Jade City

This adult fantasy novel follows a family that runs a jade clan in a modern city with some not-so-modern traditions. Jade grants certain people powers of strength, speed, enhanced perception, etc. The clans that control this jade control this city. When the 2 largest clans start to clash, violence and heartbreak ensue.

The family this story centers on, the Kaun family, is a brutal yet tight-knit family. While they may have their differences, they are always ready to stand up for one of their own. The family dynamics and shifting relationships are incredibly interesting to witness. The combat scenes are so immersive. Magic systems that have consequences are always more believable and dynamic, and the consequences for abusing jade are vicious. The pacing was done well, and I never felt like it was a chore to read. About halfway through, there is a huge plot shift and I was sitting slack jawed as I read.

This story is different from any fantasy novel I've read, and I can't wait to see where Fonda Lee takes me in the next novel.

Trigger warnings: violence, death, drug use, explicit sex scenes, mentions of sexual assault, suicide and self-harm.