In the nation of Kekon, the Green Bone Clans reign supreme. Both respected and feared, these clans hold power through the use of Jade, a mysterious resource native to Kekon that grants those who wear it super human abilities. However, with that strength comes responsibility. While the clans may resemble gangs, they are also seen as noble patrons who provide funding for business and arts, and as warriors who protect the nation from petty crime, lesser gangs, and even foreign invaders. The Kaul family of the No Peak Clan and the Ayt family of the Mountain Clan, the two most prominent Green Bone families, currently hold a tense peace with one another, but hostility is simmering under the surface.
The series begins with Jade City, where we follow the Kaul family as they navigate the many brewing conflicts that arise in an increasingly modern world. Beginning in a period several decades out from a massive global conflict resembling World War II, Kaul Lan leads the No Peak Clan as its Pillar. Lan is a thoughtful and responsible Pillar, but is perhaps too subservient and indecisive for the liking of some. The grandson of a recently retired war hero, Lan must earn the respect of both his allies and his enemies, all while trying to maintain peace with his rival clan. Peace, though, is a difficult goal to achieve. His opposing Pillar, the ambitious Ayt Mada of the Mountain Clan, continues to provoke small skirmishes and territory disputes. Lan’s younger brother and leader of No Peak’s military faction, Kaul Hilo, is a fiery and charismatic warrior, eager to meet violence with violence. Meanwhile, Lan’s estranged younger sister, Kaul Shae, is recently returned from studying abroad and has chosen to step aside from No Peak, upsetting Hilo and leaving Lan without her steady voice at his side.
What follows is a dramatic tale of family legacy, intrigue, betrayal, and high-flying action. While there is a lot to take in from Lee’s fictionalized take on South-East Asia, real world parallels help to contextualize the setting and keep it from feeling too overwhelming. Kekon feels like a combination of several different countries from Taiwan to Korea, and some of the global events taking place mirror real world Cold War conflicts. But, what really cements the reader into this world and drives forward the plot are the book’s rich, vivid characters. Their trials, triumphs, frustrations, and history all help to contextualize them and keep them rooted in something real. Even when you hate the decisions they make, you’ll understand what led to them and hopefully sympathize with their situation.
Jade City is an excellent take on modern urban fantasy, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a bit more weight behind their action novels. For more authors similar to Fonda Lee, I’d recommend Martha Wells, R.F. Kuang, Brandon Sanderson, Leigh Bardugo, or N.K. Jemisin.