Spoiler-free
Jade War is book 2 in the 'Green Bone Saga' by Fonda Lee. After finishing book 1, Jade City, I jumped straight into Jade War. How could I not? It's such a treat when I feel fully invested in a series, and I knew after Book 1 that I was going to binge the whole thing. And why not? I deserve it. So, how do I feel about the sequel? Well...
I'm pissed! But also relieved and hopeful and happy and angry. This last act of the book had my heart racing! It's been a while, if ever, that I've had such a visceral reaction to finishing a book. I have literally just finished, so my thoughts are all over the place, but what a wild ride!
The sacrifices people made in this book were insane yet understandable, but nevertheless so gut wrenching. Fonda Lee's character work is phenomenal. Her plot structure is incredible. The way that she builds up to a climax is so intriguing, and the climax itself never fails to be impactful.
There's not much more I can say without going into spoiler territory, so that's exactly what I'm going to do.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕- 5 stars
SPOILER CHAT BELOW
Anden gets his spotlight in this book and finally becomes a part of the main cast. I loved every single one of his chapters, and watching him grow and develop during his time abroad was really touching. Speaking of touching, Cory was a nice 'touch' ;). When Anden had to break up with Cory in order to get Dauk's help to kill Zapunyo... I felt that right in the chest. Cory was the bit of good that Anden had in his life. He had already given up his Jade and status in the clan, yet he still had to give up even more for the sake of his clan...
I do think that Anden could've worn Jade, just this once, and killed Zapanyo himself... He's obviously very capable of doing so, but he still decided that breaking up with Cory was the better choice. In my head if he wore Jade (as a one off) he could have done what he needed to do to help the No Peak Clan, but also keep Cory as his boyfriend. However, I guess that goes to show how much not wearing Jade or being a killer means to Anden. But then, orchestrating the killing is kind of the same thing as doing the killing. Anden didn't pull the trigger, but he gave the gun.
Wen! Wen you absolute beauty. She slowly became my favourite character as the story went on. She is truly a force to be reckoned with and adds a unique flavour to the Kaul family. Hilo really has no idea of her potential and prowess.
It was really not okay that Fonda Lee made me think she was dead! The whole time during that scene, I was screaming at Anden to wear the glove and get to killing so that he could save Wen. He did wear the glove eventually in order to heal her, but it was a close call. I'm glad that Wen is alive now, although to what extent is unclear. I think that maybe she will need a wheelchair from now on. Also, now that the dust has settled, I do like how Anden is going to use his Jade for healing. That feels correct. So a win in my books! Just need Cory to come around now, and it's one big happy family.... right?
Shae and Hilo's political back and forth with not only the Mountain Clan but also each other takes up a large percentage of this book. I will admit that some parts definitely felt needlessly dragged out or dense at times, but hot damn is the payoff worth it!
When Shae walked up to Aytmada and challenged her to a duel... Oh boy, I thought for sure that was the last of Shae. Especially as it was at this exact point in the first book where Lan died. So, it's safe to say I was shaking in my boots! Thankfully, she survived and, in doing so, proved herself to be a much more calculated and worthy Pillar than Hilo. Well, maybe that's not true, Hilo's loyalty and protection to his family and Clan are admirable, but to his detrement at times.
It's without doubt that Hilo will do anything and everything for the No Peak Clan, even if his decisions are questionable. The way that he murdered Eyni so that he could take Niko back 'home' was insane. If you take emotions out of it, you can see how this is an advantageous move for Hilo to make. However, to actually see it happen was so shocking. This really made me reflect on who we're dealing with as a character here.
Bero's chapters are few and far between, but wow, the character progression on this one is quite alarming. He's definitely one to look out for going forward. The boy makes me nervous. I can't shake the feeling that Fonda Lee is building up to something with his character, and that's why we keep getting these little snippets and insights into his journey. I'm excited.
Just like the first book, this continues to have an insane amount of 'wtf moments', which im sure will stay with me for a long time. Even now, as I'm writing this, I'm remembering more, like the car bomb. That was insane! It literally happened out of nowhere. Fonda Lee got me so good with that one! The tough decision-making of the No Peak Clan members is incredibly deep and thought-provoking, always leading to an almost impossible sacrifice as compensation. Safe to say, I'm so invested in this story and this world. It makes me so tense and nervous but also ecstatic when something goes the way I want it to.
Due to the emotional reactions this book has evoked from me so far, I unequivocally (always with this word Fonda Lee, I see you) give it a 5 stars! The last 25% or so just blee me away.
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