Summing up this behemoth is a challenging task, but significantly less so than the task Lee had to write this epic culmination of the Greenbone Saga, and decades of failures and successes for the No Peak clan. Jade Legacy has to be one of the best series finishers I've read, and while there were tears aplenty on the journey of reading this book, I can't help but to feel at peace with the ending as I closed the book. The world-building continued to expand in this installment, while still feeling immersive and fully realized. The character development was absolutely unmatched, and the pacing was excellent, especially considering the amount of time this book covers. If I had any complaint, it would be that the series continues to be a bit male-centric, and I wish some of the women characters were given a bit more--specificlally Jaya--and were more developed. Nonetheless, a book that will stay with me for years to come.

I'm an honestly devastated that this series is over! I haven't read a lot of adult high fantasy in my life, and thought it just wasn't the genre for me, but this series absolutely changed my mind. The way that Fonda Lee crafted these characters and this world in a way that challenges the reader but also makes you never ever want to leave is just amazing. This book so perfectly wrapped up the series and all the characters I couldn't have asked for more. I loved how even though sometimes what happened is not what I thought would happen or even what I wanted to happen, she wrote it so wonderfully I couldn't help but love it. I can't wait to see what she writes next. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Jade Legacy is a stunning conclusion to one of the best series I have ever read in my entire life. The character development was absolutely incredible and I cried with them like the Kauls were my own family. The plot was the perfect amount of action, politics, making me cry and family relations. Fonda Lee has the ability to make you feel strong emotions (you can read this as almost faint while reading) for each of her characters, whether strong love or hate. This shows how strong of a writer she is and how I'll read literally everything that comes out of her brilliant mind.

The reason it took me so long to write this review is bc I didn't realize it was a third book. And though thoroughly engaging in its own, about 15% in I was like, no I need to read the others first. Not bc I was confused but bc I was enraptured. I'm glad I did. Amazing Trilogy. Highly recommended. I'm annoyed I came to it so late but glad I did!

Jade Legacy is the perfect, 20-year spanning conclusion to a fantasy gangster series comparable to The Godfather.

Hilo, Shae, and the No Peak clan have been near and dear to my heart, so it was very bittersweet to conclude their stories. I was never a particular fan of Anden and his plotlines, especially during Jade War, and it felt draining to read from him, but otherwise, I was on the edge of my seat for what would happen next for the rest of the cast.

Fonda Lee is a master of world building and setting a realistic and natural pace that leaves you leaning forward in anticipation.

1000% recommend to anyone who likes The Godfather or someone interested in fantasy and want to try an adult fantasy with urban influences.

Jade Legacy is a stunning novel. I mean that in a literal sense, as there were moments when I had to stop reading and just sit and absorb and process its events. After spending the better part of a month reading the trilogy, my emotions were deeply tied to the fate of its characters. I felt each marginal win, every harrowing miss, each violent struggle, every proud family moment and devastating, incomprehensible loss.

Fonda Lee writes like her cut jade creations: priceless and magical, unpredictable and powerful, rare and multifaceted. Like Jade War did to Jade City, Jade Legacy massively expands on its preceding novel. The geopolitical stakes are raised, the morality of clan life comes under intense scrutiny, and we cover longer periods of time than ever before. We see real character growth from our original cast, and the rise of a new generation of Green Bones. But what stands out most is how tangible the familial relationships feel. Some relationships last but undergo severe tests throughout its duration. Hilo and Wen’s up-and-down marriage is one of the more believable and relatable relationships I’ve read. Some relationships flourish but at a great price that others suffer. Some partnerships fail, or don’t feel like they’re going to last, but somehow do. Anden’s love life comes to mind. Although the way Lee handled the closure to Bero’s story might be my personal favorite. His many failed criminal business partnerships had stemmed from toxic friendships that had evolved from years of abuse, and the consequences from his misspent youth came crashing down in real and satisfying ways.

Lee ensures that any character she introduces, she develops complex emotional ties with other major cast members. No one feels underdeveloped or lightly sketched in. Clear motivations and character depth are given to the most ancillary of characters, and it the effort pays off: the world is rich, and breathing, and feels like it continues to run even whilst the book is sitting on the shelf, waiting to be picked up again.

This is the longest book of the trilogy, but at no point was I concerned with pacing issues. The complexity of the plot went up a few notches, and there were many plot points that folded into each other as the years rolled by. The action was sparse but intense, and the character drama relentless in its mission to gut you as many times as possible before the final page is turned. Jade Legacy is a bittersweet, triumphant send-off to an unforgettable cast of characters that I will miss dearly.

