★ 09/06/2021
In the epic finale to Lee’s Green Bone Saga series (following Jade War), the rival clans of No Peak and the Mountain continue their multigenerational struggle for dominance over their island home of Kekon. The No Peak Kaul and Mountain Ayt families are locked in a bitter decades-long blood feud fueled by honor and the bioenergetic jade that grants users phenomenal abilities. While the war between their clans plays out in myriad ways—from economic manipulation and political intrigue to vicious street duels—the far-flung family members and their allies find time for more personal and intimate dramas. As the older generation slows down, retires, or dies, younger representatives look for a way to end the conflict once and for all. Sprawling, complex, and steeped in Asian culture and sensibilities, this impressive contemporary fantasy slowly unwinds over many years, capturing the feel of time passing and eras changing even as it lingers in the most pivotal moments. Lee expertly balances conflict and growth on both individual and societal levels, giving this massive story weight, as every decision can potentially change the world. In both meeting and subverting expectations at every turn, Lee guides her cast to a deeply satisfying, well-earned conclusion. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Nov.)
"Lee’s storytelling is masterful and will leave readers heartbroken and hopeful. Blood, loyalty, and lives are gained and lost in the powerful finale of the “Green Bone Saga.” Lee’s series will stand as a pillar of epic fantasy and family drama."—Library Journal (starred review)
"Jade Legacy is excellent, exactly what it needs to be as a third book in a big ticket trilogy. Scope, character, cultural and technological change over time, generational differences, action, tragedy, and comedy create a sweeping and majestic story that is also grounded absolutely in people's lives."—Kate Elliott, author of Unconquerable Sun
"Jade Legacy caps off the epic Green Bone Saga, living up to the trilogy's unique genre-bending framework."—Booklist
"Stylish and action-packed, full of ambitious families and guilt-ridden loves, Jade City is an epic drama reminiscent of the best classic Hong Kong gangster films but set in a fantasy metropolis so gritty and well-imagined that you'll forget you're reading a book."—Ken Liu, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards
"Jade City has it all: a beautifully realized setting, a great cast of characters, and dramatic action scenes. What a fun, gripping read!"—Ann Leckie, author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel Ancillary Justice
"Lee's astute worldbuilding raises the stakes for her vivid and tautly-described action scenes." —Scott Lynch, New York Times-bestselling author of The Lies of Locke Lamora
"Lee draws on her Chinese heritage, passion for gangster stories, and strong writing to launch a Godfather-inspired fantasy series that mixes bold martial-arts action and vivid worldbuilding. The result is terrific."—Library Journal (Pick of the Month, starred review)
"As this ambitious and complex story unfolds, Lee (Exo) skillfully juggles a huge cast. Her action scenes are flashy, brutal, and cinematic, while the family dynamics hold their own weight and significance. This is an engaging blend of crime drama and Asian martial arts film tropes.... an intense, satisfying experience."—Publishers Weekly
"Intricate, fast-moving, and brazen, Jade City elevates the fantasy crime novel to something really special. A sharp and insightful new voice."—Elizabeth Bear, winner of the Hugo and Locus Awards
"Jade City is an instantly absorbing tale of blood, honor, family and magic, spiced with unexpectedly tender character beats."—NPR
★ 08/01/2021
In this sequel to Jade War, the world finally learns the supernatural powers of jade—the prized mineral of the Green Bone clans (especially the rival No Peak and Mountain families), who have long used it to fight one another for control in the metropolis of Kekon. Now that jade's secret is out, others are eyeing the magical stones (militaries, mercenaries—even medical and entertainment industries). With foreign governments and local divisive factions beginning to barter and battle for jade, the futures of Kekon and the Green Bones (especially the Kaul family) are not guaranteed. As a new generation of Green Bones comes of age, the clans locked in a forever war may need to look for allies they never wanted, lest their way of life and their country not survive. Spanning 20 years of conflict, martial arts action, family dynamics, and moral choices, this epic takes the existing character arcs, rich East Asian-inspired worldbuilding, and intense drama to the edge—and jumps. Lee's storytelling is masterful and will leave readers heartbroken and hopeful. VERDICT Blood, loyalty, and lives are gained and lost in the powerful finale of the "Green Bone Saga." Lee's series will stand as a pillar of epic fantasy and family drama.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
In the final installment of the Green Bone Saga, narrator Andrew Kishino returns to tell the tale of the Kaul family of the No Peak Clan. Kishino sets a moderate pace for this long audiobook, which spans 20 years. He creates a strong persona for Hilo, the pillar of the clan, who radiates power and confidence. It is a time of change as their island nation becomes less insular and women, for the first time, hold positions of power. Hilo’s nemesis, the pillar of the Mountain Class, and his sister, the weatherman (chief adviser) of the clan, are each portrayed by Kishino as formidable and competent. He ably handles a large cast of characters and conveys the strong familial bond that binds the clans. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
In the final installment of the Green Bone Saga, narrator Andrew Kishino returns to tell the tale of the Kaul family of the No Peak Clan. Kishino sets a moderate pace for this long audiobook, which spans 20 years. He creates a strong persona for Hilo, the pillar of the clan, who radiates power and confidence. It is a time of change as their island nation becomes less insular and women, for the first time, hold positions of power. Hilo’s nemesis, the pillar of the Mountain Class, and his sister, the weatherman (chief adviser) of the clan, are each portrayed by Kishino as formidable and competent. He ably handles a large cast of characters and conveys the strong familial bond that binds the clans. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
