificial intelligence.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 16, 2021
This is such a brilliant read. I was attracted by the cover first and when I read the blurb I really wanted to read it.
This sci-fi fantasy fiction is definitely different to the other fantasy novels. This is written so beautifully blending the past and future. It's the second book in The Jade Chronicles and I had the opportunity to read the first book too. Absolutely loved both and hope there will be more from the author.
I really liked the writing style and the world building. You can see alot of research and hard work had gone into this series. Definitely recommend.
This sci-fi fantasy fiction is definitely different to the other fantasy novels. This is written so beautifully blending the past and future. It's the second book in The Jade Chronicles and I had the opportunity to read the first book too. Absolutely loved both and hope there will be more from the author.
I really liked the writing style and the world building. You can see alot of research and hard work had gone into this series. Definitely recommend.
February 2, 2025
When I finished the first book, The Jade Rebellion, I was excited to jump straight into the second. I was also confident I’d get to like the characters more and I was not wrong. The sequel is arguably better than the first one!
I adore Mackenzie’s writing which is so well suited to the genre. They show the contrast between cold logic and the idea of humanity/spirituality competing with this. While this may sound political, and obviously it is, Mackenzie writes in such a way that the politics and ethics are interwoven with the story so well it never feels like someone telling us what they believe or what should happen. The story is well paced and keeps you engaged while not rushing.
I have to say I did enjoy this one even more than the first one and now I cannot wait to start the third because I know it can only get better!
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours the copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.
#AlannaMackenzie #TheJadeTailsman #ZooloosBookTour #ZooLoosBookTours #BookTourReview #BookReview #FreeReview #AdPR #Gifted
I adore Mackenzie’s writing which is so well suited to the genre. They show the contrast between cold logic and the idea of humanity/spirituality competing with this. While this may sound political, and obviously it is, Mackenzie writes in such a way that the politics and ethics are interwoven with the story so well it never feels like someone telling us what they believe or what should happen. The story is well paced and keeps you engaged while not rushing.
I have to say I did enjoy this one even more than the first one and now I cannot wait to start the third because I know it can only get better!
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours the copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.
#AlannaMackenzie #TheJadeTailsman #ZooloosBookTour #ZooLoosBookTours #BookTourReview #BookReview #FreeReview #AdPR #Gifted
February 10, 2025
This is Book 2 of The Jade Chronicles.
First of all, what a beautiful cover! It's very eyecatching and a little whimsical, which is surprising given the genre! Gorgeous!
Once again, Walter and his group of rebels are back and on their next part of their rebellion adventure!
This time, though, we are introduced to a mysterious talisman...
The addition of this mystical, magical talisman launches the book closer to fantasy, which, combined with its primarily science fiction and dystopian vibe, is a very intriguing mix.
The introduction of the talisman that warps time was great as it really plunged the characters into some dark situations and possibilities.
Once again, there is a heavy AI presence and it was intriguing to get a glimpse of an alternative world where AI is the dominant one.
Science Fiction lovers will love this sequal and will be desperate to see what the finale has in store for them!
First of all, what a beautiful cover! It's very eyecatching and a little whimsical, which is surprising given the genre! Gorgeous!
Once again, Walter and his group of rebels are back and on their next part of their rebellion adventure!
This time, though, we are introduced to a mysterious talisman...
The addition of this mystical, magical talisman launches the book closer to fantasy, which, combined with its primarily science fiction and dystopian vibe, is a very intriguing mix.
The introduction of the talisman that warps time was great as it really plunged the characters into some dark situations and possibilities.
Once again, there is a heavy AI presence and it was intriguing to get a glimpse of an alternative world where AI is the dominant one.
Science Fiction lovers will love this sequal and will be desperate to see what the finale has in store for them!
January 30, 2025
The jade talisman by Alanna MacKenzie.
The jade Chronicles book 2.
I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I do like the world building and the writing style. I did enjoy this book. I couldn't put it down. This is very well written. A lot of research has gone into this book. I'm really looking forward to book 3. I would recommend this book
The jade Chronicles book 2.
I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I do like the world building and the writing style. I did enjoy this book. I couldn't put it down. This is very well written. A lot of research has gone into this book. I'm really looking forward to book 3. I would recommend this book
August 25, 2021
Future, past, magic and high-tech come together in a fast paced, futuristic novel, which grabs into a intriguing world.