UGH WHY did it take me so long to pick up this series? Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book. I hate that it took me MONTHS to start this series and get to this book, but now that I am here, all I can say is, HOW DARE YOU. I am so damn sad that this is the last book in the Green Bone Sage. I am grateful that I managed to grab the novella and that will be here next month, but I already know it is just not going to be enough. There will NEVER be enough.

This story is perfect. Heartbreaking. I was so invested in every single one of these characters' lives. I laughed and cried with them, I felt anger and betrayal, and this whole series has been such a rollercoaster of emotions for me.

It's the third book in the series, so I can't go too much into anything to prevent potential spoilers, but let me just say that you NEED to read this. Even though the first book is very political and character heavy it was still a masterpiece and each book has gotten better and better.

I can't even think about picking up another book right now. I am honestly in disbelief that there is nothing else coming from this series. I NEED more. Is it normal to already be ready for a reread? Because what else can even compare to this right now? It is perfection and I absolutely would recommend this book to ANYONE and I can't wait for what Fonda Lee writes next.

Jade Legacy is a flawless book.

Its characters are perfect. The prose is wonderful. And as a conclusion, I could not have asked for more.

I love this world and its intricacies. I cannot wait to be back in Kekon or in any other creation of Fonda Lee.

I’ve put off reviewing Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee for so long because I’m still trying to wrap my head around the sheer masterpiece of this book, but I think at the rate I’m going, I’ll never actually write the review itself.

Jade Legacy is the final book in Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga, and it is one hell of a book, beginning approximately one year after Jade War and covering the course of nearly twenty years. That’s a lot of ground to cover, and I’m usually wary of books that span so many years because there’s so much that could go completely wrong, like going way too fast in pacing and missing chunks of information. It was completely worth it, even though time does move extremely fast (after all, it’s two decades) and there are some parts that I wish there were more of, but I think that really comes to how much I’ve grown to love this series and don’t really want it to end.

It was an absolute joy to see everything come together throughout the course of the series and get to see the characters grow over the years. With the time Lee covers throughout the Green Bone Saga, we really get to see the different generations of Kekon and the legacy they each leave behind for the next generation of jade warriors. Much of the series focus is on the second generation with Hilo, Shae, Ayt Mada, etc. where we see the impact their parents left behind.

The beauty of covering so much time gives us not only a glimpse into the impact of their leadership in the upcoming generation, but also in their growth as characters over the years. I got to see all the little moments and big moments, the wins and losses, the emotional punches in each scene of the books and in each of the characters’ interactions with each other and the consequences of each of their decisions. As much as I found Bero a pain in the ass and Ayt Mada an annoying thorn, I still enjoyed seeing their growth just as much as I did with Shae, Hilo, Wen, Anden, and everyone else.

Honestly, I’m not sure the same powerful impact of Lee’s writing could’ve been depicted as well as it did if the books covered a shorter time. The exploration of family and found family, the power play between clans and the impact it has on others, the evolution of leadership as jade becomes more accessible – there’s just so much to unpack that I don’t even think this review does it the proper justice. (I mean, I’ve already sat on this review for like a month anyway.) The world-building, the character development, and the plot were perfect, and the Green Bone Saga will surely leave a legacy in Fantasy years from now.

I truly hated the first 100 pages of this book to the point where I almost quit because I was so frustrated with how horribly the characters were behaving. I grew to like it more as it went on and really loved certain sections, but I felt like there were so many unnecessary situations where characters were being traumatized for no apparent reason. Once again, I felt like the women got sidelined pretty significantly, and, while I was captivated and emotionally invested in the plot, there still felt like there was a level of disconnect between me and the story that I couldn't quite get past. The world really grew in this one which was really cool to read and the politics were still interesting. The ending was solid albeit a bit unsatisfying, and despite everything being wrapped up really nicely, it still felt like something was missing. The parts I loved were easily five-star worthy, but there was enough that bothered me that it was difficult to love the book as a whole.

Full review and links to social will be posted as soon as possible.

I'd like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started Jade Legacy, I’ll be honest I was prepared for disappointment, the start wasn’t my favorite and every time I read a conclusion to a beloved series, I end up disliking it more often than not but loved this. mild spoilers ahead!

