“You can’t be half a warlord.”- Fonda Lee, Jade City
Jade City by Fonda Lee is the first book in the Green Bone Saga, a fantasy series packed with crime, loyalty, family, and power. It’s set in a city where magical jade gives people superhuman abilities—but only if they know how to use it. This story is full of tension, danger, and sharp decisions.
The book takes place in Janloon, a city ruled by two powerful families who control the flow of jade. Jade isn’t just a shiny rock here—it’s a symbol of strength, control, and respect. The story follows the Kaul family, who are one of the leading clans. When old rivalries turn into open war, the Kauls must protect their family, their honor, and their city.
This book isn’t about heroes saving the world. It’s about family survival, hard choices, and the cost of power in a place where loyalty means everything.
Plot Summary
“We’re not gods. We’re Green Bones. We protect and we rule. That’s all.”- Fonda Lee, Jade City
The city of Janloon is the heart of the Green Bone culture. Here, warriors known as Green Bones wear jade to enhance their strength, speed, and senses. But jade can also be dangerous. If not handled properly, it can make you sick—or worse.
The story centers on the Kaul family, who lead one of the major clans, No Peak. They face growing pressure from their rivals, the Mountain clan, who want total control of jade and the city. As peace falls apart, old alliances are tested, and violence begins to spread through the streets.
The main character, Kaul Lan, is the Pillar—the leader of No Peak. He tries to keep the peace. His brother, Kaul Hilo, is the Horn—the head enforcer. He wants to strike back hard. Their sister, Shae, has returned after leaving the family behind, trying to stay out of the fight. But as things get worse, she’s pulled back into the world she thought she escaped.
Characters and Character Arc
- Kaul Lan: Calm, kind, and thoughtful. He believes in order and doing what’s right. But his efforts to keep peace come at a cost.
- Kaul Hilo: Bold, emotional, and loyal to his clan above all. He acts fast, sometimes too fast, but his passion keeps the clan strong.
- Shae: Smart and strong-willed. She walked away from the Green Bone lifestyle but is forced to face who she truly is and what she must do.
- Anden: A young student training to be a Green Bone. He struggles with identity, loyalty, and pressure from every side.
Each character grows and changes as the war around them grows. Their choices shape not just their family but the whole city.
Themes and Plotline
- Family vs. duty
- Power and what it costs
- Honor, tradition, and survival
- The clash between old values and a changing world
The story mixes crime drama, family bonds, and martial arts, all within a world full of deep culture and conflict.
What Genre Does Jade City Focus On?
Jade City fits into urban fantasy and crime drama. It has a strong mix of fantasy, political tension, and gang warfare, all set in a world that feels both new and familiar.
There’s no traditional magic system with wands or spells. The jade works more like a special resource that only certain people can use—and it’s tied to culture, training, and discipline.
The book also includes
- Found family (through loyalty in the clan)
- Sibling rivalry
- Family responsibility
- The “reluctant return” (Shae’s return home)
What to expect
- Deep worldbuilding
- Strong character development
- Complex family drama
- Tough choices, big consequences
- Action scenes full of martial arts and tension
- No clear heroes or villains—just people trying to survive
Ratings and Reviews
“A man who is always calm and reasonable is not fit to lead a clan at war.”- Fonda Lee, Jade City
Ratings
Jade City holds a 4.1-star rating on Goodreads, with over 60,000 readers having rated it. On Amazon, it has a 4.4-star rating based on more than 2,000 reviews. Both platforms reflect strong praise for the book’s deep world, sharp characters, and emotional storytelling.
Reviews
- “Feels like a mix of The Godfather and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
- “Deep worldbuilding, amazing fight scenes, and unforgettable characters.”
- “It takes time to get into, but once it grabs you, it doesn’t let go.”
- “A rich story about power, honor, and how hard it is to keep your soul in a brutal world.”
- “Not your usual fantasy. It’s slow-burn, character-driven, and powerful.”
- “Jade City doesn’t try to be flashy—it tries to be real, and it works.”
Unlike many fantasy books, Jade City doesn’t focus on saving the world. It’s more personal. It’s about protecting your people, holding your ground, and deciding what kind of leader you want to be. The setting is fresh, the magic system is tied to culture, and the story digs deep into what loyalty really means.
Who Should Read Jade City?
Recommended for ages 16 and up. Contains:
- Violence and gang conflict
- Death and serious injury
- Emotional trauma
- Some strong language
Not for younger readers or those looking for light fantasy.
People Who Liked These Books Will Enjoy Jade City
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Book Recommendations if You Liked Jade City
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin – A world breaking apart, full of power, pain, and survival.
- The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang – Family, loyalty, and martial magic in a gripping story.
- Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse – Deep lore and political struggle in a fantasy world.
- The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty – Power struggles and deep character arcs in a magical setting.
Conclusion
Jade City is not your average fantasy novel. It’s rough, smart, and deeply emotional. Instead of dragons or magical kingdoms, it gives you a world of gang leaders, street fights, and jade-powered warriors. It focuses on family, loyalty, and the choices that define us.
You’ll find no perfect characters here—just people doing what they can to survive and protect what matters most. The story is thick with tension, full of moments that make you think, and packed with scenes that leave a mark.
If you like books with real stakes, emotional weight, and a strong focus on power and culture, Jade City is one you shouldn’t miss.
More from the Author
Fonda Lee is an award-winning writer of science fiction and fantasy. She has a background in martial arts, which adds depth to her fight scenes. Her writing is known for mixing action, emotion, and realistic power struggles. She’s won several awards, including the World Fantasy Award and Aurora Award.
Other Books by This Author
- Jade War (Book 2 of the Green Bone Saga)
- Jade Legacy (Book 3)
- Exo – A science fiction novel with aliens, politics, and survival
- Cross Fire – Sequel to Exo, continuing the sci-fi story
