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Plot Summary

Jade Thieves' Ambitious Heist

Two teenagers plot to steal jade

In the vibrant city of Janloon, Bero and Sampa, two ambitious teenagers, attempt a daring heist at the Twice Lucky restaurant. Their target is Shon Ju, a jade-wearing Green Bone. Disguised as a waiter, Bero spikes Shon Ju's drink, but the plan fails when Shon Ju awakens, leading to chaos. The Maik brothers, Kehn and Tar, intervene, capturing the boys. Despite a severe beating, Bero's brief experience with jade power leaves him craving more, setting the stage for his dangerous ambition.

Clan Rivalries and Power Struggles

Hilo's leadership faces challenges

Kaul Hilo, the Horn of the No Peak clan, grapples with the aftermath of the jade theft attempt. He must navigate the intricate dynamics of clan politics, balancing strength with peace. Hilo's relationship with his brother, Lan, the Pillar, is tested as they face the growing threat from the rival Mountain clan. Determined to protect their territory, Hilo's leadership is marked by assertiveness and a fierce loyalty to his family and clan.

The Pillar's Sleepless Concerns

Lan struggles with leadership burdens

Kaul Lanshinwan, the Pillar of the No Peak clan, is plagued by insomnia and the weight of his responsibilities. Reflecting on his grandfather's legacy, Lan is wary of the Mountain clan's intentions and internal challenges within his own clan. He seeks to maintain peace while ensuring the clan's strength, but the pressure of leadership and looming conflict weigh heavily on him.

Ayt Mada's Calculated Offer

Ayt Mada proposes a risky alliance

Anden, a promising student at Kaul Dushuron Academy, is abducted by the Mountain clan and brought before Ayt Mada, their Pillar. She offers him a position within their operations in Ygutan, aiming to produce and sell SN1, a drug that allows non-Kekonese to wear jade. Ayt's proposal is a strategic move to control the jade trade and expand their influence. Anden is caught in a dangerous game of politics, forced to relay Ayt's offer to Lan and the No Peak clan.

Shae's Unwanted Return Home

Shae struggles with family expectations

Kaul Shaelinsan returns to Janloon after two years abroad, seeking independence from her family's clan business. Despite her intentions, she is drawn back into clan affairs when Lan asks her to investigate the jade mines. Shae uncovers discrepancies in the mine's records, hinting at the Mountain clan's interference. Her findings reveal a deeper conspiracy, challenging her resolve to remain uninvolved in the clan's power struggles.

Anden's Dangerous Encounter

Anden faces a perilous situation

During the Boat Day festivities, Anden finds himself in the wrong part of town and is confronted by students from the rival Wie Lon School. The situation escalates when Gont Asch, the Horn of the Mountain clan, intervenes and takes Anden to meet Ayt Mada. Anden's encounter with the Mountain clan places him at the center of a brewing conflict, as he becomes a pawn in their strategic maneuvering against the No Peak clan.

The Mountain's Bold Move

The Mountain clan's provocation escalates tensions

The Mountain clan's abduction of Anden is a calculated provocation, testing the No Peak clan's response. Lan must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining peace and asserting strength. The Mountain's actions force Lan to confront the possibility of war, as he seeks to protect his family and clan from external threats. The situation highlights the fragile nature of clan alliances and the ever-present danger of conflict.

Hilo's Vengeful Resolve

Hilo vows to avenge Lan

The assassination of Kaul Lan sends shockwaves through the No Peak clan. Hilo, now the Pillar, is consumed by grief and rage, determined to retaliate against the Mountain clan. He gathers his warriors, ready to strike back with ferocity. The clan's unity is tested as Hilo's leadership style, marked by aggression and impulsiveness, raises concerns among the Lantern Men and other clan members. Despite the doubts, Hilo's resolve to protect his family and honor Lan's memory drives him forward, setting the stage for a brutal conflict.