Some of my favorite things:

Hilo’s character arc: I almost never change my opinion on characters, but jade legacy made me genuinely attached to Hilo. He frustrated me from the first book because he’s a deeply loyal person to the core and his expectations of loyalty from others are too narrow but he learns here not to repeat his mistakes and we see the changes. I didn’t even realize when exactly I stopped hating him? He starts to listen to people and that’s the fundamental change here, he’s not defining his self-worth based on his family’s actions. At the same time he’s still the same person, he enrages me and makes a lot of questionable decisions but this was a perfect arc and I loved it.

Anden and Hilo’s relationship was a joy to read, there are just little moments interspersed throughout and I loved seeing how close they were and that thing where anden delivers every bad news and him asking for hilo’s permission and the confrontation it’s the best familial relationship I’ve read in a long time.

Ayt Mada is the best villain, obsessed with my milf murder wife, she can do whatever she wants with me. Every aytshae confrontation was rife with tension. I love it when women<3
Plotting was great, fjl is a master worldbuilder and the twists were carefully placed, I won’t spoil anything but I was invested and the final pages(other than anden’s decision) were definitely her best work.

The major criticism for this book is the lack of focus on the fallout of actions, fonda lee is great at amplifying tension, the pacing is tight and succinct yes, but the emotional impact of certain scenes, see: maik’s actions, niko and hilo’s relationship after what happens, the death and ruin of certain people essential to the plot should’ve felt devastating but while I was satisfied and it was definitely worth it, I know Ms. Lee is capable of more and she’s done it before. A lot of these things needed more space on paper, jade legacy should’ve been at least two books because it’s too good not to have that.

Another thing is the way Anden is the only queer character of significance (the others are his lovers) in the series and his is the only relationship we spend the least time building up. We spend pages on Hilo cheating on Wen (the rage I felt I swear) and insignificant straight relationships. To be clear I’m not asking for more romance, I like exactly zero of the canon relationships but there’s a marked difference in the space given and it was noticeable.
Secondly, I just don’t buy Anden’s career choices (which had no buildup) at the end which feels more like a plot device more than anything else like what’s the point of him choosing to be a politician now?

also never forgiving what happened to wen’s character like some choices were made. I won’t unpack all of those but support structures becoming non-existent and she should’ve been given as much time to work through her trauma and the loss of important relationships as we got from Hilo.

A lot of my criticisms would be solved if we gave fjl more pages and I get that she had constraints on how much screen time everyone had. It works as a brilliant conclusion despite any and all misgivings and the best trilogy I’ve read in ages and I will miss them!

rep: east-asian coded cast, biracial gay mc
content warnings: death of loved ones, cheating, mentions of rape and suicide, ableism, gun violence, torture and general war themes, sexism and misogynistic language, violence against children

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.

i have heard such good stuff about this series, but i could not get through the first book in order to read this one... will revisit later because i have so much faith in my friends that have recommended it to me- but its not for me right now- dnf

I think, in some ways, this might have been my favourite of the series. Mostly because it made me cry (twice!) but also because even though it's the longest, and a bit drawn out at times, and it was sometimes hard to gauge the fact that the story spanned two decades, I did really appreciate certain characters the most in this instalment.

This book, JADE LEGACY might have been the most aptly titled and I think was a perfect name for the finale. This series was about many things but the legacy of this family, of the clans, of Kekon, was what it was all about.

Hilo, the man who eventually became the Kaul patriarch and leader of the No Peak clan, was a character I liked right from book one. But his journey over the course of the series was so interesting because in many ways he did not change. But there were subtle differences, as he aged, as he had a family to think of, as he saddled the weight of years of losses, that showed his progression as a person despite all the other factors at play. Shae, Hilo's sister and right hand man, was a character I was always a bit perplexed about. She was so strong and independent, and rarely swayed by her brother and often outright challenging him when she shouldn't, and I don't think I ever liked her. But I absolutely appreciated her role and how she made space for Wen, Hilo's wife, who could not be a Green Bone. The two shouldn't be compared but I loved how their strengths came out to play in different ways and despite those differences they were both forces to be reckoned with. Anden, the aforementioned characters' nephew, was another favourite -- mostly. I loved that Lee put him on the journey she did because it was not remotely what was expected of him and where he ended up was so different from where he began. But it was very needed. I think his particular path, and POV, was maybe one of the most lackluster in a lot of ways but he was still integral.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

With a series that spanned over twenty years, with the amount of POVs we got, there's no way to touch on everything. At the same time I do think, as characters grew older, and more were introduced, it was harder for those new faces to make as much of an impact. There was definitely some overshadowing. But I think maybe that was also intentional? And it's also how it sometimes feels, growing up in the shadow of legends, being part of a new and more modern, or sometimes just different, generation. Nothing stays the same forever and that was beautifully touched on, too. Having said that, the plotting was plodding sometimes and the action occasionally felt really spaced out because of how much time the story spanned, but when it was good? It was good. When it hurt, it hurt. Lee pulled no punches even if the wind up could take hundreds of pages.