Walter lives in the future, where AIs are in charge and magic is as much a part of the high-tech as circuits. Realizing that nature and the world are at stake, he seeks to find a way to rebel and save what remains. During his search in the outlaying towns and areas, nature's spirits are on his side. when he gains a talisman, which allows him to see the future, he's left with a web of visions, which he may not be able to handle, but must if he wants to succeed.
I did not read the first one in the series, and that was a mistake. While I could think my way through the beginning and figure out what was going on, reading the first book would have been helpful and definitely enriched the world. So, read this one as a series if possible.
This is a well-created world, which takes a dystopian viewpoint where AIs rule and run everything. But it's not pure science fiction, either. Rather, magic plays just as an important role and has melded seamlessly into the advancements. This alone was a treat to read, since the author does pull the elements together very nicely. But it doesn't stop there. It takes a look at the need for nature survive, and on this side, uses natural spirits, who fight to continue their existence. So, there are several layers in this plot.
Both tension and pacing remain high. Walter is determined to save what still remains of nature and Earth, and he's pitted against impossible odds. But it's about more than just this battle. Walter needs to learn to deal with his own abilities and that of the world around him. He has quite a bit to figure out and adjust to, while learning to gain a better understanding of everything involved. In other words, there are quite a few unexpected moments, situations which aren't sure victories, and plenty of times to wonder how it will work out. It's an interesting read, which grabs and holds in a unique world. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it as much as I hoped I would.
Walter lives in the future, where AIs are in charge and magic is as much a part of the high-tech as circuits. Realizing that nature and the world are at stake, he seeks to find a way to rebel and save what remains. During his search in the outlaying towns and areas, nature's spirits are on his side. when he gains a talisman, which allows him to see the future, he's left with a web of visions, which he may not be able to handle, but must if he wants to succeed.
I did not read the first one in the series, and that was a mistake. While I could think my way through the beginning and figure out what was going on, reading the first book would have been helpful and definitely enriched the world. So, read this one as a series if possible.
This is a well-created world, which takes a dystopian viewpoint where AIs rule and run everything. But it's not pure science fiction, either. Rather, magic plays just as an important role and has melded seamlessly into the advancements. This alone was a treat to read, since the author does pull the elements together very nicely. But it doesn't stop there. It takes a look at the need for nature survive, and on this side, uses natural spirits, who fight to continue their existence. So, there are several layers in this plot.
Both tension and pacing remain high. Walter is determined to save what still remains of nature and Earth, and he's pitted against impossible odds. But it's about more than just this battle. Walter needs to learn to deal with his own abilities and that of the world around him. He has quite a bit to figure out and adjust to, while learning to gain a better understanding of everything involved. In other words, there are quite a few unexpected moments, situations which aren't sure victories, and plenty of times to wonder how it will work out. It's an interesting read, which grabs and holds in a unique world. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it as much as I hoped I would.
July 14, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to The Jade Talisman as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with Lola's Blog Tours. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
I really, REALLY wanted to find out what this book with the gorgeous cover was all about when it was on NetGalley, but I hadn't read book one and it wasn't available from my regional libraries on Libby, so I passed it up and added it to my Kindle wishlist. When both books came up for review at once on this tour, I had to say yes, right? I was so excited!
The Jade Chronicles series presents a fascinating future where AIs have taken over and magic is blended seamlessly with technology. The Jade Talisman gets to dive further into this world and explore how nature spirits have melded with technology and human interference. That stunning cover's not just a teaser!
Walter is trying to save what's left of the natural world before it's too late, and this book follows him on a journey to small communities to seek the wisdom of isolated elders. In the first book, I critiqued that I felt like I was watching everything happen at arm's length, but that was not the case in this one. The cast was far more engaging this time, and I couldn't put this book down! I spent this book walking along right beside Walter, speaking to everyone he spoke to, seeing what he saw as he saw it, and I loved it.
Please tell me this series has more coming! SFF lovers, grab both books and your favourite beverage because this world is worth exploring.
I really, REALLY wanted to find out what this book with the gorgeous cover was all about when it was on NetGalley, but I hadn't read book one and it wasn't available from my regional libraries on Libby, so I passed it up and added it to my Kindle wishlist. When both books came up for review at once on this tour, I had to say yes, right? I was so excited!
The Jade Chronicles series presents a fascinating future where AIs have taken over and magic is blended seamlessly with technology. The Jade Talisman gets to dive further into this world and explore how nature spirits have melded with technology and human interference. That stunning cover's not just a teaser!
