Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan

“Grand in scope, June C.L. Tan’s Jade Fire Gold will have readers racing across the magical landscape of this epic adventure to find themselves staggering at the very end, eagerly anticipating the second book.”
SHEAF & INK

THE STORY

From the Publisher:

Girls of Paper and Fire meets The Tiger at Midnight in June CL Tan’s stunning debut, inspired by Chinese mythology, with rich magic and an epic slow-burn romance.

In an empire on the brink of war . . .

Ahn is no one, with no past and no family.

Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child.

When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities.

But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.

Ferocious action, shadowy intrigue, and a captivating romance collide in June CL Tan’s debut, a stunning homage to the Xianxia novel with a tender, beating heart, perfect for fans of The Bone Witch and We Hunt the Flame.

My Review: Jade Fire Gold

Jade Fire Gold is another fantasy under my belt that I really enjoyed. I mentioned on IG that I’ve been craving more fantasy stories that delve into mythology and lore of Asian cultures. In Jade Fire Gold, June CL Tan features a mythology and magical lore soaked from traditional beliefs in Chinese culture and Confucian tenets. As the reader you are fully submerged into the lush and rich landscape, feeling the intensity of the sun in a desolate desert. Or feel the waves wiping at your skin, tasting the brine on your lips and being taken into a magical realm where dragons and phoenix dwell.

As for the story, Tan’s debut is about two young people whose fates are intertwined trying to find their place in a world. A world torn by war. Where it may be difficult to know who to trust. It’s a journey of the characters finding themselves and knowing the difference between a history tinged by regret and revenge. Where Ahn and Altan have a choice to ensure a better and more prosperous world.

A Few More Thoughts

With a few lulls throughout, and a confusing scene towards the end (when Ahn goes out to sea), Tan’s book left me feeling satisfied. Plus that epilogue! Friends, it has me wondering what will come next.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Until the next installment.

Happy Reading ̴ Cece

RATING: – Satisfyingly Inked