Strangely, considering I do think I enjoyed this most, this was also the one I had to push myself to get through as I did find myself frequently pulled out or distracted and I put it down a lot. But it also made me cry so maybe that's a fair trade off. I'm sure there are things that, if I were more invested, or if I were to reread (which I don't think I ever will), I might feel didn't get explained as well, or weren't resolved to enough satisfaction, but as it is? I am satisfied.

This was an immensely ambitious project with so many moving parts, so much history, and Lee gets massive amounts of credit for that. I had read her before and enjoyed her and after having read this series, even though it's far from a favourite, I will definitely pick her up again.

3.5 stars

All I know is pain.
If I could give this book a billion stars I would. Spanning almost thirty years, Jade Legacy was such an ambitious project to which Fonda Lee delivered flawlessly. This is without a doubt the best conclusion to an adult fantasy series I have ever read and has solidified The Green Bone Saga as a series I will treasure for the rest of my life. The character work was absolutely immaculate and had my heart breaking and my eyes leaking tears more often then I'd care to admit. All of the storylines were wrapped up with a sense of poetic justice and I cannot complain about a single thing. I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone who is able to handle some of the more mature content and I look forward to reading the other stories Lee has planned for this marvelous world of Green Bone warriors. So for the final time, "The clan is our blood, and the Pillar is its master."

I loved the vibrancy of Jade City, the intensity of Jade War and the perfect conclusion that is Jade Legacy.

Jade Legacy picks up a few months after the ending of Jade War, which left me distressed. So obviously, the beginning of Jade Legacy caused me the same amount of distress. It spans over 20 years, focusing on the aftermath of the events, furthering the clan politics and settling on the new generation of Green Bones. The time jumps are handled so well, Fonda Lee excelled at making the story move forward smoothly despite them, subjecting me to all the emotional rollercoasters and edge of the seat moments. I know they aren’t liked by all, but I felt they were necessary for this conclusion, for the tragedy and emotions but also for the hope and the continued legacy. It’s what makes this book epic.

If you’ve read the first two books, you’ll know the build up towards a powerful climax is always slow. There’s this aura of intensity and tension throughout as each part concluded which wrung me out until finally reaching the ending I dreaded. After each interlude I asked “What more could happen next?” and the answers left me emotionally distraught. What Jade Legacy showed me is that every action, every decision of each character, right from Jade City, had lasting effects. And in the end, it all falls into a full circle.

Lee’s worldbuilding for The Green Bone Saga awed me from the beginning. There’s jade of course, the magical substance that gives Green Bones the power to amplify their abilities, namely: Deflection, Perception, Lightness, Channeling, Strength and Steel. But there’s also gangs and gang wars, international politics, a sense of history and culture, action and schemes and most importantly, the theme of family. The clan clashes in Jade City and the invasion of foreign forces in jade mining in Jade War formed the foundation for and merged effortlessly in Jade Legacy.

I love the history of Kekon imbibed in this that drives the events and how it tries to stay true to its cultural beliefs. With foreign forces now vying for the jade produced in this country, it’s so interesting to see the Green Bones stay united against their ploy and preserve their traditions, especially with Lee drawing the picture of Asian disapora. Expansion into foreign lands also means we see a great deal of proxy wars and political, economical and international depth in Jade Legacy without it being pointless at any time. I love seeing the characters establish their jade wielding powers and the responsibility that comes with it, not only with existing Green Bones but also to the ones without magic and in foreign lands—expansion into cultural films and medicine were excellent plot points used by Lee.

There’s no doubt that The Green Bone Saga is an incredibly character driven trilogy. It’s all about the characters’ decisions, thinking process and personal opinions that could further the agenda of their clan that move the story. They not only think about themselves, but also of their loved ones as well as the entire clan and country. In this conclusion we see existing characters adapt to changes and the new characters learning to carry the legacy of their previous generation.