Shae's Return to Jade

Shae embraces her Green Bone heritage

Shae, initially detached from clan affairs, is pulled back into the fold by Lan's death. She retrieves her jade, feeling its power surge through her once more. The return to her Green Bone roots is both a personal awakening and a necessity, as Hilo needs her support in the clan's leadership. Shae's transformation is marked by a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, as she steps into the role of Weather Man, determined to stabilize the clan's business interests and navigate the treacherous waters of clan politics.

The Mountain's Bold Assault

The Mountain clan strikes aggressively

In the wake of Lan's death, the Mountain clan, led by Gont Asch, launches a series of calculated attacks on No Peak territories. The assault is swift and brutal, targeting key locations like the Docks and the Twice Lucky restaurant. Gont's strategic maneuvers aim to destabilize No Peak and assert the Mountain's dominance. The attacks force Hilo and his allies to respond with equal ferocity, escalating the conflict into an all-out war. The city of Janloon becomes a battleground, with both clans vying for control and supremacy.

A Weather Man's Betrayal

Doru's treachery is revealed

Yun Dorupon, the former Weather Man, is exposed as a traitor who colluded with the Mountain clan. His actions, driven by misguided loyalty to the past and a desire to reunite the clans, have weakened No Peak from within. Shae confronts Doru, grappling with the betrayal and its implications for the clan's future. Despite his treachery, Doru's knowledge and experience are invaluable, and Shae must decide whether to spare his life for the sake of her grandfather, Kaul Sen, who relies on Doru's companionship in his final days.

The Clan's Fragile Unity

No Peak struggles to maintain cohesion

With Hilo as the new Pillar and Shae as Weather Man, the No Peak clan faces internal challenges. The Lantern Men, crucial to the clan's economic strength, are wary of Hilo's leadership and the clan's stability. Shae works to secure their loyalty, making strategic changes and appointing trusted allies like Woon Papidonwa and Hami Tumashon to key positions. The clan's unity is fragile, and the threat of defection looms as the Mountain's influence grows. Shae's diplomatic skills are put to the test as she navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries.

Anden's Burdened Loyalty

Anden grapples with his place in the clan

As a promising student at Kaul Dushuron Academy, Anden is caught between his loyalty to the Kaul family and his own doubts about the clan's future. The pressure to become a Green Bone and join the fight weighs heavily on him, especially after witnessing Lan's struggles and untimely death. Anden's internal conflict is exacerbated by his feelings for his classmates and the expectations placed upon him. He must decide whether to embrace his destiny as a warrior or forge his own path, all while keeping Lan's secret about SN1.

A New Order Emerges

Shae and Hilo solidify their leadership

In the aftermath of Lan's funeral, Shae and Hilo work to establish a new order within the No Peak clan. Shae's strategic acumen and Hilo's fierce determination begin to win over the clan's members, as they demonstrate their commitment to protecting No Peak's legacy. The siblings face the daunting task of rebuilding trust and strength, both within the clan and against external threats. As they navigate the challenges ahead, Shae and Hilo's partnership becomes the cornerstone of No Peak's resilience, setting the stage for the ongoing battle with the Mountain.

Shae's Strategic Leadership Challenge

Shae faces clan's internal turmoil

As the new Weather Man, Shae Kaul must stabilize the No Peak clan amidst internal strife and external threats. She navigates the complex web of clan politics, striving to secure the loyalty of the Lantern Men and manage the clan's business interests. Her leadership is tested as she confronts the betrayal of Yun Dorupon, the former Weather Man, who colluded with the rival Mountain clan. Shae's strategic acumen is crucial in maintaining the clan's cohesion and preparing for the challenges ahead.

Hilo's Desperate Gamble

Hilo risks everything for survival

With the clan's future hanging in the balance, Hilo Kaul, the Pillar of No Peak, makes a bold decision to confront Gont Asch, the Horn of the Mountain clan. Hilo's plan involves a dangerous gamble, relying on his cousin Anden's jade sensitivity to turn the tide of the conflict. The stakes are high, and Hilo's leadership is marked by desperation and determination to protect his family and clan at all costs.

