The writing and word choice was a bit confusing for me. I didn’t really enjoy the plot or story which made me feel disconnected. I ended up not finishing this one.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. I was so excited to read this book, because of the author, cover, and the premise. Mulan is one of my favorite Disney movies. I can see the comparisons to Mulan within the story for sure.

"Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father, but after his sudden murder, her life falls apart. Left with only a journal of her father’s engineering secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, a heartbroken Ying follows the trail to the capital and the prestigious Engineers Guild—a place that harbors her father’s hidden past—determined to discover why anyone would threaten a man who ultimately chose a quiet life over fame and fortune. The secrets concealed within the guild can be as deadly as the weapons they build—and with her life and the future of her homeland at stake, Ying doesn’t know who to trust. Can she avenge her father even if it means going against everything he stood for, or will she be next in the mastermind’s line of fire?"

I enjoyed this book overall. It was pretty strong, especially for a debut novel, but the world building needed a lot of work. The character work was pretty good and I liked the writing style. I will definitely read more books by Amber Chen.

I was granted an advanced copy of of Jade and dragons by Amber Chen four review by net gallery. All opinions written here are my own. I did not receive any compensation whatsoever for this review.

This beautiful story reminds me a little bit about the legend of Mulan with a modern twist and tells the wonderful story of how tradition, gender roles, and expectations can hold an iron grip. While it is difficult, a strong few have the determination, willpower and strength of heart and character to shed the chains placed on them by society. I love the beautiful pictures depicted in this story. They were very vivid and easy to see in my mind's eye. I love the truth and depth of emotion portrayed by the characters.
I very much enjoy escaping into another world and perhaps another time when I read a story. I very much appreciate. Also the ability to learn about other cultures while reading works like this one.
I hope that I will be given the honor of reading Amber Chen's next book if she chooses to continue the series. I can't wait to hear about what happens next..

This book is everything I wanted in a YA fantasy—rich worldbuilding, intense stakes, and a heroine I couldn’t stop rooting for. Of Jade and Dragons blends historical inspiration with sci-fantasy elements, delivering a story that is equal parts action-packed, emotionally gripping, and full of intrigue.

Aihui Ying is a phenomenal protagonist. She’s brilliant, fiercely determined, and willing to risk everything to seek justice for her father’s murder. Her journey, disguised as her brother to infiltrate the male-only Engineers Guild, is filled with challenges—both external and internal. The guild’s trials, the political maneuvering, and the ever-present danger of being discovered kept me glued to the pages.

The East Asian-inspired steampunk elements were seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating a unique setting that stands out in the YA fantasy landscape. The tension between science, magic, and political power made for an engaging backdrop, and I loved the hints of deeper secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Then there’s Aogiya Ye-yang—the eighth prince with his own agenda. The slow-burn dynamic between him and Ying is filled with tension and mutual respect, adding just the right amount of romance without overshadowing the main plot. Their interactions were some of my favorite moments in the book.

The story is full of twists, unexpected alliances, and betrayals, making it impossible to put down. By the time I reached the end, I was desperate for the next installment. If you love YA fantasy with strong heroines, thrilling competitions, and a touch of political intrigue, Of Jade and Dragons is a must-read.

3.5 star. Story was well written, but the end of the book is what made the book.good. I liked the characters, but found story to predictable.

A fantastic debut! I enjoyed the world building and the story which is different than the fantasies we've been seeing lately. Great for fans of fantasy!

Before we begin I want to say thank you to penguin Teen & Netgalley for sending me an e-arc of this one and so mad/happy I've read this one in 2025 because it became my second five star read of the year!! Mad I waited so long and because I have to wait five months for book 2.....

This book was so good but my one question I have is where was the dragons? Unless they did show up and I didn't pay attention to it cause I listened to the audiobook oops! But anyways this was really fun if u love mulan u would love this book too. Of jade and dragons is a first of a series and I'm dying for book 2?!!! Five stars gave me all the feelings while reading this and took me 4 days to read it too!(:

This was so good. I really loved this book. I highly recommend to all my dragon book reading friends. It's a really great option for younger readers too that aren't quite up to the spice level of Fourth Wing.

I was very excited to read this book but getting into it, it felt very juvenile. I have said it numerous times but I love a strong female lead who knows what she wants and Ying is that. She goes against societal norms after her father's murder and disguises herself as a boy to get what she wants. Love this. But the rest is definitely geared towards a very YA audience and I am not that. Some books that I read like this one are fine and I love them. But there was something missing here that I didn't like. It's a solid 4 star but it could have easily been a 3.5.

I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of Mulan and enjoyed this retelling. The only complaint I have is waiting for the next book after the plot twist!

I just could not get into this book, but I'm a mood reader! so it might just be a me-thing and hopefully, I will be able to pick it up later.

I had high hopes for this. I love me a steampunk work! The issue was that the science didn’t science. The setting felt like a gimmick or afterthought. The plot wasnt the focus. I just didn’t feel Iike this was fleshed out. Romance isn’t enough to carry a book.

