Tag: Fonda Lee

Review: Untethered Sky

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Title: Untethered Sky (April 11, 2023)
Author: Fonda Lee
Pages: 160

I’m a sucker for books about birds – so when a favorite author of mine pens a novella about giant hunting birds – I jump on board. In Untethered Sky, Fonda Lee’s words bring life to the majesty and power of the rocs, legendary birds of prey who keep the countryside clear of the monstrous manticores. 

Because of its short length, the story doesn’t have room to be overly complex, but Lee has managed to make a simple story poignant and affecting. She made me care deeply for these beautiful winged beasts and the bond they share with their keepers. I’d absolutely sign up for more stories set in this world.

★★★★

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Jade Setter of Janloon

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Title: The Jade Setter of Janloon (2022)
Author: Fonda Lee
Pages: 144
Series: The Green Bone Saga #0.5 (Series Tracker)

Obviously, a short novella is no match for a lengthy trilogy when it comes to characterization and worldbuilding, but Fonda Lee was still able to craft an exciting, tightly-plotted, and complete story featuring many of the hallmarks that made the Green Bone Saga so compelling.

If you’re interested in the Green Bone Saga and aren’t ready to commit to the full series, this is a tasty appetizer for what’s to come. And if, like me, you loved the Green Bone Saga and aren’t ready to leave Janloon behind just yet, this is still a supremely satisfying read.

★★★★

Review: Jade Legacy

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Title: Jade Legacy (November 30, 2021)
Author: Fonda Lee
Pages: 736
Series: The Green Bone Saga #3 (Series Tracker)

Engrossing, unpredictable, and heart-wrenching through to the final page – Jade Legacy is a worthy capstone to an incredible trilogy. I can confidently say that Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga is a modern fantasy classic and I feel lucky to have come across such a special series.

Lee’s writing makes everything compelling, even down to the most esoteric matters of the clans’ business empire. And although we’re very familiar with the main players in the warring clans, Jade Legacy further plumbs the depths of these flawed, but captivating characters with an expanded story timeframe and frequent time jumps. This was a smart choice and made for a supremely satisfying concluding book.

There are new avenues Lee could explore in future stories set in this world, but for now I am happy to sit back and marvel at the brilliant trilogy she has crafted. 

★★★★★
✪ SPECULATIVE SHELF STARRED BOOK

My thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Jade War

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Title: Jade War (2019)
Author: Fonda Lee
Pages: 592
Series: The Green Bone Saga #2 (Series Tracker)

With the characters, world, and magic system already established, this book hit the ground running and increased the complexity and reach of the ongoing clan war. 

I rarely like a second book in a series better than the first, but Jade War is just excellent. It ups the ante and improves upon many of the elements that made Jade City so good. I can’t wait to crack open the ARC of Jade Legacy currently sitting on my shelf.

★★★★½
✪ SPECULATIVE SHELF STARRED BOOK

Review: Jade City

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Title: Jade City (2017)
Author: Fonda Lee
Pages: 496
Series: The Green Bone Saga #1 (Series Tracker)

Reading Jade City provided a welcome respite from more traditional (and generic) epic fantasy fare. Fonda Lee has crafted a compelling family drama, situated within an intriguing world, with an awesome magic system to boot. There’s plenty of war and conflict to be had here so I’m curious to see how things escalate in the ominously titled sequel, Jade War.

★★★★