Anden's Unwanted Power

Anden struggles with jade's allure

Anden Emery, a promising student at Kaul Dushuron Academy, is thrust into the center of the clan conflict. His jade sensitivity becomes both a blessing and a curse as he grapples with the overwhelming power it brings. Anden's internal struggle with his identity and the seductive danger of jade leads him to a heartbreaking decision that will alter his future and his place within the clan.

Ayt's Ruthless Ambitions

Ayt Mada's strategic maneuvers

Ayt Mada, the Pillar of the Mountain clan, is a formidable adversary with grand ambitions. Her plans to control the jade trade and expand the clan's influence involve secret contracts with foreign powers and the production of SN1, a drug that allows non-Kekonese to wear jade. Ayt's ruthless pursuit of power challenges the No Peak clan's survival and tests the limits of Shae and Hilo's leadership.

The Clan's Fragile Victory

No Peak's temporary triumph

The No Peak clan achieves a fragile victory against the Mountain clan, but the cost is high. Hilo's confrontation with Gont Asch results in a temporary reprieve, but the threat of future conflict looms large. The clan's unity is tested as they navigate the aftermath of the battle, and the need for strategic alliances and careful planning becomes more critical than ever.

Anden's Heartbreaking Decision

Anden rejects jade and clan

In a shocking turn of events, Anden decides to reject the jade and the life of a Green Bone, fearing the destructive power it holds over him. His decision to leave the clan and forge his own path is a heartbreaking moment for Hilo and Shae, who must come to terms with the loss of a promising young warrior and the implications for the clan's future.

A New Order Begins

Shae and Hilo solidify leadership

In the wake of the conflict, Shae and Hilo work to establish a new order within the No Peak clan. Their leadership is marked by a renewed sense of purpose and determination to protect the clan's legacy. As they navigate the challenges ahead, their partnership becomes the cornerstone of No Peak's resilience, setting the stage for the ongoing battle with the Mountain.

Characters

Kaul Lanshinwan

Burdened leader seeking balance

Lan is the Pillar of the No Peak clan, responsible for maintaining peace and strength amidst growing tensions with the rival Mountain clan. He struggles with insomnia and the weight of his grandfather's legacy, seeking to uphold the clan's honor while navigating internal and external challenges. Lan's leadership is tested as he faces difficult decisions, balancing the need for diplomacy with the threat of conflict.

Kaul Hilo

Fierce protector of the clan

Hilo is the Horn of the No Peak clan, known for his strength and determination to protect their territory. He is fiercely loyal to his family and clan, often clashing with his brother Lan over their approach to handling the Mountain clan's provocations. Hilo's leadership style is assertive and direct, prioritizing the clan's dominance and security above all else.

Kaul Shaelinsan

Independent yet conflicted returnee

Shae returns to Janloon seeking independence from her family's clan business. Despite her intentions, she is drawn back into clan affairs when tasked with investigating the jade mines. Shae's findings reveal a deeper conspiracy, challenging her resolve to remain uninvolved. Her return home forces her to confront family expectations and her own place within the clan.

Anden Emery

Promising student caught in conflict

Anden is a talented student at Kaul Dushuron Academy, poised to become a Green Bone. His abduction by the Mountain clan places him at the center of a brewing conflict, as he becomes a pawn in their strategic maneuvering against the No Peak clan. Anden's loyalty and future are tested as he navigates the dangerous world of clan politics.

Ayt Madashi

Strategic and ambitious Pillar

Ayt Mada is the Pillar of the Mountain clan, known for her calculated and ambitious nature. She seeks to expand the clan's influence through the production and sale of SN1, a drug that allows non-Kekonese to wear jade. Ayt's proposal to Anden is a strategic move to control the jade trade and challenge the No Peak clan's dominance.

Gont Aschentu

Formidable Horn of the Mountain

Gont Asch is the Horn of the Mountain clan, known for his strength and cunning. He plays a key role in the Mountain's strategic maneuvers against the No Peak clan, including the abduction of Anden. Gont's actions are calculated to provoke and test the No Peak clan's response, highlighting the fragile nature of clan alliances.