Amber Chen’s Of Jade and Dragons is an exciting mix of Chinese mythology, magic, and a heartfelt adventure. The story pulls you in right away, taking you to a world where dragons soar through the skies, and ancient jade holds mysterious power.

The main character, Mei Lin, is strong and determined, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. As she uncovers her family’s secrets and faces dangerous challenges, you really feel like you’re on the journey with her.

What makes this book stand out is how beautifully it weaves Chinese culture and folklore into the story. The descriptions of jade artifacts, powerful dragons, and divine realms are rich and vivid, making the world feel magical and real at the same time.

The book strikes a great balance between quiet, emotional moments and exciting action scenes. Themes of family, courage, and standing up for what’s right are explored in a way that’s meaningful but easy to connect with.

Whether you love fantasy, mythology, or just a good adventure, Of Jade and Dragons has something for you. It’s a story that sticks with you even after you finish.

Rating: 5/5

After her father is murdered, Ying is left with a jade pendant and a journal her father told her to burn. Instead, Ying uses the journal to start her investigation into her father's past. This leads her to the capital city and the Engineer's guild.

One of the commander's sons enters her into the guild, where she must disguise herself as a boy since girls are forbidden entry. There she learns that her father was a legend in the guild. While he never talked about his time there, her fellow initiates have plenty of stories to tell. There are equally those who praise him, and those who wish her to fail from jealousy.

While there are some romantic inklings, these are largely unacted upon, though they do lend to some delightful tension. Ying finds unexpected friends along the way and discovers why her father turned his back on the guild. Now she must choose for herself, fame and reputation, or the ideals that her father tried to instill in her.
 
My first silkpunk fantasy read, and I definitely need more of this subgenre! I'm so excited that the second book will be out later this year, it's definitely already on my want to read list!

Thank you to the publishers at Penguin through NetGalley for the ARC of this one. I'm a little late on reading it, but I'm so happy that it was brought to my attention. All opinions are my own.

4/5 ⭐️ Pretty much following a young woman trying to figure out who killed her father and not realizing a lot of secrets will be revealed because she thought she knew her father! Love the story pacing and secrets revealed until we get to the end and then you realize there’s more to the story that meets the eye! In a good way! Also, love the engineering school and magical elements that brings the story together!

I wanted to love this book I REALLY did!!! I had actually preordered it prior to receiving the ARC because I was so excited for this release. Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. 1) For a book that has Dragon in the title, there are hardly any dragons. Honestly this felt like Fantasy lite. I kept waiting for the dragons which never came. The only one that did come was robotic. 2) I felt like the book relied on tropes a lot. The FMC starts off as an almost Mulan/Belle esque character. Everyone in town talks about how no one will marry her cause she wants to be an engineer. And then when her Father is murdered she must go and avenge his death (or reclaim his honor) Sound familiar at all? And look I'm not hating on fairytale retellings, I think they can be done very well! Actually Mulan and Belle were my favorite Disney movies growing up, however the way this was done felt very cliche. 3) I have heard this book referred to as a steampunk Fantasy C-drama and I can see why. However the C-drama element of it was just over the top for me. I think this book could be beloved by so many people. Unfortunately it just wasn't the book for me. Thank you though for the ARC. I read this around the publishing date but haven't posted a formal review because I really want this book to do well and I don't want influence people away from it when you have been so kind to give me this ARC. However these are my honest thoughts. Thank you again

I really enjoyed this book. The premise was great and I really tried to be kind to the female main character but goodness... sometimes she was just really testing my patience. That was my biggest gripe, but it was honestly bearable if you remind yourself over and over that she's just a kid and hating kids is wrong.

The only thing I'm upset about is the fact that I waited so long to read this book. I've had this sitting on my kindle as an e-ARC since March, and I've only just read it in December. If anything, it was a fabulous way to wrap out the year because it was indeed a 5 star read for me.

We follow Ying as she enters the Engineering Guild's apprenticeship trial in pursuit of her father's murderer. And as if the stakes weren't high enough, since no women are allowed, she has to disguise herself as a boy, further risking her life and her reputation if she's found out. Who can she trust? Who is friend and who is foe? Will she find the answers she's searching for and will she even want them if she does?

Amber Chen weaves a compelling story from the very first page, and I was cheering for Ying every step of the way. I love a good trial/challenge story arc, and the detail she includes in the machinery was amazing. The imagery in Chen's book is stunning and at times heart-rendingly beautiful. The relationships are complex and show how power can break even the strongest of relationships. I'm so looking forward to the next installation of this series, and I can't wait to see where Ying's journey will end.

DNF 15%. Interesting premise and we love a dragon moment. I’m considering this a DNFFN (aka did not finish for now). I tried picking this book up no less than 5 times and I just could NOT get into the groove with it.

While Of Jade and Dragons had an interesting silk punk setting, the world-building felt shallow. The engineering and technology were more decorative than essential, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.

Even as a YA fantasy, the plot complexity seemed more suitable for a younger audience, with the occasional mature themes feeling like a weak attempt to justify its YA label.

I had high hopes for this book, but it ultimately did not meet my expectations. The characters lacked depth, and the emotional impact of the story was underwhelming.