1st book in the Green Bone Saga
48th book of 2022
The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It’s the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.
The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion–but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.
When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself.
CW: Blood, violence, death, drug uses, addiction, sexual content
Rating
Review
I don’t really know what to think of this book. Overall, I liked it, but. I spent a good time reading it, even if, toward the end, I wanted the book to finish as I found it a little too long. But, except for some elements I would have loved to see or understand, there is nothing wrong with this book, and I totally understand why it’s a very hype book.
First, the multiple povs in this book do it all. We are following four members of the Kaul family who control the No Peak clan. What’s interesting is that all of them have different personalities and ranks in the clan, and they all have a diverse relationship with jade. However, I would have like to also have the pov of some members of the Mountain clan who is their rival. Especially the one of Ayt Madashi, who looks like a badass pov that I was dying to have. Also, there is a second character that I liked from the beginning and would have liked (again) to have her pov: Wen; she is so astute.
Second, the world was complex for someone who isn’t used to reading fantasy like that but easy to dive into. However, I find it difficult to place the story in a time-space (even if it’s its own world, so own time-space), so I’m surprised every time they talk about phone calls or cars; I can’t explain why. Also, I don’t know, I feel there is a missing element in the world-building, or maybe I didn’t understand all of its complexity. Still, when I finished the book, I had this strange feeling.
Lastly, the pace of the book feels strange. Sometimes, you have a very long scene of everyday life, and some lengthened scenes and then the action pack ones are concise. I found that sad as even if we need the world and characters building, it’s still a book about gangsters, and most fights are just told.
Even if I spent a great time trying to read this book, as it’s an out-of-comfort-zone one, I, however, won’t continue the series as it’s not for me.
Liz.
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