Walter is trying to save what's left of the natural world before it's too late, and this book follows him on a journey to small communities to seek the wisdom of isolated elders. In the first book, I critiqued that I felt like I was watching everything happen at arm's length, but that was not the case in this one. The cast was far more engaging this time, and I couldn't put this book down! I spent this book walking along right beside Walter, speaking to everyone he spoke to, seeing what he saw as he saw it, and I loved it.
Please tell me this series has more coming! SFF lovers, grab both books and your favourite beverage because this world is worth exploring.
April 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this fantasy fiction which beautifully brings together the future and past, shows the glimpse of what might happen in a world where AI rules the world and natural spirits hide away in villages and faraway mountains and a rebel leader, Walter, wants to bring the change, save the earth and seeks support from ancient wisdom.
May 2, 2021
A thoughtful & insightful sci-fi/fantasy adventure combining magic and artificial intelligence in a dystopian future. A great addition to the Jade Chronicles series.
February 12, 2025
Here is my review for The Jade Talisman by Alanna Mackenzie
This book is an intriguing part of the series which I really enjoyed and saw Walter leading the Jade Rebellion after Emilia got killed. They left the Jade Queen leaving some of the fighters on board who were too tired for the trek. They took provisions with them for the journey in canvas sacks. They came across a village called Anatari so they mixed with the villagers to see what they could learn. They wanted to see what they could learn about animal spirits. What they didn’t realise was they were being secretly drugged by the leader of the villagers. This caused the mages to link with their animal spirits. There was a jaguar, crows, two kingsnakes, two horses and two lizards. Once this had been revealed and confirmed the spirits could leave with them, the group left the village for their next destination, a mountain. This was a great read with so much going on, it drew you in and wouldn’t let you go until the end. I absolutely loved the cover of this book, it was something so different. It was like it was trying to combine the AI’s and a stag into the same picture, very well thought out. The idea behind this book is brilliant and it’s been well thought out. The author has certainly used her imagination well and it shows in the writing, it’s something she has enjoyed doing. I have enjoyed reading it. I like the whole idea behind this trilogy and I’m set for reading the third book. The characters have been well thought out and they all have their place and part to play in this story.
Blurb :
A talisman. A song. A gift that bends time, and alters the course of destiny itself.
It is the year 2762 in the Empire of Khalendar, and AI Masters rule the civilized world, striving to crush all dissent. But they have not yet managed to quell the Jade Rebellion or its leader, Walter Saltanetska. The rebels have sailed beyond the Empire’s borders to the infamous isle of Vei’arash. Their mission is to find animal spirits exiled long ago by the AI Masters, and return them to the mainland. With any luck, the spirits will strengthen the fading magical powers of their allies, the Western Mages, and join the battle against their oppressive rulers.
As the rebels plunge deeper into the jungle, physical laws are upended. The plants and animals of the rainforest are inextricably linked to divine beings. An ancient shaman-god entrusts Walter with the Jade Talisman, an enchanted gemstone that warps the basic rules of time and space.
The Talisman allows Walter to gaze into a mesmerizing labyrinth of future possibilities. But the visions it offers up are troublingly dark, giving Walter insight into the potential fates of himself and his loved ones. This gift proves to be a crushing burden, and Walter desperately longs for an ordinary life. But there is no going back…
The gripping sequel to The Jade Rebellion, The Jade Talisman explores whether nature and spirituality are capable of persevering in a world dominated by the cold logic of artificial intelligence.
This book is an intriguing part of the series which I really enjoyed and saw Walter leading the Jade Rebellion after Emilia got killed. They left the Jade Queen leaving some of the fighters on board who were too tired for the trek. They took provisions with them for the journey in canvas sacks. They came across a village called Anatari so they mixed with the villagers to see what they could learn. They wanted to see what they could learn about animal spirits. What they didn’t realise was they were being secretly drugged by the leader of the villagers. This caused the mages to link with their animal spirits. There was a jaguar, crows, two kingsnakes, two horses and two lizards. Once this had been revealed and confirmed the spirits could leave with them, the group left the village for their next destination, a mountain. This was a great read with so much going on, it drew you in and wouldn’t let you go until the end. I absolutely loved the cover of this book, it was something so different. It was like it was trying to combine the AI’s and a stag into the same picture, very well thought out. The idea behind this book is brilliant and it’s been well thought out. The author has certainly used her imagination well and it shows in the writing, it’s something she has enjoyed doing. I have enjoyed reading it. I like the whole idea behind this trilogy and I’m set for reading the third book. The characters have been well thought out and they all have their place and part to play in this story.