I have to say, my favourite characters are Wen and Shae. Ever since her first POV chapter in Jade City I’ve been waiting to see her in action and weave her way into the Green Bone ways despite being a stone eye and my god, she’s a wonderfully strong character. Even though she’s behind the scenes while supporting Hilo, her husband, she truly proves herself to be driving force of the clan. I’m so glad to have read her character arc, she’s been through an awful lot so seeing her stand back up is so satisfying. I’ve loved Shae’s business intellect from the first time she assumed her role of Weather Man and she only grows more into it in Jade Legacy considering all the stakes and powers at play. She’s truly a mastermind at it, along with being very faithful to her clan and her family.

There’s something about the way Lee writers her women to be such compelling characters and the true driving forces. Ayt Madashi, leader of the No Peak clan’s rival, the Mountain clan only shows herself to be more persevering in clan matters. I’d LOVE to read from her perspective and how she establishes herself in a male dominated society while constantly being ruthless and ambitious in leading the Mountain clan to strongly rival No Peak.

Hilo’s character development really stands out. He’s made terrible mistakes and messed up with his family. But it’s great to see him adapt to the role as the Pillar and strengthen the green in him. By the end of Jade Legacy, he’s tried to peak at being a father, husband, uncle, brother and essentially a leader. Anden, another one of my absolute favourites, he’s come so far since Jade City, I’m actually emotional thinking about his development. He proves it to everyone that walking away from clan life and violence was the best decision for him and that he’s true to his Green Bone origins as well as the clan who took him despite it all. He shines through his moments.

Staying true to its title, Jade Legacy also introduces us to the next gen Kauls—Niko, Ru and Jaya—along with Ayt’s successors too. The family dynamics among the Kauls only deepened with his addition. I adore these Kaul siblings so much. It’s astonishing how their values fall into step with their elders so much and it just highlights the growth of the characters from Jade City till here. We Kaul family nurture their children into being the future leaders, what it means to carry the Green Bone legacy. We see them celebrate and win but also see them at their lowest and through the grief.

All that being said, Jade Legacy ripped my heart out and played with my emotions at almost every point in the book. Like experiencing a spectrum of emotions. Readers have said reading Jade Legacy feels like you’ve aged 20 years yourself. There’s no question in that. Reading The Green Bone Saga is growing with the same characters, recoginising their personalities and then being left with the people who lead the future.

I could praise this series a lot more but I’ll stop here! Fonda Lee, you’re the pillar of my clan. This epic series that now comes to an end with Jade Legacy, is an action packed and emotionally gutting end of a journey. I cannot recommend this series enough and I’m amazed at how the trilogy packs it up. It’s a mix of emotions, political machinations, deep rooted family dynamics, impactful action and brilliant characterisation and worldbuilding. One that will stick with me forever.

All the rumors are true: Jade Legacy is quite possibly the best conclusion to a trilogy that I've ever read.

Fonda Lee set out with an ambitious premise in Jade City, and she's written a complete trilogy that fully delivers everything promised in that first installment. Where Jade City introduces us to most of the main characters, sets up the main conflict of the series, and delivers interesting twists and incredible action sequences, Jade War expanded the conflict and deepened the characters and their relationships with one another, making us care more about them. Jade Legacy concludes all of these complicated conflicts in a satisfying way, and yet nothing ever feels too "easy." (Trust me, I don't normally cry reading books, and I teared up multiple times reading this).

This book, and this entire series are in an incredible achievement for Fonda Lee, and a gift to the fantasy genre. We're rooting for the gangsters, knowing exactly who they are, because of the world and the characters that Fonda Lee has created. We believe in them, their moral codes, and *because* of their flaws, we fall in love with them.

Speaking of, Kaul Hiloshudon is quite possibly my favorite fantasy character ever. He is certainly in the top three. He was my favorite character in Jade City as well, but I was stunned by his character development throughout this series. This series offers many other incredible, complex characters, Wen, Shae, Anden....honestly I know I will go back to reread just for them.

If you are interested in urban fantasy, gangs, dysfunctional family dramas, and political conflict, this series truly has all of it. I know this will be another series I never shut up about.

this book destroyed me! the pacing was superb and every characters storyline wrapped up so well. i am so sad to see these characters go

4.5/5

An absolutely nail-biting conclusion to one of my favorite recent series. While I did find some of the pacing to be jarring, I absolutely could not put this down. Definitely going to miss these characters.

This series.... It's like nothing I've read before, the author truly has a talent to create complex political situations and take reader right with her into the story. I love these characters and my heart has been ripped out of my chest with this conclusion. I highly enjoyed this world, the writing was phenomenal and descriptive enough without being too overwhelming. The development of the characters and their resilience was also great to witness. Highly recommend