Yun Dorupon

Cunning yet questionable advisor

Doru is the Weather Man of the No Peak clan, responsible for managing the clan's business affairs. Despite his experience, Lan begins to doubt Doru's loyalty and intentions, suspecting him of withholding information. Doru's relationship with the Kaul family is complex, as he navigates the delicate balance of clan politics and personal ambition.

Bero

Ambitious youth with jade fever

Bero is a young thief with a burning desire for jade and the power it represents. His failed heist at the Twice Lucky restaurant leaves him with a taste of jade's allure and a determination to obtain it at any cost. Bero's ambition and recklessness make him a dangerous wildcard in the ongoing clan conflict.

Sampa

Reluctant accomplice turned straight

Sampa is Bero's partner in the attempted jade heist, but unlike Bero, he is shaken by the experience and turns away from a life of crime. Sampa's decision to go straight highlights the divergent paths of the two youths and the seductive danger of jade.

Mudt

Cunning jade dealer and informer

Mudt is a self-made man who deals in stolen goods and jade, operating as an informer for the Mountain clan. His possession of jade and connections to the underworld make him a key player in the ongoing clan conflict, as he navigates the dangerous world of jade smuggling and clan politics.

Plot Devices

Jade and Its Allure

Symbol of power and danger

Jade is central to the story, representing power, status, and the potential for destruction. Its allure drives characters like Bero to reckless ambition, while its control is at the heart of the clan conflict. The production and trade of jade, and the introduction of SN1, highlight the complex dynamics of power and the lengths to which characters will go to obtain or control it.

Clan Politics and Alliances

Complex web of power struggles

The intricate politics and alliances between the No Peak and Mountain clans drive the narrative, as characters navigate shifting loyalties and strategic maneuvers. The tension between the clans is exacerbated by personal rivalries and ambitions, creating a volatile environment where alliances are fragile and conflict is ever-present.

Aisho and Honor

Cultural code governing behavior

Aisho, the code of honor among Green Bones, influences characters' actions and decisions, shaping the narrative's moral landscape. The tension between adhering to aisho and the pragmatic demands of clan politics creates internal and external conflicts, as characters grapple with questions of loyalty, honor, and survival.

Family and Legacy

Burden of expectations and history

The legacy of the Kaul family and the expectations placed upon its members are central to the characters' motivations and conflicts. Lan, Hilo, and Shae each navigate their roles within the family and clan, balancing personal desires with the weight of their heritage. The theme of family and legacy underscores the personal stakes in the broader clan conflict.

Betrayal and Redemption

Consequences of loyalty and treachery

The revelation of Doru's betrayal highlights the complex nature of loyalty and the consequences of treachery. Shae's decision to spare Doru for the sake of her grandfather adds depth to the narrative, exploring themes of forgiveness and redemption. The characters' struggles with loyalty and betrayal drive the story's emotional and moral complexity.

Analysis

**Exploration of

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Review Summary

4.08 out of 5
Average of 87k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Jade City is widely praised as a captivating Asian-inspired urban fantasy with complex characters, intricate world-building, and a unique magic system centered around jade. Readers appreciate the blend of gangster epic, family saga, and martial arts elements. Many consider it a refreshing and original take on the fantasy genre. The book's pacing, character development, and political intrigue are frequently highlighted as strengths. While some found the start slow or struggled with character names, most reviewers were thoroughly engaged and eagerly anticipate the sequels.

Your rating:
4.29
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The Green Bone Saga Series

About the Author

Fonda Lee is an award-winning author known for her Green Bone Saga, beginning with Jade City. She has received numerous accolades, including the World Fantasy Award, Locus Award, and multiple Aurora Awards. Lee's works span fantasy and science fiction, with her novels garnering critical acclaim and appearing on various Best of Year lists. Jade City has been optioned for television development and was named among Time Magazine's Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. A former corporate strategist and martial artist, Lee brings her diverse experiences to her writing, crafting stories that blend action, politics, and cultural elements.

Other books by Fonda Lee

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