Blurb :
A talisman. A song. A gift that bends time, and alters the course of destiny itself.
It is the year 2762 in the Empire of Khalendar, and AI Masters rule the civilized world, striving to crush all dissent. But they have not yet managed to quell the Jade Rebellion or its leader, Walter Saltanetska. The rebels have sailed beyond the Empire’s borders to the infamous isle of Vei’arash. Their mission is to find animal spirits exiled long ago by the AI Masters, and return them to the mainland. With any luck, the spirits will strengthen the fading magical powers of their allies, the Western Mages, and join the battle against their oppressive rulers.
As the rebels plunge deeper into the jungle, physical laws are upended. The plants and animals of the rainforest are inextricably linked to divine beings. An ancient shaman-god entrusts Walter with the Jade Talisman, an enchanted gemstone that warps the basic rules of time and space.
The Talisman allows Walter to gaze into a mesmerizing labyrinth of future possibilities. But the visions it offers up are troublingly dark, giving Walter insight into the potential fates of himself and his loved ones. This gift proves to be a crushing burden, and Walter desperately longs for an ordinary life. But there is no going back…
The gripping sequel to The Jade Rebellion, The Jade Talisman explores whether nature and spirituality are capable of persevering in a world dominated by the cold logic of artificial intelligence.
February 4, 2025
The Jade Talisman by Alanna Mackenzie
Genre: Science Fiction I AI v. Human Kind I Dystopian
Release date: March 30, 2021
Length: 194 pages
4⭐️
Thank you to Zooloo’s book tours and Alanna Mackenzie for the finished copy and the remainder of the completed series.
Jade Talisman is a blend of religious overtones and the need to overthrow oppressive regimes by any means necessary It is not religious in the way that our society has come to know it, rather it is rooted in Greek mythos and spirituality. Specifically how spirituality with animals and nature can quite literally be the only saving grace against algorithmic and robotic systems. We enter our store where Jade Rebellion left off, Walter is leading the rebellion and they are almost immediately put into a dangerous situation. Mackenzie excels at connecting the threads of the different side stories and characters in a way that continued to keep me guessing until the very end. This series, thus far, is a very solid four star read. I will say the pacing on this book in particular can be very slow at times, but I can't wait to see how this series wraps up!
Genre: Science Fiction I AI v. Human Kind I Dystopian
Release date: March 30, 2021
Length: 194 pages
4⭐️
Thank you to Zooloo’s book tours and Alanna Mackenzie for the finished copy and the remainder of the completed series.
Jade Talisman is a blend of religious overtones and the need to overthrow oppressive regimes by any means necessary It is not religious in the way that our society has come to know it, rather it is rooted in Greek mythos and spirituality. Specifically how spirituality with animals and nature can quite literally be the only saving grace against algorithmic and robotic systems. We enter our store where Jade Rebellion left off, Walter is leading the rebellion and they are almost immediately put into a dangerous situation. Mackenzie excels at connecting the threads of the different side stories and characters in a way that continued to keep me guessing until the very end. This series, thus far, is a very solid four star read. I will say the pacing on this book in particular can be very slow at times, but I can't wait to see how this series wraps up!
October 3, 2023
The complexity continues in this second book of this series. Walter is the head of the Jade Rebellion who is looking to conquer the Artificial Intelligence army. He must go on a journey with his rebellion team to find the answers they need to do this. This book is a slow burn of mythical creatures and paranormal events that will help their journey in many ways. The path is long but they need to keep going to reach the next level of their lives. I never read a futuristic book series that is so realistic and thought provoking. If you like to be challenged by learning new things even though it’s fantasy, you’ll love this book and series.
March 15, 2025
It's the curse of the second book.
It's good but it was so slow pace that when things started happening it ended.
Somehow, I hated all the characters that I loved in the previous book, specially Walter. I felt he was acting like a child, which was weird after embrasing the rebellion the way he did.
I still like the author's writing style, so I will grab the final book of this saga soon.
It's good but it was so slow pace that when things started happening it ended.
Somehow, I hated all the characters that I loved in the previous book, specially Walter. I felt he was acting like a child, which was weird after embrasing the rebellion the way he did.
I still like the author's writing style, so I will grab the final book of this saga soon.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews